A package similar to the one the European Commission decided for Egypt is also desired for Lebanon by Nicosia, hoping that if it secures EU support, it can act as an incentive to end the illegal trafficking of migrants to Cypriot shores.
President Christodoulides intends to use the strong card named Ursula von der Leyen in the case of Lebanon, as he did a month ago with the humanitarian corridor for transporting aid from Larnaca to Gaza.
Without revealing what was discussed in Beirut on Monday, President Christodoulides said, “We agreed on certain things during my contacts, especially with the country’s Prime Minister, following my discussions with the President of the Commission.”
“We are in touch; I briefed upon my return from Lebanon about the results of my discussions, and I do not rule out visiting Lebanon again soon with the President of the Commission. We agreed on some things. What is important is the implementation of all that we agreed upon,” he added.
One of the incentives Cyprus seeks to secure for Lebanon, hoping it will act as a deterrent to illegal migration, is to offer a package similar to that of Egypt.
In mid-March, a meeting between the European Union and Egypt took place in Cairo. In a speech following her meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, Ursula von der Leyen announced that the overall EU-Egypt partnership would be supported by a new economic and investment package of 7.4 billion euros for the next four years (2024-2027).
The EU’s economic package for Egypt aimed, among other things, to help the Cairo government address migration.
The Cypriot government hopes that if a similar package is secured for Lebanon, then the issue of illegal migrant trafficking can be effectively addressed.
Despite some proposals being put forward by political leadership, such as yesterday’s statements by the president of DISY, the government has no intention to discuss them.
Asked if the President of the Republic intends to discuss migration with the political leadership, Letymbiotis said, “the actions of the government regarding the management of increased migration flows at this time are mainly focused on coordination with the European Union. The President of the Republic has made it clear that the further promotion of our initiative to prepare a package similar to Egypt’s for Lebanon is what is needed to further contain increased migration flows.”
In this context, he said, the government’s efforts will continue to designate certain areas in Syria as safe.
He also noted the relevant visits that the Minister of Interior will make, mentioning that he will travel to Denmark, will be in the Czech Republic on Thursday, and will hold a meeting with the responsible deputy minister in Greece on Friday.
