PHNOM PENH: Senate President Hun Sen has warned that if the border issues between Cambodia and Thailand are not resolved through the International Court of Justice (ICJ), it could lead to a situation like the one in Gaza, where Israel and Palestine appear to be locked in an endless conflict.
Addressing a meeting of the National Assembly and Senate Joint Committee Monday, June 2, Hun Sen said that Cambodia’s invitation for Thailand to join the Kingdom in filing a joint case at the ICJ was a respectful way of offering the neighbouring Kingdom a way to resolve the issue diplomatically.
If Thailand continues to evade this option, he said, “it is clear there is something hidden behind the scenes”.
He noted that a 2000 memorandum of understanding signed by both countries is no longer viable, as it has been 25 years with no resolution. He also highlighted the fact that a Cambodian soldier was killed in the latest clash.
“If we don’t let the court decide, this issue will be like Gaza between Palestine and Israel — never resolved, with constant fighting, whether small or large. Why fear going to court if we are sincere?” he asked.
He reiterated that Cambodia has no desire to take anyone else’s territory and only seeks to preserve the land borders left by French colonialism and continued under the late King Norodom Sihanouk. Cambodia has already lost vast amounts of territory, he observed.
“What remains is just a handful, and we must protect it,” he added.
During the meeting, the National Assembly and Senate Joint Committee unanimously shared their support for the government’s decision to take the border issue to the ICJ.
Hun Sen also stated that Cambodia will appeal to the UN Security Council for intervention if any fighting erupts.
Prime Minister Hun Manet, speaking at the meeting, affirmed that Cambodia is determined to bring the issue to the ICJ, whether Thailand agrees or not. While negotiations through the Joint Border Committee continue, he urged Cambodian politicians and citizens to stand behind the military.
“This is the time for our nation to unite in preparing to defend our country and territorial integrity, especially to stand behind our armed forces. Political differences can be discussed another time, but anything that affects our spirit and territory should be set aside. This is not the time for internal political gains or opposition,” he stated. - The Phnom Penh Post
