CYPRUS marked Independence Day yesterday with the traditional military parade, as Greece reiterated its commitment to the island’s defence.
For about an hour and a half, units ranging from frogmen to firemen marched past President Tassos Papadopoulos, National Guard Chief Athanasios Nikolodimou and other political and military officials.
Special guest at the parade was Greek Defence Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos, who was quick to play down questions by journalists regarding recent reports that there were weaknesses in the Greece-Cyprus Defence Dogma.
“Greece will always be here for Cyprus and you will see that Defence Dogma is also here and that is proven in action.”
The parade began with the Police band, followed by a display of weapons systems, which included the latest T-80 tanks, mortars, artillery pieces, rocket launchers and radar systems. Next followed the various units, including Navy, Air Force and Fire Department, with particular cheers for special forces commando and frogmen units.
Unlike in previous years, however, there were no flybys from any Greek Air Force jets in keeping with efforts to reduce military tensions on the island, with the primary focus for on the National Guard infantry.
“We have all noticed the focus shown on the infantry this year, which is the soul of the military. It is, in the end, the person who controls and uses the weapons of the National Guard.”
Papadopoulos also gave high praise for the effort shown in the parade.
“I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to the National Guard, the general, the officers, the overall leadership, the reserves and all the men for the perfect combat-readiness, which they have all shown, and the impeccable display of discipline. I would further like to thank everyone overall because they offer us the guarantee of security for our home.”
Meanwhile, House President Demetris Christofias said that US State Department pressure on Greece to withdraw American weapons from Cyprus has seemingly backfired. “In Cyprus, the majority and most powerful American weapons are owned by the occupation forces.”
Cyprus gained its independence from Britain on August 16, 1960, but the official celebration was moved to October 1 to take it away from the scorching summer heat.
Independence came after a bitter guerrilla struggle against British colonial rule, but was a bittersweet outcome for Greek Cypriots who had fought for Enosis – union with Greece
