The
Centrist Asia Pacific Democrats International (CAPDI) Secretary General
Mushahid Hussain Sayed, during the International Forum on “Asian
Century: Challenges and Prospects” held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on
Monday 19 September 2011, had described explicitly CAPDI’s “Cambodian
Model” for peace making and internal conflict resolution. In essence, it
was a loud message to every corner of Asia, Europe, Latin America and
Africa where internal conflicts destroy life and property and hamper
peace, stability, economic growth and development that “solution”
exists, and that it is worth looking at the “Cambodian Model,” which
integrated four warring factions including Royalist and Khmer Rouge
forces into the new united Cambodian Armed Forces, and realized peace,
stability, and prosperity for the Cambodian people. It should be
mentioned that the “architects” of the “Cambodian Model” are the leaders
of Cambodian’s People Party (CPP), among all of them, the most
prominent is Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of Cambodia.
CAPDI is the only organization in the Asia-Pacific and perhaps in the world that brings together not just political parties,
but the institutions of civil society as well. The Governing Executive
Council of CAPDI is comprised of several premiers, former presidents and
former prime ministers, civil society and business leaders. Samdech
Techo Hun Sen Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia is Co-Chairman
Emeritus and His Excellency Dr. Sok An Deputy Prime Minister is Senior
Vice-President.
The “Cambodian Model” for peace making and internal conflict resolution has six specific features, which are the followings:
1- A United Nations brokered peace;
2- A cease-fire followed by a free election;
3- An integration of the four fighting factions into a united National Armed Forces;
4- A national reconciliation with the formation of a government of coalition (with two prime ministers);
5-
A gradual implementation of the rule of law with the establishment of
the Extraordinary Chambers in the Court of Cambodia (ECCC) for the
prosecution of crimes committed by the most senior leaders of the
genocidal regime of Democratic Kampuchea.
6- A realization of lasting peace, stability and good neighborliness with foreign countries.
Out of the above features many lessons can be learned, which are:
1- The change of the mindset from “the winner takes all” to “let’s work together”.
2- The recognition and respect of all stakeholders.
3- The pro-active role of the international community.
4- To overcome the bitterness of the past; to forgive and forget.
5- The creativity of the stakeholders;
6- An inclusive politics.
The
“Cambodian Model,” a model made in Asia has proven to be sufficiently
efficient for healing the heart of warring factions, bringing peace not
only in the urban areas, but also to the very remote corner of the
countryside, achieving harmony and economic prosperity for all.
Press and Quick Reaction Unit (PRU)
Office of the Council of Ministers
5 October 2011