Newsroom
President Nikos Christodoulides announced Sunday night that the Cypriot government will soon offer women the opportunity to voluntarily enlist in the National Guard following their completion of secondary or technical school education. The minimum service period will be six months, with a maximum of 14 months. The proposal will be presented to the Council of Ministers in the coming days.
In his address at the “60 Years of National Guard” event at the Nicosia Municipal Theater, Christodoulides highlighted the significant evolution of the National Guard since its establishment in 1964. Originally created to counter Turkish plans for the division of Cyprus, the National Guard has grown substantially and now plays a crucial role in various national security areas including illegal immigration, counter-terrorism, fire-fighting, and search and rescue operations.
Christodoulides emphasized his pride in the National Guard’s achievements and its enhanced deterrent power. He also mentioned that Cyprus’s position as an EU member state necessitates continued strengthening of its defense capabilities.
Defense Minister Vassilis Palmas added that the National Guard’s establishment is closely tied to Cyprus’s tumultuous history. He praised the organization’s resilience during the 1974 Turkish invasion and expressed gratitude to all personnel who contribute to the nation's defense.
The new policy aims to further bolster the National Guard’s operational readiness and adapt to modern requirements, reinforcing Cyprus’s national security and sovereignty.
[Information sourced from CNA]
