President Christodoulides addresses Cyprus issue and livestock farmers' crisis

On April 27 and 28, 2026, President Nikos Christodoulides commented on the status of the Cyprus issue and the ongoing foot and mouth disease crisis. Regarding the Cyprus issue, he stated that the UN Secretary-General has already initiated a process following meetings in Turkey and Brussels. He dismissed concerns that upcoming elections or the conclusion of the Cypriot Presidency would act as obstacles to substantive discussions. Concerning the foot and mouth disease outbreak, Christodoulides emphasized that the government is strictly following EU protocols to manage the risk. While some livestock farmers have threatened escalation and claimed a lack of dialogue, the President maintained that he is in constant contact with agricultural groups and the EU. He stated that no formal meeting is currently scheduled but expressed openness to meeting any group that requests one. The government has also announced a plan to compensate farmers for income losses caused by the epidemic.