Tasos Tzionis, the National Security Advisor and Head of the Cypriot Intelligence Service, arrived in Beirut to address the mounting issue of illegal migration.
Discussions with Lebanese officials focused on strategies to combat the surge in illegal migration operated by networks that make thousands of dollars for their illicit practices.
The Cypriot official held meetings with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, Deputy Parliament Speaker Elias Bou Saab, Lebanese Army Commander General Joseph Aoun, and Director General of General Security Brigadier General Elias Baissari.
Bou Habib said: "Ninety-five percent of the displaced Syrians migrate for economic reasons, and we must address this issue in cooperation with the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea."
Syrians make up the majority of illegal migrants traveling from Lebanon to Cyprus, which is seen as a gateway to Europe. The issue is major concern for the European Union.
According to the UN Refugee Agency in Lebanon, 59 boats departed from Lebanon, carrying 3,298 Syrians, 76 Lebanese, five Palestinians, and 149 individuals whose nationalities were not identified. Of these boats, 29, transporting 1,558 people, successfully arrived in Cyprus. Three of the boats, carrying 109 people, were later sent back to Lebanon.
The UNHCR highlighted a 7.3% increase in boat departures compared to 2022, but a 23.8% decrease in the number of passengers.
In statements to Asharq Al-Awsat, Justicia President, and lawyer Paul Morcos said Lebanon and Cyprus has signed an agreement on the deportation of illegal residents.
The agreement was approved under Law Number 531/2023, which stipulates that each contracting party shall readmit to its territory, without formalities, any person who does not satisfy or no longer satisfies the conditions of entry or stay applicable in the territory of the requesting contracting party.
He emphasized the legal obligation of Cypriot authorities to afford asylum seekers ample time for defense, objection to deportation decisions, and exploration of alternative destinations.
Morcos referenced humanitarian principles protected under International Humanitarian Law, citing Article 3 of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
“No State Party shall expel, return or extradite a person to another State where there are substantial grounds for believing that he would be in danger of being subjected to torture.”
“For the purpose of determining whether there are such grounds, the competent authorities shall take into account all relevant considerations including, where applicable, the existence in the State concerned of a consistent pattern of gross, flagrant, or mass violations of human rights,” the Article reads.
Meanwhile, the Internal Security Forces announced the arrest of a Syrian, 24, identified as the leader of human trafficking network. Confiscated documents revealed his involvement in smuggling Syrians from Syria to Lebanon and then Europe, charging $3,500 per person.
