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. |
China, Pakistan pledge to enhance pragmatic cooperation in various fieldsThe Dow closed above 40,000. What it means for your 401(k)Bob Baffert is again the center of attention at the Preakness, even without the Derby winnerWitness at Sen. Bob Menendez's bribery trial says meatStars center Roope Hintz out for Game 6 with upperChina calls for unimpeded path to Palestine's UN membershipGolfer's prompt release from jail rankles some who recall city's police turmoilDemocratic South Carolina House member has law license suspended after forgery complaintBob Baffert is again the center of attention at the Preakness, even without the Derby winnerChina urges Philippines to settle maritime differences through negotiation