MFA Press Release: Transcript of Doorstop Interview by Minister For Foreign Affairs George Yeo after The Joint AMM Press Conference on 12 November 2009 at the International Media Centre, Suntec City Convention Centre

Question: Minister, there is a report from Cambodia media that...[inaudible] are you aware of this?

Minister Yeo: No, I'm not aware of this.

Question: Minister Yeo, can you say that there is progress made every year over FTA discussions? What examples can you give this year that have been achieved? How would you measure the progress over the past twelve months?

Minister Yeo: I think if you were to look at the [AMM] statement the general sentiment is a positive one. That on trade liberalisation, we should always move forward where we can, where we cannot, at least lean forward, and that itself is important.

Question: Do you get the sense that with the crisis behind, perhaps the people are more focussed?

Minister Yeo: We did not agree that the crisis is behind us. There is a respite, there are still serious problems which we have to address and we should keep at it.

Question: Sir, the tension about Thailand, Cambodia? So there is no confirmation that the leaders of Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore maybe talk to Mr Hun Sen on Sunday to try to talk him to take a step away from Mr Thaksin?

Minister Yeo: The Leaders will be at the Retreat. I am sure they will be talking to one another, the Leaders who are here.

Question: So what do you think about it?

Minister Yeo: Think about what?

Question: About this affair between Thailand and...?

Minister Yeo: Oh it is very sad. I think it is not good for ASEAN. We hope that both countries will find a way to reconcile and whatever the problems, we should act with restraint. That is [ASEAN] Secretary- [General] Surin Pitsuwan's call to them and I share his sentiment completely. Thank you very much.

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