Hun Sen says Cambodia not concerned by absence of Thai ambassador

via CAAI News Media

PHNOM PENH, Jan. 12 (AP) - (Kyodo)—Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said Tuesday his government is not affected by whether Thailand sends back its ambassador to Cambodia.

In a speech to graduate students in Phnom Penh, Hun Sen also said he wants Thailand to stop issuing conditions for returning its ambassador to Cambodia.

"Stop talking about sending back your ambassador," he said. "The presence of a charge d'affaires is enough."

Hun Sen was apparently referring to Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya's remarks that Bangkok would consider sending back its ambassador once Cambodia rescinds the appointment of fugitive former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as economic adviser.

Cambodia's relations with the Thai government, already tense due to a border dispute that flared up last year, further deteriorated in November with the appointment of Thaksin as personal adviser to Hun Sen as well as economic adviser to the government.

Thailand subsequently recalled its ambassador from Phnom Penh in protest and has since been reviewing bilateral agreements and commitments signed between the two countries.

Cambodia also recalled its ambassador one day later.