Plight of Karen in focus

[ausgeo@xxxxxxx]

04 May 1997 

The Nation 

Plight of Karen in focus 

SEVERAL prominent US senators have called on Secretary of State Madeleine 
Albright to take measures to ensure that Karen refugees fleeing fighting in 
Burma will not be forcibly repatriated by Thai authorities. 

In a letter dated April 30, senators Jesse Helms, Patrick Moynahan, Mitch 
McConnell and Patrick Leahy, among others, urged Albright to contact Prime 
Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and reiterate Washington's opposition to the 
forced repatriation of Karen refugees living along the Thai-Burmese border. 

''Since January, Burma's military forces have brutally attacked the Karen in a 
blatant attempt to wipe out one of the last remaining forces of opposition to 
the Slorc [State Law and Order Restoration Council] regime. 

''Thailand has forcibly repatriated many Karen refugees who fled the 
fighting," the letter stated. 

The senators said they suspected that a larger and more forcible repatriation 
may be imminent, though there has been a lull in Thailand's repatriation 
efforts of late. 

They also expressed concern over humanitarian agencies' access, or lack 
thereof, to refugees. 

''As a longtime ally of Thailand, the United States has assisted the Thai 
government in providing assistance to the Karen and other refugee populations. 
We wish to continue providing such assistance," the letter stated.