PM sceptical of Hun Sen's proposal

17 Feb, 2011
Source: Bangkok Post

It is still too soon to talk about signing a ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Thursday.

Mr Abhisit was responding to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's proposal for Thailand and Cambodia to sign a permanent ceasefire agreement witnessed by other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or the Asean chairman, when Asean foreign ministers meet in Jakarta on Feb 22.

"We were not the one that started to fighting. It is still too soon to talk about signing any agreement, he said.

"Thailand said from the beginning that we were not first to open fire. We did as what other countries would. That is, when we are fired at or attacked first, we fire back. We have the right to protect our sovereignty."

Mr Abhisit reiterated that it is the two countries in conflict must hold talks, but said Asean can act as a facilitator.

Asean is not in the position to get involved in the matters to be talked over between the two countries, he said, adding that Hun Sen's proposal is still not clear.

The United Nations Security Council on Monday called for a permanent ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, and that they negotiate an end to their dispute.