NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — The United Nations’ refugee agency said Friday that Cypriot efforts at sea to stop numerous Syrian refugee-laden boats departing Lebanon from reaching the European Union-member island nation mustn’t contravene international human rights laws or put passengers at risk. Cypriot authorities have reportedly dispatched police patrol vessels just outside Lebanese territorial waters to thwart boat loads of Syrian refugees from reaching the island about 110 miles (180 kilometers) away. The Cypriot government says a crumbling Lebanese economy coupled with the uncertainty brought on by the Israeli-Hamas war and the recent tit-for-tat strikes between Israel and Lebanon has resulted in a huge number of rickety boats overloaded with migrants – almost all Syrians – reaching the island. Earlier this week, Cypriot patrol craft reportedly intercepted five boats carrying hundreds of Syrian refugees and migrants. The boats turned back and the passengers disembarked safely. |
Indonesia's Mount Ruang erupts and shuts an airport as residents leave homesStrong quake in southwestern Japan leaves 9 with minor injuries, but no tsunamiPETER HITCHENS: The soIndonesia's Mount Ruang volcano eruptions trigger tsunami alertPSG dreaming of club treble as another French league title beckonsNokia sees doubleNorth Carolina high school student, 16, is suspended for saying 'illegal alien' in classOJ Simpson's remains are cremated in Las Vegas as his lawyer reveals exPSG star Tabitha Chawinga of Malawi overcomes obstacles en route to Champions League successChris Pratt films blood