Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet recently responded again to the border dispute, offering exiled opposition figure Um Sam An two ways to participate: either return to Cambodia with a delegation to verify in person with the government’s border affairs working group the allegations concerning boundary markers 52 through 59; or authorize a delegation to attend, submit documents, evidence and witnesses.
Previously, Um Sam An alleged that the temporary boundary markers had caused Cambodia to lose territory and questioned the government’s handling of the border issue. On October 10, Hun Manet invited Um Sam An to return to Cambodia for discussions, pledged to ensure his team’s safety while in Cambodia, and offered help arranging round-trip airfare, accommodation and transportation. Hun Manet also said that media representatives, political parties and civil-society organizations could be invited to observe the discussions, with on-site inspections conducted when necessary.
Um Sam An’s side said that, if granted a royal pardon and allowed to travel, he could bring a delegation back to Cambodia. Hun Manet said this condition would shift the focus of the talks from verifying the border allegations to the question of a pardon, and urged Um Sam An to provide a clear response as soon as possible.
If a delegation attends, Hun Manet said its representatives must be fully authorized, bring the relevant materials, and accept the verification process and its results. The two sides have still not reached agreement on arranging a meeting. How the dispute over boundary markers 52 through 59 will be verified, and whether the discussions can take place, remain subject to further responses. The allegations and statements from both sides are based solely on their respective public accounts.
