Livestock farmers will gather once again at the Rizoelia roundabout on Friday, 8 May, at 11:00, protesting over the situation surrounding foot‑and‑mouth disease.
Speaking after a meeting held in Choirokoitia which lasted more than an hour, Neofytos Neophytou, on behalf of the association Voice of the Livestock Farmers, said they were surprised by the public response.
“We were all proven wrong, because from the beginning we did not believe we would succeed in awakening the people and bringing them close to us. Tonight it became clear that livestock farming is here, and that nothing has been lost for us younger generations, nor for the older ones, nor for our fathers, nor for our children,” he said.
He added that “livestock farming was, is, and will continue to exist in Cyprus. On Friday at 11 in the morning we will protest dynamically at the Rizoelia roundabout, and we are certain that everyone will see something very significant and rightful, something the whole world will understand.”
Asked about the duration of the protest, Mr Neophytou said that “unfortunately, some have prohibited us from setting timelines through their announcements and positions yesterday. We have no timetable and what will take place on Friday at 11 in the morning will be very dynamic, and we will proceed accordingly.”
Asked whether the protest would be organised in a way that avoids inconveniencing the public, he replied that “all members and everyone understand, respect and appreciate every other citizen moving around Cyprus. We did not want, nor do we want, anyone to be inconvenienced, and people should be assured that this protest is not only for us, it is not only for livestock farming, it is for everyone.”
He stressed that “everyone must understand that livestock farming is one of the most important pillars of the Cypriot economy.” He also thanked the public, noting that “during the previous protest, certain things happened that even we did not want. This time we are far more organised and I am certain the public will stand by us.”
Asked how Friday’s protest would differ from previous ones, given that it will again take place at the Rizoelia roundabout, Mr Neophytou replied: “You will see everything as it unfolds.”
Source: CNA