The EU must help Cyprus manage the record number of Syrian migrants arriving on the island from Lebanon, Interior Minister Konstantinos Ioannou said in an interview with the Guardian newspaper.
"This is a cry for help," said Mr. Ioannou, speaking of a "very sharp" increase in specific flows. "We are in a state of crisis, reaching our limits," he added.
As he added, the Cypriot Government "strongly believes that Lebanon should receive financial aid from the EU", as the country hosts "2 million Syrian refugees".
He argued that an aid package similar to the one agreed between the EU and Egypt last month, amounting to 7,4 billion euros, should be discussed.
Mr. Ioannou also stated that 13 years after the war in Syria, the country should be "re-evaluated", and safe zones should be sought on its territory, as well as legal ways for citizens to settle in them.
The publication highlighted the relevant contacts of the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulidis, with the EU and Lebanon.
Source: KYPE