Cyprus Appeals to the European Union for Help in Reducing the Influx of Syrian Refugees via Lebanon

Cyprus appealed today, Wednesday, to the European Union for strong action to stop the latest influx of refugees arriving by sea from Lebanon, most of whom are Syrians, stating that the island's capacity to host refugees has reached a breaking point. Interior Minister Konstantinos Ioannou said, "The situation is gradually worsening, and in recent days we have witnessed an influx of dilapidated boats and refugees putting their lives at risk." Ioannou mentioned to the official radio about the increase in arrivals: "All indicators suggest that this will continue." He pointed out that the situation is exacerbated by the reduced focus of Lebanese authorities on curbing migration along its shores in recent months amid escalating tensions on the Lebanese-Israeli border. This week, more than 600 people arrived in Cyprus, encouraged by the mild weather to undertake the roughly 10-hour sea journey from Lebanon or Syria to Cyprus.