President Nikos Christodoulidis on Saturday spoke of disgraceful scenes during the anti-migrant protest the previous night in Limassol, stating that those proved to be responsible would bear the financial cost of the damages they caused.
There is not much that can be said, apart from the disgraceful scenes we witnessed, the president said in statements following a memorial service in Vavla.
Amid widespread criticism of the tardy and ineffective police response as mobs ran riot in the city, Christodoulides said he had called an emergency meeting with the police chief and officials in charge of the police operation.
The president emphasised that the violence had no relation to the handling of immigration.
If all those involved loved or cared about our homeland, they would not engage in such actions that, first and foremost, offend our country, he stated.
He reiterated that there were results in the last six months regarding the numbers of migrants entering Cyprus, with a reduction in arrivals, more returns than arrivals in the country, and an examination of 80 per cent more applications
We have a specific plan and strategy,” he said. “I can say today, knowing the importance of every word I utter, that we will address the immigration issue.
“What we saw last night has nothing to do with immigration, and we should not confuse the two issues it is a matter of public order, he stressed.
He said the emergency meeting on Saturday would include all parties involved, plus the state’s legal service.
The objective of the meeting is “precisely to discuss what happened yesterday”.
When asked if the government will support individuals whose property was damaged, the president stated that the government will stand by them, but at the same time, he noted that there is a relevant provision in the law for those who are convicted.
Those who are responsible and have been arrested, if and when it is proven that they are responsible, should bear the financial cost of their actions, he concluded.
House president and Disy leader Annita Demetriou was swift to condemn the violence and the police response.
The disgraceful incidents that occurred last night in Limassol represent a blatant failure of legality against lawlessness, she said.
Demetriou stated that the dangerous and anarchic situation imposed by a few hooligans and the inability to enforce order and security raise serious questions and carry significant responsibilities.
She emphasised that responsibility also lies with all those who, through their statements or actions, promote racism, xenophobia, the use of violence against innocent citizens, and the destruction of property.
We will not allow our country to fall into chaos.
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