A Change of Guard

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Tuesday 17 November 2009

Yudhoyono: Thailand, Cambodia can still solve border conflict bilaterally


Monday, November 16, 2009

Singapore (ANTARA News) - Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (pictured) has expressed the view that Thailand and Cambodia should solve their border conflict bilaterally without referring it to an ASEAN forum.

In statements at the Marina Mandarin Hotel here on Monday morning before returning to Jakarta after attending a series of APEC meetings here, Yudhoyono said, "In my opinion, there are still opportunities for Thailand and Cambodia to solve their border issue bilaterally, and our foreign affairs minister will maintain communication with their Thai and Cambodian counterparts about the matter," the president said.

Therefore, he said, Indonesia would wait and see how things between Thailand and Cambodia developed while hoping they could eventually find the best possible way out of their dispute.

"Then, whenever in their discussions they agree there is something positive other ASEAN countries can contribute, we will certainly be ready to do so," Yudhoyono said.

He said said he had met and talked with both Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen separately on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in Singapore.

"I don`t want to take any further steps because I met with the Thai and Cambodian prime ministers in a friendly atmosphere," Yudhoyono said, adding that at the meetings, he had suggested the two ASEAN member countries solve their border problem bilaterally.

"On the occasion I said it`s better for the two leaders to overcome the problem bilaterally without bringing it to an ASEAN forum or to make it an international issue because it would not be good for ASEAM as a whole," Yudhoyono said.

Tensions on the disputed border between Thailand and Cambodia have existed for some years but they increased since July last year, after Unesco granted world heritage status to the ancient Preah Vihear temple.

The dispute led to violence last April when soldiers of the two countries clashed twice near the ancient temple where two Thai soldiers and two Cambodian soldiers died in the fighting while nine Thai soldiers were wounded.

1 comment:

My Community Networking said...

The latest issue of border 1st started when Cambodia successfully enlist the Preah Vihea Temple as World Heritage - Thailand insisted that they should have the joint-development of the dispute area in question. In another word they just want to have the benefit from tourism there. The latest is when PM Hun Sen appointed Mr. Thaksin as his personal advisor and economic advisor to the RGC, in which Thailand felt to embarrased and insulted. That's fair enough but Thiland and its current administration have never treated Cambodia fair and square. My personal view is that Thailand is bullying and intimidating Cambodia. Why? The people of the world know that Thaksin has been jet trotting in many countries but Thailand administration has never submit any arrest warrant and extradite for Thaksin except displays their discontent with countries that allow Thaksin for safe refuge. Lately is the UAE - their embassador has been summonded by Thailand to protest not about Thaksin safe heaven there, and there is no warrant and/or extradite. I beleived UK is the 1st country to ask Thaksin to leave (no way to upset the commonwealth country's member). PM Hun Sne is right in a sense that Thailand has had troubles with neighbouring countries (Laos, Burma, Malaysia and Cambodia) and its own southern region. I personally don't think that Thailand would opt for the war but rahter intimidate Cambodia as long as they think fit.