Refugee agency chief warns that the number of Syrians leaving Lebanon is likely to rise
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.
Related articles
Investigators return to Long Island home of Gilgo Beach serial killing suspect
MASSAPEQUA PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Investigators returned Monday to the home of a New York architect charg2024-05-22American Express profits jump 34%, helped by jump in new customers, higher spending
NEW YORK (AP) — Credit card giant American Express posted a 34% jump in its first quarter profits on2024-05-22Gay 30 Rock actor Maulik Pancholy is canceled from anti
A Pennsylvania school board reportedly canceled an anti-bullying talk by 30 Rock actor Maulik Pancho2024-05-22Pennsylvania board's cancellation of gay actor's school visit ill
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (AP) — A Pennsylvania school board’s cancellation of an upcoming appearance by ac2024-05-22Culture festival showcases integration
A cultural festival hosted at a Chinese university on Thursday showcased the exchange and integratio2024-05-22Thai leaders ready to increase humanitarian aid in Myanmar — Radio Free Asia
The Thai government is looking to expand humanitarian aid to Myanmar as fighting between junta force2024-05-22
atest comment