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:
Letter from China: Exploring culturally rich Beijing along central axisChampions LeagueBaby Reindeer triggers a surge of stalking complaints after millions watch Netflix showAncelotti faces goalkeeper dilemma ahead of CL finalMeghan Markle channels her late motherSaudi Arabia's 88Youngkin vetoes bills on skill games, contraception and Confederate heritage tax breaksSky use balanced attack, dominate fourth quarter to beat Wings 84British fatherBritish father
3.72s , 6499.1015625 kb
Copyright © 2024 Powered by Refugee agency chief warns that the number of Syrians leaving Lebanon is likely to rise ,World Wave news portal