Cyprus has been on alert for the past few days following the mass arrivals of irregular migrants.
Specifically, from Sunday 31/03 until the afternoon of Wednesday 04/04, 14 boats arrived with 761 irregular immigrants.
The last boat was spotted by Coastal and Maritime Police radar off Cabo Greco and had 22 people on board, including 14 men, 3 women and 5 children.
The authorities, after investigations, proceeded to arrest a 16-year-old and a 25-year-old from Syria.
The Police proceeded to arrest a total of 12 people who were allegedly the navigators of the boats.
"In the last few days we have been practically attacked with a rotting boat"
Speaking to Trito, the Home Secretary said the government had taken many measures to make Cyprus an unattractive destination, achieving an 85% reduction in migrant flows from African countries.
He indicated, however, that this cannot happen with the Syrians in Lebanon, because they are considered refugees who are granted temporary protection status.
Mr. Ioannou pointed out that the situation is constantly getting worse and expressed his assessment that this situation will continue.
"In the last few days we have been effectively attacked with a sapiocarava," said the Minister of the Interior.
He even warned that the Republic of Cyprus will no longer be able to respond if the increased immigration flows continue.
Mr. Ioannou also said that Lebanon must receive more financial support from the European Union.
He indicated that Nicosia demands the re-evaluation of Syria's status and the interconnection of the aid that Lebanon receives, with the country's ability to intercept boats bound for Cyprus.
"Cyprus does not want money, what it demands is that solidarity be demonstrated in practice by the other member states of the European Union", noted the Minister of the Interior.
