The continuous modernisation of the Security Forces, Police, National Guard and Fire Service, is one of the most important priorities, because the main goal is to enhance the sense of security of citizens, said President, Nikos Christodoulides, addressing the presentation ceremony of ten new vessels, category C, of the Port and Maritime Police.
The ceremony took place on Thursday morning, at the port of Limassol, in the presence of the Minister of Justice and Public Order, the Deputy Minister of Shipping, the Deputy Minister of Immigration and International Protection, the leadership of the Police, the National Guard, the Fire Service, the British Bases, Mayors and representatives of the Local Authorities, as well as the Ambassador of Finland, the country of production of the new vessels.
In his address, President Christodoulides stated that, during the two years of his administration, the role of the Port and Maritime Police, as well as the National Guard, has been crucial “in achieving these positive results in the issue of tackling irregular migration”.
“Therefore, I invite you to consider my presence here primarily as a token of gratitude from the State for the important work that has brought and is bringing results, and we all see them, in addressing this major challenge for the Republic of Cyprus”, he added.
With the acquisition of these ten vessels, the President of the Republic continued, the operational activity of the Port and Maritime Police is further strengthened, “whose mission – taking into account the multiple current challenges we face – is multidimensional and therefore its continuous modernisation is imperative”.
The continuous modernisation of the Security Forces, Police, National Guard and Fire Service, he stressed, “is one of the most important priorities for us, because the main objective of all our policies is precisely to strengthen the sense of security of our citizens.”
Referring to the role and duties of the Port and Maritime Police, such as combating cross-border crime and irregular migration and search and rescue, President Christodoulides expressed everyone’s pride in the results.
Pointing out that guaranteeing public order and strengthening the sense of security of the country’s citizens is the cornerstone of a modern State, the President pointed out that “we must, therefore, do everything possible to ensure that the citizens of our country are and feel safe, and this is for the Government and me personally the main concern and top priority”.
Particularly during this period of time, he continued, with the geopolitical developments in our region, new challenges are being created in the security sectors and the role of the Police “has almost nothing to do with its role when the Republic of Cyprus was founded in 1960, since the challenges are clearly greater”. “Therefore, constant vigilance and the increase in preventive surveillance measures by all the Security Services of the Republic, becomes an indispensable necessity”, he added.
In this context, President Christodoulides said, the Government actively supports the work of the Police, noting at the same time that “in many cases, the Police are the easy target”. He pointed out that unfortunately often public spotlight is on the police when there is criticism, “but at the same time we know that there must be improvement in all areas and we are here to improve”, he said and indicated that, at the same time, successes, especially in the field of immigration, “often do not receive the public visibility they deserve”.
Addressing the members of the Police, he called on them to continue working with zeal and dedication and assured them that they have the full support of the entire Government.
On his part, the Chief of Police, Themistos Arnaoutis, said that today’s ceremony marks the official integration, into the operational activities of the Port and Maritime Police, of ten new Category C patrol boats, in the context of the implementation of a project of the Internal Security Fund and the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy, with the co-financing of the EU and the Republic of Cyprus.
“These vessels strengthen the fleet of the Port and Maritime Police and upgrade the national coordination centre, while simultaneously strengthening our operational capabilities for an even more immediate, faster and more effective performance of our duties, which mainly concern the surveillance and safeguarding the borders of our country and by extension the prevention of cross-border crime, placing particular emphasis on the issues of illegal immigration”, he added.
He added that the ten vessels, with a total cost of five million and 640 thousand euros, are equipped with advanced technological instruments of maritime, telecommunications, electronic equipment and rescue, with the ability to detect individuals and vessels from long distances.
The Chief of Police also noted that international developments in world affairs, focusing on the armed conflicts taking place in our region, “do not leave us any room for complacency”.
Vigilance, readiness and the taking of drastic measures are required, “especially from us, the members of the Security Forces, who are tasked with maintaining security conditions in our country”.
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Source: CNA
