Phnom Penh [Cambodia], June 7: Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Seiha held discussions with Thai Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on recent tensions at the border.
The discussion between Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Seiha and Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai took place in Aranyaprathet district of Sa Kaeo province, Thailand on June 5, according to the Fresh News portal.
Fresh News quoted a statement on the results of the meeting as saying that both sides agreed to reduce tensions by maintaining mutual communication, promoting understanding and continuing peaceful dialogue, with the aim of preventing any military clashes between Cambodia and Thailand.
Thailand has asked Cambodia to withdraw its troops from a garrison in the Emerald Triangle area, where a gunfight between soldiers from both sides took place on May 28. However, Cambodia has rejected Thailand's request, asserting that the location is within Cambodia's sovereign territory, where its forces have been stationed for a long time. Cambodia stressed that it cannot withdraw from a position where its troops have been present for a long time and which is clearly under Cambodian sovereignty, according to Fresh News.
According to Fresh News, Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to the spirit of the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU 2000) on mutual understanding and cooperation that Cambodia has always maintained. Therefore, Cambodia has decided to prepare and submit a lawsuit to the International Court of Justice (ICJ, based in the Netherlands) regarding four disputed areas, including Mom Bei, Ta Muan Thom Temple, Ta Muan Tauch Temple and Ta Krabei Temple. This action is aimed at resolving the dispute and delimiting the border in a definitive manner. Cambodia emphasized the pursuit of peace, stability and common interests for the people of both countries, according to Fresh News.
In response, Thailand expressed its respect for Cambodia's right to refer the matter to the ICJ. Both sides also agreed to continue discussions through the Joint Border Committee (JBC) and the Regional Border Committee (RBC) in upcoming meetings, according to Fresh News.
Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai also said on June 6 that Thailand has officially proposed that Cambodian soldiers withdraw to their original positions, reaffirming its stance against violence, according to The Nation newspaper.
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham added that with the long-standing relationship between Thailand and Cambodia, he was confident that diplomatic discussions would be fruitful. "In conclusion, I conveyed that once both countries understand each other's stance, discussions should be held directly between the parties concerned," The Nation quoted Mr. Phumtham as saying.
"The upcoming meeting of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Border Committee (JBC) on June 14 will include reviewing the maps and discussing key issues. If no agreement is reached, JBC representatives will visit the site to assess the situation," Phumtham stressed.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper