Cyprus' president calls on EU to take action against influx of Syrian refugees from Lebanon

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides announced Tuesday his request that the EU take action to stop an influx of Syrian refugees from Lebanon's shores.

"This aid can’t be given while we have to deal with this issue," Christodoulides said, adding that he personally spoke with EU Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen. "It’s not only the Republic of Cyprus but the EU itself that is facing a serious problem given these phenomena we have seen in recent days."

In the last 48 hours, more than 350 migrants and asylum seekers, almost exclusively Syrian nationals, arrived in Cyprus by boat, according to Cypriot government spokesman Constantinos Letymbiotis. It’s believed more boatloads of migrants are on their way.