Farmers waiting for response from EU Commission
Livestock farmers say they are waiting until Thursday or Friday for a response from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen regarding their request to stop the mass killing of healthy animals.
The livestock culling dispute has intensified amid the ongoing outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, with farmers arguing that animals showing no symptoms should not be slaughtered.
According to farmers, President Nikos Christodoulides is expected to convey their request directly to the European Commission chief.
Farmers gather in Choirokoitia
On Monday evening, cattle breeders and sheep and goat farmers from all districts of the Republic gathered in Choirokoitia to discuss developments surrounding the foot-and-mouth outbreak.
During the meeting, farmers once again called for the immediate suspension of the killing of animals that are not infected with the virus.
Livestock farmer Anastasios Zannetou said the gathering demonstrated strong unity among producers.
“We are here today to prove- and we succeeded- that we are more united than ever. This message is very satisfying for us,” he said.
Farmers hope for positive decision
Zannetou said farmers respect the efforts made by the government and President Christodoulides but are hoping for a positive response from the European Commission regarding the livestock culling dispute.
He stressed that farmers are demanding the immediate suspension of all animal killings until a new decree or protocol is introduced.
“Our next decisions will be taken after Thursday,” he said, adding that farmers would wait for the EU response before deciding their next steps.
Calls for vaccination and compensation
Farmer Andria Pithara also highlighted the unity among livestock producers.
She said farmers expect a positive response from the President of the Republic and declined to comment on potential actions if their demands are not met.
Farmers have also reiterated additional demands, including vaccination of all animals and the immediate payment of compensation to those affected by the outbreak.
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