096
we can no longer
I submit that repatriation as an important element of our
shy from considering voluntary
new approach. For this to work, Vietnam must assume the responsibility to receive its citizens who wish to return. Their repatriation must take place under internationally monitored conditions, to ensure that the returnees would suffer no recriminations.
There must also be measures to deal with the problem of longstaying populations. Its solution will be the collective responsibility of the international community, through UNHCR. Especially creative, cooperative and generous efforts will be necessary to deal with this dilemma. Some offtake of the long-stayers can be brought about in the short and mid-term sufficient to reduce the pressure, the burden, on the first asylum nations, and the U.S. will be participating in the effort. Even So,
this cannot be fully accomplished until conditions of equilibrium in the region have been achieved, justifying special eligibility dispensations and assuring a diminished magnet danger.
Finally, the humanitarian needs of the almost 300,000 displaced Khmer along the Thai-Cambodian border must be an integral part of our comprehensive strategy. Merely because this population exists under special circumstances and arrangements and is not calculated in refugee inflow and offtake statistics is no reason for it not to receive continued priority attention. The care and protection of the border Khmer is not yet adequate, although ledicated efforts continue and promising improvements are pending. The humanitarian commitment here is imperative.
that,
have counselled patience and steadfastness, not in the sense of endless perseverence, but with the confidence
over time, things will change. We have come a long way. Conditions have been much worse, and we have many extraordinary accomplishments behind us. Now we have to come the rest of the way together. Collectively, we must encourage the resolution of the Cambodian agony and the adoption by the government of Vietnam of policies that do not repel its citizens. All interested parties must recognize that long-term resolution of the refugee problem depends upon progress in Indochina in reaching a new stage of normality and stability which would permit an effective program of repatriation, an international share-out of the residual long-stayer population, and the return of the Khmer to their homeland. Our policies until then must both encourage such conditions and make interim progress until they are achieved.
In closing, let me reiterate that the United States Government remains committed to resolving the Indochinese refugee problem. What Secretary of State Shultz told the ASEAN nations last June remains true now:
"I want to reassure you that the commitment of the United States to resolving the Indochinese refugee problem is as strong today as it has ever been: and second to urge all of you to reaffirm your own commitment to that same goal. For our part, we will continue to resettle refugees in substantial numbers. We will continue Our financial and moral support of those organizations which provide protection and assistance to refugees and displaced persons in the region. We will encourage other countries to maintain their share of the resettlement effort as we work to find lasting solutions which will make resettlement itself less necessary. But, just as donor nations must reaffirm their commitment to humanitarian aid to refugees, first asylum states must reaffirm their commitment to humanitarian treatment of all seeking asylum.
I thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my views with you today and look forward
from the conclusions of your
deliberations.
to
benefitting