President of the Republic Demetris Christofias has highlighted the role of the National Guard, especially at times of crises and with Turkey’s illegal occupation of the island’s northern part continuing.
“We must deal with the crisis our country is facing united, composed and with determination and at the same time send the clear message that the National Guard is in a position to fulfill its dutes to the full,” President Christofias stressed here today.

President Christofias, who was addressing the new Chief of Staff of the General Staff of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Stylianos Nasis, who had just been sworn in at a special ceremony at the Presidential Palace, expressed the belief that “under your leadership the National Guard with show high responsibility and will prove worthy of circumstances“. “The Turkish military occupation of the northern part of our country continues for thirty seven years now and unfortunately the unacceptable, arrogant and utterly provocative stance of the Turkish PM Erdogan during his visit to occupied Cyprus on the anniversary of the Turkish invasion does not allow for optimism nor complacency,“ the President pointed out.

On his part the newly sworn in Chief of the National Guard assured that he will do his best to implement the government`s goals and achieve results. “I know my role and my position and what I must do. I also understand the role of the National Guard. I pledge to carry out my duties faithfully, even at a personal cost,“ he said.
“Cyprus’ independence, territorial integrity and credibility will be the beacon of efforts by the National Guard and the government’s guiding principles will shape the strategic framework of my moves,” he vowed.