The cabinet appointed Lieutenant General Emmanuel Theodorou as the new chief of the National Guard on Wednesday, said Defence Minister Vassilis Palmas.

Theodorou is expected to assume duties from October 9, succeeding George Tsitsikostas who served as the National Guard chief for the last two years.

The new chief is returning to Cyprus after 11 years, after having served in 2014 as the commander of the Greek armed forces (Eldyk).

Theodorou was born in Komotini, Greece in 1967 and graduated from the Evelpidon Military School in 1988 with the rank of Second Lieutenant of Infantry, while he has been awarded various medals.