TNAG-1185-FCO40-1487-Resettlement-of-Vietnamese-refugees-from-Hong-Kong-into-the--1982 — Page 15

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Text of Press Release issued in Hanoi, 19 November 1982 at the

conclusion of the visit by the Deputy High Commissioner

"The United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees,

Mr William Richard Smyser visited Hanoi from 17-19 November 1982

for discussions with ministers and officials of the Government

of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. He was accompanied by

Mr Ian Simington, UNHCR's Senior Regional Co-ordinator for

South East Asia.

"Mr Smyser was received by the Foreign Minister,

Mr Nguyen Co Thach, the Vice Foreign Minister, Mr Ha Van Lau and

the Vice Minister of Social Welfare, Mr Nguyen Kien.

"The meetings between Mr Smyser and the Vietnamese officials

provided a useful occasion for a further exchange of views on the

progress of the programme for orderly departure from Viet Nam.

These discussions followed the visit to Geneva, in early October,

of Vice Minister Ha Van Lau.

"In his discussions Mr Smyser noted the strong support demonstrated by the international community for the Orderly

Departure Programme and the important humanitarian role of the

Socialist Republic of Viet Nam in facilitating the programme.

"Both parties reiterated their commitment to this humanitarian

programme and called on the international community to enhance

further the level of its co-operation.

"The Socialist Republic of Viet Nam expressed its confidence

that the number of persons being processed for departure under the

programme could be increased significantly beyond present levels.

"For his part Mr Smyser informed the Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam that UNHCR has agreed to request of its donors. the assistance required by the Government of Viet Nam to support the improved administrative processes involved on the Vietnamese

side.

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