Bangkok Asked To Sign Ceasefire During ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting

[webfact]

THAI-CAMBODIA BORDER DISPUTES

Bangkok asked to sign ceasefire during Asean FM meeting

Cambodia will ask Thailand to sign a permanent ceasefire with the witness of Asean foreign ministers or Asean chair during foreign ministers ' meeting in Indonesia, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said Thursday.

"It will be better if Asean chair can sign in the permanent ceasefire," said Hun Sen. Asean foreign ministers are scheduled to meet on Feb

Meanwhile, the premier put forward four points concerning the permanent ceasefire.

1 Cambodia and Thailand agreed to stop fighting for good and permanently. No more weapon clashes forever

2 no mobile of armed forces for this time and both sides maintain the same places of armed forces to wait for the resolution on measuring and demarcating the border;

3 Cambodia and Thailand encourage the two countries' army commanders to open talks to improve good cooperation in order to make the situation returning to before July 15, 2008;

4 to ensure the effectiveness of ceasefire, Cambodia will ask Asean countries to control of ceasefire.

"I believe Thailand will not agree at this point, but if Thailand does not agree the fourth point, Cambodia will agree to receive forces from Asean countries to station in Cambodian territory to observe and ensure the ceasefire," Hun Sen added.

Hun Sen said that he has already sent the four-point of the draft permanent ceasefire to Thailand Prime Minister Abhisit through Thai Deputy Prime Minister Trairong Suwankiri, who is now in Cambodia for the opening of Thai trade expo.

He stressed that the multi-lateral talks would be used only in the border dispute with Thailand. All the meetings, even the JBC (Cambodian-Thai Joint Commission on Demarcation for Land Boundary ) meeting, must have the participation of the Asean chair or representative, Thailand should not be afraid of the third party.

"While other forums, besides border dispute and Preah Vihear temple, will be done bilaterally, such as trades, tourism, culture...," Hun Sen said

"I appeal that we don't push the situation into the confrontation on all sectors," he said. "We should contain the dispute, not let it spread further."

However, on the issue of Preah Vihear temple, Hun Sen said that "we cannot walk back on this issue, it's the heritage left by our ancestors--I just maintain and protect it for our next generation.We don't want any land from the other."

Cambodia will welcome all types of observers from Asean, he said. "Observers can be civilians, military or police, they can be in group of Asean or each country can send their observers to the disputed areas."

Cambodia and Thailand have had border conflict just a week after Cambodia's Preah Vihear temple was enlisted as World Heritage Site on July 7, 2008.

The conflict is due to Thai claim of the ownership of 1.8 square miles (4.6 sq km) of scrub next to the temple, which also result in a military build-up along the border, and periodic clashes between Cambodian and Thai soldiers have resulted in the deaths of troops on both sides.

The latest clashes on Feb. 4-7, unleashed a barrage of artillery shells on both sides of the border had claimed the lives of soldiers and civilians on both sides and also caused ten of thousands of the two countries' villagers nearby the disputed areas fleeing for safe shelters.

The United Nations Security Council on Monday urged Cambodia and Thailand to display maximum restraint and to establish a permanent ceasefire. It also expressed support for the active efforts of Asean in the matter and encouraged the parties to continue to cooperate with the organization.

By Xinhua

-- The Nation 2011-02-17

[RedNIvar]

Cambodia is welcoming everyone to come and look and see. They are open to anyone to come over to the temple and disputed area. Thailand on the other hand have vehemently objected to anyone coming over to the disputed area and does not want anyone around.

Hiding much?

[aaacorp]

Amazing how Abhisit can still think Thailand cannot loose face on this dispute border.

Cambodia asked many time for a demilitarization of the area....Thailand always refused....

[Thaddeus]

We had a village meeting today (for those who don't know, I live uncomfortably close to Cambodia)

There were more than a couple of uniformed men taking the podium to talk, when I asked a Thai friend what the meeting was about, he said "getting ready, where to go, how to build shelters" (I had to help him with the word shelters)

I am seriously hoping that this is just in case.

