Foreign Ministry fears border talks derailment
The army has deployed a battalion of troops backed by heavy weapons near Preah Vihear temple in Si Sa Ket province in case of further clashes with Cambodian soldiers.
Army chief Anupong Paojinda had ordered the Lop Buri-based artillery to send the battalion of troops with 12 large artillery weapons to Pha Mor E-Daeng Cliff national park, a source said yesterday.
Gen Anupong also ordered a company of special warfare troops to guard the border area in the northeastern province with a battalion of infantrymen as reinforcements. There are now 3,000 infantrymen securing the border.
The source said the additional troops and weapons were not sent to provoke clashes with Cambodian troops but were there as back-up. Thailand had a clear policy not to use force to solve border disputes with Cambodia.
The wrangling over the historic temple ruins and recent strong reaction from Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen had sparked speculation of more clashes between the two countries.
The army commander will today fly to the border area in Si Sa Ket, the source said.
The Foreign Ministry has expressed concern that Thailand's objection to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation's listing of Preah Vihear temple as a World Heritage Site last year could have a negative impact on border talks.
Vasin Teeravechyan, head of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission, said Thailand's position could obstruct border negotiations, including the 4.6 square kilometre area claimed by the two countries close to the temple.
The commission will wait for a response from the World Heritage Committee on the Thai position in Seville and the outcome of talks between Cambodian officials and Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban in Phnom Penh this week. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti has travelled to the Spanish city for talks with the WHC.
If the talks in Seville and Phnom Penh do not go smoothly, it could disrupt the collaboration pledged by the Thai and Cambodian prime ministers, Abhisit Vejjajiva and Hun Sen, during Mr Abhisit's recent visit to Cambodia on June 12.
The Thai World Heritage Committee last week informed the Thai cabinet about its decision to oppose the registration of the ancient Hindu temple.
It said last year's listing had violated the registration process and increased conflicts along the Thai-Cambodian border instead of promoting cultural conservation and tourism between the peoples of both countries.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
PM Abhisit: Deputy PM Suthep to meet Cambodian PM Hun Sen next week
BANGKOK, June 20 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Saturday that he will send Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thuagsuban to Cambodia next week, in an attempt to clarify Thailand's objection to the Preah Vihear listing to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. The Thai reaction came as the Khmer prime minister expressed "deep regret" after Thailand announced intentions to ask the World Heritage Committee meeting in Seville, Spain, next week to review its decision last year to register Cambodia’s unilateral listing of the Hindu temple. Mr. Hun Sen said that the issue was not raised when Mr. Abhisit met him in Phnom Penh last week. The Thai premier however believed that after Mr. Suthep meets Hun Sen in Cambodia, his Cambodian counterpart will understand Thailand's stance.
“I haven't talked to him (Premier Hun Sen) yet, nor the Cambodian ambassador in Thailand, but I believe that this will not worsen the situation and we will discuss to clarify the matter, the Thai premier said. Deputy Prime Minister Suthep will also discuss the Thai-Cambodian demarcation of overlapping sea areas during his visit in Phnom Penh. (TNA)
“I haven't talked to him (Premier Hun Sen) yet, nor the Cambodian ambassador in Thailand, but I believe that this will not worsen the situation and we will discuss to clarify the matter, the Thai premier said. Deputy Prime Minister Suthep will also discuss the Thai-Cambodian demarcation of overlapping sea areas during his visit in Phnom Penh. (TNA)
Deputy PM gets Hun Sen task
Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban is to explain Thailand's stance against the unilateral listing of the Preah Vihear temple to Cambodian Premier Hun Sen.
Yesterday's decision by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva comes after Hun Sen showed regret over the Thai move to reiterate its opposition to the decision by the World Heritage Committee (WHC) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) last year on approving the Cambodian application for listing.
