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Greece’s Asylum Freeze Sparks Global Outcry Amid Crete Migrant Surge

In a move that has ignited fierce backlash from human rights organizations and the United Nations, Greece has passed legislation temporarily halting asylum applications from migrants arriving by sea from North Africa. The three-month suspension, approved by parliament with 177 votes in favor and 74 against, allows for expedited repatriation without prior identification. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis defended the measure as a “difficult but necessary decision” in response to a sharp rise in irregular arrivals, particularly from Libya to the island of Crete. Over 7,000 migrants have reached Crete and nearby Gavdos this year, straining local resources and prompting concerns from the tourism industry. Rights groups, including the International Rescue Committee, have condemned the ban as illegal and inhumane, warning it violates international and European law. The UNHCR echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the right to seek asylum is a fundamental human right regardless of how or wh...

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Canada Retracts Middle East Travel Advisory Amid Escalating Conflict

Ottawa’s foreign ministry has admitted to an error in issuing a statement advising all Canadians to leave the Middle East due to rising tensions between Israel and Iran. The Department of Global Affairs initially released the advisory on Friday but later retracted it, urging Canadians to instead consult existing travel warnings for specific conflict zones.

The initial advisory caused confusion among Canadians abroad, as it suggested a blanket evacuation rather than targeted guidance for high-risk areas. The ministry has since clarified that while travel to certain regions remains highly discouraged, the original statement was mistakenly broad in scope.

The retraction comes amid heightened hostilities between Israel and Iran, with both nations exchanging missile strikes. Canada’s government has condemned Iran’s attack on Israel while calling for restraint from both sides. Prime Minister Mark Carney has convened the National Security Council to assess the situation and ensure the safety of Canadian nationals and diplomatic missions in the region.

Global Affairs Canada now directs Canadians to consult specific country travel advisories rather than a general call to leave the Middle East. The ministry has not provided details on how the error occurred but emphasized the importance of staying informed through official channels.

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