LASŁ
VIE MSSEINULY met in the wake of the most ferocious
Vietnamese military offensive in Cambodia since Hanoi's invasion
of the country in 1978. Some quarter of a million Cambodian
civilians had been forced to flee across the border into
ailand. The situation for these unfortunate people has not
changed; they have not been able to return to their homes in
Cambodia. Vietnam has maintained its forces in the Thai border
area, from where they have continued, in violation of
international law, to make incursions and fire artillery into
Thailand, causing casualties among the civilian population.
laying of mines on both sides of the border by Vietnamese troops
has also caused unnecessary suffering. Thailand has drawn the
Secretary-General's attention to these abuses. The Twelve urge
Vietnam to cease these attacks forthwith.
The
We should not overlook the severe refugee problem which is a
distressing consequence of Vietnam's policy towards its smaller
neighbours. Of particular concern is the plight of the Khmer
border population who remain totally dependent on international
relief. The Twelve applaud the humanitarian role played by the
Government of Thailand in providing succour for these civilians
who have been forced from their country by Vietnamese force of
arms. We would also remind this Assembly of the admirable role
played by representatives of the international and voluntary
organisations, including many nationals of European Community
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