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:
Malaria is still killing people in Kenya, but a vaccine and local drug production may helpChina launches 3Fury over NYC restaurant reservation scalpers making $80k a year by hoarding coveted dining slotsTechnical glitch temporarily closed southern Norway airspace, causing delays at Oslo airportFirst Chinese cultural center in Gulf region starts trial run in KuwaitBlackhawks agree to a 6US applications for jobless claims fall to lowest level in 9 weeksFlooding in Tanzania has killed 155 people as heavy rains continue in Eastern AfricaThird man is detained in a major bribery case that involves Russia's deputy defense ministerWashington Commanders will retire Hall of Fame cornerback Darrell Green's No. 28 next season
2.9498s , 6516.1171875 kb
Copyright © 2024 Powered by Refugee agency chief warns that the number of Syrians leaving Lebanon is likely to rise ,Worldly Wisdom news portal