Nicosia, Cyprus. Justice Minister Costas Fitiris said he takes responsibility for assurances given to the President regarding the handling of the Rizoelia farmers’ protest, while expressing dissatisfaction with aspects of the police response.
Assurances to the President
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Fitiris said he had conveyed assurances that the road at Rizoelia would remain open and that the informal council of heads of state would not be disrupted.
“I assured the President and I am responsible; I never shifted responsibility. I am to blame as a minister,” he said.
Road closures during livestock farmers’ protest
Fitiris was referring to last Thursday’s livestock farmers’ protest, when road closures at the Rizoelia roundabout caused traffic disruption during demonstrations over animal culling measures linked to foot-and-mouth disease protocol.
He said the assurances he relayed were based on information received from organisers and authorities at the time.
“The assurance came first of all from the organisers that it would not be closed,” he said, adding that there had been an expectation of limited action rather than full closure.
Review of response and planning priorities
Fitiris said the outcome did not match those expectations and would be reviewed.
“I was unhappy with it, but I consider it an isolated incident and that’s why we’re evaluating the measures,” he said.
He added that the priority for government and security planning is to ensure continuity during major events.
“The requirement is that things run smoothly and that when we have events like the Council, it is not affected at all,” he said.
What do you think should be prioritised when protests coincide with major official events?
