No panic over bird flu in north

House President Demetris Christofias said no panic is justified regarding cases of bird flu that were confirmed in the Turkish occupied north of Cyprus because the government of the Republic has been taking all measures set out by the EU for a long time now.

Commenting on the confirmed bird flu cases in the occupied areas, Christofias said the “voices coming from the occupied areas and efforts to blame the Republic of Cyprus are unjustified voices and unacceptable”, something which is backed by the specialists and the director of the Veterinary Services.

Speaking after a meeting with Greek composer Thanos Mikroutsikos, the House Speaker said that people should not consider as an “inconvenience” the fact that cars passing through the checkpoints are decontaminated or special decontamination mats are placed for pedestrians crossing the ceasefire line.

“These are basic measures taken in all countries and should not upset the people”, he added.

Christofias said the so called authorities in the north should “take similar strict measures because the virus is devious and flies, and for this reason all advisable measures should be taken on the ground and it is clear that the Republic of Cyprus takes them”.

Invited to comment on views that the crossing points should be closed, Christofias said that “the closing of checkpoints is a view which if necessary will be discussed with the EU”.