According to Government Spokesman, Konstantinos Letymbiotis, the aim is to proceed with the operation of the National Security Council (NSC) as soon as possible and it has been suggested that the position of National Security Advisor should be held by the Commander of the Cyprus Intelligence Service (CIS).

Asked to comment on a publication by “Phileleftheros” on the establishment of the National Security Council, Mr. Letymbiotis said that the President of the Republic has sent a draft to the leaders of political parties, as was agreed at the last National Council, and he expects recommendations and proposals from the leaders to proceed with the implementation of this act, which is in the governance program.

Further, he said that an urgent timetable has been set, so that its implementation and establishment can begin, while it has been proposed that the National Security Advisor’s position should be held by the CIS Commander, whereas the Council will be fully formed along the way.

According to the relevant publication, the said text is 4 pages long, describing the structure, mode of operation, and objectives of the NSC, which is defined as a state body, a mechanism with consulting, planning, and coordinating competence, set up and operated to fill a long-lasting gap.

Also read: Cyprus – Greece | Announcement of a political body for consultation on defence cooperation

The responsibilities of the NSC:

• It will advise the President of the Republic, the Cabinet, and the National Council (through the President) on matters of national security, including defence and foreign policy in the context of governance as well as on the negotiation of a solution to the Cyprus problem;
• It will analyze and plan the National Security Strategy for approval by the Cabinet in accordance with Articles 54 and 50 of the Constitution as well as implement its policies and monitor such implementations and all other state policies and decisions in terms of national security;
• Pursuant to the National Security Strategy, and always according to the instructions of the President of the Republic, it will continuously coordinate, advise and guide the competent bodies of the State that deal with national security issues;
• It will develop cooperative relations and contact with similar bodies of other countries;
• It will submit to the President of the Republic observations, recommendations, or even alternative proposals on the issues of the competence of the NSC;
• It will be exclusively accountable to the President of the Republic and, through the same, to the Cabinet.

The NSC will be initially established by a decision of the Cabinet and later its status will be regulated by a Law of the Parliament, in which case the necessary specialized funds for its operation will have to be provided for in the State Budget.

Also read: Christodoulidis – Mitsotakis | Supreme Cooperation Council of Cyprus – Greece

The NSC will be an independent administrative unit of the Presidency of the Republic. The administrative unit of the NSC will be headed by the National Security Adviser appointed for this purpose by the President of the Republic. It is understood that at least in the initial stages of the formation, organization, and operation of the NSC, the National Security Advisor will be the CIS Commander.

The initial planning for the composition of the Council is as follows:

• President of the Republic
• Foreign Minister
• Defence Minister
• Minister of Justice and Public Order
• National Security Advisor
• CIS Commander
• Chief of the National Guard General Staff (GEEF)
• Police Chief

The text notes that Ministers or state officials and other persons will participate, by virtue of their position or knowledge or experience, in NSC meetings upon invitation insofar as it is required by one or more items on the Agenda, and will participate only to discuss these issues.

Furthermore, the Greek Cypriot Negotiator will be invited and will participate in meetings, when an issue related to the Cyprus issue and its negotiation is discussed.

Also read: President Nikos Christodoulidis in Athens for his first visit outside Cyprus