Nikiforos manoeuvre completed successfully

Cyprus National Guard remains a modern, strong, flexible and deterrent force, Cyprus Defence Minister Christodoulos Pashiardes said Saturday, after watching the last and main phase of “Nikiforos” military manoeuvre, held October 9-14.

Pashiardes notd that the success of the manoeuvre showed once again the high level of fighting and operational effectiveness of the National Guard, “which was and remains a modern, strong, flexible and deterrent force.”

On his part National Guard Commander, Lieutenant General Constantinos Bisbikas said he was proud to be at the leadership of this force and wished freedom for Cyprus.

House President Demetris Christofias said that National Guard is a flexible and deterrent force, which will continue to have its own role until we reach a just, viable and functional settlement of the Cyprus question.

He stressed that if Turkey has the slightest sensitivity it should withdraw at the least half of the occupying forces in Cyprus and noted that instead of doing so it continues to be armed and to threaten, because, this force is invasive and expansionary.