.: 8 May 2011

Sunday, 8 May 2011

RFA Khmer Webcast-KHM-050611-F

Thai, Cambodian troops clash again at border

The Associated Press

Saturday, May 7, 2011

A Cambodian soldier was killed in fighting with Thailand on Sunday, bringing the total number of dead to 17 as the Southeast Asian nations' festering border conflict dragged on.

The two sides exchanged automatic weapons fire overnight and before dawn Sunday around the Ta Krabey and Ta Moan temples, which are in a disputed zone between the two nations, authorities on both sides said.

One Cambodian soldier was killed by shrapnel from an artillery round, Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesman Lt. Gen Chhum Socheat said.

In the 10 days since fighting began April 22, 16 soldiers and one civilian have died. Some 18 Cambodian and 50 Thai soldiers have also been wounded, military officials said.

Thailand and Cambodia fought six times since 2008 over land disputed for more than half a century, but analysts say domestic politics on both sides is driving the current conflict, which has forced nearly 100,000 villagers on both sides of the border to flee their homes for refugee camps.

Bank of China taps Cambodian market

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PHNOM PENH, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Bank of China has officially begun its branch in Cambodia on Saturday, and its Phnom Penh Branch is the first lender from China in the country and is the Kingdom's 30th commercial bank.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Keat Chhon believes that the bank's presence here would contribute to the development of Cambodian economy.

"The bank will provide advantages and positive inputs to Cambodia to boost its banking industry and economic growth," he said during the launching ceremony, which was attended by about 200 bankers, local and Chinese businesspeople in Cambodia.

"I would like to encourage the bank to focus its loans on agricultural sector in order to help Cambodian government to develop this sector, which is one of the four pillars supporting the country's economic growth," he said.

Chea Chanto, the governor of National Bank of Cambodia, said the bank's presence reflected the confidence of Chinese investors in Cambodian market.

"With the presence of the bank, it would bring new technology and innovative banking products to develop Cambodian banking industry," he said.

He said that by the end of 2010, the customers' deposits in the banking sector grew by 26 percent to 4.16 billion U.S. dollars, while the customer credits increased by 26.7 percent to 3.18 billion U.S. dollars.

The country has the population of 14.3 million, of which, 1.35 million people have used banking system, he added.

Meanwhile, Yue Yi, executive vice president of Bank of China, said the presence of the bank in Phnom Penh demonstrates the evidence of the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation between China and Cambodia.

"We would help support large Chinese firms doing business in Cambodia, especially those in infrastructure projects, hydropower dams, agriculture, and special economic zones," he said. "It is in line with the policy of China in helping to develop Cambodia's economy."

He said that as the bank's loan targets are mainly on huge projects, so he believes that the bank's presence here will not affect existing local banks and the bank is looking forward to cooperating with all of them.

He said that the Bank of China Phnom Penh branch will be a center for Chinese yuan RMB settlement, clearance and remittance.

"We hope that the National Bank of Cambodia will include Chinese currency into its central clearing system for banking settlement in order to promote the presence of Chinese currency in Cambodian markets."

Cambodia sets to launch its stock market in July this year. Yue Yi said the Bank of China will actively participate in the upcoming stock market through providing clearance and settlement services.

"We will also provide funding to companies in the stock market and other market players," he added.

Chen Chang Jiang, chief executive officer of Bank of China Phnom Penh Branch, said that Cambodia's financial market is relatively small at the moment, but it has lots of room to grow.

"We set our stance firmly in Cambodia, we are committed to grow stronger in Cambodian banking market," he said.

Bank of China is among the four largest banks in China. Its total asset is over 11 trillion Chinese yuan (1.7 trillion U.S. dollars), with branches in 31 countries around the world.

Editor: An

Indonesia to broker border talks

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PRESIDENT YUDHOYONO WILL MEET ABHISIT, HUN SEN AT ASEAN SUMMIT

Published: 8/05/2011

Newspaper section: News

JAKARTA : Indonesia's president will talk to the prime ministers of Cambodia and Thailand today in a bid to find a solution to their border dispute.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has offered to meet Abhisit Vejjajiva and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen on the sidelines of the Asean summit.

He will meet them separately, as the two are not yet willing to meet face to face to discuss the dispute.

However, officials hope Mr Yudhoyono can broker a solution or perhaps bring them together for a meeting before the summit ends later today.

Acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said the meetings will take place an hour before the Asean summit session begins at 9am.

Mr Abhisit said before leaving for Jakarta that he had no intention of holding talks with Hun Sen as the previous talks failed to bring about a permanent truce.

Cambodia had tried to internationalise the issue, while Thailand insisted on bilateral talks, he said.

The prospects for talks look poor, after Mr Abhisit and Hun Sen were locked in a war of words on the first day of the Asean summit yesterday.

Hun Sen accused Thailand of invading Cambodia's territory.

"Thailand as a big country continues to have the ambition of prolonging the armed conflict to violate weaker neighbouring Asean members," Hun Sen told assembled leaders, according to a transcript provided to reporters.

"The invasion by Thai troops into Cambodia's territory resulted in a series of clashes and eventually a large-scale war from Feb 4-7, 2011."

In a six-page statement read out at the morning session of the summit, Hun Sen said a series of military clashes along the border posed "serious challenges for Asean in its pursuit of the Asean Community by 2015".

Since July 15, 2008, Thailand had waged a "war of aggression" against Cambodia by sending troops to launch attacks along the border, he said.

"Thailand does not have the goodwill to accept Indonesian observers and does not have the willingness to settle this dispute in accordance with international law and by peaceful means," Hun Sen said.

Asean diplomatic sources described Hun Sen's speech as dramatic and surprising, given that it was off the agenda.

Mr Abhisit did not have a chance to respond immediately as he was busy in talks with Philippine President Benigno Aquino.

