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Statement On Kampuchea Issued By The ASEAN Foreign Ministers
Bangkok, 12 February 1985 |
- The ASEAN Foreign Ministers deplore the continuing military offensive launched by Vietnam along the Thai-Kampuchean border which has. resulted in renewed hardship and suffering for tens of thousands of displaced Kampucheans as well as affected Thai villagers. They note with concern the particular severity and scope of this offensive. The Foreign Ministers condemn the numerous incursions that have been made by the Vietnamese military forces into Thailand along the Thai - Kampuchean border in blatant violation of Thailand's sovereignty and territorial integrity. They call for the immediate cessation of such illegal and hostile actions which have exacerbated tensions in the, region. They reaffirm the solidarity of the ASEAN countries with Thailand in the face of such, external provocation’s and in the exercise of its legitimate right of self-defence. The Foreign Ministers call upon the international community to respond urgently to the pressing humanitarian needs along the Thai -Kampuchean border.
- The ASEAN Foreign Ministers note with deep regret the latest demonstration of Vietnam's continued pursuit of a military solution in Kampuchea. Such actions contradict the professions of Vietnam for a negotiated solution. Vietnam continues to try to legitimise its military occupation of Kampuchea. This is the main reason for the lack of progress in the attempts by some countries and parties who are trying to find a political settlement. ASEAN's efforts to date have not borne fruit for the same reason.
- The Foreign Ministers reiterate their call to Vietnam to seek a political settlement on the basis of the total withdrawal of Vietnamese forces, national reconciliation among all Kampucheans, and the exercise of self-determination by the Kampuchean people. National unity can be achieved only through the participation of all Kampucheans in the act of self - determination to be held under international supervision. They further reiterate their call for a direct dialogue between Vietnam and the Coalition Government of Democratic Kampuchea to arrive at a political settlement.
- The Foreign Ministers take note of the many appeals for restraint made to Vietnam and the condemnations of its military action in Kampuchea issued by a number of countries including an appeal by the Secretary General of the United Nations. They express their regret that Vietnam continues to ignore these appeals and the established rules of orderly and peaceful conduct of relations between states. They appeal to the international community to continue to urge restraint upon Vietnam and to persuade Vietnam that her security .could not be achieved through military means but through negotiations and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
- The Foreign Ministers note the current trends in Sino-Soviet relations, Soviet-US relations and Sino-US relations. Vietnam's actions seen in this light work against current efforts to reduce international tension and underscore Vietnam's international isolation. They also undermine ASEAN's initiative to engage in meaningful dialogue through its interlocutor, Indonesia. With these movements in big power relations and ASEAN's sincere desire for peace and stability in Southeast Asia, the Foreign Ministers express their conviction that the best means for smaller countries to maintain their sovereignty is to remain independent and strong through national socio- economic development and greater regional peace and stability. The Foreign Ministers urge Vietnam to work in this direction by providing a conducive atmosphere so that a meaningful dialogue for a peaceful settlement of the Kampuchean problem could be started.
- The Foreign Ministers express the deep appreciation for the interest and effort of the Secretary General of the United Nations as show during his recent visit to Southeast Asia to find a just and lasting solution to the Kampuchean problem. They express the hope that the Secretary General of the United Nations will continue to use his good offices to bring about a political settlement, in Kampuchea.
- The Foreign Ministers note that despite having to withstand yet another massive military onslaught, the Khmer resistance forces remain intact and display high morale, The Foreign Ministers commend the resilience and determination of the Khmer freedom fighters, and reaffirm the strong support of the ASEAN countries for the Coalition Government of Democratic Kampuchea. The Foreign Ministers call upon the international community to increase support and assistance to the Kampuchean people in their political and military struggle to liberate their homeland from foreign occupation.
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