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process are flawed and are working closely with UNHCR to overcome any difficulties that arise. But British Ministers, who have
observed the process for themselves, are confident that it is thorough and fair, and that there is no risk that genuine refugees will be returned to Vietnam. They are also aware of the need for the process to be seen to be fair, and a regular dialogue with the Hong Kong authorities on this crucial aspect of the CPA continues.
8.
The third meeting of the Steering Committee finally reconvened in Geneva in mid-January. A detailed Consensus that mandatory repatriation could begin from 1 July 1990 was prevented by the United States, who insisted that no-one should be returned involuntarily before 1 July 1991, and by the Vietnamese, who held out for 1 October 1990. The meeting broke up acrimoniously, with all the principle countries lamenting the rigid and arbitary position adopted by the United States.
9.
The Minister of State, Mr Maude, visited Hanoi from 18-21 February for bilateral discussions with the Vietnamese. Agreement was reached that the number of volunteers returned to Vietnam would
rise to around 1000 a month by 1 May 1990. Negotiations continue on
the resumption of mandatory repatriation. Meanwhile, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Thorvald Stoltenberg, launched a new initiative in mid-March aimed at tackling the root causes of departures in Vietnam and uprating the voluntary
programme. He stated that UNHCR was prepared to monitor the conditions of all who return to Vietnam, provided there was a consensus in support. If another major influx of boat people develops this year, emergency measures will need to be agreed urgently to avoid a repetition of the events of 1989.
RAMAAK (4)