Mr Abhisit said he and the Cambodian prime minister had not been in contact since the Thai government decided to make its move on the issue in a cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
Mr Abhisit did not raise the issue in talks with Hun Sen during his visit to Phnom Penh on June 12.
Related story: Cambodia lashes out
The premier was optimistic that the issue would not lead to a new military conflict between the two countries as efforts were being made to improve bilateral understanding.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti left for Spain on Thursday leading Thai officials to talks with the WHC and Unesco in Seville, where the committee will start its meeting tomorrow.
He is scheduled to meet with committee chairwoman Maria Jesus San Segundo of Spain prior to its annual meeting, according to Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya.
Mr Suwit would raise Thailand's objection to the unilateral listing of the ancient Hindu temple, he added.
The key message to deliver to the committee would be that Unesco's approval of the listing is not fair to Thailand, said Mr Kasit.
"This is a matter between Thailand and the World Heritage Committee and Unesco, not between Thailand and Cambodia," he said, echoing Mr Suthep's statement made on Friday.
Preah Vihear, which is called Phra Viharn in Thai, was granted to Cambodia in a 1962 International Court of Justice ruling. Thailand and Cambodia claim the land around the temple area.
In the Seville meeting which runs until June 30, the committee will consider requests for the inscription of new sites on Unesco's World Heritage List and examine the state of conservation of sites already on the list.
Thailand is an observer to the meeting of the 21-member WHC.
Yesterday's decision by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva comes after Hun Sen showed regret over the Thai move to reiterate its opposition to the decision by the World Heritage Committee (WHC) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) last year on approving the Cambodian application for listing.
Mr Abhisit said he and the Cambodian prime minister had not been in contact since the Thai government decided to make its move on the issue in a cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
Mr Abhisit did not raise the issue in talks with Hun Sen during his visit to Phnom Penh on June 12.
Related story: Cambodia lashes out
The premier was optimistic that the issue would not lead to a new military conflict between the two countries as efforts were being made to improve bilateral understanding.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti left for Spain on Thursday leading Thai officials to talks with the WHC and Unesco in Seville, where the committee will start its meeting tomorrow.
He is scheduled to meet with committee chairwoman Maria Jesus San Segundo of Spain prior to its annual meeting, according to Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya.
Mr Suwit would raise Thailand's objection to the unilateral listing of the ancient Hindu temple, he added.
The key message to deliver to the committee would be that Unesco's approval of the listing is not fair to Thailand, said Mr Kasit.
"This is a matter between Thailand and the World Heritage Committee and Unesco, not between Thailand and Cambodia," he said, echoing Mr Suthep's statement made on Friday.
Preah Vihear, which is called Phra Viharn in Thai, was granted to Cambodia in a 1962 International Court of Justice ruling. Thailand and Cambodia claim the land around the temple area.
In the Seville meeting which runs until June 30, the committee will consider requests for the inscription of new sites on Unesco's World Heritage List and examine the state of conservation of sites already on the list.
Thailand is an observer to the meeting of the 21-member WHC.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Mu Sochua-Hun Sen: prime Minister portrays himself as victim, NGOs condemn his threats
In a speech he gave on Wednesday April 29th in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s prime Minister presented himself as a victim in the case pitting him against Mu Sochua, the Sam Rainsy Party MP, who lodged a complaint against him on grounds of defamation and insults. Hun Sen particularly reminded his opponent that having her parliamentary immunity lifted would be easy, since a majority of MPs are affiliated to the Cambodian People’s Party and therefore agree with the cause of the head of the executive power. Several organisations from the Cambodian civil society reacted strongly and condemned pressure and threats coming from the ruling power against the opposition.
