The municipality of Larnaca was not aware that a tree-planting event planned for Sunday by the Jewish Community of Cyprus was to be held in honour of US President Donald Trump and had issued no permission for this purpose, mayor Andreas Vyras clarified on Thursday.

“There have been quite a few reactions. We received many phone calls from the public, expressing objections and saying that there would possibly be protests on the day of the tree-planting,” Vyras said.

In statements to the Cyprus News Agency, Vyras said the information the municipality had received was that the community would be planting trees as a social and environmental contribution.

“We were not aware” that the tree-planting was to be held to honour Trump. “We saw all this on the invitation they sent us,” Vyras explained.

The municipality had received a letter on October 17 saying that the Jewish Community intended to plant trees. It requested approval by the municipality and an indication as to where would be best to do so.

Vyras said the municipality suggested the trees could be planted in the road island outside the Vergina lyceum.

“The Jewish Community told us that they would not be installing a sign,” Vyras added.

The event is scheduled for Sunday at 11am on Ioannis Kakridis street.

“The Jewish Community of Cyprus, in collaboration with Osi and Eitan Bar On, cordially invite you to a tree planting ceremony in honour of US President Donald Trump that caused the release of the Israel hostages and signing the peace agreement,” the invitation reads.

In the accompanying note, the community says that “together, we will plant 48 trees, symbolising life, renewal and the enduring hope for peace.”

Vyras said that the municipality informed the community by telephone that “they should have notified us that the tree-planting was for this purpose”.