Speech #1020039137

Speaker. later this week. Robert L. Funseth. who has served since 1982 as Senior Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Refugee Programs. will retire from Government service after 39 years. When he does retire. Bob Funseth will be leaving an extraordinary record of humanitarianism that will not soon be forgotten. Bob Funseth. who has served as a U.S. foreign service officer In six continents around the world. has in recent years been In the forefront of U.S. efforts to assist the worlds refugees. who now number more than 15 million. Bob Funseth understands very well that a country of Immigrants such as the United States has an essential role to play In promotIng a substantial and significant International commitment to protection of first asylum and provision of durable solutions for refugees. And he has been tireless In his effort to ensure that refugee issues have remained a high priority for U.S. foreign pollcymakers. As chairman of the House Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Affairs. I have come to know Bob well In his role as principal United States negotiator with the Vietnamese Government on a range of humanitarian Issues. Bob was relentless in his effort to encourage the Vietnamese authorities to release tens of thousands of political prisoners who were held in socalled reeducation camps after 1975. Including former South Vietnamese civilian and military officials. writers. and religious figures. He also negotiated an agreement with the Vietnamese providing for the emigration and resettlement of former reeducation camp detainees and their families. who may number 100.000 or more. I should also mention Bobs special commitment to Vietnamese Ameraslansthat is. the children of United States servicemen and Vietnamese womenwho have been treated so shabbily in Vietnam. Through Bobs diligent negotiating efforts. thousands of Ameraslans have been resettled in the United States. and it Is expected that all of the Ameraslans who wish to resettle In the United States will have done so by 1993. Bob can be proud of the numerous awards and decorations he has received for his humanitarian work on behalf of the worlds refugees. Including the Distinguished Honor Award that was conferred upon him by Secretary of State James Baker in 1989. But I expect that the most gratifying reward for Bob is the satisfaction of knowing that as the direct result of his efforts. tens of thousands of persons fleeing persecution have been offered protection In countries of first asylum. and new lives in countries of resettlement. where they are free to exercise their human rights. I wish Bob and his wife Marilyn the very best In the years to come. and hope that. even In retirement. he will continue to offer us his valuable advice on refugee Issues.