Mr Abhisit returned to the meeting shortly afterwards and told Asean leaders that Thailand has never wanted to cause problems with its neighbours.

The prosperity and stability of its neighbours benefited Thailand, Mr Abhisit said.

Bilateral efforts to defuse the conflict were still working, Mr Abhisit said, citing the Joint Boundary Commission meeting that took place last month in Bogor, Indonesia.

"Thailand has been trying to work things out, but Cambodia seems to want to internationalise a bilateral dispute," Mr Abhisit said.

Asean leaders also shared their concerns and hoped the problem would not escalate, sources added.

The Thai and Cambodian foreign ministers met on Friday night, but did not discuss the issue of withdrawing troops from Preah Vihear temple.

Thailand has approved the terms of reference for the deployment of a team of Indonesian observers on the condition that Cambodia withdraws its troops from Preah Vihear and the Keo Sikha Kiri Svara pagoda.

Phl wants to help settle Thailand-Cambodia row

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By Aurea Calica

The Philippine Star

Updated May 08, 2011

JAKARTA – The Philippines offered yesterday to help resolve the border row between Thailand and Cambodia during the meeting of member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) here.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said President Aquino conveyed this in the plenary session and during his bilateral meeting with Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. Aquino is also scheduled to have a bilateral meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

“The President expressed the desire of the Philippines to be of help in any way we can. And he has urged that the conflict be brought to a peaceful resolution in the spirit of ASEAN brotherhood and solidarity,” Del Rosario said.

The Thailand-Cambodia border dispute, which started in June 2008, involved the area surrounding the 11th-century Preah Vihear Temple located between the Choam Khsant district in the Preah Vihear province of northern Cambodia and the Kantharalak district in the Sisaket province of northeastern Thailand.

Both states also have a dispute over two other ancient temples called Tao Moan and Ta Krabey.

Both countries lay claim on the temples.

Meanwhile, the Philippines is backing Myanmar’s chairmanship of the 2014 ASEAN summit.

“There was an agreement that Myanmar will be the chair of in 2014,” Del Rosario said.

Myanmar is supposed to assume chairmanship of the regional bloc in 2015 but was reported to have negotiated with Laos to change turns.

The ASEAN inter-parliamentary caucus for Myanmar (AIPMC), however, called on ASEAN leaders to turn down Myanmar’s proposition.

AIPMC believed that the Myanmar government is still authoritarian and is holding many public leaders of different political inclinations.

New York based Human Rights Watch said ASEAN member-states should reject Myanmar’s request to assume chairmanship in 2014 until it takes genuine steps toward improvement of human rights and release of more than 2,000 political prisoners.

The Philippines also backed the entry of East Timor into ASEAN as long as it could meet the requirements set by the regional grouping.?East Timor or Timor Leste which is an observer at the summit had since 2010 expressed its interest in joining ASEAN.

Thailand says it has no “ill intentions” towards Cambodia

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The Jakarta Post | Sat, 05/07/2011 8:22 PM | World

Thailand Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Saturday in Jakarta that his country “has no ill intentions towards Cambodia.”

“We want to resolve this peacefully. We have a number of bilateral mechanisms that are functioning. We have continued to function while these clashes took place and there is no sense in trying to internationalize or escalate the conflict,” he said on Saturday at the first day of the 18th ASEAN summit.

Abhisit said that the settlement could “prove to the world that as members of the ASEAN family, that this can be resolved.”

Deputy government spokesperson for Thailand Suphachai Jaismut said that Thailand would likely meet Indonesia on Sunday.

“Maybe Thailand will ask Indonesia to explain about the TOR [Terms of Reference]. Until now we, have not agreed with it,” he said.

Indonesia Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa previously said that both Cambodia and Thailand had agreed on the TOR.

“We have to explain why; to inform Indonesia about the issues. For example, in that area there are military from Cambodia...that’s the conflict area. So, if Indonesia sends their officers to observe there, that means that there are some areas that the military has had to move out of, but we are not even sure that Cambodia agrees with this issue,"

Suphachai said that Thailand was “ready to resume the JBC [Joint Boundary Commission]. “[we are] waiting for Cambodia to accept the invitations.”

A statement from Abhisit revealed to the Post by Suphachai shown that Thailand favors bilateral methods for resolution of these issues.

Thailand and Cambodia have engaged in clashes in their border area, with the last skirmishes occurring last month. The ongoing dispute has resulted in dozens of casualties.

AbhiSHIT : " Siamese is the world BULLSHIT" Abhishit responds to Hun Sen's attack

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The following is the full text of intervention by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva responding to the Thailand-Cambodia issue during the plenary session on 7 May 2011 in Jakarta.

"Allow me to respond to the statement made by Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Thailand recognizes full well that any conflict between ASEAN Member States can undermine ASEAN's community-building efforts.

I can therefore categorically state that Thailand has no intention whatsover to engage in any conflict with neighbours and countries in the region.

The border disputes between Thailand and Cambodia, like many other disputes, are long-standing. In this case, the borders have been delimited by various Treaties such as the Siamese-French Convention of 1904 and the Siamese-French Treaty of 1907. There have also been subsequent developments which have raised disagreements.

As mentioned by Prime Minister Hun Sen, there were maps that were referred to and there was a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 1962. The ICJ, however, made it clear that the mentioned map was not the work of the Siamese-French Mixed Commission of Delimitation. The ICJ delivered a judgment in 1962 and although Thailand did not agree with it, we complied with the judgment since 1962. Military and police personnel were withdrawn from the Temple and its vicinity since 1962. This was undertaken in a transparent manner, recognized by the international community and Cambodia. And there have been no problems for decades.

