Cyprus temporarily halts Syrian asylum applications due to a surge in irregular arrivals.

Cyprus temporarily halts Syrian asylum applications due to a surge in irregular arrivals by boat from Lebanon. Over 1,000 people have entered Cyprus since the beginning of the year. This emergency measure, as stated by the authorities, is to safeguard Cyprus' interests during this challenging situation. The suspension is also partly due to ongoing efforts to get the European Union to redesignate some areas of Syria as safe zones to facilitate repatriations.