GENEVA (AFP): The United Nations said Saturday it hopes the immediate ceasefire agreed on Saturday by Thailand and Cambodia will ultimately lead to confidence-building and peace between the two countries.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk "welcomes news that Thailand and Cambodia have resumed a ceasefire and hopes this will pave the way for confidence building and peace.
Communities and migrants affected must receive all necessary assistance to return home safely," his office said on X.
At least 47 people were killed and more than a million displaced in three weeks of border clashes involving artillery, tanks, drones and jets, according to official tallies.
Cambodia and Thailand agreed to an immediate ceasefire, effective from noon (local time) on Saturday, to end all border hostilities, bringing a halt to the conflict that reignited on Dec 7.
The defence ministers from both countries signed a Joint Statement of the 3rd Special General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting on Saturday morning, the final day of the meeting.
"Both sides agree to an immediate ceasefire involving all types of weapons, including attacks on civilians, civilian objects and infrastructures, and military objectives of either side, in all cases and all areas.
"Both sides must avoid unprovoked firing or advancement or movement of troops towards the other side's positions or troops. This agreement must not be violated under any circumstances," stated the Joint Statement.
The statement was posted on Cambodia's Information Ministry Facebook page, as well as on Thailand's Foreign Ministry website. - AFP
