CNI
NTIAL
3. We have explained the new policy to the major resettlement
countries; UNHCR, and other countries concerned. The initial reaction of the major resettlement countries has been generally
sympathetic. UNHCR have indicated that they will not object to it subject to a number of minor points which we believe can be
resolved.
4.
It is now generally accepted by the international community that repatriation is the only long-term solution to the problem. The
Joint Declaration of the EC/ASEAN Ministerial Meeting at Dusseldorf
2-3 May urged Vietnam to accept back those not meeting the agreed
criteria for refugee status, subject to satisfactory guarantees as
to their treatment on return. Similarly the Inter-Governmental
Consultative Group (ICG), which comprises the major resettlement
countries, with the UK and UNHCR in attendance as observers have
agreed that UNHCR should discuss repatriation with the Vietnamese
authorities.
5. Agreement by Vietnam to take back non-refugees under suitable
safeguards is a crucial element in the success of the new policy.
This will not be easy, although some of the recent developments
indicate a slightly more cooperative stance from the Vietnamese
authorities:
(a) The Secretary of State met the Vietnamese foreign minister
Nguyen Co Thach in New York on 7 June. Co Thach said that
the Vietnamese authorities were prepared to negotiate a
solution to the problem. He also said that Vietnam could
accept that these people should return. But there should
perhaps be some aid linked to re-establishing them; otherwise they would simply leave again.
(b)
A Vietnamese delegation visited Geneva at the end of the
May at UNHCR's invitation, to discuss the Orderly Departure