“I am a simple victim and only wish to defend myself before the Law and find justice”, the Cambodian prime Minister declared loud and clear before an audience composed of brand new graduates. Hun Sen said he did “not despise any woman at all” and said he did not attack Mu Sochua directly. The words he said in Kampot at the beginning of April about a woman behaving in a “provocative way”, who “lunged towards a man to kiss him, so much so that the buttons [of her blouse] popped out”, were not about the SRP MP at all, he said… The prime Minister insisted on justifying the fact that he filed a lawsuit in turn, against the opposition MP. “On Thursday [April 23], she held a press conference [on that case]. Therefore, I have enough evidence. I signed on Friday [April 24] a complaint [against her] for defamation before the start of the judicial proceedings [launched by Mu Sochua against Hun Sen]”, he declared, adding that his complaint was also aimed at Mu Sochua’s lawyer, Kong Sam Onn, who was with his client at her press conference. The prime Minister is asking each of the concerned persons for a compensation of ten million riels (2,500 USD). He announced he would give the money to charity in favour of orphans.Hun Sen also said that if justice asked for the suspension of his own parliamentary immunity, he would be ready to accept it, and pointed out that such a procedure against him had few chances of succeeding. “I do not believe that MPs for the Cambodian People’s Party [CPP, going strong with 90 seats out of 123 in the National Assembly] will vote, by a show of hands, the suspension of my immunity. Like for Lok Chumteav Men Sam On [deputy prime Minister, CPP], they will not do it”, Hun Sen bet with confidence. However, Cambodia’s “strongman” did not fail to mention that if justice issued a similar request against Mu Sochua, having it approved would be easy, since the votes of almost two thirds are already secured.Several Cambodian organisations for the defence of Human rights and the observation of political life reacted strongly, even before this very speech given by the head of government, to the threat to lift the Sam Rainsy Party (SRP) deputy’s parliamentary immunity.“To issue arbitrary threats on the suspension of Mu Sochua’s parliamentary immunity without any evidence she may have committed any crime is a flagrant act of intimidation against an opposition MP”, president of the Cambodian Centre for Human Rights (CCHR) Ou Virak said in a communiqué dated April 29th and co-signed by nine local organisations. “This clearly aims at reducing her to silence and deterring her from claiming her legitimate right to file a lawsuit for defamation.”For Kek Galabru, the president of the NGO for the defence of Human rights in Cambodia LICADHO, this “threat against Mu Sochua is yet another example of the dangerous milieu opposition MPs are faced with in Cambodia”. “MPs from all parties should be free to exercise their profession, to represent the interest of their voters and to express themselves in public without the fear of being arrested or detained arbitrarily”, she said, while Yeng Virak, director of the Community Legal Education Centre (CLEC) stressed that parliamentary immunity was “not something that can be lifted randomly by representatives of the government”.
“If Mu Sochua’s parliamentary immunity is lifted, this will simply prove that what she aims at showing is right: that opposition MPs are not free to do their job without fearing intimidation or persecution”, says Koul Panha, director of the Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (COMFREL). For her part, Thida Khus, executive director of the Silaka organisation, deplores a “threat that is [...] sad in many ways [...] against one of the rare active female politicians, in a country where women’s voices are frequently silenced or ignored”. Reached by Ka-set, SRP MP for Kampot Mu Sochua simply indicated that she intended to leave justice to sort that case and that she would accept the eventual suspension of her parliamentary immunity, should judicial authorities decide to lift it. “I trust the will of MPs, of all the parties and I shall respect their decision”, she said. Her lawyer Kong Sam Onn explained that he only acted as he felt he should, as a lawyer, and denied having said any defamatory words about the Cambodian prime Minister.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Samdech Chea Sim meets with a delegation of Vietnam’s Religious Affairs Committee
Cambodian Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Thomma Pothisal Chea Sim (right), meets here on Tuesday with a delegation of Vietnam’s Religious Affairs Committee led by its Chairman Mr. Nguyen Tho Doang.
On the occasion, Mr. Ngyen Tho Doang told Cambodian leader over his committee’s continuation to further boost the cooperation with Cambodia’s Ministry of Cults and Religions.
