19
NO. 179
senior Vietnamese Officials. An estimated 6,000-7,000 of these
political prisoners continue to languish in prisons in Vietnam
after more than ten years.
Two years ago I announced on behalf of President Reagan our
readiness to receive these prisoners and their close
relatives. Many are imprisoned because of their past
association with U.S. policies and programs in the region, and
we acknowledge a special obligation to work for their release.
Since that time only 752 former prisoners and their
accompanying relatives have been allowed to leave.
On behalf of the United States I reaffirm to Vietnam
President Reagan's offer of two years ago: release the
political prisoners and we will take them.
Refugee Admissions from Other Regions
Latin America and the Caribbean
In light of the Cuban release of a number of long-held
political prisoners in 1986, and consistent with our deep
concern for, the welfare of these individuals, the President
authorized processing in Havana of long-term Cuban political
prisoners and former prisoners. I am pleased to confirm that
over one-hundred Cuban political prisoners and their families
arrived in the United States yesterday.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.