EU supports for Burmese refugees will continue

In a press statement released after their two-day visit to Mae Lae refugee camp on the Thai-Burmese border the EU noted that opportunity for resettlement to the US, Europe and elsewhere will not be available to all refugees.

Nevertheless, they praised the government for "up possibilities for the refugees to realise their full potential and lead more productive lives."

The visit was carried out from November 23-24 by the EU Heads of Mission to get a first hand impression of the situation.

The nine refugee camps are home to more than 140,000 displaced men, women and children from Burma. The visit of the EU Heads of Mission has become an annual tradition since the camps were set up.

"The EU is grateful to the Royal Thai Government for providing a safe haven for the numerous refugees from Myanmar (Burma) over the last 25 years. Thailand has played an important role in helping those escaping conflict or persecution from neighbouring countries," the statement said.

International donors currently give yearly around US$ 60 million in financial support for the camps. The European Union has been a major donor, providing almost 65 per cent of the entire cost of the refugee operation.