Cyprus armed forces a necessity while Turkey's occupation lasts

The National Guard – the Republic’s armed forces – is a necessity for Cyprus and will continue to upgrade itself, to meet obligations deriving from the country`s EU membership and the offshore discovery of hydrocarbons, the President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades said on Thursday.

The President was inaugurating an exhibition of historic objects and documents belonging to the National Guard, in Nicosia, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary since the establishment of the armed forces.

The President noted that Turkey`s military presence in the northern part of Cyprus and the continuous violation of the Republic`s sovereignty deem the continuation of the National Guard necessary, along its constant modernization.
Moreover, he said that the armed forces remain committed to the basic principles of liberty, democracy and national sovereignty, amid geopolitical developments in the vicinity of Cyprus.

The President thanked those who organized the event, noting that it is an account of the 50-year struggle of Greek Cypriots and a modest commemoration of those who sacrificed their lives for their country.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.