Cypriot President: I Understand Lebanon's Challenges but Exporting Migrants to Cyprus is Not the Solution

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides emphasized that it is "extremely concerning" that the influx of Syrian refugees to the country has been steadily increasing in recent weeks. After a meeting with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, Christodoulides stated: "I fully understand the challenges faced by Lebanon, but exporting migrants to Cyprus should not be the solution and is unacceptable." Nicosia wants the European Union to consider declaring parts of Syria as safe areas, which would allow for the repatriation of asylum seekers arriving in neighboring countries.