//edit/typo/albeit a funny one

Edited February 17, 2011 by Thaddeus

[Robby nz]

The conflict is due to Thai claim of the ownership of 1.8 square miles (4.6 sq km) of scrub next to the temple,

From what I have read the above statement is not true.

The yellows may have but the Thailand Govt has never claimed ownership.

They have however stated that the boundries have never been demarkated and untill that is done ownership can not be claimed by either side.

The deputy Thai MP has also suggested the area be run as a joint venture for the benefit of both countries, no answer to that one from Cambodia.

I note Hun Sen has included as a forth clause something he hopes Thailand will not agree to.

[webfact]

Cambodia urges ASEAN ceasefire deal with Thailand

PHNOM PENH, February 17, 2011 (AFP) - Cambodia said on Thursday it would press Thailand to sign a permanent ceasefire at a regional gathering next week as both countries remained at odds over how to settle a deadly border row.

Prime Minister Hun Sen said Cambodia would urge its neighbour to agree a peace deal during a meeting of foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Jakarta on Tuesday.

But Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva rejected the idea of ASEAN involvement in resolving the dispute, which erupted into armed clashes between the countries earlier this month.

Four days of heavy fighting near a 900-year-old border temple left at least 10 people dead and displaced thousands of families on both sides of the frontier.

"During the upcoming ASEAN meeting, Cambodia will request that a ceasefire agreement be signed between the Cambodian and Thai foreign ministers under the witness of ASEAN or the ASEAN chair," Hun Sen said at a press conference in the Cambodian capital.

He also confirmed that his country will call for ASEAN observers to come to the border area to help ensure a ceasefire holds.

The two sides are at odds over an area near the Preah Vihear temple, an 11th-century clifftop ruin that belongs to Cambodia but whose designation as a World Heritage site sparked the ire of Thai nationalists.

Both countries blame each other for the crisis.

Thailand has repeatedly said it wants to resolve the row bilaterally, rejecting Cambodian requests for third-party mediation.

"I do not think we have to talk about this during the ASEAN meeting because we are not the ones that started the fight," Abhisit said on Thursday when asked about a ceasefire deal.

The United Nations Security Council on Monday urged the two nations to establish a "permanent ceasefire" but did not endorse a Cambodian request to deploy UN peacekeepers in the contested area.

It did, however, express support for mediation efforts by Indonesia, the current chair of the 10-nation ASEAN group.

The World Court ruled in 1962 that the Preah Vihear temple belonged to Cambodia, but both countries claim ownership of a 1.8-square-mile (4.6-square-kilometre) surrounding area.

Hun Sen told reporters legal officials were currently preparing documents to bring the case back to the World Court to ask for a clarification concerning the disputed plot of land.

"We will return to the Court to have it resolved," Hun Sen said.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-02-17

[Robby nz]

Wonder who Hun Sen's lawyer is.

Have to be someone with recent experience with taking a case to the world court.

Na couldnt be could it, that would to obvious and just be another link in the chain, or should that be puppet string.

[geovalin]

Now, it's obvious, Cambodia WANTS peace.

Thailand WANTS war.

Why not after all?

Abisith statement "I do not think we have to talk about this (the ceasefire) during the ASEAN meeting

+

PAD's one (and all of us know that a PAD wish is an order) "the UNSC resolution for the two countries to stop fighting would cause damage to Thailand and added such a resolution could be seen as a conspiracy between the Thai and Cambodian governments."

=

Thailand HAS to continue the fight. Thailand HAS NO OTHER CHOICE.

This war against Cambodia, the civil one in the South and the 90 deaths in Bangkok streets in 2010: BRAVO! CHEERS! TIT!

[webfact]

Thai PM: Too soon to hold talks on ceasefire agreement with Cambodia

BANGKOK, Feb 17 - As Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said he would ask Thailand to sign a permanent ceasefire agreement in the upcoming regional foreign ministers meeting, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Thursday said it is too soon to talk about it as Thailand was not the party which opened fire.

The Thai premier made the statement after his Cambodian counterpart said earlier in Phnom Penh that he would request the signing of a permanent ceasefire agreement with Thailand with ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) or the ASEAN chair, witnessing the signing.

