July 11th, 1986
STATEMENT ON FRANCE'S INDOCHINESE REFUGEE PROGRAM
MR FRANCOIS QUILICHINI, ATTACHE, REFUGEES SECTION,
FRENCH EMBASSY.
As it has already been in the past, France will carry
on its policy to welcome refugees from camps in Thailand.
Since the beginning of this year, departures from BANGKOK
have reached one hundred per month.
Such an amount allows a better settlement of refugees in
our country, the French governement being the main sponsor.
Before departure, refugees are given French teaching
in PHANAT NIKHOM where a new volontary agency has been authorized
by the Ministry of Interior.
autorithy
This agency is financed on a french basis.
The opening of camps under the Ministry of Interior
allowed us to welcome eligible refugees, as well as
some non eligible ones.
With the departure of those who hold a F.C. card,
we shall be able to welcome refugees who meet with our criteria, ·
but also to carry on welcoming some K.D. refugees.
as well
We would like to be able to welcome R.C. cards holders
Regarding the Cambodian border we have some humanitarian
cases that we shall submit to the Suprem Command,
Beside the Thai-Program we have other programs regarding South East Asia regular departures from Ho Chi Minh City (one hundred per month), from Malaysia, Singapore, Philippins and Hongkong.
To summerize it must be underlined that FRANCE is
poursuiving its effort towards refugees from South East Asia, as well as refugees from other parts of the world.