The government aims to “evolve” the National Guard into a “flexible, semi-professional army”, Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas said on Friday.

Speaking at a swearing-in ceremony for new conscripts, he said the National Guard has “assumed a new, multifaceted role” as it reaches the 60th anniversary of its establishment.

“The challenges to which it is called upon to respond are many and multidimensional, and as such, we aim to evolve it into a flexible, semi-professional army, which will continue to be able to respond to the modern operational environment,” he said.

Addressing the new conscripts, he thanked them for their “active contribution to the preservation of our national security.”

He added that the new conscripts will contribute towards “the defence of the territorial integrity of our country and the consolidation of a sense of security among our fellow citizens.”

The intake of soldier beginning their 14-month national service were sworn in at ceremonies around the island.

“Today is a big step and an important milestone, which will determine your future career and life. Service is not just a fulfilment of your constitutional obligations, but also a resounding statement of your unwavering commitment to the freedom and security of our homeland,” he told them.

He then called on them to be proud of the “opportunity” handed to them to serve in the National Guard, “because your grandfathers and your fathers did the same before you, and your children will do the same later.

“Because in the same positions in which you are standing today, 50 years ago, the heroic fighters of Cyprus stood in the betrayed, black summer of 1974. Those who rushed to defend the freedom of our homeland against all odds obviously against them, against the Turkish invader,” he added.

He then encouraged them to “respond to these challenges with calmness, courage, and dedication” and “embrace the military’s virtues of patriotism, bravery, determination … and above all discipline.”

He added that the new conscripts should “set high but achievable goals” and put the safety of themselves and others above all else.

Turning to the families of the conscripts, he invited them to support their children throughout their military service.

“From the day of their enlistment and as long as they are in the National Guard, they are also our children and we will make every possible effort to ensure that they are completely safe throughout this time,” he said.