Cambodians And Thais Must Let Asean Mediate

19 February 2011 -- Editorial of the South China Morning Post

The Association of South East Asian Nations presents itself as a united organisation, one so close that in just four years it intends to be a fully-fledged regional community. That togetherness has long been symbolically on show in its logo - 10 rice stalks side-by-side in a sheaf. But just how sturdy those bonds are has been brought into question by a resumption of military clashes between two of its members, Cambodia and Thailand, over disputed land surrounding a World Heritage-listage-listed temple on their border. It is a matter Asean has to resolve if the region is to be truly integrated.

Neither side is pressing for Asean mediation. Thailand considers the dispute a bilateral matter, while Cambodia has been trying to get the United Nations involved, either with peacekeepers or observers. The UN Security Council has wisely chosen to stay at arm's leng th, deciding on Monday to defer to Asean. It called on the nations to find a peaceful resolution and establish a permanent ceasefire.

They have been trying to do that since the row first flared in July 2008, shortly after Cambodia successfully had the UN's cultural body, Unesco, list the 11th century Khmer temple, Preah Vihear, as a protected site. The International Court of Justice determined in 1962 that it was in Cambodian territory, but no ruling was made on the 4.6 sq km of surrounding land, an oversight that has been hijacked by nationalism and p olitics on both sides of the border. With renewed efforts by Cambodia to develop the area as a tourist attraction and parliamentary elections on the horizon in Thailand, it was always likely that tensions would again explode.

On February 4, firing erupted between soldiers ranged along the border, each side accusing the other of being the first to shoot. Over four days, 10 people were killed, dozens injured and thousands forced from their homes. An uneasy truce is now in place, although as Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong told the council, with heavily-armed troops in place, the situation "remains extremely fragile." There will be no peace until a solution is found.

Cambodians and Thais seem incapable of finding common ground. Centuries of animosity are too strong to allow politicians to take a back seat so that technocrats can get on with the job of defining the border. Asean offers the best hope.

There is an opportunity for that when Asean's foreign ministers meet in Jakarta next Tuesday. Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegwa, as the current chair of the organisation, is trying to bring the sides together and while his presence has been tolerated, it is clear his efforts are not appreciated. With so much at stake for the region, his gentle nudging has to be replaced by determined resolve.

To great fanfare in December 2008, Asean enacted a 15-point charter laying out its purpose. Centred on building economi c partnership through free trade, high on the list is maintaining and improving peace, security and stability.

While that may seem at odds with the long-standing principle of respecting the sovereignty of member nations, it makes sense as there will be not growth, development and prosperity (SEHK: 0803 , announcements , news ) without a stable environment. Border disputes that could escalate into war create such a situation.

Cambodia and Thailand are in breach of the charter. They are obligated, in the absence of being able to resolve the border conflict, to allow Asean to mediate. They may consider that interference, but it is not if Asean's aims are to be attained. Only if Southeast Asia is peaceful and safe will it attract more business, investors and tourists.