Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has addressed public concerns regarding potential land concessions within the framework of a ceasefire agreement with Thailand. In a statement released Sunday, Manet reassured citizens that the agreement does not imply any relinquishment of Cambodian sovereignty over its territory.
“I want to briefly inform all citizens that the ceasefire agreement concluded on July 28th defined the conditions and rules of conduct to prevent a recurrence of fighting,” Manet stated. He emphasized that the future peace agreement is “aimed at creating the conditions and rules of conduct necessary to foster an environment conducive to ending the conflict and restoring relations between the two countries.”
The Prime Minister clarified that the absence of specific mentions of land or border issues in the agreements does not signify any agreement to cede sovereign territory. “Even if these two agreements do not mention issues related to land or borders, this does not mean that any party will agree to give up its legal right to control territories within its sovereignty,” he affirmed. He stressed that border demarcation falls under the purview of the Joint Border Committees of both nations and must be resolved peacefully, adhering to existing treaties and agreements between Cambodia and Thailand.
This statement comes as a direct response to anxieties circulating within Cambodia regarding the potential impact of the ongoing peace process with Thailand on the country’s territorial integrity. The ceasefire agreement, signed in July, aims to de-escalate tensions and prevent further clashes along the shared border. The planned peace agreement seeks to build upon this foundation by establishing a framework for long-term cooperation and conflict resolution.
Manet’s remarks underscore the Cambodian government’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and ensuring that any border-related issues are addressed through established diplomatic channels and legal frameworks. The Joint Border Committees, comprised of representatives from both countries, are responsible for negotiating and implementing border demarcation based on historical maps and agreements. This process aims to resolve any outstanding territorial disputes peacefully and amicably.
The relationship between Cambodia and Thailand has historically been complex, marked by periods of both cooperation and conflict, often stemming from border disagreements. The current peace initiative represents a significant step towards fostering a more stable and cooperative relationship between the two Southeast Asian nations. The Cambodian government emphasizes that this initiative prioritizes peaceful resolution and adherence to international law, ensuring the protection of Cambodia’s territorial integrity and sovereign rights. The Prime Minister’s statement aimed to reassure the public and reinforce the government’s position on this sensitive issue. The focus remains on peaceful negotiation and maintaining Cambodia’s existing territorial rights throughout the peace process with Thailand.
Related: More news articles on DZWatch
Source: External reference
