After UN Session, Asean Next for Border Solution

Press Encounter: H.E. Mr. Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia.


Officials say Cambodia will respect a statement issued by the UN Security Council on the border issue late Monday, after the foreign minister addressed the body in New York on Monday.

Following a session in New York, the UN Security Council issued a statement calling for a peaceful resolution and encouraging the regional forum of Asean as a mediator.

The Security Council called on both sides to “display maximum restraint” along the border, where deadly clashes erupted less than two weeks ago. Security Council members also urged the establishment of a permanent ceasefire.

Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Koy Kuong said Tuesday the UN statement reflected much of what Cambodian wanted from Monday’s session, especially highlighting the need for third-party arbitration.

Thailand has continually said it wants bilateral discussions to solve the border dispute, but Cambodian officials say two-way talks have failed to produce a resolution.

The foreign ministers of Asean are scheduled to meet Feb. 22, where Koy Kuong said Cambodia hopes to move the process forward with Asean and Thailand.

Monday’s session at the Security Council was clouded by more reports of shooting on the border Sunday and Monday night, with both sides accusing the other of firing but no casualties reported.