18th August, 2011
Re: Cambodia still wants Indonesian observers
I think it's vital that Cambodia adheres or continues to adhere to the stipulations of the Court's (ICJ's) provisional rulings or measures regardless of improved relations with Bangkok following the change in government in Thailand.
The principal reason why Cambodia had sought to take the case to the attention of an independent third party in the first place is or had been her lack of faith in bilateral negotiations with Bangkok since 2008 when the Preah Vihear conflict arose. For Cambodia to now relent her stance/insistence on this third party involvement would be tantamount to washing her own hands off the ICJ at best, and at worst undermining her reputation before the international community by allowing long standing 'legal' issues with Thailand to be glossed over in favour of accommodating the wishes (however sincere) of a more friendly administration in Bangkok.
Phnom Penh must therefore do whatever practicable to follow through the Court's injunctions, including calling on Indonesia to dispatch its observers to the Temporary Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) to oversee and verify the withdrawal process. If the Thais have nothing to hide or conceal from the inspection and scrutiny of the Indonesians or any other independent observers, they should have nothing to fear from allowing the bespoken observers to come and do their neutral tasks on the ground.
2 comments:
I thought Cambodian withdraw its troop as we speak while Thailand stands still not knowing what the next move. Cambodia cannot afford to get comfortable without paying attention to the national interests of the country because of the cozy relationship with form PM Thaksin. Thailand will be quick to manipulate the relationship if it has the chance because it is part of the Thai's culture. If you ask some of the foriegners who married to Thai's women over 25 years and they will tell you that he doesn't trust his wife either. I am not saying that Phnom Phenh shouldn't trust the PT government but it should be cautious and we cannot afford not to have ASEAN observer, trilateral talks, UN and ICJ to help us level the plan field. Like it or not, Cambodia needs assistant from outsiders whom are neutral without bias. I realized that ASEAN lack of leadership under Dr. Marty, but Cambodia can make complaint to Indonesia president if it felt that ASEAN leadership is incompetent to do the job. Cambodia should alway evaluate every deals with Thailand without rushing to make quick decision to ensure that all the eyes are dots and teeths are cross. I am sure PM Hun Sen utilizes his advisors the fullest to avoid any harse decision. On the other note, Cambodia can create a nightmare for Thailand given instability in Thailand already. I am sure PM Hun Sen has many tricks if he wanted to use it. However, Thailand should be aware of Khmer behavior; we don't kick a person when they are down, we are not low life like Thailand hunting down refugees like dogs or shot at civillians for border crossing. Cambodian is much better human being than those low life soldiers that doesn't respect another human life.
Warrior Blood
Focus on joining Miss.Universe Cambodia!! No wonder our country is so lame and unknown to the whole world!!
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