JIM II (Report)

Dr Ong Chit Chung asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the outcome of 'JIM II' and comment on the prospects for a peaceful settlement in Cambodia.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr Wong Kan Seng): Mr Speaker, Sir, my assessment of JIM II was already published in the Straits Times on 24th February, and during the Committee of Supply debate on Foreign Affairs I have also given additional information. Nevertheless, I would like to summarize my conclusions.

We are satisfied with the outcome, but we are realistic about the prospects. Despite the differences, JIM II had spelt out the basic elements of a political solution, including such key points as the withdrawal of the Vietnamese forces, International Control Mechanism and national reconciliation. After our extensive discussions, in Jakarta, the positions of the various parties have become clearer. But there are still more negotiations ahead on the details and the practical implementation of the broad principles set out in the Chairman's Consensus Statement.

Sir, a political solution or settlement in Cambodia is only a matter of time. But further discussions and negotiations will be necessary. The inter-Khmer talks are likely to be difficult. Hun Sen has hardened his position on power-sharing among the four Cambodian parties and rejected an effective International Control Mechanism. It is my hope that all parties will show flexibility so that a political solution can be reached quickly and the suffering of the Cambodian people can end.

Dr Ong Chit Chung (Bukit Batok): Sir, has the position of the Thai Prime Minister regarding the Hun Sen government put Asean in a difficult situation and some of the Cambodian factions in an even more delicate position?

Mr Wong Kan Seng: Sir, from what I understand, especially during the last few days after the Thai Prime Minister met many Chinese leaders, there has been no change in the basic position of the Thais. That being the case, Asean's stand on Cambodia remains.