18/2/2011
Source: Thai gov’t
http://media.thaigov.go.th/pageconfig/viewcontent/viewcontent1e.asp?pageid=472&directory=1944&contents=54892
Today at the Parliament, the press asked the Prime Minister regarding the proposal of Cambodia to involve ASEAN in the Thai-Cambodia border issue, especially on the proposal for ASEAN to witness the bilateral discussions.
The Prime Minister responded by saying that ASEAN’s position on this is not different from their previously stated position, and ASEAN will not intervene in the substance that will be discussed. The Prime Minister said that he has not been informed of the exact details of the format proposed by Cambodia, but he said that this is a matter that must be discussed between the two sides. Thailand is ready to be in dialogue, and is open to hear how ASEAN would be involved in the matter. The Prime Minister believed that ASEAN would not intervene and ASEAN would hope for member states to not be engaged in conflict or clashes, and not use weapons or violence against each other.
The press also asked whether an involvement of ASEAN in the issue or in witnessing the negotiations would be seen as third party intervention, exerting pressure, or not. The Prime Minister replied that it may not be so, as negotiations must have clarity, in the same way that the sending of representatives to the ground must also have clear scope and limitations. If third countries are to be involved, it must be clear what the status of their involvement is. The Prime Minister reiterated that ASEAN had announced clearly that the substantive discussions are purely the matter of the two parties. The Prime Minister said that it can be considered that the Cambodian Prime Minister accepts the return to the JBC process, which is part of the bilateral process.
On the same day, the Prime Minister responded to questions about the invitation of the Radio and Television Journalists Association of Thailand to a public forum to discuss the border issue. The Association had earlier invited the PAD but had not set a date and venue. The Prime Minister said that in principle, the Government does not object to the proposal, and it would depend on the timing. The objective of the forum must be clearly to create understanding and unity in Thai society, not to become a forum for arguments for the world to see. If al parties have sincerity, it would be appropriate to talk to create understanding on a sense of responsibility. It should not be a forum to broadcast sensitive information, as it would undermine Thailand’s position. The Government has always been ready to work with all sides on this issue, and Thailand would benefit from the sharing of information. This process would move Thailand forward in unity, and solve the pending problems.
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