Government Responds to Thai Aide d’ Memoir

By Soy Sophea

The Royal Government of Cambodia has summoned the Thai Ambassador Viraphand Vacharathit to respond to Thailand’s Aide d’ Memoir that accuses Cambodia of violations of Thai territory and sovereignty. The summons was made on November 20, by Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The Deputy Prime Minister spoke to reporters during a press conference at his office in Phnom Penh after the meeting with the Thai Ambassador Viraphand Vacharathit. He said that the complaints expressed in these documents contain insufficient evidence to support the claims.

He compared these complaints to the solid evidence and official documents that are internationally recognized that Cambodia uses to back up Her territorial claims. He noted that every move made by Cambodia during the standoff was made in light of this documentary evidence.

According to international maps created by France and Siam following a convention in 1904 and a treaty in 1907, Cambodia has the right to the disputed lands, Hor Namhong said, and added that the current tensions between Thailand and Cambodia had existed since July 15, 2008, a week after Preah Vihear temple was included in the World Heritage List.

The Deputy Prime Minister continued that the issues have been raised because Thailand objects to Cambodia’s efforts to bring the Hindu temple to the attention of World Heritage officials. He said Thailand has made allegations about plans to build a hotel on the Poi Pet border between the 48th and 49th boundary pillars. Tensions mounted with Cambodia’s Buddhist celebrations held at Keo Sikha Kirisvara pagoda. Thailand claims this territory for Herself.

The Deputy Prime Minister considered that the Thai claims were both disappointing an “laughable”. He said that Cambodia has drawn attention to the fact that Preah Vihear (Known to the Thais as “Phra Viharn”) is the original name for the temple and it is known as such by both UNESCO and the International Courts of Justice.

“I have told the Thai Ambassador that if Thailand wants to continue with its protests, they can do so having first understood the proper terms, the legal dimension and the extent of Cambodia’s territorial sovereignty. All concerned will be able to save valuable time if these complaints are presented in an appropriate manner,” he said.

He continued, “We want to create a peaceful deal to solve this matter. The Cambodian Government wishes to reiterate its firm commitment to exercising the utmost restraint and in negotiating and working closely with the Thai side to avoid any armed hostilities.”

However, Namhong assured reporters that Cambodia will not raise the matter at the ASEAN Summit which will take place in Chieng Mai, Thailand, scheduled for December 13_18. this is because Cambodia’s friends in the region and beyond have advised the nation to arrive at a peaceful and mutually acceptable resolution with Thailand. He added that so far, there are no plans for unofficial meetings between Cambodian and Thai delegates during the ASEAN Summit.