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Selected comments at the graduation and diploma presentation ceremony of
the Human Resources University
|From
Non-Governmental Organization to University | Scholarships for
Red Cross Youth Activists | Study – a Continuing Process | CPP Aide Memoire | Cambodian-Thai Relations | Opposition Parties - Spokesperson for Foreign Countries | Troops
Adjustment, Patience and Peaceful Solution | Thai
Parliamentary Approval – Should Not Be Too Long | Preah
Vihear Temple Court Procedures to Be Reprinted | Thai Extremists Have Gone
Too Far | Possibilities for Meetings |
01
September 2010
From
Non-Governmental Organization to University
It is a great
pleasure that I have the opportunity to preside over, which is my eighth
time, the graduation and present 1,459 graduates of the Human Resources
University with diplomas. I did the same in February last year. I also
would like to take this opportunity to seek an excuse as my wife,
because one of our daughters is in labor, could not make it here today.
However, I am here and have the joy to witness developments and
achievements that the Human Resources University scored in transforming
itself from a none-governmental organization to a University.
I used to say that
it is difficult to get something started and it is even more so to
sustain it. What I should recall is that the University has in fact
grown from a small flat into this big a building. I would like to take
this opportune moment to give my appreciation and appreciation for the
efforts made by the leadership as well as the governing board of the
University as well as the President of the organization in providing
training opportunities which have indeed contributed to national human
resource development as a whole.
I also thank the
University for providing scholarships for poor students, either through
me personally or through HE Deputy Prime Minister Sar Kheng. It is worth
making a remark here that the University also has provided scholarship
or free tuition and lodging for some students through the assistances by
HE Deputy Prime Minister Sar Kheng, I and other officials. Personally I
provide the University with two tons of rice and two million Riel per
month. Again, this is an art of sharing hardship with the University in
the course of helping provide education and related conditions to our
youth with limited resource ability. Out of this gesture, the University
has in return produced human resources for our society.
Scholarships for
Red Cross Youth Activists
On behalf of my
wife I would also like to express our satisfaction for the Red Cross
Youth of the University. My wife, after her endeavors to put four
professional training centers into sustainable operations - at Ang Snuol,
Kraing Jek, Pursat and Preah Vihear – with a special focus on helping
women pursue skills in clothes making, weaving, beauty making, hair
dressing, etc., has in fact stepped into a new challenge, which is to
establish and ensure a smooth operation of the Red Cross Youth, in which
students from this University and other Universities have also engaged.
Days ago, my wife
came to propose if some of the scholarships that are being given to me
for the students with limited resource ability to continue their studies
could be provided to those students who have engaged in the Red Cross
missions. I am sure there also has demand for scholarship for the scout
as well.
Study – a Continuing Process
I would like to
take this opportunity to share my joy with graduates of all levels here
for making another stage of educational achievements and I am sure that
you will make efforts for further education. I have said many times that
study is in fact a continuing process. We have to learn all of the time.
Making no effort in learning, one may fall into a state of conservatism,
which is in fact a frightful situation and also a hindrance to all sorts
of growth and developments.
It is in this
thought that no matter how senior or junior an official may be, one has
to have a learning process. I may take up an example for you about how
conservatism could be harmful to our nation. In the course of developing
our city, some people have said that we should not have skyscrapers but
between four and six storey buildings. I would suggest that we should
not be so conservative. I have a project for a skyscraper, which is to
be implemented by a private company. I will soon forward it to HE Im
Chhun Lim (Senior Minister for Urban Planning, Land Management and
Construction) for further study.
The building will
be 555 meters, which is lower than the one (they just built) in Dubai,
and the highest in Asia. Oknha (a rank given to individual in respect
for their personal contribution to the nation) Pong Khieu Se has planned
for it to be built on Koh Pich (Diamond Island – a piece of island-like
land between the rivers of Mekong and Bassac before the capital city of
Phnom Penh). I approve it. At this height one can look toward Tonle Sap
Lake. I have just touched on a form of conservatism but there are more,
such as in working manner. While we are against conservatism, we also
are cautious of not being too extreme as well. I may say we are against
a tendency of being either too extreme to the right or to the left.
