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.
Amanda Holden reveals a huge secret about THAT nude appearance on her Heart FM breakfast show
Mountain and river carnival kicks off in western Beijing
Mountain and river carnival kicks off in western Beijing
Nadal confirms comeback at Barcelona Open
Revealed: Why you should always take your own sandwiches to the airport
Mountain and river carnival kicks off in western Beijing
China seizes Spring Festival to heat up tourism, consumption
Beijing's Yanqing district ready for Labor Day travel rush
A former Russian tycoon who once led separatist region launches a hunger strike in Azerbaijan jail
China's Shenzhen opens new air route to Amsterdam