Filenews 12 February 2024 - by Fanis Makrides
An operation by the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus for the immediate return of 116 irregular migrants, which was ongoing in the last 24 hours, failed due to Lebanon's stance.
The migrants were spotted on Sunday off the coast of Cyprus and relevant departments and services were immediately mobilized. Reports indicated that contacts were made even at the highest political level to enable Lebanon to immediately accept the return of Syrian migrants.
The operation was planned last night and today three boats, two of the Port and Maritime Police, as well as one of the National Guard, set sail for Lebanon. In addition to the 116 migrants, there were also auxiliary staff consisting of 135 people, including police, military and nurses.
However, this evening, while approaching Lebanese territorial waters, the authorities of the neighbouring country warned that they would not accept entry into the port. The latest information of philenews reports that after the cancellation of the operation, a return to Cyprus was planned. The boats, based on the data that were valid until now, are expected to arrive tomorrow morning in Cyprus.
Between Cyprus and Lebanon there is an agreement for the return of all migrants who come to our island by sea and come from the neighbouring country. It appears that Lebanon did not recognize that the 116 irregular Syrian migrants came from its own shores.
The decision to immediately return the 116 migrants is not unrelated to the increased flows observed. Another 144 irregular migrants arrived on Friday.
117 came to the Republic in two boats, while another 27 were spotted wandering in the community of Troulloi. In case of arrival of 117 migrants by sea, two persons, aged 20 and 49, were arrested and detained.