The Cambodian Peace Making Process Will be CPP Aide Memoire
Some people have
come to me and preached about following so and so model at the time when
Cambodia was coming out empty-handed from the genocide in 1979. How
Cambodia could follow the US or French models, since we do not eat same
food. This is not to include here different cultures that we have. This
is what I wanted to say about extremism.
I have been worried
about how to get a compilation of backgrounds and initiatives for the
Cambodian political settlement, the endeavor to put an end to war and
restore full peace. This will be the Cambodian People’s Party Aide
Memoire about my undertaking in search for peace. It is a great relief
that, without making it known to anyone, Mr. Keo Ba Phnom has compiled
it and I hope that HE Ieng Mouly has got a copy of it too. In all the
records, some of them have slipped my mind. Take for instance this thing
about a former Palestinian Ambassador to North Korea who had contacted
and drafted a framework for the first negotiation between Samdech Preah
Norodom Sihanouk and me.
The compilation has
in all been a 775 page document, but I have some more to add to it
because some developments are mysterious and not known to outsiders. We
have audio tapes which are now kept and preserved at the (Cambodian
People’s) Party Research and Documentation Commission. The document
contains anything from my evaluation of political and military
situations to political settlement negotiations at Fere-en-Tardenois and
Saint Germain-en-Laye of France in the Party’s Congress. In one
instance, there is this piece of audio of my presentation of real nature
of (the) Cambodian (problem) at Fere-en-Tardenois to Samdech Preah
Norodom Sihanouk, in which I stressed on two specific aspects of the
Cambodian problem – the Lon Nol’s coup against Samdech Preah Norodom
Sihanouk and the genocide by the regime of Pol Pot.
Since HE Ieng Mouly
is in the process of writing a book, he should get a copy of the
document from my Cabinet as a reference to his research. Anyone who
might find it of interest may contact my Cabinet, but remember that it
is not a history of the Party and it is not for public access too. I
have planned for some 100 more copies to be printed for a restricted
circulation.
Cambodian-Thai Relations - Restoring Ambassadorial Level
Please allow me to
take up this forum today to make a few comments and remarks in relation
to new development in the Cambodian-Thai relations, especially from
August 22 and 23 to the present. Since there have been some developments
already now I report to our people about a situation that is requiring a
more thorough analysis and appropriate solution. Firstly, let me talk
about the restoring of diplomatic relations at Ambassadorial level,
which happened coincidently with HE Thaksin Shinawatra’s resignation
from his post as my personal advisor and advisor to the Royal Government
of Cambodia on economics.
I would say that to
have or to have no ambassadors is making no difference since it is only
outward development but not nature of the problem. The problem in the
Cambodian-Thai relations is not Thaksin but that Thai troops invaded and
occupied the Keo Sekha Kiri Svarak Buddhist temple and its vicinity on
July 15, 2008, and up to the present moment, they have not withdrawn all
of their troops from the area. Therefore, it is important to clarify the
real nature of animosity in the Cambodian-Thai relations. Since they
have blamed the problem on Thaksin (position as advisor to Cambodia) as
the root cause, now that Thaksin relieved himself from duty, why the
problem between Cambodia and Thailand has yet to be resolved? This
proves that Thaksin is not the causing factor but the Thai invasion is.
The restoring of
ambassadorial level has affirmed that the problem between Cambodia and
Thailand is not Thaksin and Bangkok could no longer use Thaksin as a
pretext. I also approve the move with pleasure as ambassadors of the two
countries have resumed their posts about twelve hours apart. Resumption
of contact of this level has resulted in a good atmosphere on which
confidence could be built so that other problems would be solved
eventually. Two neighboring countries are like teeth and tongue. They
could be in accident any time, while pulling out teeth or cutting off
tongue would not be a solution.
I approve also
exchange of visits by different sectors and expansion of tourism, trade
and investment. They are encouraged to go on as I have mapped out a
framework already that Cambodia is seeking to relieve conflict and
expand possibility for resolution. However, I could not be happy and
satisfied until Thai troops are withdrawn from my territory.
