DURABLE SOLUTIONS
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Resettlement alone is not the answer to Hong Kong's refugee
problem.
Orderly departure programme offers a means to reduce pressure for illegal departures.
Pleased this programme has restarted.
In 1987 over 160 Vietnamese arrived in Britain under the
programme.
But long-term solution to the problem lies in creation of acceptable conditions in Vietnam to enable the return to Vietnam of those whose reason for leaving is essentially economic.
This is view increasingly shared by other governments.
In contact with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and with the main resettlement countries on this question.
Now active international discussion of the possibility of returning to Vietnam under suitable safeguards those who do not meet the criteria of refugees.
CONTACT WITH VIETNAM
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We maintain regular diplomatic contact with Vietnam.
Refugee
issues naturally one of the topics discussed. So far no indication of willingness on the part of the Vietnamese authorities to accept back those who have left, other than on a very limited case by case
basis.
Will not be easy to reach acceptable and agreed arrangements covering those who are not regarded as genuine refugees.
But growing international recognition of nature of problem. Hope will result in kind of arrangements we are seeking. Will continue to play active part in international discussions of issue, in full recognition of our special responsibility for Hong Kong.
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