After receiving information from the Lebanese authorities that the boat – which is registered in the Lebanese registry – had set sail and possibly was in danger, the Cypriot authorities conducted a search and rescue operation, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou said when asked if there was dissatisfaction from the Cypriot side over Lebanon’s refusal yesterday to accept the return of 116 Syrian individuals who were found in international waters after departing from Lebanon.
According to Mr Ioannou, subsequent communication with Lebanon was made for the return of these individuals to Lebanon, followed by an operation escorted by three vessels of the Coast Guard.
When the vessels approached Lebanon, they were informed that disembarkation would not be permitted.
Asked if this is a consequence of the political situation prevailing in the Middle East, Mr Ioannou said it is a consequence of many factors.
He reiterated that Lebanon has a very big problem with migration and stressed that the whole issue will be handled at a political level.
Finally, he noted that there is continuous communication with the Lebanese authorities, saying that the situation in the country is difficult.
