The government of Cyprus is in constant contact with the European Commission and efforts are made towards the Turkish Cypriots since the outbreak of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Tuesday, expressing hope that there will be a positive outcome in relation with protocols and measures in the Turkish occupied areas where the EU acquis is suspended.
Letymbiotis was replying to questions about representations made by Greek Cypriot farmers whose animals have been culled as per EU protocols and the fact that no protocols or guidelines are followed in the occupied areas were FMD cases have also been reported since last December.
He was specifically asked whether pressure is being exerted on the EU to cut off funds given to T/cs following the management of the issue.
Letymbiotis clarified that compliance with EU legislation and protocols cannot be a confidence-building measure and that we, as the Republic of Cyprus, encourage the Turkish Cypriots receiving funding and support, but along with the benefits there are also obligations.
He recalled that at the European Commission level this aspect has been raised and expressed hope that there will be a response, from T/cs as well, for the well-intentioned interest of the primary sector, but mainly for the harmonization along with protocols that have been drawn up not for political but for scientific and veterinary reasons solely.
The Spokesperson said that efforts to approach the Turkish Cypriots on the matter take place, adding that they are not always made public.
“It is important for all of us and our Turkish Cypriot compatriots to understand that the implementation of these protocols is the fastest way out of a huge crisis,” he said.
Asked about the measures of a group of livestock farmers who threaten to block roads Thursday and Friday when Cyprus will be hosting an informal EU Council, the Spokesperson said that the right to protest and to express any disagreement or different approach is inalienable.
However, he noted that on 23 and 24 April it will potentially be one of the highlight moments of the Cyprus EU Presidency, as all the leaders of the EU MS and of countries in the region will be on the island, at a very critical time.
He recalled that one of the main priorities of the Cyprus Presidency is the strengthening of EU cooperation with the region and especially in the current regional crisis this priority is being put into practice.
Letymbiotis expressed hope that “we will all demonstrate collective responsibility in these moments so that the informal Council can also reflect the success of our EU Presidency.”
Asked whether the authorities are drawing up a crisis management plan, he replied that assessments are being made by the competent authorities, so that the informal European Council can take place and be concluded smoothly on both days, as befits such an important event at the peak of the Presidency.