PHNOM PENH: Foreign diplomats in Cambodia on Wednesday (Dec 31) hailed the release of the 18 Cambodian soldiers from Thai army custody after 155 days as a positive step towards de-escalation and the long road to peace.
“I welcome the release of the 18 soldiers. This is a progressive step towards a more resilient ceasefire. This development marks a positive shift and creates an opportunity to rebuild trust.
“Germany remains fully committed to supporting peaceful dialogue and long-term stability,” said Stefan Messerer, the German Ambassador to Cambodia, via a statement.
In a much-awaited return since their arrest on the July 29 initial ceasefire, the soldiers have now arrived in Phnom Penh after having entered Cambodia from Thailand at 10am today, December 31, through Pailin province.
The Cambodian public took to the streets to welcome them back. Having undergone health checks, the men were scheduled to be visited by Prime Minister Hun Manet later the same day.
Dominic Williams, the British Ambassador to Cambodia, also welcomed their release.
“I am pleased that Cambodia has today welcomed home its soldiers. This is a positive development,” he said on social media.
“The UK continues to encourage Cambodia and Thailand to take further steps to de-escalate tensions between their peoples and to build lasting peace.”
The Australian Embassy, via a statement, said the release of 18 detained Cambodian soldiers was a positive step that would help to rebuild confidence and trust between Cambodia and Thailand.
“Australia urges both sides to continue to uphold commitments made at the 27 December Special GBC meeting. Peace and stability in our region is in all our interests,” the statement said. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
