The threats fired against Cyprus this week by Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, as far-fetched as they may seem, should not be taken lightly. The Shia cleric and leader of the militant group commands considerable influence in almost everything that happens in Lebanon, from politics to the economy and national defence. Apart from securing vast amounts … Read more
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in an announcement expresses deep concern for the safety and well-being of approximately 31 asylum seekers, including seven children, who are trapped in the buffer zone (BZ) in Cyprus. It is noted that “Five of them entered the Pournara reception centre to apply for asylum after crossing … Read more
The Commissioner for Administration, Maria Stylianou-Lottides, has ignited a firestorm within the Asylum Service after a scathing report revealed significant delays in processing international protection applications from Syrian refugees. The report, prompted by a surge of complaints from frustrated applicants, exposes a bureaucratic nightmare with some Syrians waiting two to five years for a decision … Read more
Cyprus is ready to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants stranded in the buffer zone, with the Red Cross already offering aid. The country has obligations under the EU’s Green Line Regulation and is cautious about becoming a new route for illegal immigrants. Fourteen migrants from Afghanistan, Sudan, Cameroon, and Iran are stranded near a university campus in Aglantzia. The UN Peacekeeping Force and UNHCR are working to assist them, as Cyprus has temporarily suspended asylum applications and increased patrols along the buffer zone. Additionally, asylum applications for Syrian nationals have been suspended due to human rights violations in Syria.
Fourteen migrants are stranded in the buffer zone near the University of Cyprus campus in Aglantzia, unable to enter government-controlled areas due to the temporary suspension of asylum applications by the Republic of Cyprus. The group includes women and children from Afghanistan, Sudan, Cameroon, and Iran, with assistance being provided by the UNFICYP and UNHCR. Patrols have been increased along the buffer zone to deter migrant arrivals, resulting in a 95% decrease in arrivals by boat from Syria. Pushbacks in Lebanese waters have contributed to this decrease, but the Mediterranean crossing remains the deadliest route for migrants. The U.N. human rights office has reported gross human rights violations faced by Syrian refugees returning to Syria, including torture, abduction, sexual harassment, and violence. Pushbacks are measures used by states to force refugees and migrants out of their territory, circumventing international protection safeguards.
– The opposition proceedings in the case brought against auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides by attorney-general George Savvides were filed by Odysseas’ team of lawyers.
– The opposition is based on two points: the application of the AG to the constitutional council is groundless and the AG does not have the authority to seek the sacking of an independent state official.
– Odysseas’ camp is applying pressure on the president to publicly side with him.
– The head of the anti-corruption authority demanded criminal charges against the drug squad chief, possibly linked to the Odysseas-Savvides clash.
– Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah urged Syrians to head for Cyprus and Europe to pressure Brussels to give Lebanon more funds for Syrian refugees.
– Parents were upset over the difficulty of questions in modern Greek exams for secondary school students.
– State hospital nursing unions are threatening industrial action if more nurses are not hired.
– The president announced the decision to appoint two criminal investigators before the cabinet approved it.
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.
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.
President Nikos Christodoulides described Thursday’s visit to Lebanon with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen as a “historic day.” Von der Leyen announced a financial package of €1 billion over the next three years to strengthen Lebanon politically and economically, with a focus on controlling migration. The Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati urged the EU to come up with a “radical” solution for the Syrian refugee crisis in Lebanon. Despite the optimistic declarations, it is doubtful that the understanding reached would have the desired results.
Cyprus cannot accept any more Syrian refugees.