|
 |
|
|
An Appeal for Kampuchean Independence by the ASEAN Foreign Ministers
Jakarta, 20 September 1983 |
- The central issue in the Kampuchean problem is the survival of the Kampuchean nation and the restoration of its independence and sovereignty. The total ,withdrawal of foreign forces, the exercise of self-determination and national reconciliation are essential elements for the survival of an independent and sovereign Kampuchea. The continuing foreign occupation of Kampuchea and the violation of Kampuchean sovereignity, independence and territorial integrity threaten regional and international peace and security.
- The Foreign Ministers therefore call on the international community, particularly Vietnam and the five Permanent Members of the UN Security Council as well as other states concerned, to join them in intensifying efforts to achieve a just solution whereby Kampuchea can emerge once again as an independent and sovereign nation in fact as well as in law.
- In order to restore Kampuchea's independence, sovereignity and territorial integrity, the Foreign Ministers further appeal to all countries concerned to refrain from all interference, director indirect -in the internal affairs of Kampuchea and to respect the neutral and non-aligned status of Kampuchea, which is essential to the legitimate security concerns f all countries in Southeast Asia.
- Moreover, following the total withdrawal of foreign troops from Kampuchea, the Kampuchea- people must be able to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination through international- only-supervised elections in which all Kampucheans shall participate and all political groups in Kampuchea should be encouraged to work towards the goal of national reconciliation.
- In consonance with the on-going international efforts, the Foreign Ministers reiterate their willingness to consult 'the all parties concerned regarding possible initial steps that could be taken in pursuit of a comprehensive political settlement of the Kampuchean problem. These steps include the following:
(i) With regard to the declared intention of Vietnam to conduct partial troop withdrawals, such partial drawals should take place on a territorial basis, and could begin with withdrawal from the western-most territory of Kampuchea along the Thai-Kampuchean border. These withdrawals should begin as soon as possible in phases within a definite period to be worked out as part of a comprehensive political settlement.
(ii) In this context, a ceasefire should be observed in these areas, which should then be constituted as safe, areas for uprooted Kampuchean civilians under UNHCR auspices. In addition, peace-keeping forces-observer groups should be introduced to ensure that the, withdrawals have taken place and the ceasefire and safe areas are respected. international economic assistance programmes should be encouraged in these safe areas.
- The Foreign Ministers, conscious of the plight of the Kampuchean people resulting from the ravages of war and mindful of the need for the economic reconstruction of Kampuchea and the rehabilitation of the social and cultural life of the Kampuchean people, hereby appeal to the international community to mobilize resources for a programme of assistance as part and parcel of the comprehensive political settlement of the Kampuchean problem.
- An international conference for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Kampuchea should be convene at at an appropriate time.
|
| |
|
|
|
