Phnom Penh: The first-ever joint Congress of the National Assembly and Senate convened in Phnom Penh this morning, unanimously endorsing the Royal Government of Cambodia's decision to bring its border dispute with Thailand before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Congress was chaired by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate, and included 182 senators and lawmakers from the Cambodian People's Party (CPP), FUNCINPEC Party, and the Khmer Will Party. All participants expressed full support for the government's plan to refer the dispute over four sensitive border areas-Mom Bei, Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Moan Tauch Temple, and Ta Krabei Temple-to the ICJ for legal resolution.
In his address to the Congress, Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet emphasized Cambodia's commitment to peaceful resolution through international legal mechanisms. He expressed hope that Thailand would agree to bring the issue to the ICJ, highlighting the importance of fairness and mutual trust. He added that Cambodia is prepared to proceed unilaterally if necessary to prevent further tensions and confrontations.
Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen echoed these sentiments, stating that taking the dispute to the ICJ could reduce political pressure on both governments and facilitate a long-overdue resolution. He also emphasized maintaining bilateral mechanisms with Thailand and urged the public not to escalate the issue into an ethnic or nationalist conflict, while maintaining normal relations in trade, tourism, and other areas of cooperation.
The Senate-National Assembly Congress, organized at the request of Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, reflects the democratic process and the government's responsibility to the Cambodian people, who elected the 7th legislature on July 23, 2023. Under Cambodian law, a congress by the National Assembly and Senate is convened when necessary to address national issues, including those related to independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.