Speech #1010032217

Fortunately. since the mid 1980s. a series of largescale amnesties have resulted in the release of many of these prisoners. But thousands remain imprisonedleaving family members to live in constant fear. Moreover. those who have been released have not been allowed to emigratedespite Vietnams official commitment to let them go. In the Summer of 1988. a United States delegation. headed by Gen. John Vessey of Minnesota. held further talks with Vietnamese officials on this issue. A joint statement issued on July 15. 1988. "reaffirmed the policy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam that released detainees and their close family members would be permitted to emigrate overseas if they so desired." Not long after this statement was issued. however. the Vietnamese backtracked and unilaterally suspended talks on implementing this agreement. Sadly. there has been no movement on this issue since that timealmost a year ago. The resolution before the Senate calls on the Government of Vietnam to make public the names of those who continue to be held in reeducation campsand to release immediately all longterm detainees. The resolution also asks Vietnam to resume negotiations. without preconditions. on the emigration of current and former detainees and their families. Mr. President. the timing of this resolution is crucial. On June 13 and 14. the International Conference on Indochinese Refugees will take place in Geneva. At this conference. United States and Vietnamese officialsamong otherswill meet to discuss the continuing flow of refugees from Vietnam. It would be an added benefit. Mr. President. if our United States delegates could meet their Vietnamese counterparts with a clear message that the United States remains committed to the release and emigration of reeducation camp detainees. I urge the adoption of the resolution.*