PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Hun Manet has declared that Cambodia is fully prepared to use its armed forces to defend its borders in the event of a violation through the use of military force, adding that he will continue to speak about peace until opposing politicians fully understand.
"If I am asked why we don’t abandon the topic of peace, I say I will keep talking about it until you all understand it, too. Endure hardship, but don’t let it [peace] disappear," he said.
He shared his remarks during the closing ceremony of the annual conference of the Cambodia Oknha Association on Friday (March 14), apparently in reference to criticism from opposition politicians abroad who suggest that he is not doing enough to protect the Kingdom’s territory, including temples and or islands.
"A few days ago, on March 8 and 9, some Thai extremists claimed that the Ta Moan Temple is theirs, and they were very vocal about it. Our government doesn’t need to shout back.
"It’s an internal political issue for them. Now they make a lot of noise and travel to the border, but Thai soldiers stop them," he noted, in response to concerns about the possibility of encroachment from neighbouring countries, especially Thailand.
"Cambodia is not aggressive, but if you invade (our territory) using military force, we are fully prepared to protect our territorial integrity by any means necessary, including the use of armed forces.
"The government does not want war, because it is hard, but we are not afraid of it, I want to make that clear," he added.
The prime minister noted that Cambodia is making efforts to link all of its border provinces to the Kingdom’s roading network.
"We are committed to connecting all the border areas across our country so that future generations of Khmer people can live, develop the economy and visit all of our territory along the border. This is our commitment," he added. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
