In Dara, permanent representative of Cambodia to the United Nations in Geneva, has briefed Tatyana Valovaya, director-general of the UN Office at Geneva, on violations by Thai forces against Cambodian citizens, and also provided updates on the Cambodia-Thailand armed conflict.
During a November 18 meeting, Dara explained that the situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border remains highly fragile due to continued Thai aggression, according to a press release from the permanent mission.
He said the Thai side has persisted in coercive activities against Cambodian civilians, continued to besiege villages, and continued to detain 18 Cambodian soldiers, despite successive agreements.
On Thai accusations concerning a landmine explosion on November 10, which Thailand alleged that were caused by new mines laid by Cambodia, Dara clarified that they were old mines left over from the war.
“Cambodia’s internationally recognised mine action record demonstrates its firm commitment to a mine-free world, and there is no credible basis to suggest that new mines were laid. Cambodia has no interest in laying new mines. Cambodia has never done so and will never do so,” said the release.
He regarded the accusation that Cambodia laid new mines as being made by the Thai side “as a pretext to suspend peace agreements and escalate tensions”.
He also detailed a shooting by Thai soldiers on November 12, which killed one Cambodian civilian and injured three others, and the alleged rape of a Cambodian migrant worker by seven Thai soldiers on November 15 — serious incidents that reflect the deteriorating security environment.
“Such acts are serious violations of human rights and humanitarian laws. His Excellency requested that the UN continue monitoring and supporting the peaceful resolution of disputes,” said the release.
