Phnom Penh (FN), June 28 - Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said Tuesday that any attempts by some countries to lobby ASEAN members to issue a joint statement supporting a decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in relation to the South China Sea disputes is the worst political collusion. 

Speaking at the 65th founding anniversary of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), Samdech Hun Sen, concurrent president of the CPP said his party does not support, and more so is against, any declaration by ASEAN to support decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in relation to the South China Sea disputes, which some countries outside the region have wire-pulled and pressured ASEAN members even before the court reaches a decision.

"The Cambodian People’s Party foresees this issue, and views it the worst political collusion in the framework of international politics, the result of which would lead to division among ASEAN members themselves and between ASEAN and China. Efforts of some countries outside the region to mobilize forces against China would bring negative impacts on ASEAN and peace in the region," he said.

He added that the Cambodian People’s Party regards the South China Sea issues are matters between countries concerned on sovereignty, and not ones between ASEAN and China. In this meaning, the Cambodian People’s Party appeals to every concerned countries to resolve their issues peacefully together. Only countries concerned will be able to resolve this problem. ASEAN is not able to work on behalf of those countries concerned.
The premier, meanwhile said there is ASEAN-China mechanism to resolve issues through the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) signed in Phnom Penh in 2002 and that he said the Cambodian People’s Party called on all concerned parties to implement justly the spirit of DOC, while ASEAN and China work together to achieve a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC).

It is the second time for Hun Sen to issue such a in less than two weeks following which he said a foreign ambassador designated to Cambodia had raised that issue with him more than a month ago.

He then called on countries outside the region to cease their interferences on issues of South China Sea.

Hun Sen went further by saying that Cambodia had again, and again, become victim of South China Sea issue because of unjust accusations, and hopes that countries unconcerned will not suffer injustice as Cambodia did.

"Cambodia hopes that in the coming time, if the South China Sea issue is not going to be brought up for disturbance or as obstacle to regional and international meetings of senior officials through to heads of state and government, results of those meetings and solidarity spirit will improve. More so, there will be no declaration of attack or placing false on one another," he added.
==FRESH NEWS