Efforts to contain the further spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) are ongoing, in constant coordination with the European Commission and the north, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Tuesday.

“It is important for all of us, including our Turkish Cypriot compatriots, to understand that implementing these protocols is the fastest way out of this crisis,” he said.

Asked about reports of non-compliance with protocols in the north, Letymbiotis noted that while Turkish Cypriots receive funding and support, this also comes with obligations. He recalled that a joint response has been proposed by the EU since the first case was identified.

“We hope there will be a response in the interest of protecting the primary sector, and above all, ensuring alignment with protocols drawn up not for political but for scientific and veterinary reasons,” he said.

Responding to questions about threats to block foreign leaders from attending the informal EU Council meeting in Cyprus on Thursday and Friday, Letymbiotis stressed that the right to protest is inalienable.

At the same time, the spokesman highlighted that the meeting was one of the “highlight moments” of the island’s ongoing EU Council presidency, with all the leaders of the EU member states and the region visiting the island at what he described as “a very critical juncture”.

“I hope that we will all demonstrate collective responsibility so that the informal Council reflects the success of the presidency,” he said.

Letymbiotis added that the competent authorities have been consulted to ensure the meeting proceeds smoothly on both days, “as befits such an important event at the culmination of the Presidency.”