Both sides agreed on the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding between Thailand and Cambodia on the Survey and Demarcation of Land Boundary (2000 MOU) which again was done in good faith. The 2000 MOU stated that no actions should be undertaken to affect the demarcation work, and this included movement of troops and people into disputed areas. The problem emerged when Cambodia violated the 2000 MOU by sending troops and people into the area.

I therefore wish to set the record straight:

Thailand has no intention whatsoever to have conflicts.

I am therefore disappointed that Prime Minister Hun Sen has stated otherwise regarding Thailand's intentions.

Thailand has contributed to Cambodia's nation-building process with utmost sincerity and with the wish to see it advance and achieve reconciliation. Even today, we continue to provide development cooperation assistance to Cambodia because we believe that Cambodia's prosperity is linked with our prosperity. Even in times of dispute, we have continued to provide assistance, trade and cooperate economically.

Thailand has de-coupled the border dispute from other issues.

But we cannot help but notice that there is a clear attempt by Cambodia to internationalize the issue.

It is simply not true that the bilateral process is not working.

I am frustrated too, as may be Prime Minister Hun Sen, of the internal legal requirements but the fact is that the Thai-Cambodian Joint Commission on Demarcation for Land Boundary (JBC) continues to function. Legal issues have been resolved. Thailand's Consitutional Court has ruled on the Agreed Minutes of previous meetings of the JBC that they need not go to the Thai Parliament.

So we are ready to resume the JBC.

Before the clashes in February this year, my Foreign Minister was in Cambodia. Immediately after the first shot was fired, Cambodia went to the United Nations Security Council. However, bilateral mechanisms are still working. In April 2011, the JBC met in Bogor. I hope my ASEAN colleagues recognize that the doors for bilateral meetings remain open. Invitations have been issued to Cambodia regarding meetings of the JBC, the Regional Border Committee (RBC) and the General Border Committee (GBC). We are waiting for Cambodia to accept the invitations.

I accept that the issue could affect the credibility of ASEAN. We must therefore make sure that any problem should be solved, locally, bilaterally and if needed with the facilitation of the region.

Regarding the Terms of Reference (TOR) on the Indonesian Observers Team (IOT), the Thai Cabinet has approved the text of TOR. But we have concerns. If observers are to be sent, there must be good faith shown by Cambodia to respect the 2000 MOU. This involves the withdrawal of troops and other people from these areas since the 2000 MOU states that there would be no movement of troops and people into these areas.

Furthermore, the presence of troops at the Temple is a violation of the 1954 Hague Convention on the Protection of Cultural Properties in the Event of Armed Conflict and the 1972 Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage as well as the guidelines of the World Heritage Committee. It is therefore a good idea for the GBC to discuss this before the IOT is sent.

On the recent border clashes in April - these took place more than 100 kilometers away from the Phra Viharn Temple. Therefore, the area where the IOT is to be sent to is nowhere near the latest clashes. Subsequently and immediately, Cambodia sent a letter to the ICJ.

I apologize for taking time to explain this issue. This matter can be resolved bilaterally. We welcome ASEAN's facilitating role and appreciate Indonesia's facilitation in this regard. There are some technical issues to be addressed. If there is good faith, then our house can be set in order.

I welcome the offer of our host to hold a meeting with Cambodia and Thailand - I have no problems discussing this issue with Prime Minister Hun Sen. This will allow for a good understanding of what really happened in the past few months."

ABISHIT: I AM A BIG COUNTRY SO I CAN INVADE CAMBODIA LAOS AND MYANMAR ... WHO CAN DO TO THAILAND? I KNOW HOW TO BULLSHIT TO THE WORLD

Border issues affect ASEAN credibility: leaders of Thailand, Cambodia

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JAKARTA, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen both said here Saturday that their border issues affect ASEAN's credibility.

Hun Sen said, in his speech at the first session of the ongoing 18th ASEAN Summit, that the border conflicts between the two countries "not only affect peace and security in the region, but also create serious challenges for ASEAN in our pursuit towards the ASEAN Community in 2015."

He also appeals to the regional bloc to establish a mediation mechanism for the settlement of the dispute.

His remarks were echoed by Abhisit, who said, "Thailand recognizes full well that any conflict between ASEAN member states can undermine ASEAN's community-building efforts."

Meanwhile, both of the leaders respectively expressed that they have no intention of engaging in conflicts.

Hun Sen said his country's priority is to reduce poverty and achieve development and prosperity. "Therefore, Cambodia has neither reason nor interest to invade or create incidents with her neighbors," he said.

The Thai prime minister said, "I can categorically state that Thailand has no intention whatsoever to engage in any conflict with neighbors and countries in the region." What he doesn't agree is that "any problem must be solved locally, bilaterally."

This is a response to Cambodia's attempt to seek international facilitation of the settlement. Cambodia submitted a request to the International Court of Justice for interpretation of the 1962 Judgment on the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple, which stands near the disputed border.

Thai side also requires Cambodia to withdraw its troops and residents from the disputed area before the terms of reference ( TOR) for deployment of observers is formalized.

The requirement is rejected by Cambodia. "This condition is irrational and unacceptable," Hun Sen said.

The two countries have agreed on the deployment of Indonesian observer team to monitor cease-fire. But Thailand has not formally submitted its acceptance letter, according to Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa.

Editor: Fang Yang

Cambodia to mark Olympic Day with half marathon

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PHNOM PENH, May 07, 2011 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- Cambodia is scheduled to hold a half marathon event in Phnom Penh on June 18 to mark the Olympic Day, said a sports official on Saturday.

Vath Chamroeun, the secretary general of the National Olympic Council of Cambodia, told a press briefing that about 2,000 Cambodian and foreign amateur and professional athletes are expected to take part in the event.

The event is to celebrate the 117th anniversary of the founding of the International Olympic Committee in 1894, he said. It is also in conjunction with the World Environment Day and the birthday of Cambodian former Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk.

