PHNOM PENH, Oct 23 (AFP) - The Cambodian government said Friday it would not extradite fugitive former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra if he took refuge here, upping the ante in the war of words with its neighbour.
On Friday the Cambodian government asserted in a statement that under treaties between the two nations it could reject a request for Thaksin's extradition because it would be made on the grounds of "political offence".
"The government's spokesman wishes to affirm that Cambodia's stance is firm and will not, whatsoever, extradite..." the statement said.
The reaction came after the Thai government said Thursday it would seek the extradition of Thaksin if he took refuge in Phnom Penh, and rebuked Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen for his offer to let the fugitive leader stay "anytime".
Thaksin was ousted in a 2006 coup and continues to live in exile after fleeing in August last year to avoid a two-year jail term for corruption.
The Cambodian statement added that the country would maintain "ties of friendship and good cooperation in all fields" with Thailand but said Hun Sen's offer reflected "virtuous behaviour" towards his "long-time friend" Thaksin.
"This virtuous attitude is not interpreted as an interference of Thailand's internal affairs," the statement said in English.
Relations between Cambodia and Thailand have been strained over the past year amid a deadly troop standoff in disputed border territory near the 11th century Preah Vihear temple.
The World Court ruled in 1962 that the temple belonged to Cambodia but the two governments have been at loggerheads over the surrounding land for decades.
The Thai government has repeatedly attempted to arrest Thaksin abroad but the former premier travels on various passports, reportedly living mostly in Dubai.
On Friday the Cambodian government asserted in a statement that under treaties between the two nations it could reject a request for Thaksin's extradition because it would be made on the grounds of "political offence".
"The government's spokesman wishes to affirm that Cambodia's stance is firm and will not, whatsoever, extradite..." the statement said.
The reaction came after the Thai government said Thursday it would seek the extradition of Thaksin if he took refuge in Phnom Penh, and rebuked Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen for his offer to let the fugitive leader stay "anytime".
Thaksin was ousted in a 2006 coup and continues to live in exile after fleeing in August last year to avoid a two-year jail term for corruption.
The Cambodian statement added that the country would maintain "ties of friendship and good cooperation in all fields" with Thailand but said Hun Sen's offer reflected "virtuous behaviour" towards his "long-time friend" Thaksin.
"This virtuous attitude is not interpreted as an interference of Thailand's internal affairs," the statement said in English.
Relations between Cambodia and Thailand have been strained over the past year amid a deadly troop standoff in disputed border territory near the 11th century Preah Vihear temple.
The World Court ruled in 1962 that the temple belonged to Cambodia but the two governments have been at loggerheads over the surrounding land for decades.
The Thai government has repeatedly attempted to arrest Thaksin abroad but the former premier travels on various passports, reportedly living mostly in Dubai.
3 comments:
SRP has signed alliance agreement with Democratic party of Thai current PM since his party was an opposition and now, the CPP has declared the alliance with Puer Thai party and also offer shelter to Thaksin.
Let see what SRP says in this issue?
Hun Sen must resposible for any war broke out between Cambodia and Thailand for his game against Thailand. Why he needs to interfere with other country internal politic? Is Thailand a sovereign Nation? If they are, then, Hun Sen cannot blame other countries for intefering Cambodian future internal problem too. It is an excuse for someone else to interfer Cambodian internal problem too.
Areak Prey
I would like to see Thai's gov't stop speaking about their own political views and pin point it onto Cambodia as Cambodia has enough problem as it is if Mr Thaksin decided to come to Cambodia, it is at his own will and they have to deal with it themselves. It is like two brothers fighting with each other and than one decided to run to the neighbour's house to seek for help. As a good neighbour we can not sack this person away and say get out. Buddha and Christ said "When people knock the door will be opened and when people ask for help he/she will get helped'. So, as for Thai gov't you have no right to get upset with the helper but you can get upset with your own brother. So, you must separate between the helper and the seeker. So, Thai gov’t needs to sort things out for themselves and stop accusing or telling Cambodia gov’t what to do and you can not hate us as being the helper for god sake. we are good neighbours we need to find solutions for peace and as well as to promote unity, love compassion, share and respect for one another rather than negative aspect of it for it will benefit no one instead it will do more harm than good. Aust
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