PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Hun Manet has renewed calls for former opposition lawmaker Um Sam An and his team to attend discussions in Cambodia over the disputed Cambodia-Thailand border between boundary pillars 52 and 59, saying the location would allow for on-site verification, should documentary evidence and technical discussions fail to produce a clear conclusion.
He also offered to let foreign embassies or civil society organisations monitor his safety.
Sam An is former member of the National Assembly for the dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP).
The renewed invitation came after Manet listened to an approximately 80-minute response from Sam An concerning his earlier invitation to present evidence supporting allegations that temporary border markers placed between boundary pillars 52 and 59 had resulted in territorial losses to Thailand.
In his latest message, the prime minister said Sam An had yet to provide a definite answer on whether he would accept the invitation, expressing concerns about his personal safety if he returned to the country.
According to Manet, Sam An feared he could face a shooting attack or other forms of violence, but indicated that he would be willing to meet if the discussions were arranged outside Cambodia.
However, Manet said there were two main reasons for holding the proposed discussions in Cambodia: To allow Cambodian citizens to observe the exchanges directly and to enable all parties to inspect the disputed border area if necessary.
He explained that discussions based solely on documents or maps presented at a meeting table might not be sufficient to clarify technical border issues and could create further confusion among members of the public.
“If discussions at the table do not produce a clear and conclusive outcome, then only verification on the ground can provide clarity,” Hun Manet said.
The proposal marks a further development from the prime minister’s initial invitation, which called on Sam An and his team to present any documents and evidence they have during direct discussions with officials from the State Secretariat of Border Affairs, over allegations concerning the placement of temporary boundary markers.
Addressing Sam An’s security concerns, Manet reiterated his personal guarantee that the former opposition lawmaker and his team would be protected throughout their stay in the Kingdom.
He went further, offering to allow Sam An to seek additional security monitoring from a foreign embassy based in Cambodia or a civil society organisation he trusts, should he remain doubtful about the government’s assurances.
Manet maintained that his public security guarantee demonstrated his personal responsibility, arguing that any incident involving Sam An would undermine public confidence in his leadership.
He said that if he had any harmful intentions towards Sam An, there would be no reason to make such a public guarantee, as any incident involving the former lawmaker would expose him to accusations and damage his credibility.
Regarding the proposed venue, Manet said he wanted journalists, political party representatives, civil society organisations, students, intellectuals and members of the public, including Sam An’s supporters, to be able to witness the discussions.
He described public participation as part of efforts to demonstrate transparency, accountability and responsibility over border issues that have raised concerns among Cambodians.
The prime minister also argued that if Sam An continued to value and trust Cambodian citizens living in the country, he should consider accepting the invitation, so he could hear explanations from both sides.
The exchanges between Manet and Sam An follow allegations that temporary markers installed by members of the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) between boundary pillars 52 and 59 had resulted in Cambodian territorial losses.
The exchanges between Manet and Sam An follow allegations that temporary markers installed by members of the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) between boundary pillars 52 and 59 had resulted in Cambodian territorial losses.
Manet rejected the allegations, describing them as serious accusations against both the government and Cambodian border specialists who have worked for decades to protect the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Allegations of territorial losses cannot be established solely on statements from either side.
Determining the locations of the markers and the legal status of the boundary requires an examination of relevant legal documents, maps and technical data.
The placement of temporary markers must also be distinguished from the formal demarcation of an international boundary to avoid drawing conclusions about changes in sovereignty or territorial losses without sufficient evidence.
Manet’s proposal for on-site verification could become an important element of the discussions if both parties agree to meet.
However, any such inspection would require further clarification regarding technical procedures, security arrangements and relevant authorisations, particularly while Cambodia-Thailand border issues remain unresolved. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
