PRESS STATEMENT
Representatives of the British and Hong Kong Governments and of the
Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam met in London on 11
and 12 October 1988 for the second round of talks on solutions to
the problems created by the number of Vietnamese boat people trying
to enter Hong Kong since the introduction of the Hong Kong
Government's new policy on 16 June 1988. The discussions took place
in a friendly and constructive atmosphere.
The two sides reviewed progress in implementing the agreement reached at the first round of talks in Hanoi on 3 and 4 Augu that
realistic and effective measures to bring the outflow of boat people from Vietnam to an end were urgently required. They agreed that some progress had been made in stemming the outflow but that it was
essential to persist in these efforts and, if necessary, to
reinforce them in order that they should be fully effective.
two sides recognised the value of the Orderly Departure Programme as
the main channel for Vietnamese who wish to leave Vietnam in order
to settle in other countries. They called on other countries to
increase their efforts to accept Vietnamese eligible for
resettlement from Hong Kong.
The
The two sides accepted the need for comprehensive arrangements for
Vietnamese boat people arriving in Hong Kong after 15 June 1988 who do not qualify for resettlement in other countries. Both sides agreed to make an immediate start on phased returns to Vietnam of those who have already applied to return. The British side handed
over a list of those whose documentation had been processed by
UNHCR. It was also recognised that comprehensive arrangements would pose problems of a practical nature for the Vietnamese Government. The British side was ready in principle to extend
financial assistance towards the organisation of repatriation
to, and resettlement in Vietnam. participate in the implementation of the agreement on the basis that the arrangements should be carried out in a humanitarian way.
The two sides invite UNHCR to
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Private notes are available after approval.