"The event is to promote affection on sports," Chamroeun said. "Also, it is to catch public attention on green environment in the city."

The race will take place at the riverside Prime Minister Hun Sen's park.

There are three different categories - 21 kilometers for professional athletes, 8 and 5 kilometers for amateurs.

The winners in 21 kilometer contest will be awarded 1,000 U.S. dollars and 700 U.S. dollars and 500 U.S. dollars for the second and third finishers respectively.

Cambodia calls on ASEAN to mediate in border row with Thailand

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May 07, 2011 (BBC Monitoring via COMTEX) -- Jakarta, May 7, 2011 - Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padey Techo Hun Sen of the Kingdom of Cambodia expressed concern over the ongoing border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, which, he believes, may not only affect peace and security in the region and also create serious challenges for ASEAN in the pursuit towards the ASEAN Community in 2015.

The Cambodian premier made the remark in his speech at the first plenary session with the topic of Implementation of the ASEAN Charter and Roadmap for ASEAN Community of the 18th ASEAN Summit held here Saturday.

"I am very concerned about the unsettled bilateral disputes among ASEAN member countries such as the border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand", he said, expressing his belief that ASEAN should not ignore this serious issue.

The Cambodian Prime Minister laid stress that ASEAN must consider the dispute as the most important issue for the life of the community, in which ASEAN must establish a mediation mechanism for the effective settlement of the dispute.

In spite of the dispute, Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed his pleasure at the significant progress made in the 14 prioritized areas in pursuing the building of the ASEAN Political-Secuirty Community.

"We recognize that the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South East Asia (TAC), the South East Asian Nuclear-free-zone Treaty (SEANFWZ), the Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and the ASEAN Convention on Counter Terrorism are becoming more useful instruments to ensure regional security," the Cambodian premier noticed.

He urged the joint working group on the DOC to finalize the guideline for the implementation of DOC before 2012 in order to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the DOC. He also extended a welcome to Canada's proposal to be a member of the TAC and to East Timor's application to join ASEAN as a member country.

Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse email, Phnom Penh, in English 0000 gmt 7 May 11

BBC Mon Alert AS1 AsPol pk

Thai-Cambodia dispute sparks doubts over regional bloc ASEAN

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders clap after a group photo at the opening ceremony of the 18th ASEAN Summit in Jakarta May 7, 2011. Credit: Reuters/Supri

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By Neil Chatterjee and Olivia Rondonuwu

JAKARTA | Sat May 7, 2011 4:57pm IST

JAKARTA (Reuters) - Southeast Asian leaders sought on Saturday to resolve a deadly border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia that has cast fresh doubt over whether the region's plans to become a free-trade economic community by 2015 are realistic.

The skirmishes between Thailand and Cambodia -- ostensibly over ownership of some crumbling ancient temples on the border but also driven by internal political dynamics in both countries -- have killed 18 people in the last couple of weeks.

The confrontation -- and the apparent inability of the Association of South East Asian Nations to broker a lasting peace deal -- has fuelled scepticism over the bloc's lofty ambitions and threatens to overshadow its annual two-day meeting, just as controversy over Myanmar has in the past.

"We need to resolve the problem because we don't want this to be a problem that would affect ASEAN's agenda on community building," Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva told Reuters after meeting the group's leaders in Jakarta. "If the Cambodians would just come to the table, there is no problem."

Cambodia says it is the Thais who are blocking agreement, by repeatedly coming up with new demands to scupper peace.

The 10-member ASEAN, with some of the world's fastest growing economies and some 500 million people, represents a region with increasing economic clout, but has a policy of non-interference in other members' domestic affairs and is often derided as a talk shop.

"ASEAN must enhance its credibility by fully implementing its own agreements," Abhisit told leaders in a speech, referring to the group's charter. "To be credible, we must also be able to address and resolve challenges within our region."

Fighting over the 900-year-old Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site in dispute since the withdrawal of the French from Cambodia in the 1950s, has turned into Southeast's Asia's bloodiest conflict in a decade and dented ASEAN's image.

Thai and Cambodian foreign ministers meeting ahead of the summit agreed on some of the ground rules for sending an Indonesian military observer team to the border, but Cambodia rejected Thailand's request to withdraw troops from the temple as a precondition.

Cambodia's foreign minister Hor Namhong said the country will never withdraw troops from its own territory.

MYRIAD SECURITY CHALLENGES

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono avoided mentioning the dispute in a speech to open the meeting on Saturday, focusing instead on the region's challenges of food and energy security and speeding up moves towards an economic community.

The group ranges from oil and gas-rich Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam and Malaysia, and the world's top rice exporter Thailand, to trading centre Singapore and resource-scarce Laos, Cambodia and the Philippines.

ASEAN, together with China, Japan and South Korea, has agreed to have a rice reserve of over 700,0000 tonnes to protect against volatile commodity prices, which had surged this year before unexpectedly diving this week.

The details of how the emergency reserve will work, such as whether countries will buy it or whether it could also be used to stabilise volatile prices, have yet to be thrashed out, Indonesia's Trade Minister Mari Pangestu said.

Indonesia surprised regional markets earlier this year by buying five times as much rice as expected, and vowed to lift its rice stockpiles by a third as it struggled to fight inflation after global food prices hit a record high.

"Food security will be a great challenge for ASEAN," Yudhoyono said in the speech. "Nations on this earth will face a competitive situation for the scarce resources of daily needs."

ASEAN needs to develop internal trade and investment, said Yudhoyono, a week after meeting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao who offered $9 billion for infrastructure and to improve transport links with China. Transport disasters are all too common in Indonesia and at least 15 died in a plane crash on Saturday.

"We still have to do a lot of things," Yudhoyono added.

