TNAG-1754-FCO40-2474-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1988 — Page 37

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2.

Is repatriation a viable option?

There is a growing international consensus that the

repatriation of non-refugees, subject to suitable safeguards, is

necessary.

UNHCR have opened discussions with the Vietnamese Government on

this. We have raised the question with the Vietnamese in London,

Hanoi, and during the Foreign Secretary's meeting with Nguyen Co

Thach in New York. Others have also raised it with the Vietnamese

during recent talks in Geneva on the orderly departure programme.

At their recent meeting ASEAN Foreign Ministers urged Vietnam to

take boat people back.

This is not an easy matter and we cannot expect immediate

progress. But we are encouraged to learn that Vietnam is now ready to discuss repatriation with the countries affected by the outflow of boat people. We are taking up the offer with a view to early, preliminary talks in Hanoi.

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