Cyprus hosting summit on Syrian migration
Fact: Cyprus will host an international meeting of interior ministers to discuss migration, with a focus on declaring parts of Syria safe for migrants to return.
safe areas
EU unveils , €1 bln aid to Lebanon, but migration “must stop”
The European Union unveiled a €1 billion economic aid package for Lebanon in exchange for the country slowing migration flows, especially amid a sharp rise in Syrian refugees headed to Cyprus and Italy.
Christodoulides: We cannot accept any more Syrian refugees
Cyprus cannot accept any more Syrian refugees.
Opinion: Unlawful government measures that cause anti-refugee hysteria and panic
The government of Cyprus has indefinitely suspended the processing of asylum applications from people of Syrian origin, citing an “emergency situation due to sudden influxes” from Syria. This decision, made under the Christodoulides Government, includes the use of the National Guard in anti-refugee operations and the suspension of asylum applications for 21 months for Syrians. The government’s measures have been criticized for violating international obligations under the Geneva Convention and the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as for contributing to anti-immigration and anti-refugee sentiments. Additionally, the government’s actions have been deemed illegal and disproportionate, with concerns raised about military-style pushbacks conducted with the navy and police.
EU states back Cyprus on Syria, ’s safe areas reclassification
Around ten EU member states are in agreement with Cyprus regarding the reclassification of certain areas in Syria from unsafe to safe.
Cyprus has shown sensitivity, president says after Syrian asylum applications suspended
Cyprus has decided to suspend the examination of asylum applications for persons of Syrian origin due to the recent mass arrival of Syrian asylum seekers. These individuals will lose access to rights deriving from the temporary protection regime and steps will be taken to repatriate them. President Nikos Christodoulides stated that decisions were made within the framework of legality to safeguard the interests of the Republic of Cyprus and its people.