Livestock farmers plan a new protest in Nicosia on Friday morning over measures linked to foot-and-mouth disease, while President Nikos Christodoulides announced a series of meetings on the issue for next Tuesday.
The protesters will gather near the GSP stadium at around 11:00 before heading towards the Presidential Palace.
“We expect the President to allow us into the Presidential Palace to discuss the issue with him,” spokesperson for the “Voice of Farmers”, Stella Petrou, told CNA on Thursday.
Farmers demand halt to culling
Petrou said the farmers are demanding an end to the culling of animals, a stop to sampling procedures, and proper compensation for affected livestock owners.
President Christodoulides, speaking on Thursday evening, stressed the need for collective action in addressing the foot-and-mouth disease situation.
“Without cooperation, this challenge cannot be dealt with,” he said while announcing meetings with scientific and agricultural bodies next Tuesday.
Meetings planned next week
Speaking to reporters before the European Heritage Awards ceremony, the President said a meeting was held on Thursday afternoon with his associates, attended by Stavros Malas.
He said a meeting with the epidemiological team assisting efforts to manage the situation has been scheduled for 9:30 am on Tuesday, while another meeting with agricultural organisations will follow at 11:00 am.
The Government is also in contact with the Livestock Farmers’ Union, he added.
Meanwhile, Cyprus Police announced on Thursday that security measures and traffic arrangements would be in place to ensure the smooth conduct of the protest in Nicosia on Friday.
Also read: President: “Window of opportunity” for restarting Cyprus talks by year-end
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
