ASEAN FMs Urge Restraint, Immediate Ceasefire In Thailand-Cambodia Border Conflict

KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Bernama) -- The ASEAN Foreign Ministers have urged Thailand and Cambodia to exercise maximum restraint and implement an immediate ceasefire over the ongoing border dispute between both countries. 

They also called on both sides to return to the negotiating table and refrain from taking any actions that may undermine peace efforts.

In a statement dated July 27, the ministers said they are deeply concerned with the situation that has resulted in an increasing number of casualties on both sides, destruction of public properties, and displacement of a large number of people along the border areas.

“We further urge both sides to cease all hostilities, return to the negotiating table to restore peace and stability, and settle disputes and differences by peaceful means, based on the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, the ASEAN Charter, as well as the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) and in the spirit of ASEAN family, unity, and good neighbourliness,” the statement read.

The ministers have reaffirmed their support for efforts by the ASEAN Chair to facilitate dialogue between both sides and bring an end to the fighting.

The statement came ahead of a planned peace talks between Cambodia and Thailand scheduled for 3 pm Monday in Putrajaya.

Cambodian Premier Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai separately confirmed on Sunday that they would attend the highly anticipated meeting initiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as current ASEAN Chair.

The two Southeast Asian neighbours have a long history of diplomatic rows over an 817-kilometre undemarcated stretch of their shared border.

Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have been simmering since May 28 following a skirmish between their troops near the disputed Preah Vihear border area, which claimed the life of a Cambodian soldier.

The latest round of hostility erupted on July 24. Armed clashes have been reported along Cambodia's northern border region, with fatalities on both sides.

-- BERNAMA