US embassy cable - 05BANGKOK3745

UNCLAS BANGKOK 003745 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
GENEVA FOR RMA 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PHUM, PREF, VM, CB, CAMBODIA, Vietnam, Montagnards 
SUBJECT: VOLUNTARY AND FORCED REPATRIATION OF MONTAGNARDS 
 
REF: STATE 104154 
 
1. (U) This is an action request.  Please see paragraph 4. 
 
2. (SBU) In June 7 discussion with UNHCR Regional 
Representative Hasim Utkan on other matters, Refcoord took 
the opportunity to pass along reftel guidance regarding U.S. 
policy on voluntary and forced repatriation of Montagnards in 
Cambodia. 
 
3. (SBU) Utkan responded that UNHCR does not promote or 
encourage repatriation.  He also said that Montagnards who 
have stated an interest in returning to Vietnam have been 
adequately informed of the situation there, including reports 
of possible mistreatment of returnees.  They also sign 
declarations that their returns are voluntary.  Utkan said 
that five individuals departed Cambodia for Vietnam on May 
27.  Of this group, four persons had been recognized by UNHCR 
as refugees.  They informed UNHCR that they had spent too 
long in Phnom Penh and that there had been no progress on 
their agenda.  UNHCR is awaiting approval from Vietnam for 
the voluntary return of another six persons.  None of the 
total of 40 persons who have returned to Vietnam recently had 
been submitted for U.S. resettlement. 
 
4. (SBU) Action request:  Noting that the United States 
opposed involuntary repatriation of so-called "refusenik" 
refugees to Vietnam, Utkan asked about the U.S. position on 
involuntary repatriation of Montagnards who had not been 
granted UNHCR status.  Utkan stated that he would ask 
Assistant Secretary Dewey for clarification on this point 
when they meet in Hanoi.  Please provide guidance. 
BOYCE