Peace is our priority but we stand ready to defend our homecountry from a warlike behavior of any foreign country, acting President Demetris Syllouris has said.

In a brief statement following the parade in Nicosia for Cyprus Independence Day, Syllouris said that the National Guard today showed how well trained it is and expressed his confidence that it stands ready to defend Cyprus from any foreign insidious threats.

He also said that Greek Defense Minister`s presence here today sends the message that Greece will be by our side in every difficult moment.

Syllouris went on to say that our priority is to solve the Cyprus problem, for the solution will safeguard the Republic of Cyprus and its presence in a volatile region.

Cyprus remains divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion. Numerous UN-backed talks failed to yield any results. The latest round of negotiations took place in 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans Montana.