The issue of demining is highly political, said Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas, adding that depending on developments and discussions regarding the Cyprus issue, the government will adjust its policy on matters of a military nature.
When asked by reporters during his visit on Sunday to the “Andreas Papandreou” in Paphos, where he represented the President of the Republic at the celebration honoring the patron saint of the National Guard Air Force, Archangel Michael. When asked whether there are plans for demining—as a step that could contribute to progress on the Cyprus issue— Mr. Palmas described the issue as “highly political,” despite the military terminology.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
“Although the terminology you have used is military—that is, demining— the issue is highly political,” he said, noting that, depending on developments and discussions regarding progress on the Cyprus issue, the government will also adjust its policy on issues of a military nature.
“At this moment, I have nothing further to add on this matter,” he added, while expressing the hope that there will be positive developments in the talks.
“I hope the talks go well and that conditions and circumstances are created that encourage the start of a substantive dialogue; we will then address these specific issues,” he said.
Furthermore, Mr. Palmas, referring to his recent meeting in Paris with his French counterpart, Catherine Vautrin, described it as “extremely good.”
He noted that France is currently the strongest country in Europe and is essentially leading Europe, and he emphasized the importance of bilateral relations between Nicosiaand Paris in the defense and political spheres.
During the meeting, he said, they reviewed the bilateral SOFA agreement, which had been signed on June 8 of last summer.
The Minister emphasized that the signing of a SOFA agreement between two states demonstrates that their relations, both at the political and military levels, are at a particularly high level.
During the meeting, the two sides updated the agreement and agreed on the next steps in their cooperation, which include training, exercises, and mutual briefings on geopolitical issues affecting the region, he said.
They also discussed equipment procurement programs within the framework of bilateral defense cooperation between Cyprus and France, he added.
Furthermore, in his remarks at the celebration, Mr. Palmas referred to the importance of strengthening Cyprus’s defense capabilities, particularly in light of the contemporary and constantly changing security environment and the increased geopolitical challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Minister of Defense noted that the Ministry is promoting a series of measures and initiatives, both through the Republic of Cyprus’s defense procurement program and through the European SAFE program, with the aim of acquiring modern systems and strengthening the country’s defense capabilities.
At the same time, he announced that the upgrade and modernization of the “Andreas Papandreou,” as well as the naval base at Mari, with the aim of improving operational readiness and providing more effective support for air and naval missions.
According to Mr. Palma, strengthening the Republic of Cyprus’s defense capabilities not only serves national needs, but can also contribute more broadly to the security and stability of the Eastern Mediterranean by strengthening defense cooperation and interoperability with Cyprus’s partners in the region.
The Minister also emphasized that these collaborations have a significant humanitarian dimension, as they include search and rescue operations, the provision of humanitarian aid, and operations to evacuate civilians from conflict zones.
Mr. Palmas placed particular emphasis on the role of human resources, noting that no defense capability, no matter how modern and advanced, can be effective without properly trained and qualified personnel.
As he stated, investment in human resources is a key priority, with an emphasis on continuous training and specialization, upgrading knowledge and skills, and creating suitable conditions for professional development for members of the Air Force and, more broadly, the National Guard.
In his remarks, the Minister of Defense also paid tribute to the airmen who fell defending their homeland in July 1974, as well as those who lost their lives while performing their duties during peacetime.
He expressed the State’s appreciation and pride in the personnel of the National Guard Air Force for their dedication and professionalism, calling on the officers to continue their mission with the same zeal and determination.
Mr. Palmas wished the Air Force personnel and all those celebrating a happy birthday, expressing the hope that the Archangel Michael would guide and protect them.
Source: CNA
