Phnom penh: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC) of Cambodia has urged Thailand, including its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to refrain from making continued accusations against Cambodia and instead engage in constructive and prompt dialogue under the agreed ceasefire framework. The appeal was reiterated by H.E. Chum Sounry, Secretary of State and Spokesperson of the MFAIC, at a press briefing this afternoon.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the MFAIC strongly refutes the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs' persistent accusations, which it says misrepresent the recent border clashes and the implementation of the ceasefire agreement. Cambodia categorically rejects what it calls Thailand's baseless allegation of ceasefire violations by Cambodian forces, he added.
'Cambodia calls for a neutral ASEAN observer mission to objectively assess the situation on both sides of the border and ensure the strict implementation of the ceasefire,' he underlined.
Moreover, the MFAIC firmly denies Thailand's accusation that Cambodian armed forces have attacked civilians. H.E. Chum Sounry emphasised that Cambodian forces have acted strictly in accordance with international humanitarian law, taking all necessary measures to avoid civilian harm. In this regard, Cambodia urges joint verification under ASEAN supervision, rather than accepting unilateral claims intended to sway public opinion.
The spokesperson also reaffirmed Cambodia's commitment to international law and de-escalation, as well as its adherence to the ASEAN Charter, the UN Charter, and the ceasefire agreement. Cambodia looks forward to reducing tensions through the upcoming General Border Committee meeting.
Cambodia remains fully committed to the sincere and comprehensive implementation of the ceasefire agreement, which has been welcomed and supported by ASEAN and the broader international community as a critical step toward lasting peace and stability along the border, he concluded.