Opposition Parties - Spokesperson for Foreign Countries
Some people and
press in Thailand have made up that Hun Sen had a dispute with Thaksin,
while months ago they accused that Thaksin and Hun Sen colluded, whereby
Thai interest was sold to Cambodia. It is the first time in history that
Hun Sen is seen to have land sold to him by a neighboring country
through Thaksin. Or would that mean Cambodia invaded other country? It
is ridiculous here that the Cambodian oppositions have always blamed Hun
Sen for selling land to neighboring countries. Funnily enough, when
Thaksin resigned from his position, they opted to say that the both of
us are in dispute. How could that happen since both of us are living a
world apart?
In fact, HE Thaksin
wrote me a letter on August 22, for which on August 23 we accepted his
proposal. On August 24, I wrote a letter to HE Thaksin to confirm that
Cambodia is approving his resignation, thanking and affirming to him
that though he is no longer my advisor but he is still my good friend
and no one could stop Hun Sen from being friend with Thaksin at all. It
should be seen that Thaksin has proven to be a responsible, being unable
to perform fully his advisor duty, he asked to be relieved from the job.
I would like to
make it clear to certain circles that Thaksin is by no means an item of
goods for political and/or diplomatic exchange. Let’s be clear on this.
Hun Sen would not trade his virtue to do such thing that would turn a
former Prime Minister, who is so dignified and popular that he won over
two-third majority of votes in Thailand, into an item of goods for
diplomatic end between Cambodia and Thailand at all.
Also importantly,
politicians in Bangkok also should not be foolish to say that Hun Sen
acts in line with demand from Bangkok. Any understanding along this
trend is by far below standard judgment. They should stop preaching for
their gain from the situation when Hun Sen is still silent. We have led
our country from fragmentation to unification and to gaining popular
support of over two-third majority. In light of this they should not be
misleading in their analysis and giving wrong sign.
Troops
Adjustment, Patience and Peaceful Solution
What remains to be
done is to adjust the troops, while exercising further patience and
resolving problem by peaceful means. However, while Cambodia continues
to be patient and seeks for peaceful solution to the problem, some
people in the extreme circles of Thailand have sought for military
solution since they have claimed to use force to evict our people from
the so called 4.6 square kilometers within 24 hours. Some have urged
bombardment of Cambodian roads. I would like to convey my sincere
appreciation to the Thai Government for farsighted consideration and
refraining from acting in accordance with their instigation.
I am so happy to
see that the armies have maintained good relations. I also welcome the
visit to Angkor Wat recently by the Thai army. I used to raise with Thai
leaders the need for them to pull out the ten soldiers at the Keo Sekha
Kiri Svarak Buddhist monastery and another 20 (30 from each side) in
area around it. For one reason they are exposing themselves to mosquito
attack and for other they could be igniting war. Since they came to the
place without prior approval of the Parliament, while returning, I think
there needs no approval too.
I surely understand
the handicap that Thai Government is facing in this matter but I also
cannot keep waiting. The case of border conflicts between Thailand and
Laos, now 22 years after it broke out in 1988, between Thailand and
Myanmar in almost 30 years now according to what I learnt from Myanmar
Prime Minister whom I met in Nanning, China, have not been solved yet.
So it is not a good thing for Thailand to keep it another twenty or
thirty years without solution. Now let’s adjust the troop and this is
how far we could go. We may consider resuming the border pass at Preah
Vihear for tourists and also opening a new pass at Ta Thao.
Thai
Parliamentary Approval – Should Not Be Too Long
How to go about
solving the problem then? It is easy. The problem would resolve itself
when the Thai troops that have invaded our territory go back. Three
agreements of meetings – the 28-July-2008 meeting between (Thai) Foreign
Minister Tej Bunnag and (Cambodian) Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong,
the 19-August-2008 meeting between Foreign Minister Tej Bunnag and
Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong, and the 12-November-2008 meeting
between (Thai) Foreign Minister Sompong Amornviwat and DPM Hor Namhong -
are waiting to be approved by the Thai parliament.
