Joint session on border withdrawal

KANITTHA THEPPHAJORN,

KORNCHANOK RAKSASERI

THE NATION

A joint House-Senate discussion took place yesterday to hear legislators' comments on whether and how Thailand should comply with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in withdrawing troops from the border area adjacent to Cambodia's Preah Vihear Temple.

The session was held behind closed doors to protect national security and interests.

Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul told reporters before the meeting that the parliamentary session was held according to Article 179 of the Constitution, which allows the government to hear legislators' views on security issues.

In July, when Abhisit Vejjajiva's government was still in power, the ICJ ordered Thailand and Cambodia to withdraw their military personnel from the court-determined demilitarised zone adjacent to the temple, pending interpretation of a 1962 judgement.

"Following the ICJ's order is complying with an obligation. That will benefit Thailand, as it is responsible to the United Nations," Surapong said. "The provisional order for military withdrawal will not affect Thailand's territory and sovereignty. Thailand still keeps it full authority just as before.

"The order is also balanced, imposed on both Thailand and Cambodia. Thailand is not disadvantaged if both sides equally comply with the order." He added that being defiant could lead to loss in both confidence and cooperation from the global community towards Thailand.

Surapong said that during the Cabinet meeting on October 18, the secretary-general of the Council of State shared the view that, regarding the execution of the court's order, it is an obligation between Thailand and Cambodia. It is not deemed as a convention. Therefore, it will not affect Thailand's territory or sovereignty.

Democrat MP Rachada Dhnadirek said the government had provided parliamentary members with too little information for a proper discussion. It should have provided clearer action plans, such as who will take care of the areas when military personnel are withdrawn, she said.

She said any statement by the government must be made carefully. Therefore, the foreign minister should not commit anything too soon.

Although Surapong said the legal teams were the same as those in the Abhisit government, the decision-maker is the new government, Rachada noted.

Moreover, Rachada said Thailand should be more careful in allowing a third party’s role in the dispute.

After listening to Defence Minister Yuthasak Sasiprapha’s clarification, Rachada said she was concerned if Indonesia, as chair of Association of South East Asian Nations, would come and observe before the two countries withdraw their troops instead of after the movement.

"Thai government should keep Thai-Cambodian dispute as a bilateral issue," she said adding that she believes the two countries can solve the problems peacefully.

-- The Nation 2011-11-16

How is the Cambodian Army's withdrawal from the area coming along?

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How is the Cambodian Army's withdrawal from the area coming along?

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Haven't been shot at for a few months now, which is nice.

How is the Cambodian Army's withdrawal from the area coming along?

Haven't been shot at for a few months now, which is nice.

Equally nice is that they haven't been shooting.

Wonder what it will take to get simultaneous withdrawal from both sides.

.

Poor Veera. Still in jail?

At least he and the lady is dry.

How is the Cambodian Army's withdrawal from the area coming along?

Haven't been shot at for a few months now, which is nice.

Equally nice is that they haven't been shooting.

Wonder what it will take to get simultaneous withdrawal from both sides.

.

That's easy, remove the temple.

He added that being defiant could lead to loss in both confidence and cooperation from the global community towards Thailand.

whisper: I think you lost that already, sunshine