Kep (FN), Nov. 11 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that, following explanations, the people now have a better understanding of the Royal Government's intentions regarding the Cambodia-Laos-Viet Nam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA). He underlined that the government has no intention of compromising territorial integrity or national sovereignty.
The premier spoke on Monday (Nov. 11) during an inauguration of the Techo Santepheap Angkol Beach Road at Kep province.
Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet underlined that the Royal Government has actively listened to the concerns of the people, working hard on development, including significant progress in border road construction, ensuring sovereignty, and promoting the development of the four northeastern provinces. This effort has been the Royal Government's goal for the past 25 years since Cambodia achieved full peace under the initiative of Samdech Techo Hun Sen who aimed to rapidly develop the Northeast Provinces by utilising both personal and neighboring countries' resources within agreed-upon frameworks.
Prime Minister Hun Manet added that the Royal Government is currently promoting the construction of border ring roads and additional infrastructure to safeguard national sovereignty.
Samdech Thipadei underscored, "Now, to reassure the people, the Royal Government is serious about safeguarding territorial integrity. We have explained this extensively, and on September 20, the Royal Government informed both the Vietnamese and Lao sides of the procedure to withdraw from the CLV cooperation."
Prime Minister Hun Manet added that every decision to withdraw from the Cooperation and Development Project (CLV-DTA) is a bold move to address the concerns of the people. In this regard, a small group of opposition factions abroad have attempted to form a movement against the Royal Government. However, this initiative has failed because the people are well aware of the government's efforts to develop the nation and protect Cambodia's territorial integrity, contrary to the allegations made by the opposition.
Samdech Thipadei further underscored, "So far, I would like to thank the people, both inside and outside the country, for understanding the will and sincerity of our Royal Government, especially concerning the CLV project. We have never, at any time, aimed to lose or compromise our territory or national sovereignty."
Samdech Thipadei underlined that by supporting the Royal Government's previous decision and rejecting the extremist groups that attempted to sabotage the CLV-DTA, the people have demonstrated their commitment to peace and development in Cambodia. He reiterated that the opposition groups abroad, who attempted to manipulate the CLV issue to attack the government, have failed because the people understand the government's leadership and the tactics of the opposition.
"People no longer have faith in them and are no longer participating. Even when Mou Sokhour went to Korea, no one came out to support her because the people understood and appreciated the Royal Government's measures for the nation's efforts," Samdech Thipadei added.
