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DPs in Zaire

more uncertain

as talks fail

KINSHASA: The future of about one million desperate refugees now camped in eastern Zaire looked even more uncertain after the breakdown of talks between the government and the U.N. refugee agency.

Zaire, accusing the world of ignoring its problems in trying to cope with the refugees whom it regards as a security threat, began last week to expel them forcibly back across the border into Rwanda.

It suspended the operation only after an international outcry erupted and officials of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) tried to organise a programme of voluntary repatriation.

But the possibility of resumed forced expulsions loomed after talks between Zaire and a UNHCR envoy ended on Sunday without agreement.

"There could not be agreement here because the UNHCR wanted to consult at a higher level," an official source said.

"Expulsions could begin again this week if no agreement is found and at this stage the signs are not good," said a government source before the talks broke down.

Special UNHCR envoy Carrol Faubert was sent on an urgent mission to Zaire last week after troops began to force out the refugees, almost all of whom are Hutus who fled fearing Tutsi vengeance for last year's genocide in Rwanda.-Reuter