Thai Seminar on Vietnamese Boat People:
"First Asylum" and "First Refuge"
Points to Make
read with interest summary of discussions at Thai
Seminar on Vietnamese Boat People;
an unofficial event, with representatives taking part
in their individual capacities;
but much in their assessment with which I agree:
role of Vietnam is root cause of problem;
economic factors playing larger role in departures;
pressure to be put on Vietnam to prevent illegal
departures and take back those not refugees;
for the rest, note that ideas of participants were
similar to suggestions made by Omelco and other people
in Hong Kong. One of the issues I am discussing
during my stay here;
"First Asylum" and "First Refuge"
note that seminar participants regarded "first refuge"
as more appropriate term. Policy more important than
terminology. That is what I am discussing with Hong
Kong Government.