– 4 –

Realistically, large-scale repatriation of

non-refugees to Vietnam will not be possible in the near future. Thus, consideration must be given to appropriate arrangements for the interim care of the screened-out. The U.S. would not object to the establishment of a regional holding center for the screened-out, provided it were monitored by an appropriate international organization and operated in a manner that afforded the screened-out humanitarian treatment until such time as

The U.S. is their return to Vietnam could be arranged. prepared to consider offering financial support for the

Should the establishment and operation of such a center. creation of a regional holding center prove impractical, screened-out populations should be humanely sheltered in their countries of first asylum and their condition should be regularly monitored by an appropriate international organization.

LONGSTAYER RESETTLEMENT

For

The U.S. acknowledges that serious international efforts must be undertaken by the resettlement countries to help reduce first asylum countries longstayer populations. The U.S. is prepared to work with other major resettlement countries, as well as countries with smaller resettlement programs, to achieve this goal. the U.S., any future commitments on longstayer resettlement must be contingent upon the full restoration of first asylum and operation of a UNHCR-monitored screening mechanism. The U.S. firmly believes that unless a screening process is in place, longstayer resettlement may serve as a magnet for additional arrivals.

THE ROLE OF THE SRV

The U.S. believes that the SRV should be brought into ASEAN and resettlement/donor country discussions at an early stage, but not before the ASEANS, Hong Kong and the resettlement/donor countries have had the opportunity to reach initial agreement on key issues such as screening criteria and UNHCR's role in a repatriation effort. U.S. would not object to SRV and Lao participation at the next meeting (presumably October) of all interested parties provided the discussions at the AWG meeting are productive.

The

Share This Page