Larnaca, Cyprus. Farmers will again block the Rizoelia roundabout on Friday to protest the government’s handling of the ongoing foot and mouth disease outbreak, the “voice of livestock breeders” organisation said.
Planned protest and timing
The organisation said the protest will begin at 11am on Friday at the Rizoelia roundabout, located at the intersection of the motorway connecting Larnaca and Nicosia and the motorway connecting Larnaca and Ayia Napa. Spokesman Neophytos Neophytou said, “we are sure that everyone will see something very big and correct which the whole world will understand.”
Traffic concerns and organisers’ response
Asked whether steps would be taken to avoid inconveniencing the public given the roundabout’s role as a chokepoint for traffic between Larnaca airport and Nicosia and to and from Ayia Napa and Paralimni, Neophytou said the group did not want anyone to be inconvenienced.
“All members and the whole world understands, respects, and appreciates every other person who moves around Cyprus. We did not want and do not want anyone to be inconvenienced, and everyone should be sure that the protest is not just for us. It is not just for livestock farming. It is for everyone,” he said. He added that “everyone must understand that livestock farming is one of the biggest pillars of Cyprus’ economy”.
Dispute over culling policy
The group’s main dissatisfaction appears to be that if one animal on a farm is found to have foot and mouth disease, every animal on the farm must be killed.
EU law and halloumi export warning
Veterinary association chairman Demetris Epaminondas said earlier that European Union law does not allow for any other solution and warned that non-adherence could put Cyprus at risk of being unable to export halloumi to the rest of the bloc.
“If EU legislation is not implemented, then there is a risk that the export of halloumi from Cyprus will be banned,” he said.
Claims of alternative protocols rejected
Epaminondas dismissed claims by “voice of livestock breeders” representative Stella Petrou that there may be “alternative European protocols” allowing Cyprus to avoid culling infected animals. He said European legislation on treatment of the disease is unified and that no such “alternative protocols” exist.
How will the planned road block affect your travel plans on Friday?
