The deadline set by livestock farmers for a meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides expires today, with representatives warning of a strong escalation in protest action if no response is received.
Christodoulos Christodoulou, spokesperson for the group “Voice of Livestock Farmers”, said the next mobilisation “will be very dynamic, because people are outraged”.
Speaking to Alpha TV, he said that if the President does not respond, members will be called to meet on Tuesday to decide on their next steps, before submitting a request to police for a protest permit. He also warned that “this time they will go to those responsible”.
Earlier, in an intervention on state radio, Christodoulou said farmers are awaiting a meeting with the President to secure solutions and avoid further measures. He described the situation as a “trick” by Europe and reiterated demands for a suspension of animal culling.
Asked whether farmers would cooperate with the authorities, he said “it cannot be expected of people to cooperate when they are being put before a firing squad”.
Director of Veterinary Services Christodoulos Pipis, also speaking to state radio, said a number of affected individuals are reacting or raising objections, complicating the work of the authorities.
He stressed that Cyprus is obliged to implement European protocols for tackling foot-and-mouth disease and expressed hope that those resisting the measures will recognise the seriousness of the situation.
Pipis warned that the consequences could be severe for both the economy and the livestock sector.
He added that contact tracing has shown the spread of the virus is partly linked to the illegal movement of animals in the districts of Nicosia and Larnaca.