At the invitation of H.E. Samdech Hun Sen, Second Prime Minister, and H.E. Mr. Ung Huot, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, of the Kingdom of Cambodia, ASEAN Special Envoys, led by H.E. Mr. Ali Alatas, Foreign Minister of Indonesia, including H.E. Mr. Prachuab Chaiyasan, Foreign Minister of Thailand, and H.E. Mr. Domingo Siazon, Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, paid a second visit to Phnom Penh and held a meeting with Second Prime Minister Hun Sen and Minister Ung Huot on August 2, 1997.

The discussion, focused on a wide range of issues, was regarded as very constructive by ASEAN Envoys and as positive by Cambodian Government.

The ASEAN Envoys presented three proposals to Second Prime Minister Hun Sen and considered them the best solutions to the current crisis:

1. For the time being, Prince Norodom Ranariddh should not return to Cambodia so that the tension, fighting, and instability can be prevented.
2. FUNCINPEC members, who fled the country following the July 5-6 event, be allowed to return freely and safely to participate in the process of selecting the new First Prime Minister.
3. Steps should be taken from now until general elections in May 1998:
-Halt armed clashes,

-Prince Norodom Ranariddh must not return to Cambodia,

-FUNCINPEC members can return and take part in the free and fair elections,

-Process of elections will not be vulnerable to criticism.

Second Prime Minister Hun Sen accepted with pleasure the above mentioned proposals and regarded them as a new step of ASEAN in helping strengthen stability, peace, and continuity in Cambodia. He informed the Envoys that:

With regard to the ASEAN proposals:

-The Royal Government decided on July 22 to reduce the military operation along the border with two purposes:

· Offer an opportunity to FUNCINPEC members and others to return to the country. The Royal Government welcomes and maintains their positions and roles as before and assures them with full safety and security.
· Avoid causing refugees in the Thai soil.

-Second Prime Minister Hun Sen asked ASEAN Envoys to convey to Prince Ranariddh:

· To halt fighting against the Royal Government,
· To nullify all appointment of chief and deputy chief of general staff,
· To cease completely and definitely the political and military collusion with the outlawed Khmer Rouge while the legislation outlawing Khmer Rouge is still in forces.

-Any political party or individual, who wishes to participate in the ongoing general elections, has to abandon completely and definitely the military activities against the Royal Government.

-Nobody has been arrested, killed, or intimidated after having returned to Cambodia.

The General Elections in 1998

-There are some opinions in favor of holding early elections. We cannot satisfy them because we have no right to dismantle the National Assembly and organize elections before the end of its legislative term.

-The elections will be meaningless without participation of other political parties. The National Assembly is examining and passing the laws relating to the organization of the elections and the establishment of the Supreme Council of the Magistracy and the Constitutional Council. The military and civil administration must stay neutral to ensure the liberal democracy and pluralism.

-We have plan to cut down the armed forces and weapons so as to enhance trust ahead of the elections.

Cambodia's adherence to ASEAN

-Cambodia is ready to join ASEAN. We wish to adhere to the group as soon as possible and it depends on ASEAN to decide.

The return of Prince Ranariddh

-It does relate to the decision to be made by the Cambodian Court or the amnesty to be given by the King.

-Amnesty given to Ieng Sary was based on the legislation outlawing Khmer Rouge and the 1979 court verdict.

-Prince Ranariddh committed grave mistakes which resulted in losing numerous lives. Amnesty cannot be given to the Prince before his trial.

-In general, all political parties, except Khmer Rouges, can participate in the 1998 elections.

-Agree that for the time being Prince Ranariddh should not return to Cambodia.

Procedure of choosing new First Prime Minister

H.E. Mr. Nady Tan, Secretary General of the Royal Government and Dean of FUNCINPEC, explained the internal procedure of the Party as follows:

-FUNCINPEC has a President, but no Vice-President. It also has a Dean who assumes the management of the Party, including politics, during the absence of President.

-Dean summons and leads the Steering Committee in making decisions.

-The Steering Committee entrusts Dean with right to assure the responsibility along with H.E. Mr. Loy Sim Chhieng, FUNCINPEC Secretary General, in appealing all party members to come back.

-On July 30, 1997, a meeting of FUNCINPEC members called by H.E. Mr. Loy Sim Chhieng with the attendance of 47 FUNCINPEC members of Parliament (11 other are absent) unanimously decided to choose H.E. Mr. Ung Huot as FUNCINPEC candidate for new First Prime Minister.

-The National Assembly will vote on this nomination on August 6.

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