| This important book, "THE BRIDGE BETWEEN THE TWO HEARTS" by H.E. Mr .ISSEI INOUE documents the events surrounding the Paris Peace Agreement of 1991 and the building of peace in modern Cambodia, is long-overdue.
Japan played a significant role in fostering the process of national reconciliation and economic reconstruction of Cambodia. In this context, H.E. Mr. INOUE made tremendous efforts, both personal and professional, and contributed significantly not only to the successful signing of the Paris Peace Agreement in 1991, but also to the the very difficult task of its implementation since then. Having been a key participant and observer at the center of the Cambodian peace process, H.E. Mr. Inoue is uniquely qualified to document and interpret that process for history.
The Paris Peace Agreement brought the four major political parties of Cambodia together in peaceful, constructive dialogue through the unprecedented exercise of international diplomacy mediated by the United Nations. H.E. Mr. Inoue undertook the unique responsibility of mediator between His Majesty the King NORODOM SIHANOUK and myself, in their respective roles as key faction leaders at the Paris Peace Talks. It is both recognition and tribute to H.E. Mr. Inoue 's skills and dedication as mediator that the deadlocks constraining peace in Cambodia were broken, and that positive and significant progress emerged from our discussions.
The forging of the Paris Peace Agreement was just the first major step on the long path to a sustainable peace. We all returned to a Canbodia beset by deep poverty, exacerbated by continuing instability and insecurity mainly due to the activities of the remaining Khmer Rouge querillas. In this challenging context, H.E. Mr. INOUE worked with tireless dedication toward the peaceful surrender of the remaining Khmer Rouge guerillas.
Indeed, H.E. Mr. Inoue is a Peacemaker.
I am deeply grateful and appreciative of his efforts to build perce in Cambodia. Clearly, his work has borne fruit and has not been in vain.
I bring to you all the heartfelt and warmest greetings from the people and Royal Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia! |
