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Cyprus reportedly pushed back boats carrying 500 migrants

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Cyprus reportedly pushed back boats carrying 500 migrants

Cypriot authorities pushed back five boats carrying around 500 migrants who started from Lebanon, believed to be from Syria. The authorities provided blankets and food before forcing the boats to turn back. It is unclear if the boats will return to Lebanon or try to reach Cyprus again. The Lebanese authorities did not want to take them back, leaving the migrants stranded at sea. The Mediterranean crossing remains the deadliest route for migrants, with over 3,000 deaths and disappearances recorded last year. The Cypriot operation was kept secret, with the Minister of the Interior declining to provide details. Nicosia suspended asylum applications due to an increase in Syrian arrivals from Lebanon, citing human rights violations in Syria. Pushbacks involve state measures to force refugees out without following legal procedures.

Chapter 8: Tax Fairness for Every Generation

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Chapter 8: Tax Fairness for Every Generation

Canada is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. For generations, this has meant Canada is a place where everyone could secure a better future for themselves and their children. This is in no small part is due to our commitment to progressive taxation, investments in Canada’s strong social safety net, and an effective, … Read more

Cyprus beefs up efforts to stop irregular migration, patrol off Lebanon

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Cyprus beefs up efforts to stop irregular migration, patrol off Lebanon

A Cypriot law enforcement vessel was spotted off the coast of Lebanon as part of efforts to prevent Syrian refugees from reaching the island on small boats. Nicosia has suspended processing asylum applications due to an increase in Syrian arrivals and wants EU partners to reconsider Syria’s status. The presence of the vessel has led to up to five boatloads of refugees being prevented from continuing their journey.

Amnesty alarmed over reports police threatening migrants with guns

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Amnesty alarmed over reports police threatening migrants with guns

Five boats with migrants heading to Cyprus appeared to be in distress on Wednesday, with reports of coastguard pushbacks and sick children on board. The migrants have been at sea for days, with some sick and injured individuals. One group reported being threatened with guns and told to go back to Syria. The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) and Lebanon’s authorities have not provided assistance, leaving the migrants trapped at sea between Cyprus and Lebanon without food or water. Amnesty International has called on Cyprus’ authorities to rescue the people at sea. Cyprus has deployed coastguard patrol boats to intercept migrant boats off the coast of Lebanon, and has suspended asylum seeker applications for Syrian nationals.

FACTBOX-Lebanon’s Hezbollah: What weapons does it have?

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FACTBOX-Lebanon’s Hezbollah: What weapons does it have?

Hezbollah, a heavily armed non-state group in Lebanon, is a key player in the Iran-backed “Axis of Resistance” alliance against Israel and U.S. influence in the Middle East. Hezbollah possesses a vast arsenal of over 150,000 missiles and rockets, including precision weapons, anti-tank, anti-aircraft, and anti-ship missiles. The group also has around 45,000 fighters and has used drones in hostilities with Israel.

Two boats bearing over one hundred Syrians brought to port

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Two boats bearing over one hundred Syrians brought to port

A 16-year-old was arrested as the navigator of a boat carrying 73 Syrian migrants that arrived in Larnaca. Another boat with 37 irregular migrants was also intercepted off Cape Greco.

Toula Liasi: Synchronising History

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Toula Liasi: Synchronising History

The Larnaka Municipal Art Gallery will host the exhibition “Synchronising History” by Toula Liasi, featuring over 55 artworks including paintings, photographs, videos, and installations. Toula Liasi’s project focuses on the history and objects of her home in the occupied village of Ayia Triada, aiming to transform historical objects into artistic evidence of memory and identity. Toula Liasi, born in Ayia Triada, has presented her work in various exhibitions, with a focus on the recent history of Cyprus. Her previous projects have dealt with issues such as the enclaved Cypriots and missing persons. The exhibition will run from April 26 to July 31, 2024, at the Larnaka Municipal Art Gallery.

Two more migrant boats spotted Monday

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Two more migrant boats spotted Monday

Two migrant boats were spotted by Cyprus’ port police, one with 37 migrants off the coast of Cape Greco. The government has decided to no longer examine asylum applications from Syrian migrants.