Defence Minister Demetris Eliades pledged the government’s aim is to “to make the National Guard a modern, flexible army of European standards”.

Addressing a ceremony awarding the Green Beret to the new army recruits at the “Stelios Mavrommatis” Military Camp at Stavrovouni of Larnaca District, Minister Eliades congratulated the new recruits, noting that by entering the Special Forces unit voluntarily, they contribute to the country. Our island needs young men like you, who are responsible, dynamic, disciplined and have a military conscience”.

Their continued training, discipline and readiness as well as high moral standards constitute the fundamental ingredients to strengthen the Special Forces’ operation and defence capabilities, he added.

“Our aim is to make the National Guard a modern, flexible army of European standards, capable of effectively handling the challenges of the times and to defend the freedom of the country and dignity of the people as a credible, deterring and well trained force”, he said