Addressing the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn expressed regret over numerous Thai actions that Cambodia said violated its sovereignty. He said the ceasefire remained fragile despite both countries’ commitments to implement its terms strictly, rebuild trust and restore normal conditions. Most importantly, the agreement’s letter and spirit had to be matched by action.
The foreign minister said: “Regrettably, Cambodia’s neighbour has continued unilateral actions to seize territorial sovereignty, using force instead of agreed mechanisms, unilateral maps instead of internationally recognised maps under treaties binding on both countries, and countless actions undermining efforts to build trust and peace.”
Prak Sokhonn voiced particular concern over the forced removal of Cambodian citizens, threats to use martial law against them and the eviction of hundreds of Cambodian families from villages where they had lived and farmed for decades. He said occupation of land in undemarcated areas clearly disregarded the ceasefire terms and other bilateral agreements on resolving border issues.
According to Prak Sokhonn, these actions violated Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and infringed the rights and dignity of many Cambodian people.
The foreign minister added that Cambodia was a small country focused on rebuilding its economy and improving people’s well-being, posing no threat to any other country’s sovereignty. While it would always defend its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, force was the very last resort. He said Cambodia would continue working to restore trust and normality, promote harmonious coexistence and good-neighbourly relations, and turn the border into an area of peace, friendship, cooperation and shared prosperity.
Preah Sihanouk Provincial Television — Written by ង៉ែត ពិសាន្ត
