Pailin [Cambodia], December 27 (HBTV): Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to an immediate ceasefire effective from 12:00 noon (local time) on Saturday as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions along their shared border following weeks of intense clashes that resulted in the deaths of more than 100 people and the displacement of over half a million others.
According to a joint statement issued after the 3rd Special General Border Committee Meeting held at the Prum-Ban Pak Kard International Point of Entry, both sides underlined the importance of pursuing the peaceful settlement of disputes in an atmosphere of trust, sincerity, good faith, fairness and mutual respect, in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter, the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. The statement said the discussions were aimed at paving the way for a new chapter of peace and cooperation between the two nations.
Both sides recalled the ASEAN Chair’s statement issued after the Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held on December 22 in Kuala Lumpur and reiterated their commitment to refrain from the threat or use of force. They also reaffirmed adherence to the July 28 ceasefire arrangement and other existing bilateral agreements.
Under the agreed de-escalation measures, the statement said both countries would implement an immediate ceasefire following the signing of the joint statement, effective from 12:00 hours noon (local time) on December 27, covering all types of weapons. The ceasefire includes a halt to attacks on civilians, civilian objects and infrastructure, as well as military objectives, across all areas. The statement added that both sides must avoid unprovoked firing, troop advancement or movement towards each other’s positions and stressed that the agreement must not be violated under any circumstances.
The joint statement also reaffirmed obligations under the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction. Both sides agreed to cooperate through the Joint Coordinating Task Force on humanitarian demining, following agreed standard operating procedures, to make timely progress along the border. In addition, they pledged enhanced cooperation under the action plan for the prevention and suppression of transnational crimes, including cyber scams and human trafficking.
As a confidence-building measure, the statement said 18 Cambodian soldiers would be returned after the ceasefire has been fully maintained for 72 hours, in accordance with the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration of October 26.
The meeting was co-chaired by Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, General Tea Seiha, and Thailand’s Minister of Defence, General Nattaphon Narkphanit, with the ASEAN Observer Team present as observers. The discussions emphasised peaceful resolution, mutual respect and adherence to international norms, amid broader regional concerns over the recent border clashes and ASEAN’s mediation efforts to promote stability and prosperity. (ANI)