TNAG-1972-FCO40-2805-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-repatriation-1989 — Page 115

implementation of new measures such as "screening" or

repatriation, the need to work out general agreements based on

sound humanitarian principles is crucial. Just because the

successful repatriation and re-integration of large numbers of

persons may be difficult to effect, the argument that such

measures should not be considered now is not a valid one

particularly in light of evidence of changing circumstances in

the countries concerned.

in order to

Informed observers have characterized the new framework

under discussion as an endeavor to "buy time"

avert a further deterioration of refugee asylum during this

period of considerable flux, change, and still uncertain hope.

The aim then is to respond to the immediate crisis situation,

while keeping various options open and setting in motion

arrangements which will become more workable within the climate

of improved diplomatic and trade relations with the countries of

Indochina.

A resolution of the Cambodian conflict and an end to the

economic isolation of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, would greatly

enhance the options for addressing conditions which produce

flight from those countries. Within that significantly different

context, humanitarian arrangements for dealing with refugee

problems may have the potential for becoming truly comprehensive,

and

A

hopefully much more effective than the emergency

oriented measures which have been the norm for more than a

decade.

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