The excavation sent two days ago at the planned asphalt factory area in Mitsero in a bid to begin relocation works on Thursday morning was removed following the residents’ fierce protests.
The removal followed Wednesday’s suspension of works and a verbal reassurance to the area’s 12 community leaders from the President’s office that these will not go forward “for the time being”.
Nonetheless, members of the communities pledged to still hold a presence in the area so as to peacefully continue expressing their disapproval of the plans.
The Cyprus News Agency also reported that a meeting of the community leaders with President Anastasiades will go ahead on August 25.
And that the company has been informed not to proceed with any works at the site until after the meeting.
On Tuesday, two community leaders were also arrested for obstructing the progress of an excavator sent to delineate the site, and for verbally insulting police.
They were taken to Lakatamia police station where they were charged and released.
The police was accused of “excessive force” and condemned by political parties and environmental and other organisations.
