Friday, 27 November 2009 03:57 DAP-NEWS
(Posted by CAAI News Media)
Cambodian Government official on Thursday confirmed that Cambodia is ready to hold talks with Thailand to reduce tensions. Cambodia suggested bilateral discussions with ASEAN or the international community as a mediator.
The appeal comes after a former Thai foreign minister urged Bangkok leaders to talk with Cambodia to lower tensions.
The Thai Government should make the first move to open talks with Cam-bodia on resolving the dispute between the two countries, Surakiart Sathirathai, a former Thai foreign minister, said on Thursday, according to the Bangkok Post.
Speaking at a seminar on Cambodian issues at the faculty of political scie
nce of Chulalongkorn University, Surakiart said there were many factors contributing to the continuing rift between the two countries. These included past conflicts, overlapping maritime areas, a border dispute around Cambodia’s Preah Vihear Temple and Thailand’s myriad political problems, especially the activities of former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra.
Koy Kuong, spokesman for the Cambodian Foreign Ministry, said that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has confirmed that Cambodia is ready for discussions at any level if Thai leaders agree.
“Cambodia welcomes at all levels to find solution whether in ASEAN or inter- national community if Thailand wishes,” Koy Kuong told DAP News Cambodia.
Nationalistic tensions on both sides should be reduced and the Thai Govern- ment should revise its strengths, weaknesses and bargaining power in analyzing the Cambodian Government’s next move, Surakiart was quoted as saying by the Bangkok Post on Thursday.
The two countries’ diplomatic ties have slipped after Cambodia appointed fugitive former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Sinawatra as premier Hun Sen’s economic advisor and a Government advisor.
The Thai Government has recalled its ambassador to Phnom Penh.
Meanwhile, Laotian Prime Minister Bouason Boupphavanh has expressed concern that the Thai-Cambodian conflict could affect ASEAN unity and the body’s reputation in the international arena.
In an exclusive interview with The Nation earlier this week, the Laotian leader said, if asked by parties concerned, his government would be “ready” to coordinate efforts by Thailand and Cambodia to negotiate a settlement.
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