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A few Honourable Members have also questioned the port of first asylum policy. I understand that a Motion Debate on this issue may be moved shortly, and will respond in full on that occasion: But let me make just one point at this stage: the most pressing problem we face now is not new arrivals, but how to return to Vietnam the 21,000 VM's who are already here. Abolishing the port of first asylum policy will not help us to do that at all. On the contrary, it will tarnish Hong Kong's reputation as a humane society, and will do nothing in our efforts to enlist international support to resolve our current difficulties. This is certainly not what we wish to see, especially when what is most needed is concerted effort by the UNHCR and the CPA countries to achieve the early repatriation of all screened-out Vietnamese Migrants. Frustration at the current, unsatisfactory state of affairs is understandable, but that is no substitute for clear-headed thinking on what is the best course of action to achieve our common objective.
Concluding Remarks
Ir
Mr President, I hope I have said enough to demonstrate that, in the Security programme areas, we are a forward-looking administration, with clearly defined policy directions and achievable objectives and targets. Our planning horizon extends well beyond 1997. We have set ourselves ambitious goals, and we look to the support of this Council and the community in achieving them. We take constructive criticisms in a positive spirit, because we are dedicated to achieving the highest standard of public service. Above all, the men and women of the Disciplined Services take pride in serving their own community; not only now but well into the twenty-first century.
Thank you, Mr President.
End/Thursday, November 2, 1995
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