Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has arrived in Lebanon for a pivotal visit amidst significant regional shifts following the fall of the Assad regime in Syria. As the first EU leader to visit Beirut since the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire, Mitsotakis aims to strengthen Greece-Lebanon ties, address the pressing issue of Syrian refugees, and support Lebanon’s stability by reinforcing its state institutions, including the Armed Forces. The visit underscores Greece’s active role in promoting peace and cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Tag: syrian refugees
The procedures for examining Syrian asylum applications have been frozen across Europe following the overthrow…
Greece has welcomed the downfall of the Assad regime in Syria, hoping it will lead to the safe return of Syrian refugees. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for a swift transition to a democratic government, emphasizing the protection of religious minorities and Syria’s cultural heritage, while pledging Greece’s support for peace and stability in the region.
Cyprus plans to revoke subsidiary protection status from migrants involved in serious criminal activities, integrating EU provisions into its new legislation. Deputy Minister Nicholas Ioannides emphasized the withdrawal of protection as a consequence for those abusing their hospitality. While direct repatriation remains a challenge, agreements with third countries may offer relocation solutions. This decision has stirred criticism from the UN due to concerns over human rights violations faced by returning Syrian refugees and asylum seeker pushbacks to the UN buffer zone.
Greek authorities have recovered the bodies of two migrants after their boat sank off the island of Samos in the Aegean Sea. Twenty-two other passengers were rescued, and the operation has concluded. Greece, a key gateway for migrants during the 2015-2016 crisis, has seen a resurgence in migrant crossings, particularly along a new southern route via the island of Gavdos.
Greece recorded the highest rate of first-time asylum seekers in the EU for June 2024, with 45.4 applicants per 100,000 residents, according to Eurostat. Despite a 17% drop in overall EU asylum applications compared to 2023, Greece continues to play a key role in managing migration, including receiving a significant number of unaccompanied minors.
European Union auditors raised alarm on Wednesday, highlighting difficulties in determining the efficacy of billions…
On Monday, three family members from Syria were found in a semi-conscious state due to…
Tens of thousands of Syrian refugees in Turkey are attempting to enter Greece after they…
With the headline: “Caravan of refugees”, the Milliyet newspaper – republishing information that was broadcast…
Two illegal immigrants from Syria attempted to rape a 12-year-old boy in Central Greece. The…
An alarm was sounded at around 22:00 last night at the Evros border crossing between…
A dangerous incident between Turkish and German border guards occurred at the Greek-Turkish land border.…
The crew of a Turkish Coast Guard vessel has been accused of pushing a boat…
A criminal appeals court in the city of Komotini has sentenced a 32-year-old Syrian refugee…