Livestock Farmers Block Highway at Rizoelia, Threaten Escalation

Livestock farmers protesting measures to curb foot-and-mouth disease continue their demonstrations, keeping the Rizoelia interchange closed. Their representative, Stella Petrou, told CYBC they will remain at the site until the culling of animals stops.

Last night, approximately 200 people, farmers and their family members, gathered at the interchange. The farmers are threatening to escalate measures if their demand is not met.

A three-member committee met with Minister of Agriculture Maria Panagiotou in Nicosia, but the request to end the culling was rejected. Reportedly, the farmers opened one lane towards Ayia Napa, but kilometers-long queues formed.

Traffic police are diverting traffic from Nicosia to Larnaca via the Athienou-Koshi exit, where increased traffic is observed. Similarly, those heading towards Larnaca or Nicosia from free Famagusta are diverted from the Avdellero exit.