CONFIDENTIAL
The
Commission representatives repeatedly draw this distinction, most recently at the UNHCR Working Group meeting in Kuala Lumpur on 7-9
December, where the Commission representative emphasised that the
Community would only contribute repatriation assistance for
voluntary returns. Mr Cheysson also made the distinction of
assisting only voluntary returns during his recent visit to Vietnam. 9. There is no basis for this distinction in agreed Community policy. The Joint Declaration of the EC/ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in
Dusseldorf on 2/3 May this year stated: Quote. ASEAN and EC
Ministers shared the view that the plight of those who fled from
Indo-China, including those still in refugee transit camps in ASEAN countries and those along the Thai/Kampuchean border, remained the
cause of serious concern. These refugees and displaced persons have an inalienable right to return to their home countries.
Community is ready to assist in their return. As long as the flow
of refugees continues, humanitarian efforts co-ordinated between the
countries of first asylum, the resettlement countries and the
international organisations concerned will have to continue to ease
the suffering of the refugees and expedite their resettlement.
Ministers were seriously concerned about the recent dramatic
increase in the flow of Vietnamese boat people, a problem which
originated with Vietnam. They were of the view that Vietnam should,
in conformity with humanitarian principles and in the interest of
regional peace, stability and harmony, cooperate with UNHCR, the
countries of first asylum and the resettlement countries to find a
solution. Vietnam should also accept the return of those who do not meet the agreed criteria for refugee status, subject to satisfactory
guarantees as to their treatment on return. Unquote.
The
10. There is no suggestion in this text that Vietnam should only
accept the return of volunteers or that Community repatriation
assistance should be limited to volunteers. The issue of voluntary
or involuntary repatriation was discussed at length by Coreu in
July, August and September in the context of a démarche by the
Twelve to the Government of Vietnam, but no agreed conclusion was
possible. The final démarche, which was made by the French Chargé d'Affaires in Hanoi on 13 September (CPE/PAR 375, CPE/PRES/ATH 346
AND 360), omitted the point.
11. British officials would be glad to come to Brussels in the New Year to explain our policy more fully to the Commission services and