The current events within and beyond our borders, the 51-year-long illegal occupation of one-third of the island, as well as the ongoing Turkish provocations, allow no complacency, emphasized the Chief of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Georgios Tsitsikostas, in his daily order for the 65th anniversary of the declaration of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus.
‘Having as a point of reference that the enemy is not at the gates but within the gates, we are obliged to operate 24 hours a day in a state of constant readiness, leaving no margin for inaction, in order to safeguard the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus on land, sea and air,’ the Chief of the National Guard underlined.
He noted that the anniversary of October 1st ‘serves as an inspiration for us to remain committed to our duty and mission,’ adding that ‘freedom is not given, and the path of struggle and sacrifice never ends.’
He also stated that October 1st marks the recognition of Cyprus as an independent state and its establishment as a sovereign and equal member of the Community of Nations.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.