to displaced persons in such circumstances and this they
strive to do. However, ICRC can only provide suct
assistance if the government concerned co-operates.
It
is difficult to see how this would be different for any
other organisation or representative.
X
The British Refugee Council's proposed new
international initiative is obviously addressed to the
international community as a whole and in particular
those countries with especially close links with Central
America. The above notwithstanding, the British
Government would view favourably any attempt to improve
the efficiency and effectiveness of relief work in
Central America and, in particular, to strengthen the
physical and legal protection of displaced persons.
such a proposal were put forward and gained broad support
in the international community the Government would
support it, subject to full consideration of its precise
Obviously, the proposal suggested a new role for
UNHCR, their views on it would be of especial importance.
terms.
If
In closing, I should like to reaffirm that we are
convinced that a political solution remains essential for
the restoration of peace and stability in Central
America. It is a pre-condition for eradicating the root
causes of the regions problems, including that of
displaced persons.