Nicosia, Cyprus. The association Voice of Livestock Farmers has described the controversy over sampling procedures as a major fiasco, with a protest expected outside the presidential palace on Friday morning.
Protest planned
Stella Petrou, spokeswoman for the association, said a large turnout is expected at the demonstration. She said authorities had sent mixed messages over whether samples could be taken in Pachna, calling the situation a major fiasco.
Petrou also accused the authorities of failing to deliver compensation promised to livestock farmers. She said the issue concerns everyone and called for public support at the protest.
Talks with other groups
Asked whether there were plans for a joint mobilisation with the Isotita movement at a June 4 protest outside parliament, Petrou said there had been contact but no decision had been made.
Call for meeting with the president
Panagrotikos association chairman Kyriakos Kailas said the issue of mobilisations was not discussed at a meeting on Tuesday attended by producer groups. He said agricultural organisations want a meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides to discuss how the crisis can be addressed.
Kailas said the culling of animals is a serious issue that has not produced the desired result, and argued that the current protocol should be revised.
