Cyprus Times

Community Leader Links Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak to Dismissal of 230 SEAs on Green Line

Published February 26, 2026, 09:06
Community Leader Links Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak to Dismissal of 230 SEAs on Green Line

The President of the Tillyria Community Complex links the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease to the dismissal of 230 Special Contract Auxiliaries (SEAs) who guarded the Green Line. Nikos Kleanthous states that the removal of the SEAs created a gap in the surveillance of the Green Line, which was part of their duties. Mr. Kleanthous argues that the cost of dealing with the consequences of the disease is greater than the cost of maintaining the SEA service. He calls on those responsible to reconsider the issue of hiring these individuals, in order to strengthen the surveillance of the Green Line. The President of the Tillyria Community Complex emphasizes that surveillance of the areas is essential and that the removal of the SEAs created a problem in the security of the area. He proposes the restoration of the institution and the re-employment of the workers in their positions. Mr. Kleanthous' statement highlights the need to strengthen security on the Green Line and the value of the service provided by the SEAs. The discussion about the return of the SEAs is expected to continue and become a subject of dialogue between the competent authorities.