Prime Minister Hun Manet warns against division over the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA) while speaking to 1,000 achar from across the country on August 15. STPM
Prime Minister Hun Manet called for national unity and cautioned against divisions stemming from differing opinions regarding the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA), urging people to avoid illegal actions.
He also requested that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation inquire with Japan regarding the use of Japanese territory by certain individuals to incite the overthrow of the Cambodian government.
Speaking at a gathering of approximately 1,000 achar (laypeople who play a key role in organising religious events) from across the country on Thursday morning, August 15, Manet observed three trends regarding the CLV-DTA: staunch supporters, staunch opponents and those in the middle, whom he considers a vital force.
He appealed to the Cambodian people to remain united, noting that history has shown that territorial loss often results from internal divisions.
"When I say this, people say I am afraid. Yes, I am afraid – afraid of losing our national unity, afraid of Cambodians becoming crippled again because I have already provided homes to thousands of war veterans who were disabled and to orphans because of the war. I am very fearful when Cambodians can no longer talk to each other and start fighting. That is what I fear most,” he stated.
Acknowledging the fear of loss of territory due to the cooperation, he urged that these worries not lead to extreme actions that could fracture the nation.
"They say the Khmer are a warrior race – a race that defends the nation, not one that fights against each other. Do not do anything that harms our common interests," he said.
In recent weeks, there have been both opposition and support movements for the CLV-DTA. Some opponents abroad have staged protests against the project in countries such as Japan, South Korea and Australia.
Furthermore, there have been efforts to incite movements to overthrow the government by some Cambodians living abroad, particularly in Japan, prompting the prime minister to ask the ministry to investigate the matter.
"For those who are inciting [these movements] abroad, most of them are in Japan. I ask the foreign affairs ministry to inquire with the Japanese government. Now, the evidence is clear – they have come forward.
"Expressing opinions lawfully is fine. I am not asking Japan to expel them [the Cambodians], but there should be guidance. Does Japan support the use of its territory as a base for leading protests and overthrowing [the government]? Because we have seen clear messages stating [that]. What is this?" he added.
Manet also requested that Japan help explain to Cambodians living in Japan who oppose the CLV-DTA project that Japan has previously supported development in the CLV-DTA.
Nevertheless, Manet said the government will respond to the general public's concerns in four key areas: safeguarding sovereignty, protecting territory, developing the four provinces within the CLV-DTA and the country as a whole and maintaining stability and peace to promote Cambodia's economic progress.
