Farmers protesting the culling of animals due to foot-and-mouth disease said they will continue and escalate their actions after failing to reach an agreement with the Agriculture Minister.
A three-member delegation representing the farmers met Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou and relevant officials in Nicosia on Thursday afternoon, but the four-hour meeting ended without a breakthrough.
Speaking after the meeting, Stella Petrou, one of the protesting farmers, said their demand for an immediate halt to the culling of animals was not accepted. “Unfortunately, there will be escalation,” she said, adding that farmers had been informed of the outcome.
Road closures remain in place
Meanwhile, roads at the Rizoelia roundabout remain closed due to the ongoing protest, with police urging drivers to exercise caution, remain patient and use alternative routes.
Authorities advised motorists travelling from Larnaca to Nicosia to divert via the Kalo Chorio roundabout towards Kofinou. Drivers heading from Larnaca to Famagusta are being directed to use the Avdellero and Oroklini exits.
Those travelling from Nicosia or Famagusta towards Larnaca are also advised to follow the same alternative routes.
With information from CNA.