Thailand and Cambodia have high chances to returning to an all out war as both sides contest a border drawn 100-years ago.
Cambodia currently hosting the 20th La Francophonie Summit put it’s neighbour on tentahook fearing Phnom Penh was going to introduce to delegates the fragile border dispute.
Prime Minister of Cambodia Hun Manet did not disappoint, he went ahead and splashed details of the dispute to an audience of over 90 heads of state and government gathered to discuss Francophonie matters.
During the opening ceremony of the Francophonie Summit today (15), the Cambodian leader alleged that Thailand remains in occupation of territory claimed by Cambodia.
Manet has described the situation along the disputed border as fragile.
However the two sides struck a ceasefire temporary ceasefire last December.
Manet noted that two rounds of armed conflict had resulted in casualties and forced 20000 people to flee.
“Approximately 20,000 Cambodians are still unable to return to their homes.” “Ensuring their safe and dignified return remains our top priority,” Manet said.
The Premeir told delegates that Cambodia did not initiate the firing.
He insisted that international borders cannot be altered by force or through the creation of situations intended to compel tacit acceptance, while also calling for the joint demarcation of the Thai-Cambodian border.
According to Manet Cambodia-Thailand border is based on historical agreements and established demarcation, rejecting any attempts to alter the status quo through military operations or unilateral actions.
“Borders cannot be changed by force,” Hun Manet emphasized, adding that Cambodia would not accept any attempts to create new realities on the ground.
He reiterated that Cambodia remains committed to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity through peaceful means and in accordance with international law.
