Serious concerns emerged on Thursday following reports of contracted soldiers (Syop) being transferred from the National Guard to the Cypriot Intelligence Service (KYP), prompting a strong response from MP George Karoullas.

KYP, established to handle national security matters, has historically included members from both the police force and the National Guard. The 2016 legislation governing KYP allows for the secondment of personnel from these services to the intelligence agency, formalising previous practices.

In a statement, Karoullas questioned the legality and transparency of such a move, warning that any arbitrary transfer of personnel without clear institutional safeguards would amount to a violation of the existing legal framework.

“Critical questions arise regarding the policies and practices applied to the institution of Syop and the legitimacy of the personnel selection procedures of KYP,” he said.

“Any transfer of personnel conducted in secrecy, without transparency, and without the proper legal framework in place, directly disregards the state’s own institutional responsibilities.”

The MP further criticised the government for failing to address the broader issues affecting contracted soldiers, calling for immediate action to protect their role and standing within the National Guard.
“Instead of moving conscripts under a regime of opacity and shadows, the state should focus on addressing the uncertainty and challenges faced by contracted soldiers,” he added. “The continued devaluation of this institution is unjustified and must stop immediately.”

Karoullas called on the ministry of defence to clarify whether an official legal or administrative framework supports the alleged transfer.

“Is there a relevant order or other act with institutional force?” he asked.

He warned that if such practices were confirmed, they would not only damage the credibility of state institutions but also undermine the operational readiness and cohesion of the National Guard.
The ministry of defence has yet to respond to the concerns raised.