Cambodia Calls for Resumption of Disputed Border Talks — Thailand's New Government: Not Yet Ready
AFP, Phnom Penh, 12th — The Cambodian government has urged Thailand to quickly resume negotiations on the disputed border issue; however, Thailand stated that its new government is not yet prepared. Long-standing border disputes between Thailand and Cambodia erupted into deadly clashes last year.
According to AFP, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said yesterday he "deeply hopes" both countries can "quickly and sincerely" cooperate. In a statement posted on social media, he said: "This will lay the foundation for lasting peace, allowing our border communities to live in safety and prosperity. Cambodia is fully prepared."
However, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow stated yesterday that the new government has just been formed and is not yet ready to restart talks. When asked about Cambodia's call to resume negotiations, he said Cambodia has the "right" to do so, but Thailand also has its own "internal procedures" to follow.
Thailand and Cambodia have long been embroiled in disputes over an 800-kilometer border demarcation left over from the French colonial era.
Last year, border tensions led to multiple rounds of conflict, resulting in dozens of deaths in July and December, and more than a million people displaced. The two countries signed a ceasefire agreement at the end of December, opening space for border negotiations. However, tensions remain unresolved, with both sides continuously accusing each other of violating the ceasefire.
The Cambodian government accuses Thai forces of occupying several areas in border provinces, breaching their agreement, and demands that Thai troops withdraw.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862307787536384/
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