Cambodia rejects ASEAN mediation

“The main purpose of this visit of the ASEAN delegation is to exchange their views with us on the current situation and to seek a role to be played by ASEAN in solving this problem,” Svay Sitha said.

“But we are of the view that the current problem we are facing is neither a military nor a political one. It is purely a legal aspect. So let the court decide,” he said.

Svay Sitha was apparently alluding to Hun Sen’s argument that he took action against First Prime Minister Prince Norodom Ranariddh earlier this month because of his alleged involvement in “illegal” contacts with Khmer Rouge rebel leaders and alleged imports of weaponry.

“We think the current problem could be solved by the Cambodians themselves and on the basis of the current constitution and the legislation,” the spokesman said.

Asked whether Hun Sen had rejected an intermediary role for ASEAN, Svay Sitha said, “For the time being, we do not need the help from ASEAN.”

Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas, co-chairman of the peace talks that led to the 1991 Paris peace accord, said Hun Sen’s opposition meant ASEAN mission to the Cambodian parties was finished.

“A clear indication was given at our meeting with Hun Sen that his excellency Hun Sen believes that ASEAN at this stage should not contribute to finding a solution and that they feel that they themselves would find a solution in accordance with the constitution and other relevant laws,” Alatas said.

After the talks with the three foreign ministers at the office of the council of ministers, Hun Sen only said they had “a good conversation” and that there was a “good news.”

Asked what Hun Sen meant by “good news,” Svay Sitha said “the good news is that the ASEAN delegation, they now understand much better what has been happening here and what the royal government of Cambodia is going to do next.”

He said Hun Sen asked the ASEAN emissaries to review their July 10 decision to indefinitely postpone Cambodia’s admission.

The three foreign ministers met yesterday with Prince Ranariddh in Bangkok, where they secured his support for an ASEAN role in resolving the latest Cambodian crisis, which has taken a few lives.