Showing posts with label Abhisit Vejjajiva on Preah Vihear issues. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Abhisit Vejjajiva on Preah Vihear issues. Show all posts
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Friday, July 03, 2009
[Thai] PM: Talks with Cambodia only way to end border tension
2/07/2009
Bangkok Post.com
Bangkok Post.com
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva says the Thai-Cambodia border conflict can be solved only through talks and not by force of arms.
"A war would lead to further damage and no one will win," Mr Abhisit said.
"Both countries are members of Asean, and they have to cooperated on many issues including transport, tourism and economic growth."
Thailand and Cambodia each had the same objective -- to solve the border row peacefully.
But troop deployments in the disputed border area was a sensitive issue which would take time to resolve, he said.
Asked about Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen's aggressive stance on the border issue, Mr Abhisit insisted it would not affect operational levels.
"Operational levels of both countries speak to each other," he said. "They all want to ease tension. But both sides have to be careful because a talk could put one side at a disadvantage."
On Wednesday, Hun Sen was quoted in Phnom Penh as waning Thailand against violating Cambodian airspace, saying that he was afraid he would ''not be able to control the shooting if the soldiers on the ground lose patience".
Mr Abhisit also said that Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban will again visit Cambodia this weekend to attend the opening of a road that Thai has helped build.
Mr Suthep, who visited Hun Sen for informal talks in Phnom Penh on Saturday, said he will leave the issue of troop reductions along the border with the army.
The government woud continue to speak with the Cambodian government to reduce tension.
"Thai people fighting amongst themselves is bad enough. Let's not make the matter worse by fighting other countries," Mr Suthep said.
"I'm confident that no damange will occur and that the border tension will be reduced."
On the development of Thailand's opposition on the unilateral listing of Preah Vihear temple, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti on Thursday insisted he was able to give Thailand about one year to raise its concerns over the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco)'s listing of the ancient temple as a world heritage site.
Mr Suwit admitted Preah Vihear has been listed as a world heritage site as Pongpol Adireksarn, former chairman of the Thai World Heritage Committee, said. But the listing has yet to be completed with a plan, including a map of buffer zones around the site, for safeguarding and developing the temple, which is to be submitted to WHC by Cambodia.
Because of Thailand's opposition to the listing, coupled with Cambodia's inability to submit the plan by February this year, the WHC decided to give Cambodia until next February to do so. This has given Thailand an opportunity to raise concerns over its border dispute with Cambodia, said Mr Suwit.
Mr Suwit said Unesco has been told the two countries have not been able to settle their border dispute. "We need to explore ways of settling the dispute to end the Thai-Cambodian conflict over the listing of Preah Vihear," he added.
Asked whether Thailand would try to seek a bilateral listing of the temple, Mr Suwit said this could be done only after the dispute border has been clearly demarcated.
"A war would lead to further damage and no one will win," Mr Abhisit said.
"Both countries are members of Asean, and they have to cooperated on many issues including transport, tourism and economic growth."
Thailand and Cambodia each had the same objective -- to solve the border row peacefully.
But troop deployments in the disputed border area was a sensitive issue which would take time to resolve, he said.
Asked about Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen's aggressive stance on the border issue, Mr Abhisit insisted it would not affect operational levels.
"Operational levels of both countries speak to each other," he said. "They all want to ease tension. But both sides have to be careful because a talk could put one side at a disadvantage."
On Wednesday, Hun Sen was quoted in Phnom Penh as waning Thailand against violating Cambodian airspace, saying that he was afraid he would ''not be able to control the shooting if the soldiers on the ground lose patience".
Mr Abhisit also said that Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban will again visit Cambodia this weekend to attend the opening of a road that Thai has helped build.
Mr Suthep, who visited Hun Sen for informal talks in Phnom Penh on Saturday, said he will leave the issue of troop reductions along the border with the army.
The government woud continue to speak with the Cambodian government to reduce tension.
"Thai people fighting amongst themselves is bad enough. Let's not make the matter worse by fighting other countries," Mr Suthep said.
