NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — The United Nations’ refugee agency said Friday that Cypriot efforts at sea to stop numerous Syrian refugee-laden boats departing Lebanon from reaching the European Union-member island nation mustn’t contravene international human rights laws or put passengers at risk.
Cypriot authorities have reportedly dispatched police patrol vessels just outside Lebanese territorial waters to thwart boat loads of Syrian refugees from reaching the island about 110 miles (180 kilometers) away.
The Cypriot government says a crumbling Lebanese economy coupled with the uncertainty brought on by the Israeli-Hamas war and the recent tit-for-tat strikes between Israel and Lebanon has resulted in a huge number of rickety boats overloaded with migrants – almost all Syrians – reaching the island.
Earlier this week, Cypriot patrol craft reportedly intercepted five boats carrying hundreds of Syrian refugees and migrants. The boats turned back and the passengers disembarked safely.
A former Russian tycoon who once led separatist region launches a hunger strike in Azerbaijan jail
Fernando Alonso commits his future to Aston Martin by signing new two
NZDF warns government again it is in dire state
There's the Wallys! Darts fans brawl in the crowd
She means business! Rita Ora steps out in chic tailored three
Tiger Woods starts his 26th Masters with an impressive birdie on his first hole
Blunders cost Crusaders dearly in loss to Waratahs
How DO you deal with a problem like Gary Lineker?
Nicola Peltz cements the end of 'feud' with 'beautiful' mother
Jurgen Klopp's gamble backfires as lacklustre Liverpool lose 3
Man United overhaul under Ratcliffe extends to new technical director
Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool's 2