Heng Ratana, director-general of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), has explained how Cambodia’s mine clearance efforts in Banteay Meanchey province’s Prey Chan and Chouk Chey villages began in 1992.
In a September 23 social media post, he noted that humanitarian demining supports safety, physical infrastructure development and socio-economic progress for the Cambodian citizens living in the two villages in Ou Beichoan, as well as other villages along the Cambodian-Thai border.
He said the Royal Government of Cambodia has prioritised this issue since 1992-93, implementing the process in phases.
Ratana clarified that from 1992 to 1998, the initial phase of demining focused on clearing safe pathways to support repatriation, resettlement and the establishment of people’s livelihoods during 1992-93 and after the 1993 elections.
From 1998 to 2003, he said the demining phase aimed to ensure safety and support socio-economic development.
“The humanitarian demining process in these areas is widely known and remembered by the international community because many international organizations have directly participated in these efforts,” he added.
Regarding the ongoing border demarcation disputes in these areas, he noted that Cambodian and Thai border working groups have held numerous discussions, but the issue remains unresolved.
“Good neighbours should use the mechanisms for peacefully resolving disputes that exist at all levels. The use of force or military law should be avoided, as such actions only heighten hostility and tension,” he said.
