TNAG-1537-FCO40-2101-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-resettlement-in-third-countri-1986 — Page 27

-

- 22

Near East and South Asia

NO. 179

Since the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 over five

million Afghans have sought asylum in neighboring countries,

almost three million of them in Pakistan alone. The Afghan

refugee population is supported by long-term international

assistance efforts to which we are a major contributor.

At the same time more than two million Palestinians in the

Near East are registered with UNRWA. While its role is

indirect, UNRWA is an important element in efforts to preempt

the sort of desperation that can lead to extremism.

helps create a climate that will be fundamental to any

successful peace process.

It thus

In Iran the tyrannical revolution led by Khomeini has

driven thousands from their homeland, many of whom seek a new

life in Europe and the United States. As Congress has

acknowledged, many Iranian religious minorities continue to be

persecuted. Most particularly, the Baha'i, as well as

Christians and Jews, are included in the U.S. resettlement

program.

For FY 1987, the President has recommended a ceiling of

8,000 refugees, to allow us to continue to provide adequate

resettlement opportunities for these populations.