Phnom penh: Cambodia firmly rejected any accusations lacking clear and unfounded evidence from the Thai side related to the injuries of a Thai soldier caused by the mine explosion at Tamone Thom Temple area in Banteay Ampil district, Oddar Meanchey province today.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Cambodia maintains its firm stance that it has absolutely not and will not use or plant any new landmines. Cambodia is a proud state party to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, which it ratified in 1999, and has been recognized by the international community for its demining efforts at home and abroad, as stressed by H.E. Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, Under Secretary of State and Spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defence, at a regular press briefing.
Cambodia noted that up to this point, no official and transparent investigation has been carried out to establish the facts surrounding this incident. Cambodia has reminded Thailand on multiple occasions that these areas still have explosives which are the remnants of war. In this sense, all parties should refrain from making public conclusions before finding out the truth to provide justice and avoid misunderstandings that could escalate tension and confrontation.
The spokesperson once again appealed to Thailand to strictly adhere to the spirit of the ceasefire agreement to move towards a resolution that both sides had agreed upon, including through the Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting and the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) meeting, to be held in the near future.
The full implementation of the ceasefire agreement by both parties is expected to foster a favorable environment, bringing about peace, stability, and normalcy in the relationship between the two countries. This aspiration is not only shared by both nations but also by the international community as a whole.
She further reaffirmed Cambodia’s firm determination to work constructively, in good faith, and in close cooperation with Thailand, Malaysia, the United States of America, the People’s Republic of China, other fellow ASEAN member states, and all relevant partners. This cooperation aims to ensure the ceasefire’s full and effective implementation and resolve all disputes by peaceful means in accordance with international law, the UN Charter, and the ASEAN Charter.