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Diko Leader Calls for Council of Leaders Meeting on Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Middle East Conflict

Published March 16, 2026, 10:13
Diko Leader Calls for Council of Leaders Meeting on Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Middle East Conflict

The president of Diko, Nikola Papadopoulos, sent a letter to the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, requesting a meeting of the Council of Leaders to discuss two critical issues: foot-and-mouth disease and the impact of the war in the Middle East. In his letter, Mr. Papadopoulos states that the European Commission insists on the implementation of European protocols for dealing with foot-and-mouth disease, which entails the payment of compensation to affected livestock farmers. He proposes that compensation cover the cost of animal death and transport, health measures, replacement of livestock, as well as loss of income. He also emphasizes the need for immediate payment of compensation, without bureaucratic delays. Regarding the impact of the war in the Middle East, Mr. Papadopoulos expresses concern about the negative consequences for the Cypriot economy, particularly in the tourism sector. He proposes the immediate launch of an advertising and information campaign abroad, as well as the preparation of a tourism support plan, including maintaining air connectivity and supporting hotel units.