The contents
therein are no different – firstly, there needs to be troop adjustment
out of Keo Sekha Kiri Svarak Buddhist monastery and the temple vicinity;
secondly, there needs to establish a provisional coordination working
group to oversee the troop adjustment from the Buddhist monastery and
the temple vicinity; and thirdly, there is going to be a joint de-mining
operation of area where the Joint Border Commission (JBC) will have to
work on demarcation.
I completely
understand the Thai Government’s difficulty as before putting into
action, they have to have approval from the Thai Parliament. However, we
have been waiting for too long. I have promises from HE Suthep
Thaugsuban (DPM of Thailand), HE Prawit Wongsuwan (Defense Minister of
Thailand) and especially HE Chai Chidchob, Speaker of the Thai
Parliament, even said to me the Parliament already approved them too.
I wish to make it
clear our position that the Royal Thai Government has to get the
Parliament ratify agreements of the above meetings and other related
matters that includes also results of negotiation of the Border
Committee. However, agreements of the three meetings of the foreign
ministers must be first step, after which more steps can be taken. If
this could be done, it is possible that the issue could be resolved
bilaterally.
While this
proposition has received no positive response (from the Thai side)
Cambodia would seek a solution to the matter through intervention from
the United Nations or ASEAN or other international mechanism without
further delay in this matter. Cambodia has no rights to talk with
Thailand on border issue. All Cambodia can do is to get a demarcation on
border as stipulated by the Franco-Siamese 1904 Convention, 1907 Treaty
and other related documents that were interpreted in the decision of the
International Court in the Hague.
Preah
Vihear Temple Court Procedures to Be Reprinted
I have instructed
Deputy Prime Minister Sok An about reprinting thousands of copies of the
court decision with regard to Preah Vihear temple. In addition to those
that are available and to be reproduced in English and French, I have
asked for speedy editing of the Khmer translation so that the
reproduction would be in three languages in one. They will be circulated
freely for the Cambodian people to study. We do not need to depend on
any other sources for materials on the issue but the decision of the
International Court in The Hague. Also included in the publication I
recommend that we have the 2000 MOU (between the Royal Governments of
Cambodia and Thailand) as well as technical documents on border
demarcation. The publication is then to be given out for free to
libraries for public use.
Again I wish to
clarify that we, this Cambodian generation, have no rights to negotiate
on the border issue other than respecting what is left by the decision
of the International Court in The Hague, for which Cambodia and Thailand
have to respect. We have no rights to amend it whatsoever. It is
fortunate that besides Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk, though His
Majesty did not go the Court in person, who led this campaign, Cambodia
has got another live witness, HE Chan Youran, who was then General
Secretary of the Cambodian delegation, while others in the delegation
have passed away.
All Cambodia gets
to do - based on the above mentioned decisions and agreements - is to go
for demarcation and demining jointly. Cambodia has no knowledge of where
the 4.6 square kilometer is. It has been said by the Thais that Cambodia
has invaded 4.6 square kilometers o its territory. In light of this I
urge Thailand to sue Cambodia to the United Nations Security Council or
General Assembly. Normally the one who suffers the actions will need to
call for help. They have sued three Cambodian persons – Hun Sen, Hor
Namhong and Sok An, to the Thai court on charge of invasion of Thai
territory at Preah Vihear temple. I would seek encourage them to bring
this to the International Court or to the United Nations. Cambodia would
appeal for a fact-finding mission to the place.
Thai Extremists Have Gone
Too Far
Extremists in
Thailand have capitalized (the border) issue in various forms. They have
created so many problems like organizing demonstrations at the border
and in some instances it has been said to have aimed for pulling out
border marker and urged the Royal Thai Government to use military means,
while Cambodia maintains its patience and peaceful means for solving the
problem.
It is beyond my
imagination that in the 21st century Thailand, there still is
this sort of man like Sondhi Limthongkul, the leader of the yellow
shirt. He has insulted me in his word to parade a decapitated head. It
is a grave insult. How on earth the Royal Thai Government allows a
person like this to insult leader of a sovereign nation, whereas
Cambodia – myself and my people – never for once insult Thai leaders at
all. Comparisons to so and so have been made but never to cutting short
life.
