Phnom penh: Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Prak Sokhonn, yesterday cautioned that 'undermined trust is fragile for peace' during a briefing for 77 participants, including members of the diplomatic corps.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Ministry Spokesperson H.E. Nong Sakal reported that the Deputy Prime Minister reminded the audience of Cambodia's past conflicts, underlining the country's understanding of war's devastation. He stressed Cambodia's commitment to peace over confrontation and its belief in resolving disputes through dialogue, international law, and cooperation, rather than by force.
The Spokesperson highlighted Cambodia's efforts from the beginning of the crisis to de-escalate tensions and restore calm.
H.E. Prak Sokhonn expressed concern over the fragile ceasefire, pointing to violations such as encroachments, the laying of barbed wire, destruction of infrastructure, and ongoing military activities like road and bunker construction in disputed areas. He also mentioned the detention of 18 Cambodian soldiers as alarming.
'These actions undermine trust and place the ceasefire in a fragile situation,' the Spokesperson quoted H.E. Prak Sokhonn.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the role of the interim observation team led by Malaysia and urged for the quick establishment of the ASEAN Observation Team (AOT). He reaffirmed Cambodia's goal to normalize the border situation.
H.E. Prak Sokhonn highlighted that peace is unattainable if border communities live in fear and displacement, proposing practical steps like reopening border checkpoints to facilitate the movement of people and goods.