In reply, Cambodian Senate President regarded the Vietnamese delegation’s visit to Cambodia as very important in further strengthening and consolidation the ties of relationship, friendship and cooperation, particularly between the religious domains of the two countries.
On the occasion, Mr. Ngyen Tho Doang told Cambodian leader over his committee’s continuation to further boost the cooperation with Cambodia’s Ministry of Cults and Religions.
In reply, Cambodian Senate President regarded the Vietnamese delegation’s visit to Cambodia as very important in further strengthening and consolidation the ties of relationship, friendship and cooperation, particularly between the religious domains of the two countries.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen Meets with Yang Jiechi
On February 1, 2008, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen met with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi in Phnom Penh. Both sides hoped to take the 50th anniversary of the China-Cambodia diplomatic relations and "China-Cambodia Year of Friendship" as an opportunity to push bilateral all-round friendly cooperative relations to a higher level.
Hun Sen said that under the careful cultivation of the generations of leaders of the two countries, Cambodia-China friendship and mutual trust have been strengthened in an all-round manner and the bilateral cooperation has yielded fruitful results with bilateral relations reaching one new level after another. China's rapid development has offered favorable opportunities to this region and China's support and help has played an important role for Cambodia to improve its capability of independent development and safeguard national independence and sovereignty. Hun Sen said as an inheritor and promoter of Cambodia-China friendly relations, he himself and the Cambodian government will remain committed to pushing forward bilateral relations.
Yang made positive comments on the friendly cooperative relations between China and Cambodia, as well as the results of the cooperation in all areas. He said the two countries are friendly neighbors. Over the past half a century since the forging of diplomatic relations, the China-Cambodia friendship created and cultivated by leaders of the two countries has withstood the tests of changeable international situation and has been consolidated and developed continuously. Yang said bilateral relations have entered a new stage for development with increasing political trust, dynamic exchanges in all areas and fruitful cooperation on economy and trade. Both sides have also maintained close communication and coordination on such international and regional issues as China-ASEAN relations, East Asia cooperation, and development of Great Mekong Sub-region.
Yang highly appreciated the Cambodian government's adherence to the one-China policy, firm opposition to "Taiwan independence", condemnation of Taiwan's "referendum on U.N. membership" and support of China's peaceful reunification. Yang said China hopes to take the 50th anniversary of the China-Cambodia diplomatic relations and "China-Cambodia Year of Friendship" as an opportunity and work with Cambodia to push bilateral all-round cooperative partnership to a higher level.
On the same day, Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, held talks with Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi. Both sides during their meeting reached consensus in the following four aspects to further expand bilateral friendly cooperation. First, maintain high-level exchanges and consolidate the political basis of bilateral ties. They vowed to well hold activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic ties between both countries and "China-Cambodia Year of Friendship". Second, further tap potential for cooperation, give play to complementary advantages and expand economic and trade cooperation for mutual benefit and a win-win situation. Cambodia supports Chinese businesses to actively participate in hydroelectric power stations, roads and other infrastructure construction in Cambodia. Third, improve exchanges and cooperation in the fields of diplomacy, culture, sports, public health, tourism and protection of cultural relics, and between localities, expand cooperation area and enrich China-Cambodia comprehensive cooperative partnership. Fourth, strengthen coordination and cooperation on such international and regional affairs as the reform of the UN Security Council, as well as ASEAN-China, ASEAN plus China, Japan and ROK and Great Mekong Sub-region cooperation to safeguard common interests of both sides.
With regard to the Taiwan question, the Cambodian side reaffirmed firm adherence to the one-China policy, holding that the separatist activities aimed at "Taiwan independence" pose severe threats to peace and stability of this region and any separatist attempts to split Taiwan from China are doomed to failure. The Cambodian side also expressed sincere sympathy and solicitude for Chinese people in snow stricken areas.
Yang arrived in Phnom Penh on January 31 for a three-day official visit to Cambodia.