He said the leaders, transported in a fleet of gleaming Toyota limos through Jakarta's traffic jams and tropical rains that killed 17 people on Friday night in floods to the west of the capital, will also discuss disaster management following the devastating tsunami in key trading partner Japan.

Leaders may consider the wishes of Myanmar, a politically isolated state whose recent elections for civilian rule only gave it a veneer of democracy, to host ASEAN gatherings in 2014, as well as neighbouring East Timor's wish to join the group.

(Additional reporting by Aditya Suharmoko, Telly Nathalia and Reuters TV; Editing by Andrew Marshall)

Thai, Cambodian PMs to meet on border clashes

From left to right, Myanmar's President Thein Sein, Philippine's President Benigno Aquino III, Singapore's Senior Minister S. Jayakumar, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen, Brune's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Lao's Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak, and ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan pose for a group photo prior to a dinner upon arrival for a dinner at the 18th ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, Saturday, May 7, 2011. ((AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim, Pool))«123»

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By NINIEK KARMINI Associated Press

05/07/2011

JAKARTA, Indonesia—Southeast Asian leaders sought to help Thailand and Cambodia end deadly clashes along their disputed border, saying peace and stability were the prerequisite to larger goals of regional economic integration and security.

The two sides agreed to hold talks Sunday—mediated by Indonesia's president—as part of efforts to hammer out a lasting cease-fire.

But with acrimony high, it was unclear just how much could be accomplished.

Other topics on the agenda of the two-day Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, summit included Myanmar's bid to take over the rotating chair of the 10-member regional grouping, spiraling food and energy prices, and maritime security in the South China Sea.

The main tensions there are over the potentially oil-rich Spratly islands, claimed in whole or in part by China and four ASEAN members—Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and Vietnam.

The smaller nations, together with the U.S., worry that China may use its military might to seize the area outright or assume de facto control with naval patrols.

That could threaten one of the world's busiest commercial sea lanes.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario raised the need for ASEAN to end a nine-year disagreement with China that has prevented the two sides from completing the guidelines of an accord aimed at preventing armed conflicts over the disputed islands.

The guidelines would allow all five of the countries to pursue joint development projects to ease tensions in the South China Sea region.

The summit that wraps up Sunday is supposed to focus on steps needed to create an integrated regional economic zone by 2015.

But Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said in his opening statement that little can be accomplished without peace and stability between member countries.

To that end, he will host a meeting between the Cambodian and Thai prime ministers to try to end repeated outbreaks of fighting that have claimed nearly 20 lives in the last two weeks and sent 100,000 people fleeing from their homes.

The dispute—allegedly over control of ancient temples claimed by the two nations—has stirred nationalist sentiment on both sides.

But analysts say domestic politics is fanning the fire, especially in Thailand, where the military that staged a coup in 2006 could be posturing ahead of elections expected as early as next month.

Though agreement to accept mediation was a good sign—Thailand has previously said the matter must be resolved directly between it and Cambodia—tensions remain high.

The two sides came up with preconditions Friday for sending Indonesian observers to the border, but Cambodia quickly lambasted a request by Thailand to first remove troops from its own side of the frontier.

"Can you imagine that Cambodia withdraw from their own territory? It's nonsense!" Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong told reporters at the summit Saturday.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva insisted, however, that his country had no ill intention toward their eastern neighbor.

"We have a number of bilateral mechanisms that are functioning," Vejjajiva said, referring to Cambodia's attempt to seek a settlement through the International Court of Justice.

"This is something that we should talk about ... and prove to the world that as members of ASEAN, this can be resolved."

Myanmar's president, Thein Sein, who heads the military-backed party that overwhelmingly won general elections late last year, was expected to ask for the right, meanwhile, to chair ASEAN in 2014.

Some countries say Myanmar is ready, but others argue that, despite the recent release of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, the government has not yet done enough to improve human rights.

Myanmar still has more than 2,000 political prisoners.

The regional grouping is supposed to rotate its chair every year between member countries—Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

However, Myanmar was forced to skip its turn in 2005 after coming under heavy pressure from the international community over slow progress on national reconciliation and human rights.

———

Associated Press writers Ali Kotarumalos in Jakarta and Jim Gomez in Manila, Philippines, contributed to this report.

Hun Sen blasts Thailand at ASEAN summit: officials

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By Agence France-Presse, Updated: 5/7/2011

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen launched an aggressive attack on Thailand over a border dispute during the first session of a summit of Southeast Asian leaders on Saturday, officials and ministers said.

Senior officials said Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders were taken aback at the salvo across the meeting table, regarding a topic that was not even on the formal agenda of the two-day summit in Jakarta.

The trade and economy-focused summit was at risk of being hijacked by tensions over the bloody military conflict which has killed 85 people and temporarily displaced 85,000 in months of clashes.

An Asian foreign minister, who did not want to be named, said Hun Sen was "quite aggressive" when he raised the issue during the closed-door session.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva confirmed that Hun Sen raised the dispute and repeated Bangkok's willingness to resolve the issue peacefully.

"We had a frank discussion this morning," he told reporters after the meeting.

"We need to resolve the problem because we don't want this to be a problem that would affect ASEAN's agenda on community building," he added.

Thai government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said Abhisit was "disappointed" and had rebutted Hun Sen's allegations that Thai troops were attacking Cambodian territory.

"He said he was very disappointed to hear Cambodia accusing Thailand of using force against Cambodia. In fact we have not. In fact we have been helping Cambodia through difficult times," the spokesman said.

"Despite our good intentions, yes, he (Abhisit) was disappointed that Prime Minister Hun Sen misunderstood our intention."

The dispute centres on a small area around an 11th-century Khmer temple which belongs to Cambodia under a 1962 World Court ruling.

Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong told reporters that Phnom Penh had done everything it could to resolve the issue but would never agree to Bangkok's demands to pull troops out of the temple.

