Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire talks start
Chanthaburi, Dec 27
Ceasefire talks between Thailand and Cambodia began at around 9:40 a.m. local time on Saturday at a border checkpoint in Thailand's Chanthaburi Province.
If an agreement is reached, the two sides are expected to sign a ceasefire declaration at noon, according to media reports, Xinhua news agency reported.
On Friday, Cambodian Defence Ministry's Undersecretary of State and spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said that Thai F-16 fighter jets dropped as many as 40 bombs in a border village in Banteay Meanchey province.
She said in a press briefing that the bombardment destroyed civilian houses as well as public infrastructures in Chok Chey village.
The Thai military also fired artillery shells into a civilian residential area in Poipet Municipality of Banteay Meanchey province, she added.
Earlier on December 25, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had urged the full implementation of the Peace Accords amid ongoing violence between Cambodia and Thailand.
During a phone conversation with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, "Secretary Rubio reaffirmed that the United States stands ready to facilitate discussions aimed at ensuring peace and stability between Cambodia and Thailand," said State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott.
Rubio had stressed the importance of both countries fully implementing the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords.
The recent clashes along the Thailand-Cambodia border, stemming from long-standing territorial disputes dating back to the colonial era, reignited in late May following military confrontations in border regions.
On Thursday, Thailand's military announced that border negotiations with Cambodia entered the second day, with overall clashes along the frontier showing a downward trend.
Around 30 Cambodian delegates attended the meeting, while Malaysian members of the ASEAN observer team in Thailand also presented.
In a press briefing held on Thursday, a Thai military spokesperson stated that the intensity of border skirmishes between the two countries has generally decreased, with exchanges of fire remaining confined to localised areas.
— IANS
Reader Comments
F-16s dropping bombs on villages? This is very concerning. The report says civilian infrastructure was hit. The international community, including the US, is right to push for the Peace Accords. No political gain is worth innocent lives.
Colonial-era borders causing problems again. Sounds familiar. Hope they find a diplomatic solution. The involvement of Malaysia as an ASEAN observer is a positive step. Dialogue is the only way forward.
While I'm glad the US is offering to facilitate, I respectfully think regional bodies like ASEAN should lead this process. They understand the local history and context better. The focus must be on the ceasefire and helping displaced families.
The news says clashes are showing a "downward trend". Let's hope the talks today make that trend permanent. It's heartbreaking to read about artillery shells in residential areas. Wishing strength to the people on both sides of the border.
Stability in Southeast Asia is important for the whole region, including India. A prolonged conflict here affects trade and security. Hope the leadership in both nations shows wisdom. Jai Hind.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.