There is a mutual understanding between Cyprus and Lebanon regarding the extent of the problem of migrant trafficking and the necessity of taking measures, including both preventing boats from sailing towards Cypriot shores and dismantling trafficking networks.
Both Nicosia and the European Union are awaiting tangible action from Lebanon, conveying to Beirut that if there is cooperation, there will be corresponding assistance from the European side.
For Lebanon, the presence of two million refugees from neighbouring Syria amounts to almost half of the country’s population of five million, and any possible assistance, especially from the European Union, is of great importance.
On the other hand, Nicosia made it clear during President Christodoulides’ meetings in Beirut yesterday that if deterrence measures are not taken, they cannot expect further assistance from the EU.
Diplomatic circles, reviewing the discussions between the leaders of Cyprus and Lebanon yesterday, noted that the Lebanese side understands that: a) only Cyprus is in a position to help them address the refugee issue, b) if they assist in tackling migrant trafficking, Cyprus can assist them with the EU, c) the EU will not offer more to Lebanon without significant pressure, and d) if there are no tangible results, Cyprus will not advocate for greater EU assistance to Lebanon in Brussels.
President Christodoulides’ statements during his talks in Beirut were made in consultation with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, whom he met on Sunday in Athens.
The next step will be the informal European Council on 18-19 April, during which migration will be among the topics discussed, providing an opportunity to assess Lebanon’s actions.
The government spokesperson, Konstantinos Letympiotis, stated in a written announcement that the Lebanese leadership acknowledged the urgent need to address the migration issue and committed to intensifying surveillance efforts to detect trafficking networks.
In his statement, the spokesperson also noted that both sides agreed to remain focused on implementing the decisions made during the day’s discussions and to ensure coordination between Cyprus, Lebanon, and the European Commission, as well as on the actions to be taken between Lebanon and the EU.
According to Letympiotis, the President of the Republic discussed cooperation between the Republic of Cyprus and Lebanon on effectively managing migration with the Prime Minister of Lebanon, Najib Mikati.
President Christodoulides held a private meeting and extended discussions with the Lebanese Prime Minister and then met with the Speaker of Parliament, Nabih Berri.
The government spokesperson noted that “during the talks with the Lebanese Prime Minister, it was pointed out that the migration problem is a common one and that the approach to tackling it should also be common, through coordinated actions.”
He also stated that a very good discussion was held, during which the two countries agreed to collaborate with the European Commission’s substantial support.
Finally, he noted that President Christodoulides referred to the ongoing discussions within the EU on this issue, emphasising that the realisation of the EU’s intentions depends on the results of the mutual actions taken to address migration and the increased flows towards Cyprus.