In the latest
instance they show footage of their acting out with my picture hung to a
banana tree and cutting it off with a sword. Sondhi also claimed to have
joined a welcome group for my visit to Thailand in 1989 and said I was a
gentleman not a fearful one. He even said I like Rado watch as is quoted
by ASTV. I would tell him that any watch I would ever put on is Rolex
and the least I had when I took to the marquis is Titoni. If you
happened to have welcomed me then you were nobody because my counterpart
was Chattichai Choonhavan.
However, for all
you have said and done to me, I do not bother get even with you. I have
two things for you as reminders, though. Firstly, Hun Sen has got a
powerful spirit that is looking after him so he could not be affected in
any way by your black magic. Remember that in Siem Reap province in
1998, four B40 grenades were launched at me. But I was completely safe.
What could we say about that? I would warn you, as I still consider you
as human being, that your black magic will return to you and others
involved in the above performance.
Secondly, those who
attempted your life in April 2009 are still at large. Therefore your
life is still in danger. You may need to be careful for your life. I do
not put a curse on your life and I wish that you live longer to see what
is going to happen. I also urge the whole people of Cambodia to weigh
whatever response they may do to a level of dignity and morality. Let’s
refrain from doing action that is causing conflict with other Thai
citizens, first of all those who work and do business in Cambodia. I
urge you not to hold demonstration in which pictures of Thai leaders are
to be burned or enacting like the one they did.
Sondhi is correct
for comment that I was not a ferocious person. I am not so for good
people but more so when I have to deal with bad ones. I wish to take it
back to his comment that I owe gratitude to Thailand. Let me excuse
myself that never have I a debt of gratitude to pay for Thailand at all.
I have yet to clear the deal you had in helping the tripartite
Government (of Democratic Kampuchea) to fight me (the Phnom Penh
Government). I am the Phnom Penh Government then and not those who
settled in your camps along the border. When Khmer Rouge fell out in
Phnom Penh, without the help from Thailand, they would have ended then.
However, have I ever uttered a word about that?
Possibilities for Meetings
Let me now talk
about possibility for any meetings (between the two countries). Firstly,
there is a possibility for a meeting of the Joint Border Commission led
by the National Defense Minister of the two countries. I have said the
other day that such meeting could go on as it is not a mechanism to see
about demarcation but to work together for the prevention of border
crimes such as human and drug trafficking, trade facilitation and
security for the people of the two countries along the border areas.
This level of meeting can go on. As for the meeting at the level of
Foreign Ministers, I would allow only after the Thai side ratifies the
minutes of agreements as without them such meeting would be fruitless.
However, there is
one other possibility where I have a meeting with the Prime Minister of
Thailand as there will be several upcoming venues and events such as
Asia- Europe to be held in Brussels in early October, ASEAN to be summit
held in Vietnam in late October or leaders' meeting of ACMECS to be held
in Cambodia in November. The ASEAN Secretary General has tried to feel
the pulse for such a meeting. I said there would not be any difficulty
but such meeting should not be misunderstood for solving the problem
bilaterally. Normally when two Prime Ministers meet, there are lots of
things to talk about.
On November 16 and
17, the Prime Minister will have to come for the meeting of ACMECS in
Cambodia. In 2012, when Cambodia is hosting the ASEAN and ASEAN+
summits, and if he is still in position, he will have to come more than
one time to Cambodia too. As for me I am sure that my term will go all
the way to 2013 and I will surely chair the said meetings and summits.
We have investment, trade, cross-border transportation, environmental
protection, etc. among other things to talk about.
In Ho Chi Minh City
of Vietnam, when I attended the World Economic Forum, I also met him and
asked him about his family, especially his children, of their traumatic
conditions during the incident that blood was splashed at his house. No
one is going to ask for a meeting but the issue is that we have
intention to meet. However, it is not necessary at this stage for a
third party – ASEAN Secretary General, ASEM or the UN Secretary General
- to intervene for such meeting. I do not know if this way is what
Abhisit could take or not?./.
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