"I'm confident that no damange will occur and that the border tension will be reduced."
On the development of Thailand's opposition on the unilateral listing of Preah Vihear temple, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti on Thursday insisted he was able to give Thailand about one year to raise its concerns over the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco)'s listing of the ancient temple as a world heritage site.
Mr Suwit admitted Preah Vihear has been listed as a world heritage site as Pongpol Adireksarn, former chairman of the Thai World Heritage Committee, said. But the listing has yet to be completed with a plan, including a map of buffer zones around the site, for safeguarding and developing the temple, which is to be submitted to WHC by Cambodia.
Because of Thailand's opposition to the listing, coupled with Cambodia's inability to submit the plan by February this year, the WHC decided to give Cambodia until next February to do so. This has given Thailand an opportunity to raise concerns over its border dispute with Cambodia, said Mr Suwit.
Mr Suwit said Unesco has been told the two countries have not been able to settle their border dispute. "We need to explore ways of settling the dispute to end the Thai-Cambodian conflict over the listing of Preah Vihear," he added.
Asked whether Thailand would try to seek a bilateral listing of the temple, Mr Suwit said this could be done only after the dispute border has been clearly demarcated.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
PM Abhisit optimistic tensions at Thai-Cambodian border will ease
NONTHABURI, June 28 (TNA) - Tension along the Thai-Cambodian border should ease following Saturday’s talks between Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, according to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who spoke on Sunday.
Mr. Abhisit said Mr. Suthep had already briefed him on discussions made with Mr. Hun Sen in the Cambodian capital.
The discussions had helped both sides gain better understanding of the problem, Mr. Abhisit said, noting that it is expected that tensions at the Thai-Cambodian border should ease.
“We will wait to see whether troops deployed at the border should be reduced,” the prime minister noted. “Now, it is hoped that both countries will resolve the border problem through peaceful means as agreed earlier.”
Mr. Suthep told journalists upon his return from a one-day visit and talks with Mr. Hun Sen that Cambodia pledged to try to ease tensions along the border to create a good atmosphere to foster the bilateral economic cooperation and good relations.
It was agreed that the previous border incidents, particularly near Preah Vihear temple, would be considered as “past and like a nightmare, and that now the two nations should look ahead without looking back.”
Mr. Abhisit said Mr. Suthep had already briefed him on discussions made with Mr. Hun Sen in the Cambodian capital.
The discussions had helped both sides gain better understanding of the problem, Mr. Abhisit said, noting that it is expected that tensions at the Thai-Cambodian border should ease.
“We will wait to see whether troops deployed at the border should be reduced,” the prime minister noted. “Now, it is hoped that both countries will resolve the border problem through peaceful means as agreed earlier.”
Mr. Suthep told journalists upon his return from a one-day visit and talks with Mr. Hun Sen that Cambodia pledged to try to ease tensions along the border to create a good atmosphere to foster the bilateral economic cooperation and good relations.
It was agreed that the previous border incidents, particularly near Preah Vihear temple, would be considered as “past and like a nightmare, and that now the two nations should look ahead without looking back.”
Friday, June 26, 2009
It's matter between Thailand and Unesco ... never mind that Preah Viheae belongs to Cambodia!
It's matter between Thailand and Unesco : Thai PM
Fri, June 26, 2009
The Nation
Fri, June 26, 2009
The Nation
Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva insisted Friday that Thailand's opposition to Unesco's listing of Preah Vihear Temple as World Heritage Site has nothing to do with Cambodia.
He said his trip was aimed at solving any misunderstanding between the countries. His visit would definitely not escalate the conflict between both countries.
Abhisit said earlier Thailand will ask Unesco to review its July 2008 decision to register Preah Vihear as a World Heritage Site when the panel met earlier this week in Spain.
He would also propose that the temple be registered jointly as a World Heritage Site by Thailand and Cambodia, not unilaterally by Cambodia.