The ASEAN foreign ministers meeting is scheduled to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia on Feb 22.

Mr Abhisit said Cambodia's proposed ceasefire agreement is still unclear and Thailand did not begin the fighting, but only retaliated appropriately when Thai troops were attacked by its neighbour's armed forces.

In response to Mr Hun Sen’s statement that he adhered to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) regarding the ceasefire and bilateral talks with ASEAN observers, the Thai premier said the proposal is not different from that of ASEAN which earlier said the dialogue is a matter of the two sides but the regional grouping is ready to play a supporting role for the talk without getting involved in the details of the discussions.

"What Mr Hun Sen said today means that he accepts the fact that both countries should return to the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) which is the mechanism for bilateral talks," stated the Thai premier.

For the proposed permanent ceasefire agreement, now it is too soon for the signing as Thailand has reiterated from the beginning that we were not the one who began the shooting, Mr Abhisit said.

"Whenever we are invaded, we have to fire back and we have the right to protect our sovereignty," the Thai prime minister stated.

Mr Abhisit added that army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha has analysed the situation along the border and the continued shooting of Cambodian troops for him, but details cannot be disclosed to avoid possible impacts.

-- TNA 2011-02-17

The premier said Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti also reported to him about his meeting with UNESCO executives and World Heritage Committee in Paris that they have better understanding over the Thai-Cambodian border conflict after the Thai delegation’s clarification.

Mr Abhisit said UNESCO is better aware that current dispute was related to the UN cultural agency’s request for a Preah Vihear management plan after the ancient temple was listed as a World Heritage Site.

Regarding UNESCO’s plan to send an envoy to inspect Preah Vihear temple, the Thai prime minister said it was yet clear about the UNESCO mission but Thailand, has made it clear to the UN cultural agency that any move which will complicate the sensitive situation in the area is not welcome. However, he said, it would be no problem if the visit is aimed at hearing information from both Thailand and Cambodia. (MCOT online news)

[geovalin]

"When we'll have taken back Preah Vihar temple, Battambang and Siem Reap, which we'll change the name in Khmer Reap - Khmer Defeat, we'll sign a ceasefire" he declared.

"Pattani, Bangkok, Preah Vihar and now, welcome to Ratchaburi. I like this smell." he added.

[mania2301]

I think the answers to why Thailand refused to let UN & ASEAN or anyone else to be the 3rd party in this conflict is clear after reading this post. Thailand has clearly shown to the world that they are the aggressor & Cambodia is the victim. This matter should be brought forward to ICJ or a 3rd party involvement. Why is Cambodia asking other countries to be the observer if they are the one invading Thailand?? Both countries are using this issue as a political tool but Thailand has more hidden agenda compared to Cambodia. Thailand PM don't even want to sign a ceasefire agreement shows that they want war & not peace. Just hope that all Thai nationals can see what their government is doing in the name of staying in power as long as they can, even it means that innocent Thai & Cambodian civilians or armies have to die. God bless Thailand & Cambodia.

[webfact]

PM keeps options open on ceasefire

By The Nation

Abhisit non-committal on four-point draft proposed by Hun Sen; Cambodia 'ready to station Asean forces' on its soil if Thailand rejects proposal

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday expressed some reservations about a ceasefire agreement proposed by his Cambodian counterpart.

"It's too early to talk about the signing of the agreement," Abhisit said. "I've not yet seen the details."

Abhisit, so far, has said he would welcome bilateral talks with Cambodia and support from Asean. He was convinced that Asean would not interfere in the content of the issues discussed at the negotiating table.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said during a rare press conference yesterday that Cambodia would ask Thailand to sign a permanent ceasefire, witnessed by Asean foreign ministers or the Asean chairman, next Tuesday at the meeting of the grouping's foreign ministers in Jakarta.

