Livestock farmers to protest against mass animal culling in Larnaca

Livestock farmers from across various districts have scheduled a protest at the Rizoelia roundabout in Larnaca this Thursday to demonstrate against the ongoing mass culling of animals following a foot and mouth disease outbreak. Farmers from Limassol and Paphos are expected to gather at Monte Caputo at 10:00 am, while other groups will meet at 10:45 am, with a collective arrival at the roundabout by 11:00 am. Spokeswoman Stella Petrou confirmed that the demonstration will proceed after recent negotiations with the Agriculture Ministry's permanent secretary, Andreas Gregoriou, failed to meet their demands. The protesters intend to partially close the roundabout by blocking one lane in each direction to urge the government to halt mass culling at farms with only minor occurrences of the disease. Police spokesman Vyron Vyronos stated that authorities have implemented measures to manage traffic flow and ensure the protest does not disrupt the arrival of EU leaders for an informal council meeting in Ayia Napa. Although the farmers emphasized that their goal is not to inconvenience the public, the police have indicated they are prepared to intervene immediately if the EU proceedings are hindered. EU heads of state and government are scheduled to begin arriving throughout Thursday morning for the afternoon council session.