Photo by Suchen Kanrit

20-21 September 2008, Aranyapratet - Poipet

Joint Statement

“Helping de-escalate tensions, promoting mutual understanding and working for sustainable peace”

In the occasion of the International Peace Day, we, 85 Cambodian and Thai civil society actors have convened at the conference in Aranyapratet, Kingdom of Thailand, and Poipet, Kingdom of Cambodia, in order to explore ways in which the civil societies of both countries can work together to prevent the conflict over the issue of Preah Vihear from being further escalated.

1.         We share a common concern that the conflict over the Preah Vihear issue could be further escalated, if a proper solution cannot be soon identified.

2.         We strongly believe in a peaceful solution by the royal governments of the two countries, rather than military action and to reopen the border crossings for the benefit of the people.

3.         We see that the delay to resolve this conflict has negatively affected the people of the two countries, especially livelihood of people on both sides of the border.

4.         We agree to work collectively to reduce tensions and strengthen solidarity toward building up mutual understanding and trust between the civil societies of the two countries, and to work together to promote sustainable peace.

5.         We encourage further cross-border activities between the civil societies of the two countries in order to share information, to collaborate on common issues and to increase mutual understanding. A special emphasis shall be placed on people exchange programs.

6.         We call for the media of both countries to take an active role in contributing to a peaceful solution and in promoting friendship.

Aranyapratet-Poipet, 21 September 2008