Hun Sen said that under the careful cultivation of the generations of leaders of the two countries, Cambodia-China friendship and mutual trust have been strengthened in an all-round manner and the bilateral cooperation has yielded fruitful results with bilateral relations reaching one new level after another. China's rapid development has offered favorable opportunities to this region and China's support and help has played an important role for Cambodia to improve its capability of independent development and safeguard national independence and sovereignty. Hun Sen said as an inheritor and promoter of Cambodia-China friendly relations, he himself and the Cambodian government will remain committed to pushing forward bilateral relations.
Yang made positive comments on the friendly cooperative relations between China and Cambodia, as well as the results of the cooperation in all areas. He said the two countries are friendly neighbors. Over the past half a century since the forging of diplomatic relations, the China-Cambodia friendship created and cultivated by leaders of the two countries has withstood the tests of changeable international situation and has been consolidated and developed continuously. Yang said bilateral relations have entered a new stage for development with increasing political trust, dynamic exchanges in all areas and fruitful cooperation on economy and trade. Both sides have also maintained close communication and coordination on such international and regional issues as China-ASEAN relations, East Asia cooperation, and development of Great Mekong Sub-region.
Yang highly appreciated the Cambodian government's adherence to the one-China policy, firm opposition to "Taiwan independence", condemnation of Taiwan's "referendum on U.N. membership" and support of China's peaceful reunification. Yang said China hopes to take the 50th anniversary of the China-Cambodia diplomatic relations and "China-Cambodia Year of Friendship" as an opportunity and work with Cambodia to push bilateral all-round cooperative partnership to a higher level.
On the same day, Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, held talks with Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi. Both sides during their meeting reached consensus in the following four aspects to further expand bilateral friendly cooperation. First, maintain high-level exchanges and consolidate the political basis of bilateral ties. They vowed to well hold activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic ties between both countries and "China-Cambodia Year of Friendship". Second, further tap potential for cooperation, give play to complementary advantages and expand economic and trade cooperation for mutual benefit and a win-win situation. Cambodia supports Chinese businesses to actively participate in hydroelectric power stations, roads and other infrastructure construction in Cambodia. Third, improve exchanges and cooperation in the fields of diplomacy, culture, sports, public health, tourism and protection of cultural relics, and between localities, expand cooperation area and enrich China-Cambodia comprehensive cooperative partnership. Fourth, strengthen coordination and cooperation on such international and regional affairs as the reform of the UN Security Council, as well as ASEAN-China, ASEAN plus China, Japan and ROK and Great Mekong Sub-region cooperation to safeguard common interests of both sides.
With regard to the Taiwan question, the Cambodian side reaffirmed firm adherence to the one-China policy, holding that the separatist activities aimed at "Taiwan independence" pose severe threats to peace and stability of this region and any separatist attempts to split Taiwan from China are doomed to failure. The Cambodian side also expressed sincere sympathy and solicitude for Chinese people in snow stricken areas.
Yang arrived in Phnom Penh on January 31 for a three-day official visit to Cambodia.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Samdech Hun Sen participates the Korean-ASEAN Summit
Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen accompanied by his wife Lok Chumteav Bun Rany Hun Sen and senior government officials shakes hands with senior government officials on May 30, prior to his departure from Phnom Penh International Airport to the Republic of Korea to participate the Korean-ASEAN Summit.
During the visit, three agreements and four MOUs are expected to be signed between Korea and Cambodia.
Moreover, Cambodian Premier Techo Hun Sen will also attend the Executive Directors’ Summit of Korea’s giant companies with ASEAN in order to look for more cooperation on the investment for both regions.
During the visit, three agreements and four MOUs are expected to be signed between Korea and Cambodia.
Moreover, Cambodian Premier Techo Hun Sen will also attend the Executive Directors’ Summit of Korea’s giant companies with ASEAN in order to look for more cooperation on the investment for both regions.
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