Thai vow to push back Burma refugee

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Subject: Thai vow to push back Burma refugees.


		Thai vow to push back Burma refugees
		************************************

Thailand says it will "push back" up to 100,000 ethnic Karen and Burmese 
minority refugees once fighting inside Burma subsides, a move that would 
mark the end of the Karen's 50-year fight for autonomy.

The decision to return the refugees was made at a meeting of Thailand's 
National Security Council chaired by the Prime Minister, General Chavalit 
Yongchayudh, and including the Interior Minister, Mr Snoh Tienthong; the 
Army Chief, General Chetta Thanajaro; the Foreign Minister, Mr Prachuab 
Chaiyasarn; and the Supreme Commander, General Mongkol Amphornphisit.

"The meeting reached a final decision that it is necessary to push all 
these people (refugees) out," Mr Snoh told local media, adding that they 
would be allowed to stay until the fighting subsided. 
	
But he addes that before this could take place they would be able to stay 
on Thai territory for humanitarian reasons until the fighting ended.

"When the situation in Burma is peaceful and safe (Thailand) then has to 
send all the refugees back," General Chetta said.

"This (repatriation) is an international law which all parties concerned 
are well aware of. So nobody can accuse us of lacking humanitarian 
principles."

The renewal of the NSC's policy comes amid international concern over 
reports of the forced repatriation of refugees fleeing a continuing dry 
season offensive by Burmese forces. Thousands of refugees have crossed 
into Thailand in recent weeks.

Thailand has categorically denied forcing refugees back over the border. 
The US led a recent outcry by Western countries, including Australia, 
over reports that the Thai army forcibly repatriated some 900 Karen women 
and children to Burma.

Military analysts said any sucessful repatriation by Thailand would be 
"the end of the KNU (Karen National Union) if it happens".

The KNU has been fighting a five-decade war for greater autonomy from 
Rangoon. Its forces had in the past been seen as a buffer between 
Thailand and Burma.

However, a rapproachement between Rangoon and Bangkok due to burgeoning 
economic ties has isolated the Karen.

[By RON CORBEN, Bangkok, 13 March 1997].

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