ASEAN SEC-GEN'S COMMENTS NOT ON CAMBODIAN MILITARY EXERCISE

via CAAI News Media

KUALA LMPUR, March 18 (Bernama) -- The Asean secretary-general's recent comments on developments in Cambodia pertained to the prevailing situation along its border with Thailand.

Dr Surin Pitsuwan said it was not in reference to any particular military exercise in Cambodia which he had no knowledge of, at that point in time on March 5.

Bagas Hapsoro, Asean's Deputy Secretary-General (Community and Corporate Affairs), said in a statement that it was unfortunate that the two different issues were placed together in a Bernama article from Bangkok, "ASEAN Fears Cambodia May Send Wrong Signal".

"The question directed at me was of a general nature, and my responses were with specific reference to the prevailing situation along the Cambodian-Thai border which I have expressed on many occasions before, to all ASEAN Foreign Ministers and to the ASEAN Leaders,” said Dr Surin.

He said his concerns on the border situation had been publicly expressed on numerous occasions and were a routine response to media enquires.