Minister of Defence Vasilis Palmas said on Monday that if and when the proposal for giving women the opportunity to voluntarily enlist in the National Guard following their completion of secondary or technical school education is concluded, this will apply on a voluntary basis, adding that the proposal is in its final stages. Asked by reporters about the issue on the sidelines of a meeting he had at the Ministry of Defence with the Assistant Secretary of the US Department of Defence Celeste Wallander, Palmas said that "with reference to the announcement by the President of the Republic during an event to mark the 60th anniversary of the National Guard with regard to women's voluntary conscription, I want to state that we are at the final stage of processing this proposal." He added that "when and if this processing is completed and we will be ready submit the proposal to the Council of Ministers, while at the same time holding consultations on it, we will be able to say more". Palmas said that if and when this proposal is concluded, the military service and conscription will be carried out as in the case of men who carry out their service. He stressed that this will take place on a voluntary basis and its duration will range from six to 14 months. Source: Cyprus News Agency