Against the background of a fragile ceasefire, the president of the Cambodian National Assembly (NA) has urged Thailand to adhere to its conditions, for the interests of people of both nations.
Addressing a National Assembly session today, August 25, to pass an amended citizenship law, assembly president Khuon Sudrary noted that Cambodia has strictly adhered to the terms of the ceasefire, and urged Thailand to follow suit.
She added that peace with all nations is the core value of Cambodia foreign policy, noting the government’s goal of turning the border areas into places of peace, friendship, cooperation and development. Sudary highlighted the value of the ceasefire, which saved the lives and livelihood of hundreds of thousands of people in both neighbouring Kingdoms.
“In the meantime, I urge the ASEAN Observer Team to be formed immediately and for the establishment of stand operating procedures and terms of reference for negotiations, which are very important to ensure the continued implementation of the ceasefire. I support the government of Cambodia for the efforts in these negotiations so that relations of both sides can return to normalcy and long-term peace” she said.
Sudary also thanked the international community for supporting the ceasefire and for keeping a close eye on the ceasefire enforcement by both nations, such as the formation of the Interim Observer Team (IOT). She also shared her gratitude to several international organisations and countries for their humanitarian assistance.
As of today, August 25, it has been more than a month since five days of armed clashes erupted over the long-standing border disputes, a legacy of France colonisation. Lives were lost and hundreds of thousands were displaced, with many of them still too fearful to return to their homes.
The 13-point ceasefire agreement, signed by the leaders of the two countries with US President Donald Trump’s support, is holding.
The situation at the border remains tense, however, with Thailand returning to their pre-clash talking points. They have accused Cambodia of planting new landmines, which Cambodia denies. They have also laid razor wire barricades in Cambodia territory, claiming that it is part of efforts to control cross-border crimes, like trafficking and scam operations.
In addition, 18 Cambodian soldiers who were captured on July 29, a day after the ceasefire took effect, remain in Thai custody.
