21.   Their deployment on the island is not expected for months, possibly not until early next year, according to Cypriot officials, speaking on condition of anonymity.

22.   This prompted a series of clarifying remarks by various Cypriot officials.

23.   But it was delayed as Cypriot officials checked safety measures.

24.   Syrian and Cypriot officials made preparations on Friday to end the ordeal of hundreds of Palestinians marooned on a car ferry in the Mediterranean for more than a week.