Cyprus’ National Guard is in a worse position than it was before 1974, the Centre for Strategic Studies (CSS) has said.

Despite being more organised and better equipped, the 60-year-old National Guard is militarily- and geographically-wise at an exceptionally worse position than it was prior to the Turkish invasion.

It also says enlisting women may have been an impressive move, however it revealed clumsy handling, as it was not based on a study but on hearing women were interested.

Replying to recent statements by President Nikos Christodoulides and Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas, the CSS said “the National Guard, as the president said, is indeed better than it was 60 years ago.”

“It is a more organised unit with relatively better equipment, larger cohesion and better trained personnel. However, militarily- and geographically-wise it is at an exceptionally more disadvantageous position than it was before 1974,” the CSS said.

It added that “the announcement of proposal for the voluntary military service of women, which is being promoted, is one the one hand impressive, but on the other hand it reveals clumsy handling.”

“The defence minister himself admitted that this decision was not the product of a study but – good grief – because through discussions, an interest on behalf of women to serve was established,” the CSS added.