"Prime Minister Hun Sen appealed to ASEAN to help solve the problem peacefully," he said.

"I have already said that Cambodia can never withdraw their troops from their own territory and by putting this condition, Thailand knows very well that Cambodia can never accept that."

Philippine presidential spokesman Ricky Carandang said the session was more animated than most participants had expected.

"We were surprised, many people were surprised that the Cambodian side brought it up and it took quite a bit of their time," he said.

"It became a little dramatic but I think that's just the way that Prime Minister Hun Sen delivers speeches."

As chair of ASEAN, Indonesia has been trying to mediate a settlement but it has made little progress.

The neighbours have agreed in principle to allow a small group of Indonesian military observers to monitor the border but efforts to broker a permanent ceasefire have broken down amid mutual distrust and accusations.

The row is a blight on ASEAN's plans to create a more closely integrated economic community by 2015, with mechanisms for conflict resolution and enhanced security cooperation.

Some senior ASEAN officials are keen to burnish the group's international relevance by being seen to resolve the dispute, something which does not come naturally to an economic block that cherishes principles of non-interference.

Thailand has insisted the row be resolved bilaterally with ASEAN help, but has steadfastly rejected Cambodian calls for UN involvement.

Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said there was little enthusiasm among ASEAN leaders for the issue to be internationalised.

"I think what all the other ASEAN leaders have been saying this morning is that we should keep the conflict within the ASEAN family," he said.

AKP - The Agence Kampuchea Press

via CAAI

Cambodian PM Receives Philippines’ President

AKP Jakarta, May 7, 2011— Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia held talk here with H.E Benigno S. Aquino III, President of the Philippines on the sideline of 18th ASEAN Summit in Jakarta today.

The talk was focused on bilateral cooperation in the fields of tourism and agriculture. The Philippines planed to establish direct flight to Cambodia and export rise from the latter.

by Kimseng

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Several ASEAN Member Countries Advocate Peaceful Settlement of Cambodian-Thai Conflict

AKP Jakarta, May 7, 2011 — The first plenary session of the 18th ASEAN Summit in Jakarta saw interactive views and comments on the current conflict between Cambodia and Thailand.

According to an ASEAN official attending the session, a number of ASEAN member countries expressed sympathy with the two countries, especially Cambodia that preferred peaceful settlement of the conflict.

The Philippines offered to play a role in the observation appointment to the ceasefire deal between Cambodia and Thailand.

Laos and Singapore voiced full support to resolving the conflict with utmost restrain while Malaysia called for a roadmap for the settlement of the conflict within the framework of ASEAN.

By Kimseng

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Speech by Samdech Techo Hun Sen at 18th ASEAN Summit’s First Session

AKP Jakarta, May 7, 2011—Speech by Samdech Techo Hun Sen at 18th ASEAN Summit’s First Plenary Session.

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PM: ASEAN’s Credibility and Prestige Are at Risk If Ceasefire Not Materialized

AKP Jakarta, May 7, 2011 – Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia said a series of military fighting along the border between Cambodia and Thai may not only affect peace and security in the region, but also create serious challenges for ASEAN in the pursuit towards the ASEAN Community in 2015.

Speaking at the 1st plenary session of the 18th ASEAN Summit held here Saturday, the Cambodian prime minister recalled that the border demarcation between Cambodia and Thailand was based on treaties made between France and Siam of 1904 and 1907, and the maps prepared by the Franco-Siamese Mixed Commission for Bordering .

In his 6-page speech at the session, Samdech Techo Hun Sen spoke of the Memorandum of Understanding on Survey and Demarcation signed in 2002 between Cambodia and Thailand based on French-Siamese Treaties of 1893, 1904 and 1907.

He expressed satisfaction with some achievements made as a result of the implementation of the MOU until after the inscription of the Khmer sacred Preah Vihear Temple on the World Heritage List.

Since July 15, 2008, Thailand has launched war of aggression against Cambodia by sending troops to launch attacks at several points at Cambodia’s border areas with Thailand.

Indonesia has been internationally accepted to play the role of ceasefire observer, but the Thai side has never shown the intention to hold the truce.

“Thailand does not have the good will to accept the Indonesian observers and does not have the willingness to settle this border dispute in accordance with the international law and by peaceful means,” affirmed the Cambodian premier.

“I urge the ASEAN leaders to provide support and put forth necessary measures in order to make all parties concerned cooperate and accept the observers from Indonesia to monitor the ceasefire agreed upon at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in February 2011 and according to the mandate of the United Nations Security Council,” he stated.

The Cambodian premier warned that ASEAN’s prestige and credibility will be at risk if the efforts to establish a permanent ceasefire will not be materialized as planned.

By Kimseng

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Cambodian PM Concerned Over Unsettled Disputes Among ASEAN Member Countries

AKP Jakarta, May 7, 2011—Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padey Techo Hun Sen of the Kingdom of Cambodia expressed concern over the ongoing border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, which, he believes, may not only affect peace and security in the region and also create serious challenges for ASEAN in the pursuit towards the ASEAN Community in 2015.

“I am very concerned about the unsettled bilateral disputes among ASEAN member countries such as the border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand”, he said , expressing his belief that ASEAN should not ignore this serious issue.

In spite of the dispute, Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed his pleasure at the significant progress made in the 14 prioritized areas in pursuing the building of the ASEAN Political-Secuirty Community.

“We recognize that the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South East Asia (TAC), the South East Asian Nuclear-free-zone Treaty(SEANFWZ), the Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and the ASEAN Convention on Counter Terrorism are becoming more useful instruments to ensure regional security,” the Cambodian premier noticed.

He urged the joint working group on the DOC to finalize the guideline for the implementation of DOC before 2012 in order to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the DOC. He also extend welcome to Canada’s proposal to be a member of the TAC and to East Timor’s application to join ASEAN as a member country.

