As long as the protocols and procedures recommended by scientists are not fully and faithfully implemented, the risk of further spread of foot-and-mouth disease to other areas is visible, stated Government Spokesperson, Konstantinos Letymbiotis.
Responding to questions from journalists, in the context of a media briefing, and asked if there is concern about the spread of the virus, the Government Spokesperson responded that "there certainly is this concern and as long as the protocols, the procedures that scientists have drawn up and that scientists recommend are not fully and faithfully implemented, this risk is visible."
He added that "what they have said about a strictly scientific issue, even if an attempt was made to turn it into a political one, is that the surest way, the shortest way to overcome this great crisis, is the most complete and shortest implementation of protocols and procedures."
Mr. Letymbiotis reiterated that the Government will do what it must, "to stand by, to support those affected by this crisis."
To this end, he stated that "the full package of nine measures, amounting to 28 million euros, was announced yesterday by the Government for those who have been affected. And of course we will remain in constant coordination with the European Union, with the European Commission, precisely to examine all those ways of supporting workers."
It is noted that on Wednesday in Brussels, President Christodoulides will meet with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, with whom he will discuss, among other things, the possible assistance of the European Commission to combat the virus.
According to information, the amount of a possible financial contribution from the EU will be examined, as well as any practical and scientific contribution that can be made to combat the virus.
It is also recalled that, within the framework of the measures approved by the Council of Ministers on Monday, the establishment of a special committee for the support of livestock farming, headed by Stavros Malas, was also included. When asked about the committee's timetable, the Government Spokesperson said that the goal that has been set is for the committee to be able to conclude on the proposal that it will present within three months.
"In this light, decisions will be made immediately regarding the establishment and composition of the Committee," he said, recalling that the committee will be staffed by officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of the Interior, from the scientific level, as well as representatives of the bodies involved, "so that they too can have their own contribution to this great effort."
Mr. Letymbiotis also noted that "we must draw the important necessary lessons from this crisis we are experiencing today and make decisions that, within a decade, could be very liberating for the primary sector and our livestock farming."
The Government Spokesperson was also asked to comment on Mr. Erchiurman's post in which he blamed the Greek Cypriot side for the foot-and-mouth disease, while at the same time calling for the establishment of a Bicommunal Technical Committee for halloumi. Mr. Letymbiotis stated that there is a competent Technical Committee for Health with a subcommittee for livestock issues. "The Technical Committee is meeting today, and it is within the framework of the responsibilities of this Technical Committee that all issues can be discussed," he said.
He also added that through the statements of the competent European Union Commissioner, it was mentioned that the protocols and procedures must be followed in the occupied areas as well. "What we are calling for is for these protocols, these procedures for dealing with this life-threatening disease, to be implemented in the occupied areas as well," he said.
Source: KYPE
