(2 May 2024)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Beirut, Lebanon – 2 May 2024
1. Wide of Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati (center), European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (screen-right) and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides (screen-left) walking
2. Mid of leaders walking
3. Various of meeting
4. Various of expanded meeting between Mikati, von der Leyen and Christodoulides
STORYLINE:
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides arrived in Beirut to conduct a series of meetings with Lebanese officials to discuss an aid package announcement meant to curb migration.
The Cypriot government says a crumbling Lebanese economy, coupled with uncertainty brought on by the Israeli-Hamas war and recent tit-for-tat strikes between Israel and Lebanon, has resulted in a huge number of boats overloaded with migrants – almost all Syrians – reaching the island.
According to the International Organization for Migration, 3,000 Syrians have left Lebanon since January, compared to 4,500 for the whole of last year.
Many of them have headed to Cyprus, about 110 miles (180 kilometers) away.
In response, Cyprus suspended the processing of asylum applications by Syrian nationals earlier this month due to the large numbers.
Cypriot authorities have reportedly dispatched police patrol vessels just outside Lebanese territorial waters to thwart refugee boats trying to head to Cyprus.
Dwindling aid to help Syrian refugees has driven many to leave Lebanon towards a better life in Europe.
AP video shot by Fadi Al Tawil
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