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financial matters, allow me to seize this opportunity to appeal for contributions by all countries, including those which receive Vietnamese under this programme, in order to ensure its continuation.
As for the Lao, both lowland and from the hills, it is encouraging to note that their influx into Thailand has decreased to about one-third of what it was only two years ago. At the same time, there are encouraging signs of increasing numbers of Lao wanting to voluntarily return home.
Regarding the Khmers, it is well known that the caseload of concern to UNHCR in the holding centres has remained static for over a year. It now stands at just over 78,000. Kampucheans who have reasonable claim to resettlement abroad, do not seem to opt for voluntary repatriation; it is, therefore, important that active interest is shown in their processing for resettlement. Above all it is essential that arrangements are made at the earliest for the move- ment of this group from the holding centres to the transit camp for processing in Thailand. In order to demonstrate to the Thai authorities that, the burden on that country, which is by far the largest in the region, is being alleviated, it would be equally important to expeditiously move Kampucheans acceptable for resettlement to the refugee processing centres in Bataan and Galang.
Perhaps it would be worthwhile, at this stage, that I also mention the question of voluntary repatriation of Kampucheans. In view of the nature and historical background of this problem and bearing in mind that the caseload has remained static, clearly divided between those who can be resettled and those for whom voluntary repatriation would be the most feasible solution, it is important to note that there is no inherent link between resettlement abroad and voluntary repatriation. Both solutions can be pursued simultaneously
In recent and this is indeed what my Office has endeavoured to do.
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