The EU will stand by Cyprus in issues pertaining to migration, European Fee Vice President Margaritis Schinas mentioned in Brussels late on Tuesday.
Addressing a visiting group of journalists from Cyprus, Schinas additionally mentioned that divided Cyprus is beneath a number of stress resulting from migrant flows from Lebanon and the Inexperienced Line.
“We wish to assist as a lot as we will…the EU will stand by Cyprus on these issues,” he added.
He additionally referred to a latest letter by Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades to the President of the European Fee asking for instant assist in the direction of Nicosia to deal with this “emergency state of affairs”.
And he mentioned that situations within the Pournara reception heart wanted pressing enchancment.
Together with the activation of an settlement with Lebanon to allow irregular migrant returns and EU authorities are receptive on this.
As for the susceptible Inexperienced Line, Schinas mentioned this can’t be thought-about an exterior border, thus Frontex can not have a presence there.
This, nevertheless, doesn’t imply that the Republic of Cyprus can not management migrant flows, in a means that’s suitable with options of the Inexperienced Line, he added.