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THE WHITE HOUSE

                     Office of the Press Secretary
                           (New Orleans, LA)

For Immediate Release September 9, 1994

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

The United States and Cuba have reached agreement in the migration talks in New York. This agreement requires the Government of Cuba to take effective measures to prevent unsafe departure of Cuban citizens. In addition, the Cuban government agreed that arrangements for those Cubans who have recently left and wish to return can be made through diplomatic channels.

The United States has agreed to admit at least 20,000 Cubans from Cuba per year under existing authorities. Additionally, the U.S. estimates that approximately 6,000 Cubans currently on the visa waiting list will be admitted into the U.S.

The President, who directed that these talks on migration issues take place, is pleased at their outcome. This agreement, when carried out, will help insure that the massive flow of dangerous and illegal migration will be replaced by a safer, legal and more orderly process, the President said.

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