FOUR days ahead of the Pope's visit, the police have issued a stern warning to would-be troublemakers that strict security measures will be in place throughout the weekend and that they are "determined to intervene forcefully if there are any excesses relating to the Pope's visit to Cyprus." At a final security meeting yesterday chaired by Deputy Chief of Operations Andreas Krokou, the security measures were finalised and the responsibilities of each Department, Agency and District were analysed in detail.
The measures have largely been taken to manage a crowd of Orthodox Christian fanatics who are expected to fly in from Greece this week to protest the Pope's presence. Last week the police confirmed that they were examining information about such groups, who oppose any form of rapprochement between the Catholic and Orthodox churches.
The police have good reason to be concerned. In October last year, around 100 Orthodox protesters, including monks, were arrested after demonstrating at an inter-faith conference hosted by Paphos Bishop Georgios. Later on, they hounded a Catholic priest out of a church in Chlorakas while he attempted to marry a Catholic couple.
Since then, various Orthodox religious organisations have voiced their opposition to the visit, from public calls for the Pope’s arrest on paedophilia charges, to distribution of leaflets in schools which detail the Catholic "heresy".
Asked about possible demonstrations during the Pope's stay in Cyprus by such groups, Katsounotos said: "Those who wish to demonstrate peacefully have every right to do so, however it must be made clear that any gathering should be peaceful and within the law." Otherwise, he said, "the Police will have to intervene."
Among measures is the planned closure of the road from the Paphos Gate to Rigainis St. In Nicosia, from 6 pm on Thursday to 6pm on Sunday. Also on Friday, the old road from Paphos to Limassol will be closed during the Pope’s arrival, from 12 noon until 4 pm.
Katsunotos also emphasized that security would also be increased in locations where the Pope will attend, such as Church of Holy Sunday in Paphos on Friday, The Saint Maron Elementary School in Anthoupoli on Saturday and the Church of Mary of Graces in Nicosia on Sunday.
The spokesman called on the public to comply with instructions of the police in order to facilitate public access to sites where events are taking place so that security measures can be implemented in an orderly fashion.
He explained that on the days when the Pope was visiting venues, access will only be granted to permit holders.
"There will be places that members of the public will not be allowed to enter without special entry tickets. Those without tickets are advised to avoid event sites so as not to be inconvenienced."
Throughout the Pope's stay, Police will operate from their crisis management room at the MMAD headquarters in Aglandjia.
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