surge in arrivals

Greece rescues 42 migrants off Crete, searches for three missing

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Greece rescues 42 migrants off Crete, searches for three missing

Greece rescued 42 migrants off the island of Crete and was searching for three missing after their boat sent a distress signal. The migrants were rescued by commercial vessels and a Greek navy helicopter, and a search operation was underway. Crete and Gavdos have seen an increase in migrant arrivals from Libya. Greece has provided support to the islands to handle the situation. Greece has been a popular entry point to the EU for migrants and refugees since 2015, with many arriving on its islands and thousands dying at sea.

Cyprus seeks cooperation with Lebanon to reduce migrant arrivals

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Cyprus seeks cooperation with Lebanon to reduce migrant arrivals

Interior Minister Konstantinos Ioannou plans to visit Lebanon to discuss strengthening the country’s coast guard and combating people-smuggling networks that are contributing to a rise in migrant arrivals.

President to discuss spike in migrants with EU chief, visit Lebanon

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President to discuss spike in migrants with EU chief, visit Lebanon

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides will discuss with the head of the European Commission an unprecedented surge in mainly Syrian refugees arriving on the island. Over 800 arrivals have been counted since March 31, with more arriving every day. Cyprus is lobbying for increased assistance to Lebanon, the starting point for most irregular crossings, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The president will visit Lebanon to address the difficult situation and offer technical assistance to contain migrant outflows. Cyprus also wants the EU to declare some parts of Syria safe to facilitate returns under strict conditions.

Arrests are made , ‘every day’ for migrant smuggling

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Arrests are made , ‘every day’ for migrant smuggling

Fact: Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis stated that Cyprus’ police ranks have been strengthened to apprehend smugglers, with arrests being made daily.