PRINCE NORODOM SIHANOUK'S RESIGNATION FROM COALITION GOVERNMENT OF DEMOCRATIC KAMPUCHEA

Encik Wan Hussin bin Hj Zoohri asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs what is the effect of Prince Norodom Sihanouk's resignation on (i) Asean's support for the Coalition Government of Democratic Kampuchea and (ii) the future of a peaceful settlement in Kampuchea.

The Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr Wong Kan Seng): Sir, Singapore like other ASEAN countries, continues to support the Coalition Government Democratic Kampuchea (CGDK). The CGDK remains intact as the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Co-operative Cambodia, (FUNCINPEC), Prince Sihanouk's party is still in CGDK and the National Sihanoukist Army (ANS), its military arm, fights on against the Vietnamese. Prince Sihanouk has announced recently that he has decided to return to the Presidency of the CGDK because Vietnam has not taken up his offer to negotiate with him. However, the Prince will still remain on leave from the Presidency and hold himself open for negotiations to resolve the Cambodian problem.

Singapore respects Prince Sihanouk's decision to step out of the CGDK. The Prince is an experienced statesman and nationalist. He is committed to the restoration of independence to his country. The Cambodian problem is a complex one requiring a multi-pronged approach. The situation is constantly evolving and seems to be entering a more fluid phase. Prince Sihanouk's meetings with Hun Sen in France on 2nd to 4th December 1987 and the 20th and 21st January 1988 opened a new diplomatic front and Singapre supports the Prince's initiatives.

The Prince has indicated that he wants to meet with the Vietnamese, or with the rmetnamese together with Hun Sen, to discuss a peaceful settlement in Cambodia. The Prince has also indicated that he is still willing to meet Hun Sen in France at the end of this year for a third round of talks if Hun Sen is willing to take a more constructive approach.

The Prince is the only person who can unite the Cambodian people and bring about national reconciliation. All parties agree that he must play a pivotal role in any Cambodian settlement. Vietnam no longer maintains that the situation in Cambodia is irreversible but agrees that there should be a negotiated solution. If it is sincere in wanting a genuine political compromise, Vietnam must talk to Prince Sihanouk and not let the opportunity slip by.