RESTRICTED
-2-
deserved priority treatment in disbursement of international development aid. UNHCR to draw up list of such countries. Importance stressed
of promoting self-reliance in refugee camps pending attainment of durable solutions.
DURABLE SOLUTIONS
7.
All speakers accepted that voluntary repatriation was the best solution. Some commented that certain states seemed to lack the politica will to make the return of their nationals possible.
8.
Vietnam stated voluntary repatriation was only possible if refugees viewed their country of origin without bitterness. Vietnam viewed its nationals who had left with compassion, but interests of host country and country of origin, including security aspects, needed to be given full weight.
9.
Rwanda could not accept return of large numbers of refugees and called for international solidarity for their integration in countries of first asylum. Uganda responded that this was unacceptable and called on UNHCR to convene a meeting of the governments concerned.
10. Thailand said that, if UNHCR could not persuade Laos to allow screened out persons to return, Thailand would have to expel them under normal immigration rules. Thailand confirmed closure of the Khao-i-Dang camp at the end of 1986. The Netherlands announced willingness to consider accepting refugees from Khao-i-Dang for resettlement.
HONG KONG
11. Woodhouse spoke along agreed lines about Hong Kong's problems with Vietnamese refugees. (Text follows to UND and HK). No other delegation offered substantive comment.
POLITICAL ISSUES
E.
12. Costa Rica/Nicaragua/US. Costa Rica called for more funds for Central American refugees, in view of influx of refugees from Nicaragua resulting from human rights violations there. Nicaragua denied such vilations and said aggression against Nicaragua was the principal cause of instability in the region and consequently of refugee movements. US regretted political elements had been introduced into the debate.
13. Iran/Iraq. Iran called for UNHCR programmes for Iraqi refugees. Iraq denied existence of such refugees. Iran offered to allow Ambassado in Tehran and international observers into the camps.
14. Morocco/Algeria. Morocco contested numbers and status of persons in the Tindouf camps and called for a census and voluntary repatriation opportunities under UNHCR auspices for the people concerned. Algeria confirmed numbers and status were accurate and called for implementation of OAU resolution 104.
15.
UK/Argentina.
See my telno 528 (not to all).
-2- RESTRICTED
/REORGANISATION
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.