He said his trip was aimed at solving any misunderstanding between the countries. His visit would definitely not escalate the conflict between both countries.
Abhisit said earlier Thailand will ask Unesco to review its July 2008 decision to register Preah Vihear as a World Heritage Site when the panel met earlier this week in Spain.
He would also propose that the temple be registered jointly as a World Heritage Site by Thailand and Cambodia, not unilaterally by Cambodia.
He said his trip was aimed at solving any misunderstanding between the countries. His visit would definitely not escalate the conflict between both countries.
Abhisit said earlier Thailand will ask Unesco to review its July 2008 decision to register Preah Vihear as a World Heritage Site when the panel met earlier this week in Spain.
He would also propose that the temple be registered jointly as a World Heritage Site by Thailand and Cambodia, not unilaterally by Cambodia.
He said his trip was aimed at solving any misunderstanding between the countries. His visit would definitely not escalate the conflict between both countries.
Abhisit said earlier Thailand will ask Unesco to review its July 2008 decision to register Preah Vihear as a World Heritage Site when the panel met earlier this week in Spain.
He would also propose that the temple be registered jointly as a World Heritage Site by Thailand and Cambodia, not unilaterally by Cambodia.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Abhisit admits: PV review request was not about joint listing, but more about border dispute
Preah Vihear move is about border rights, PM says
June 25, 2009
The Nation
Cabinet's move to maintain its objection to World Heritage listing for the site, which it achieved last year, was just reserving Thailand's right to handle boundary demarcation with Cambodia, he said.
Thailand signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Cambodia in 2000 not to make any change in regard to "overlapping" areas claimed by both countries before the completion of demarcation, he said.
"As the temple is listed as World Heritage, there will be more hands involved, which is contrary to the MoU," Abhisit told reporters before leaving for China.
The historic cliff-top temple has been a point of conflict between Thailand and Cambodia for years.
The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that the temple belonged to Cambodia but Thailand argues that the court ruling did not cover adjacent land. Both countries claimed an area of 4.6 square kilometres near the temple.
Thailand's objection to the World Heritage listing stirred anger from Phnom Penh as the move delays its plan to develop the site.
Cambodia has yet to convene an international coordination committee to develop Preah Vihear, as Thailand has not decided whether to join the panel to run the site with seven other parties.
Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban will visit Phnom Penh on Saturday to explain its stance to Hun Sen, the Cambodian premier.
Abhisit hoped Suthep would be able to calm Hun Sen down and reduce tension at the site.
Disputes over Preah Vihear led to fighting near the border temple in October last year and in April, which saw several soldiers killed on both sides.
Cambodia had boosted its forces in the conflict area since the latest moves, Second Army Region Commander Wiboonsak Neeparn said. "We have to adjust our troops to get ready but as I talk to my Cambodian counterpart, we don't use force to solve the problem," he said yesterday.
Chulalongkorn University academic Chaiwat Khamchoo said the government's objection to Cambodia's plan would not benefit Thailand but only created conflict with its neighbour.
Somchai Phetprasert, chairman of House committee on military affairs, accused the government of pushing the country nearer to war. Prime Minister Abhisit should talk with Cambodia about a joint nomination for the temple, Somchai said.
"Prime Minister Abhisit might be confused over the boundary. The Unesco won't deal with the boundary issue but will help to protect the site in Cambodia," he said.
June 25, 2009
The Nation
"Prime Minister Abhisit might be confused over the boundary. The Unesco won't deal with the boundary issue but will help to protect the site in Cambodia" - Somchai Phetprasert, Thailand chairman of House committee on military affairsPrime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday he wanted to keep the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) and international involvement away from Preah Vihear temple.
Cabinet's move to maintain its objection to World Heritage listing for the site, which it achieved last year, was just reserving Thailand's right to handle boundary demarcation with Cambodia, he said.
Thailand signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Cambodia in 2000 not to make any change in regard to "overlapping" areas claimed by both countries before the completion of demarcation, he said.
