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I have been privileged to head the U.S. delegation to each of
the UNHCR-sponsored ODP consultations which have been held
annually since 1982. In many ways, I am more optimistic today
regarding the future of the orderly departure program than I have
been at any of the previous consultations, because I believe that
in the past year we have seen progress towards implementation of
an orderly departure program which would truly serve the purpose
for which the program was created nine years ago
truly viable alternative to clandestine departure.
namely, a
bith yesterday and today. I am pleased to have had this opportunity to continue frank,
full and friendly discussions with the Socialist Republic of
Vietnam on the Orderly Departure Program. We see this as an
opportunity to build on the excellent discussions I have had
during the past six months in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and in
New York.
Before going into detail on the current developments in the
program, I would observe that the progress we are seeing in the
program comes at a particularly critical time. As a result of
the upsurge in boat departures beginning in 1987, first asylum in