France Launches Mediation for Cambodia and Thailand to Reach a Ceasefire Agreement

A French diplomat said that France is aware of the sensitivity of its role in mediation due to its colonial history and close ties with Cambodia. However, France emphasized maintaining a neutral position.

Facing the risk of the conflict between Cambodia and Thailand getting stuck in a deadlock, France is increasing efforts to push for a ceasefire between the two countries. A diplomatic source said on Friday that "political-level contacts" will take place in the coming days.

AFP cited sources saying that French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot will hold talks with the foreign ministers of Cambodia and Thailand on December 23, followed by talks with the Vietnamese foreign minister. The source added: "The French foreign minister also plans to communicate with the Malaysian foreign minister soon."

These talks will take place the day after the ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting, which is currently chaired by Malaysia.

After the mediation efforts of countries including the United States failed, Paris hopes this meeting can make progress on the issue.

This French diplomat explained: "There is now a serious risk of escalation. We believe it is necessary to intensify our efforts in seeking a peaceful solution."

French diplomats "are aware that France's historical status as a former colonial power and its close ties with these countries (especially Cambodia) make its role in mediation somewhat sensitive." But the person emphasized: "Fundamentally, our position is impartial and just."

"But impartiality should not equate to passivity. We believe we have a responsibility," because the international community is witnessing large-scale population displacement along the Thai-Cambodian border.

In addition to calling for an immediate ceasefire and compliance with international law, France also hopes to promote exchanges between the two sides.

These two Southeast Asian kingdoms have long had disputes over certain territories along their borders.

This week, the EU's chief for foreign affairs, Kaja Kallas, held talks with the foreign ministers of Thailand and Cambodia, trying to "break the cycle of escalating conflicts."

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1852076262028803/

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