By: Kimseng

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PRESIDENT YUDHOYONO WELCOMES ASEAN LEADERS AT JCCBy Media

AKP Jakarta, May 7, 2011 – They respectively were Sultan of Brunei Darussalam Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak, Myanmar Prime Minister Thein Sein, President of the Philippines Benigno S. Aquino III, Senior Minister of Singapore S. Jayakumar representing Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, and Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

After the welcoming ceremony, they proceeded to the Assembly Hall for a series of meetings.

The meetings include ASEAN Leaders Meeting with APA (ASEAN People’s Assembly) Representatives, ASEAN Leaders Informal Meeting with Youth Representatives and Leaders Informal Meeting with Civil Society’s Representatives.

In the evening, President Yudhoyono will host a banquet for the ASEAN member countries’ leaders.

Indonesia as this year’s ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) chair, is hosting the 18th ASEAN Summit being held in Jakarta, May 7-8, 2011.

The 18th ASEAN Summit’s theme is “Towards A Global Community of Nations.”

ASEAN was established in 1967 with five members Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia. Brunei joined in 1984, Vietnam in 1995 and Laos and Myanmar in 1997, and finally Cambodia as the 10th member in 1999.

As Chair of ASEAN this year, Indonesia has three key priorities. The First is to ensure significant progress of achieving ASEAN Community by 2015; The second priority is to strengthen ASEAN cohesion to craft East Asia wide regionalism and architecture; and The third priority is to ensure that regional agreements and cooperation can contribute to global agreements and governance.

Eliswan/JC ASEANsummit.org

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18th ASEAN Summit Starts

AKP Jakarta, May 7, 2011—Top leaders of the ASEAN member countries were present at the opening ceremony of the 18th ASEAN Summit held here in the morning of May 7. The opening began with the welcoming remarks by ASEAN chair H.E. Dr. H. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President of the Republic of Indonesia, followed by the photo session of ASEAN leaders.

By Kimseng

AKP Jakarta, May 7, 2011—Ten leaders of ASEAN member countries were present at the opening of the 18th ASEAN Summit held here in the morning of May 6. The opening began with welcome remark by ASEAN chair H.E Dr. Susilo Bambang Yuddhoyono, President of the Republic of Indonesia and was followed by the photo session of ASEAN leaders.

by: Kimseng

ASEAN to focus on food and energy while facing Thai-Cambodia spat

http://thepoc.net/

via CAAI

Saturday, 07 May 2011

Indonesia called on the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to focus on the soaring food and energy prices that could push people in the region into poverty.

This is while the group is facing the feud between Cambodia and Thailand’s border conflict and Myanmar’s reported rights abuses.

This year’s ASEAN chairman, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, said at the start of the 18th summit, “We must give serious attention and take concrete measures to address the soaring of food prices and world energy, which in turn will negatively affect the prosperity of our people.” He said the key is in averting poverty especially because “decreasing the poverty level is not an easy task.”

ASEAN is composed by disparate nations Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Nation feud

Besides inflation, human trafficking, territorial disputes and East Timor’s membership bid is expected to be discussed by the ten leaders including President Benigno Aquino III who arrived in Thailand Friday night.

Another issue is military-led Myanmar’s scheduled chairmanship in 2014 and its request to sponsor the summit in 2016.

Human rights and other international groups have been asking the ASEAN to reject the request because of Myanmar being a “pariah state in the democratic world and serial rights abuser” as mentioned in Inquirer.net.

In another report, the European Union mentioned plans of engaging in free trade agreements with ASEAN members, except Myanmar.

The tension between Thailand and Cambodia is also mounting with 18 dead and 85,000 people displaced in the past few months. The dispute began in 2008 wherein according to the United Nations, Thai soldiers moved into an area 300 meters from the 11th-century Preah Vihear Temple. Thailand claimed that the demarcation has not been completed in the said parts which were supposedly judged by the International Court of Justice as Cambodian territory. Both countries accused each other of trying to seize ancient temples.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon asked for a ceasefire with the ASEAN as mediator. Both countries had agreed to accept Indonesian observers into the disputed area. However, Indonesia said they would have no power to police a ceasefire.

Melaka And Cambodia Forge Cooperation To Restore Heritage Sites

via CAAI

MELAKA, May 7 (Bernama) -- Melaka and Cambodia hope to forge close cooperation in rehabilitating historical sites to strengthen bilateral relations between the two entities, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said.

He said both Melaka and Cambodia had similarities in drawing tourists to visit historical sites especially after both were given recognition as world heritage sites (WHS) through the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

"They have longer experience because they had received WHS recognition since 1992 while Melaka received it in 2007 and as such, Melaka can learn from the experience of Cambodia through the WHS," he told reporters after receiving the visit of Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Sok An who made a one-day visit to Melaka.

Mohd Ali said the state government would make an official visit to the country, that is famous because of the Angkor Wat, at the end of the year. "Cambodia also invited Melaka to invest in its rubber planting industry while the state goverment wants more Cambodians to explore the opportunity of pursuing further studies and seek the best health and medical services here," he said.

Meanwhile, Sok An said Melaka and Cambodia could establish ties on the preservation and conservation on historic sites of mutual interest to both sides.

Hun Sen rejects Thai call for border-area troop withdrawal+

http://www.breitbart.com/

via CAAI

May 7, 2011

JAKARTA, May 7 (AP) - (Kyodo)—Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen stated Saturday that Thailand's demand for withdrawal of Cambodian troops from Cambodian territory on the disputed border between the two countries is "irrational and unacceptable."

He made the statement at a plenary session of the 18th leaders' summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations that began in Jakarta on Saturday morning.

