Today, the Minister of the Interior, Mr. Konstantinos Ioannou, made statements on topical issues. Mr. Ioannou was speaking on the sidelines of the visit of the German President Mr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier to the Reception and Hospitality Center for International Protection Applicants (KYFADP) in Kofinou and subsequently in Lefkara.
The situation inside Lebanon is difficult - Continuous communication with the authorities of the country for cooperation
Specifically, when asked to say whether there is dissatisfaction from the Cypriot side for Lebanon's refusal yesterday to accept the return of 116 Syrian migrants who were located in international territorial waters after sailing from Lebanon, Mr. Ioannou clarified that, following information from the same the Lebanese authorities, that the boat - which is registered in the Lebanese registry - had sailed and was possibly in danger, the Cypriot authorities carried out a search and rescue operation. Afterwards, contact was made with Lebanon for the return of these persons to Lebanon and an operation followed with the escort of three vessels of the Coastal Police. When the boats approached Lebanon, they were informed that disembarkation would not be allowed.
Asked to say if he believes that this is a consequence of the political situation prevailing in the Middle East, Mr. Ioannou said that it is a consequence of many factors. He reiterated that Lebanon has a very big problem with immigration and underlined that the whole issue will be handled at a political level. He also noted that there is constant communication with the Lebanese authorities, saying that the situation in the country is difficult.