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.
VOX POPULI: The power of old photos and a deficit
Donald Trump's Georgia judge dismisses some criminal charges
In pictures: Auckland's Ramadan Night Markets in New Lynn
Lynn Williams breaks NWSL goal
China news: July exports tumble by double digits, adding to pressure to shore up flagging economy
Cheng Lei China: Jailed Australian TV anchor jailed releases rare message
US China updates: Beijing sanctions Lockheed Martin, Raytheon for Taiwan sales
Independent UN experts urge Yemen’s Houthis to free detained Baha'i followers
VOX POPULI: Abe faction’s ‘amended’ funds report is simply worthless
Cruise worker 'murders newborn son on board ship': Shocked co
Judge rejects Trump free speech challenge to Georgia 2020 election case