"It will be better if the Asean chair can sign on the permanent ceasefire," Hun Sen was quoted as saying by the Xinhua news agency. According to Xinhua, he has put forward four points for a permanent ceasefire:

- Cambodia and Thailand agree to stop fighting permanently. There should not be any more armed clashes;

- There should be no movement of armed forces during this time and the armed forces of both sides should maintain their current positions until a resolution on demarcating the border;

- Cambodia and Thailand must encourage the two countries' army commanders to open talks to improve cooperation to restore the situation to the pre-July 15, 2008, level;

- To ensure the effectiveness

of the ceasefire, Cambodia will ask Asean countries to monitor it.

"I believe Thailand will not agree at this point, but if Thailand does not agree on the fourth point, Cambodia will receive forces from Asean countries to be stationed on Cambodian territory to observe and ensure the ceasefire," Xinhua quoted Hun Sen as saying.

Hun Sen said he had sent the four-point permanent-ceasefire draft to Abhisit through Thai Deputy Prime Minister Trairong Suwankiri, who is now in Cambodia for the opening of Thai trade expo.

Hun Sen stressed that the multilateral talks would be used only in the border dispute with Thailand. All the meetings, even those of the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Commission on Demarcation of the Land Boundary, must have the participation of the Asean chairman or representative, and Thailand should not be afraid of the presence of the third party.

"Other than the border dispute and the Preah Vihear Temple, other issues such as trade, tourism and culture could have a bilateral fora," Hun Sen was quoted as saying by Xinhua.

"I appeal that we don't push the situation into confrontation on all sectors," he said. "We should contain the dispute."

However, on the issue of the Preah Vihear Temple, Hun Sen said: "We cannot walk back on this issue, it's the heritage left by our ancestors. I just maintain and protect it for our next generation. We don't want any land from the other."

Cambodia will welcome all types of observers from Asean, he said. "Observers can be civilians, military or police, they can be from an Asean group or each country can send their own observers to the disputed areas."

-- The Nation 2011-02-18

[Roadman]

Quote clip:

"However, on the issue of the Preah Vihear Temple, Hun Sen said: "We cannot walk back on this issue, it's the heritage left by our ancestors. I just maintain and protect it for our next generation. We don't want any land from the other."

Hun Sen is missing one very important point here and it is where I agree totally with Thailand's stance - since when is khmer ancestory totally generic to only Cambodia? Likewise I fully support Thailand's stance to not recognise any border drawn up by a previous foreign western aggressor / oppressor within the south east Asian region. Thankfully Vietnam had the sheer determination to drive them and the equally as guilty following foreign war monger and oppressor from the region.

Han Sen and PAD need to pull their collective heads in and consider that the best solution in the interest of all is that the temple and its surrounds are unique and try and notch together a share agreement between the two countries.

[Asa]

The very reason why Hunsen wants third party organizations in are that their troops already occupy the adjacent disputed land. The offer to cease fire, mobility freeze, and allow peacekeeping force in means they can occupy it indefinitely. This will follow by Cambodian unilateral area development, and no need to spend more on military guard force their. The Thai can only watch it going on, if they are stupid enough to agree...

[truethailand]

Wonder who Hun Sen's lawyer is.

Have to be someone with recent experience with taking a case to the world court.

Na couldnt be could it, that would to obvious and just be another link in the chain, or should that be puppet string.

I have a boil on my 4rse.... it must be thaksins fault...

[whybother]

I have a boil on my 4rse.... it must be thaksins fault...

If you insist.

[Steely Dan]

The very reason why Hunsen wants third party organizations in are that their troops already occupy the adjacent disputed land. The offer to cease fire, mobility freeze, and allow peacekeeping force in means they can occupy it indefinitely. This will follow by Cambodian unilateral area development, and no need to spend more on military guard force their. The Thai can only watch it going on, if they are stupid enough to agree...

According to recent reports it is not just Cambodian forces who are close to the border but also a division of Vietnamese tanks. I think it's time to talk with the UN, ASEAN or whoever mediating before this snowballs out of control - Thailand brought more tanks to the border and Hun Sen has called and raised by bringing in Vietnam.

[truethailand]

I have a boil on my 4rse.... it must be thaksins fault...

If you insist.

Dont you know...you're the boil

[whybother]

I have a boil on my 4rse.... it must be thaksins fault...

If you insist.

Dont you know...you're the boil

Thaksin gets into everything, doesn't he.