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.
Emma Roberts keeps it casual in a hoodie and Dragon Ball Z t
Closing prices for crude oil, gold and other commodities
Dramatic moment lorry on the M56 is engulfed by flames: HGV is destroyed by raging inferno
Labour's housing overhaul plan will 'turn the Green Belt into the Grey Belt', Tories claim
Texas spring signals time for Ewers to slow down and enjoy football in 2024 before NFL draft
Millie Bobby Brown, 20, goes make
Netflix fans reveal the shows they gave up on after a few episodes: 'Don't waste your time'
Chasing 5th straight win, Nelly Korda is 2 shots back at Chevron Championship after a first
Survival expert reveals what to do if you fall OVERBOARD on a cruise ship
San Francisco mayor announces the city will receive pandas from China
Ashanti and Nelly's relationship timeline: A look at the couple's on
Chasing 5th straight win, Nelly Korda is 2 shots back at Chevron Championship after a first