"This condition is irrational and unacceptable. In fact, it is Thailand that must withdraw troops from the vicinity of the areas, according to the judgment of the International Court of Justice at The Hague dated 15 June, 1962," he said.

Hun Sen was rejecting a recent demand by Thailand that unarmed Indonesian cease-fire observers will be allowed along the disputed border only if Cambodia withdraws its own troops and civilians from what Cambodia sees as its own land.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva countered that Cambodia was violating a Memorandum of Understanding agreed in 2000 that troops and population based or living near the ancient Preah Vihear Temple on the border must be withdrawn.

The bloody border conflict, which has seen a shaky cease-fire since Tuesday, has now grown into a heated regional diplomatic conflict since ASEAN foreign minister gathered in Jakarta on Friday and the leaders since Saturday.

In a six-page statement to the leaders' plenary, Hun Sen highlighted the border war with Thailand as well as other regional issues such as disputes among other members and China in the China Sea and terrorism.

He noted the border war may not only affect regional peace and security but may also "create serious challenges for ASEAN in our pursuit towards the ASEAN Community in 2015."

"I believe that ASEAN should not ignore this serious issue. Moreover, ASEAN must consider this dispute as the most important issue for the life of the community...ASEAN must establish a mediation mechanism for the effective settlement of the dispute," he told the other leaders.

In conclusion, Hun Sen urged the ASEAN leaders to "provide support and put forth necessary measures in order" to make all parties concerned cooperate and accept unarmed observers along the disputed Thai- Cambodian as soon as possible.

"ASEAN's prestige and credibility will be at high risk if the efforts to establish a permanent cease-fire will not materialize as planned," he warned.

The ASEAN members are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Thai-Cambodia dispute fuels scepticism over regional bloc ASEAN

http://af.reuters.com/

via CAAI

Sat May 7, 2011

By Neil Chatterjee

JAKARTA May 7 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian leaders sought on Saturday to resolve a deadly border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia that has cast fresh doubt over whether the region's plans to become a free-trade economic community by 2015 are realistic.

The confrontation -- and the apparent inability of the Association of South East Asian Nations to broker a peace deal that holds -- has fuelled scepticism over the bloc's lofty ambitions and threatens to overshadow its annual two-day meeting, just as controversy over Myanmar has in the past.

"The United States and United Nations hope Indonesia, as Southeast Asia's biggest country, can help to resolve this dispute," Indonesian Communications Minister Tifatul Sembiring told Reuters at the start of the meeting in Jakarta.

The 10-member ASEAN, with some of the world's fastest growing economies and some 500 million people, represents a region with increasing economic clout but is often derided as a talk shop and has a policy of non-interference in other members' domestic affairs.

"We never can withdraw our troops from our own territory. It should be very clear," said Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong.

MYRIAD SECURITY CHALLENGES

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono did not mention the dispute in a speech to open the meeting on Saturday, focusing instead on the region's challenges of food and energy security and speeding up moves towards an economic community.

"Food security will be a great challenge for ASEAN," Yudhoyono said in the speech. "Nations on this earth will face a competitive situation for the scarce resources of daily needs."

The region needs to develop intra-ASEAN trade and investment, said Yudhoyono, a week after meeting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao who promised $9 billion in loans to overhaul Indonesia's dilapidated infrastructure and to speed up transport links between the region and China.

"We still have to do a lot of things," Yudhoyono added.

Cambodia-Thailand tensions likely to dim chances for crucial talks at Southeast Asian summit

Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) trade and economic ministers or their representative, from left to right, Philippines' Gregory Domingo, Vietnam's Vu Huy Hoang, Singapore's Ow Foong Pheng, Thailand's Trairong Suwankiri, Myanmar's U Tin Naing, Indonesia's Mari Pangestu, Cambodia's Cham Prasidh, Lao's Nam Viyaketh, Brunei's Lim Jock Seng, Malaysia's Mustapa Mohamed, and ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan hold hands for a group photo during the Preparatory ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting at the 18th ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, Friday, May 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana)

via CAAI

Niniek Karmini, The Associated Press

JAKARTA, Indonesia — A bloody border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia is expected to hijack talks between Southeast Asian leaders trying boost regional security and ease economic disparities across borders.

Another hot topic at the two-day summit that opens Saturday will be Myanmar's request to chair the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, in 2014. Some countries say it's ready, but others argue the government has not yet done enough to improve human rights.

Presidents and prime ministers started filing into the tightly guarded summit venue in the Indonesian capital to talk about their long-stated goal of building a competitive and highly integrated economic region.

That will mean everything from improving road, rail and other transportation links to finding ways to guarantee food security and overcome vast energy challenges.

But regional security concerns such as the potentially oil-rich Spratlys islands claimed by China and several ASEAN nations — a dispute that worries the U.S. as well — and terrorism following the death of Osama bin Laden will likely steal the show.

The most pressing issue is renewed fighting along the border of Thailand and Cambodia, which has claimed nearly 20 lives in the last two weeks, sending tens of thousands of people fleeing their homes.

As current chair of ASEAN, Indonesia has been trying to help mediate the dispute over small parcels of land claimed by both countries, but has so far made little headway.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said he wants ASEAN to oversee a permanent cease-fire, according to his top adviser, Sri Thamrong, but Thailand still believes the problem should be settled bilaterally or through the International Court of Justice.

Meanwhile, Myanmar's president, Thein Sein, who heads the military-backed party that overwhelmingly won general elections late last year, will ask for the right to chair ASEAN in 2014.

The regional grouping is supposed to rotate its chair every year between member countries — Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Myanmar was forced to skip its turn in 2005, however, after coming under heavy pressure from the international community over slow progress on national reconciliation and human rights.

Thailand and several other countries have indicated they wouldn't stand in the way.

Singapore said it would be better to push back the date because of lingering concerns about human rights abuses.