Interview With Mr. Sean Pengse on Supplemental Border Treaty
Mr. Sean Pengse still holds the same position on supplemental border issue
The Cambodian National Assembly is scheduled to ratify the controversial supplemental border treaty which Prime Minister Hun Sen signed with Vietnam on October 10. Cambodian lawmakers are expected to raise their hands to approve the treaty. In a phone interview with VOA Khmer Service, President of the Paris-based Cambodia's Border Committee Sean Pengse said the hand-raising tactic is illegal. He said the secret ballots should be used. The outspoken border activist called the 1985 treaty and the supplemental treaty to the 1985 Cambodia-Vietnam border treaty illegal ones because it violates the 1991 Paris Peace Accord. Sean Pengse said under the Paris Peace Accord all treaties that affect Cambodia's sovereignty are considered null. Sean Pengse said he does not believe King Sihamoni would sign this controversial treaty since his father, former King Sihanouk, does not recognize the supplemental treaty and any other treaties that were signed when Cambodia was under Vietnam's military occupation from 1979 to 1991. Sean Pengse said if King Sihamoni signs the supplemental treaty, then his subjects will question his Majesty's principles and integrity. Sean Pengse said before the formation of the government for the third term, FUNCINPEC party said that this treaty was illegal, but now that it is part of the coalition government, the royalist party changed its position. The border activist also said that his Cambodia's Border Committee will continue its stand on the border issue.