EU to pump cash into Lebanon to stem Syrian refugee exodus

EU is on its way to pump cash into Lebanon to stop a Syrian refugee exodus, according to Asharq Al-Awsat on May 2nd and agencies.

The aid offered by the European Union will reportedly be used to support health. educational and social services in the country, as well as to help Lebanese authorities to prevent human smuggling.

Over 2 million Syrian refugees have sought shelter in Lebanon since the onset of the Syrian civil war in 2011. However, due to the declining economic situation in Lebanon, an increasing number of refugees are leaving the country. As of today, over 3,000 people have fled Lebanon already, migrating to Cyprus.

Cypriot government has recently raised concerns over the high number of refugees arriving on the island.

READ: Cyprus suspends Syrian asylum applications

“I fully understand the challenges Lebanon is facing but exporting migrants to Cyprus should not be the answer and cannot be accepted”, claimed Cypriot President Christodoulides.

Christodoulides is due in Beirut along with President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss the EU proposal.

“The President of the European Commission will present an economic aid package for Lebanon,” stated Cypriot government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis.

“The implementation of this (package) was at the initiative of President Christodoulides and the Republic of Cyprus and is practical proof of the active role the EU can play in our region,” he continued.

Lebanon’s economic collapse has not allowed the country to implement most of the mandatory reforms required by the International Monetary Fund to be eligible for its funding. However, the Lebanese government has turned to friendly countries for support.

Asharq Al-Awsat and agencies