Stop the feuding

Australian Foreign Minister Gareth Evans made a diplomatic error last week which has haunted him and his foreign representatives abroad throughout the APEC conference.

He accused Thailand, in a statement embassy sources claim was badly worded, of continuing to harbor and trade with members of the Khmer Rouge.

The issue has now gone to the highest level.

Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating and Thai Premier Chuan Leekpai discussed it in Bogor in what had been expected to be a sensitive encounter.

Mr. Chuan has publicly attacked the Australian accusations, demanding that the claim be backed with evidence.

And Australia has taken a defensive step backwards by saying comments meant to raise the issue of assistance which Thai groups and individuals are still allegedly offering the Khmer Rouge did not represent the official views of Canberra, but those of small political parties.

Gareth Evans also chimed in to admit that his information was "outdated".

Australia, too, could rightly be offended by Mr. Chuan's comments that Australia doesn't border other countries and doesn't understand the situation.

In the modern world of globalization, "unworldly" could be a condensed, yet terse translation of the comment.

In an era of economic development, good bilateral relations are becoming even more important.

Careless accusations are not conducive to this, but nor is childish back-biting, as seen when Thailand immediately retaliated by accusing Australia of using Myanmarese students to spy on Thai officials.

Stop the bitter, frivolous feuding. Stand up for what is right. And stamp down on the inhumane activities of groups such as the Khmer Rouge.

Perhaps too much emphasis is being placed on the need to save face.

-- The Bangkok Post