Cambodia steps up as ASEAN, regional mediator
Phnom Penh – As ASEAN chair in 2012, Cambodia will play its role as a neutral mediator in all regional and international issues, said Prime Minister Hun Sen yesterday.
"As the 2012 ASEAN chair, Cambodia will play a role as a neutral mediator, not side with any party in the disputes, for instance, the issues in the Korean peninsula and in the East Sea," China's Xinhua news agency quoted PM Hun Sen as saying at a meeting with 26 Cambodian ambassadors and eight consuls general to foreign countries.
He said the country will do its best to have all issues solved peacefully.
At a meeting on January 23 with the diplomats, Cambodia 's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Hor Namhong told those diplomats that the country's foreign policies face three main challenges this year.
They are the dispute concerning the temple of Preah Vihear and surrounding area, Cambodia's candidacy as a non-permanent member at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2013-2014 term and the country's ASEAN chair. - VNA