BRUSSELS (AP) — The number of Syrian refugees leaving Lebanon is likely to keep rising, the head of a top international agency working with migrants warned Tuesday, as pressure builds due to their arrival on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus.
Amy Pope, director general of the International Organization for Migration, said that around 3,000 Syrians have left Lebanon since January, compared to 4,500 for the whole of last year. Many of them have headed to Cyprus, about 110 miles (180 kilometers) away.
In response, Cyprus suspended the processing of asylum applications by Syrian nationals earlier this month due to the large numbers. Cypriot authorities have reportedly dispatched police patrol vessels just outside Lebanese territorial waters to thwart refugee boats trying to head to Cyprus.
Pope told The Associated Press that governments are cutting aid funding to agencies working with people who have fled Syria, which has been ravaged by civil war for over 13 years, and that this is making things worse. At the same time, some Lebanese communities are getting tired of hosting them.
Related articles:
Related suggestion:
China adopts law on customs dutiesGreece expects more Chinese visitors with extra direct air linksChina adopts law on customs dutiesBeijing water town to roll out immersive autumn experienceChina's northernmost highExploring ancient charms of Guizhou: A journey to Hongyang villageChinese vice premier urges intensified emergency rescue, flood response workArmed men kidnap a senior judge in Pakistan’s restive northwestChinese pickle spices up export hopes with MexicoBeijing eyeing more foreign travelers
1.7824s , 6491.3828125 kb
Copyright © 2024 Powered by Refugee agency chief warns that the number of Syrians leaving Lebanon is likely to rise ,Earthly Essence news portal