The Nicosia CID has issued three arrest warrants[/B] for the riots that unfolded this morning outside the presidential palace, with goat farmers setting hay bales on fire and threatening to enter the presidential palace in tankers.
It is recalled that in order to calm the tempers the police intervened and stopped the angry citizens from storming the presidential building. The fire brigade also rushed to the scene to extinguish the fire set on hay bales.
Police, according to reports in the Cyprus Times, are trying to arrest other persons involved in the riots.
Kadis pledges support
Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Kostas Kadis held talks with the goat farmers, who met with a group of goat farmers who staged an event outside the Presidential Palace earlier today.
After the meeting, the Agriculture Minister left the Ministry informing them of what he had discussed with their delegation and said that "competition is not working properly in the haloumi market" and promised additional support if needed.
- VIDEO: Tension at the presidential office. They spilled milk... set the goat farmers on fire (pics)
- They threatened to enter the Presidential Office with tankers. New tension ... not satisfied with the support announced (pics-video)
"The first thing I want to say is that I fully understand today's demonstrations and protests. I do not agree with the way they were manifested outside the Presidential Palace. However, I think they are justified I said this yesterday in Parliament because there is a problem from the fact that you pay more for the production of your milk than those who pay you," Kadis said.
He noted, "I want to tell you that there was no action left that was not taken by this Ministry and by me personally on the issue of haloumi."
That, he noted, is why there was the success of the registration. Kadis said that "we still didn't get what we expected to get with the registration. Because some people are not operating the right way. The way they should be operating. We hear about how audits should have been done on October 1. Since October 1, I have to tell you that the whole control mechanism is in place and working. The problem is that the cheese dairies did not enter the process to produce PDO halloumi. They should have entered the process," he added.
Kadis also said they are producing halloumi, which they believe they can ship and market under the label "and that is why we went to the Legal Service to ask them if they are entitled to do this thing."
Responding to questions from goat farmers, the Agriculture Minister said the €1 million was given (to cheese farmers) "to help them get rid of stocks and get the halloumi price, because if you get the halloumi price you will benefit."
"I think that in the haloumi market competition is not working properly. It is not working. It cannot cost you EUR 1.5 to produce and you get EUR 1.10. Well, I want to tell you what we came up with," with the dealership, he said. "First, the aid that we told you would be given, will be given by the end of the month, the 5 million," he added, noting that this does not solve the problem.
The problem, Kadis continued, will be solved if the product reaches the right price.
"Second, next week the opinion from the Legal Service is coming next week and universal controls are starting. That is, in the way that the PDO is checked by an international organisation, the whole production of haloumi will be checked. Thirdly, we will also push for better prices," he said. He also promised that "if we do not see a result by June 1, we will see other measures to support the sector."
In addition, Kadis said that Cyprus was the first country in Europe that even what it could give, it will give to support the sector.
"Cyprus will again be the first country to give additional help if needed", he added.
Responding to a comment by a sheep farmer, the Agriculture Minister reiterated that they will do everything they can to ensure that the price of halloumi is affordable.
Mr. Kadis also said that "we received the pressure today" and told the goat farmers that "you must also put pressure on those who set the prices," he said.
Kyriakos Manolis, a goat farmer from Nicosia, said in a statement that if the goat farmers are not given proper increases in milk by cheese makers by June 1, "we as goat farmers will not deliver milk to the cheese factories."
He thanked the Minister of Agriculture for the meeting and said he "showed great understanding", adding that as far as the controls are concerned they are waiting for the opinion from the Legal Service. "Certainly the opinion of the Attorney General's Office in general on PDO and trademark controls will be very helpful," he added. Now, he continued, "what the Minister has told us is that he will support us in any way he can. And we expect the Minister to find ways to support us."
Asked if there will be more mobilisations like today's, the goat farmers replied in the affirmative.
With information from CNA
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs Cyprus Times
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Times
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