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:
Ethnic army intercepts junta offensive on ThaiPakistan says Iran's President Raisi will visit next week despite tensions in the Middle EastDaniele De Rossi's contract at Roma is extended just 3 months after replacing Jose MourinhoUnited Arab Emirates struggles to recover after heaviest recorded rainfall ever hits desert nationGenius iPhone hack will save you so much time when travelingIsraeli soccer facing Palestinian calls for action by FIFA at annual congressBanker's son, 22, on trial for 'drowning alcoholic dad in baptismMoment Home Office cops kick down door in dawn raid to smash 'sophisticated' peopleThey cost up to £30. But which posh lip glosses are worth the dosh?Louisiana bills seeking to place restrictions on where people can carry guns receive pushback
2.965s , 6502.0703125 kb
Copyright © 2024 Powered by Refugee agency chief warns that the number of Syrians leaving Lebanon is likely to rise ,Culture Channel news portal