Filenews 16 December 2021
The first twelve-member group of asylum seekers departed today at dawn out of a total of 50 who were selected, during Pope Francis' recent visit to Cyprus, for relocation to the Vatican.
As stated in a statement by the Ministry of Interior, "this symbolic move by the Pontiff is a recognition of the difficulties that Cyprus is facing with the ever-increasing flow of migrants who irregularly cross the Green Line to the free areas, coming from Turkey through the occupied territories, which systematically instrumentalizes the migration issue towards Cyprus".
Warm thanks are expressed to Pope Francis and the Holy See for this symbolic action and the expectation that it will be a springboard for genuine solidarity from the other Member States towards the Republic of Cyprus.
