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.
She means business! Rita Ora steps out in chic tailored three
Xi calls for letting internet better benefit people of all countries
Back to back! UConn fans gather to celebrate another basketball championship
Former president of Bank of China expelled from CPC
Emiliano Martinez is shown TWO yellow cards but little
CPPCC wraps up annual session, Chinese modernization in focus
Zhejiang urged to boost modernization
Press center opens for China's annual legislative, political consultative sessions
2 suspects detained in Poland for attack on a Navalny ally in Lithuania
Xi's article on upholding, improving people's congress system to be published
Erling Haaland is a doubt for Man City's FA Cup semifinal against Chelsea
Kevin Durant scores 28 points, Jusuf Nurkic makes late free throw as Suns beat Kings 108