Cyprus plans surveillance system to stem migrant crossings

NICOSIA, Cyprus — Cyprus will set up an digital surveillance system alongside the buffer zone that divides the island nation alongside ethnic traces, to stem a surge in unlawful immigration by means of the breakaway north, the federal government stated Tuesday.

Authorities spokesman Marios Pelekanos introduced the plan following a gathering of police and protection officers, chaired by Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades, on coping with migrant arrivals.

In line with European Union statistics, the variety of migrants crossing from the Turkish-Cypriot north to the internationally-recognized, Greek-Cypriot south by means of the buffer zone in January-April rose 184% over the identical interval final 12 months.

Pelekanos stated Cyprus expects the EU — of which the jap Mediterranean island is a member — to comply with by means of on a promise for monetary and materials assist to deal with the arrivals. Cyprus and the EU signed a deal on the matter final month.

He did not present particulars on the surveillance system deliberate for later this 12 months alongside the 180-kilometer (120-mile) buffer zone, which is patrolled by the United Nations. The vast majority of asylum-seekers journey to the breakaway north after which clandestinely cross to the south. Most come from Syria, India, Cameroon, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Pelekanos stated Cyprus is “duty-bound” to search out options in coordination with the EU, even because the island has acquired 1000’s of Ukrainians fleeing invading Russian forces of their homeland. The EU has granted automated short-term safety to refugees from Ukraine, who arrive by means of authorized corridors.

He stated a unit of educated personnel may also be set as much as monitor the buffer zone, whereas police will step up patrols in areas the place migrant concentrations are highest amid issues of an “noticed enhance in crime.”

Cyprus was break up in 1974 when Turkey invaded following a coup by supporters of union with Greece. Solely Turkey acknowledges a Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence and solely the south enjoys full EU membership advantages.

The federal government accuses Turkey and Turkish Cypriot authorities of “instrumentalizing” migrants for political achieve, and of pushing them to hunt asylum within the south.

Authorities officers say 5% of Cyprus’ present inhabitants are asylum-seekers — 5 instances the EU common — whereas the nation has the best variety of asylum purposes per capita within the 27 nation bloc.