US would not withdraw its proposal
After the US offered for the third country resettlement, there has been divided opinion among the exiled Bhutanese. Debate continues whether the option is a measure for durable solution of the crisis. On the other side majority of Bhutanese leaders in exile have strongly criticized the US offer. In midst of this T. P. Mishra and Kazi Gautam of Bhutan News Service (BNS) talked to Crystal T. Kaplan, Refugee Officer at the US Embassy in Nepal to get detail information of the US proposal. Excerpts:
BNS: What are the procedures of resettlement and what would be the status of resettled people?
Kaplan: In US, those who would be resettled under this kind of program fall under Legal Permanent Residents (LPR). Different sponsors help LPRs to get settled smoothly. After five years of their stay in the US they can autmatically get Green Card, which enables them to work legally in the US. They can apply for US citizensip after 3-5 years. On the other side, LPRs can exercise all the rights that an American can except the right to vote. The most important point to be noted is that the US government can do nothing for the repatriation process of the people once they are resettled. But they would be no more treated as refugees. The detail procedures of resettlement would be better highlighted by the UNHCR.
BNS: Will they be kept together or in different places?
Kaplan: It is unlikely as the US lacks such places where everyone could be accommodated.
BNS: Why has the US government offered third country resettlement to exiled Bhutanese?
Kaplan: Actually, the US has humanitarian view upon the crisis. And more precisely we couldn’t see the possibility of early repatriation. The other reason is that people have already wasted nearly two decades in vain inside unimproved camps. This offer could also be a step towards uplifting the livelihood of the Bhutanese people.
BNS: Why don't the US pressurizes Bhutan and other responsible countries for repatriation? What role can the US play for repatriation?
Kaplan: We do not have diplomatic relationship with Bhutan. Nevertheless, we are always trying to establish and maintain such relations. It is not that we haven’t taken initiatives towards expediting repatriation process. The US has always encouraged Nepalese government to work towards this. Bhutan too is not an exception to our encouragement. Considering the December incident at Khudunabari, Bhutan has been absconding from its responsibility of taking back its citizens. The US can do nothing besides encouraging Bhutan to be sincere as we cannot force it. Repatriation is possible if there is an involvement of third party entity. I am hopeful that some portion of exiled Bhutanese will be repatriated.
BNS: Is it true that other options besides resettlement are gradually getting under shadow?
Kaplan: This is certainly true if media reports are correct. But it is important not to forget that we have spent much time waiting for the repatriation. Now, people want to end this impasse at the earliest. The issue of repatriation has always been given the top priority.
BNS: Has the US approached Nepal government formally? Will the resettlement process begin immediately if Nepal approves?
Kaplan: We have been meeting the government officials off an on. However, we haven’t signed any written agreement till date. From verbal discussions it’s been known that Nepal is also positive towards our proposal. So far as I am concerned, the process will begin from the very next day of the approval from Nepalese government.
BNS: Does this mean exiled Bhutanese have no hand in deciding their future?
Kaplan: They can decide on the option they are given but we cannot proceed ahead without the approval from the host country.
BNS: Majority of Bhutanese leaders in exile have already accused the US of being responsible towards creating division among exiled Bhutanese. What do you say?
Kaplan: It’s quite sad and unfortunate to hear this. I don’t think we have coined this proposal to create division. Had Bhutan been a democratic country, repatriation could have been possible already. These exiled Bhutanese shouldn’t be made hostage in the name of establishing democracy in Bhutan. They are no more in the position to wait.
BNS: Won't it hamper democratization of Bhutan?
Kaplan: I object this. With the announcement of election to be held in 2008, even without addressing the exiled Bhutanese issue, Bhutan has stepped towards democratization. But the absolute monarchy would become a constitutional monarchy and that they were making incremental steps toward democracy.
BNS: Should the people who wish resettlement apply before the formal announcement is made?
Kaplan: Absolutely not. There is no need to apply in advance. We have already received about 4,000 individual applications which are not yet formally considered. It is not the US but the UNHCR which would decide after the approval from Nepalese government.
BNS: Does this offer incorporate the sentiments of those who are undeclared as ‘Refugees’, now residing in different states of India and in Nepal?
Kaplan: Regarding the inclusion of exiled Bhutanese who have not registered in the camps, we must first focus on the defined population that has lived in the camps for the past 16 years. I did not know whether this other group would be able to participate in resettlement or not.
BNS: Won’t the US offer encourage the Bhutanese regime for further eviction of people?
Kaplan: I am confident Bhutan has no concern about the US offer. I don’t think this would encourage Bhutan for further eviction of people.
BNS: How would US address the reaction of the youths who wish resettlement if the program failed?
Kaplan: This offer has been the outcome of a long and broad discussion. It has to be well remembered the US won’t be withdrawing it whatsoever happens. However, Nepal is the prime authority for approval. So, let’s be optimistic.
BNS: What you saw during your recent visit to camps?
Kaplan: It was transparent that people are confused about the issue of resettlement. But they are eager to bring themselves out of confinement.