Phnom penh: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia has issued a four-point clarification in response to a recent statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand concerning the ongoing border dispute between the two nations and the Memorandum of Understanding on the Survey and Demarcation of Land Boundary (MoU 2000), signed on June 14, 2000.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Cambodia reaffirmed its dedication to resolving border disputes peacefully, adhering to international law, including the UN Charter, the ASEAN Charter, and the MoU 2000. The ministry emphasized Cambodia's commitment to treaty obligations and principles of sovereign equality and peaceful dispute resolution.
The statement criticized Thailand for failing to meet its key obligations under the MoU 2000, particularly Article 1, which requires using maps produced by the Franco-Siamese Commissions of Delimitation as the basis for boundary demarcation. Cambodia accused Thailand of using unilaterally drawn maps to assert territorial claims, constituting a breach of international law and the MoU 2000.
In response to Thailand's actions, Cambodia announced its decision to refer the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), viewing it as a rule-based and peaceful measure. The ICJ is recognized as a legitimate forum for resolving international legal disputes, especially when bilateral efforts have stalled.
Cambodia has urged Thailand to honor its treaty obligations, cease unilateral actions, and engage in peaceful dispute resolution through the ICJ.