"As the temple is listed as World Heritage, there will be more hands involved, which is contrary to the MoU," Abhisit told reporters before leaving for China.
The historic cliff-top temple has been a point of conflict between Thailand and Cambodia for years.
The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that the temple belonged to Cambodia but Thailand argues that the court ruling did not cover adjacent land. Both countries claimed an area of 4.6 square kilometres near the temple.
Thailand's objection to the World Heritage listing stirred anger from Phnom Penh as the move delays its plan to develop the site.
Cambodia has yet to convene an international coordination committee to develop Preah Vihear, as Thailand has not decided whether to join the panel to run the site with seven other parties.
Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban will visit Phnom Penh on Saturday to explain its stance to Hun Sen, the Cambodian premier.
Abhisit hoped Suthep would be able to calm Hun Sen down and reduce tension at the site.
Disputes over Preah Vihear led to fighting near the border temple in October last year and in April, which saw several soldiers killed on both sides.
Cambodia had boosted its forces in the conflict area since the latest moves, Second Army Region Commander Wiboonsak Neeparn said. "We have to adjust our troops to get ready but as I talk to my Cambodian counterpart, we don't use force to solve the problem," he said yesterday.
Chulalongkorn University academic Chaiwat Khamchoo said the government's objection to Cambodia's plan would not benefit Thailand but only created conflict with its neighbour.
Somchai Phetprasert, chairman of House committee on military affairs, accused the government of pushing the country nearer to war. Prime Minister Abhisit should talk with Cambodia about a joint nomination for the temple, Somchai said.
"Prime Minister Abhisit might be confused over the boundary. The Unesco won't deal with the boundary issue but will help to protect the site in Cambodia," he said.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Thailand talks of a preparation for negotiations of Preah Vihear issues
everyday.com
10th January, 2009
Translated from Khmer by Khmerization
Thai media reported on the 9th of January that Thai PM, Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva (pictured), has said that Thailand is ready to talk with PM Hun Sen about the Preah Vihear issues. He said that the negotiations methods have already been put in place and the frameworks of the negotiations that the parliament has ratified are still in the hands of the Khmer-Thai Boundary Commission and the agreements have not been passed to the parliament for approval yet.
PM Abhisit reinterated his position regarding the Preah Vihear issues by saying that his position remained the same as when he was the leader of the opposition party, that is to respect the decision of the International Court of Justice which adjudicated to give ownership of the temple to Cambodia. He said that border issues will be negotiated by using the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2000 as a base.
Mr. Abhisit made this statement in fronts of many officials who were involved with the border issues in the past that when he was the leader of the opposition party he had put forward a proposal to remove only the foreign minister from his post, but other MPs had put forward a proposal to remove the whole of the government cabinet. So the proposals were passed on to the Defence and Anti-corruption Commission for investigation on other cabinet ministers and seek their removals if they are found to be involved (in the corruption regarding the Preah Vihear issues).
10th January, 2009
Translated from Khmer by Khmerization
Thai media reported on the 9th of January that Thai PM, Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva (pictured), has said that Thailand is ready to talk with PM Hun Sen about the Preah Vihear issues. He said that the negotiations methods have already been put in place and the frameworks of the negotiations that the parliament has ratified are still in the hands of the Khmer-Thai Boundary Commission and the agreements have not been passed to the parliament for approval yet.
PM Abhisit reinterated his position regarding the Preah Vihear issues by saying that his position remained the same as when he was the leader of the opposition party, that is to respect the decision of the International Court of Justice which adjudicated to give ownership of the temple to Cambodia. He said that border issues will be negotiated by using the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2000 as a base.
Mr. Abhisit made this statement in fronts of many officials who were involved with the border issues in the past that when he was the leader of the opposition party he had put forward a proposal to remove only the foreign minister from his post, but other MPs had put forward a proposal to remove the whole of the government cabinet. So the proposals were passed on to the Defence and Anti-corruption Commission for investigation on other cabinet ministers and seek their removals if they are found to be involved (in the corruption regarding the Preah Vihear issues).
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