PHNOM PENH: The Asean Observer Team (AOT) inspected the border situation in Sampov Loun and Phnom Proek districts of Battambang province, on Wednesday morning (Jan 21). Numerous civilian homes and infrastructure suffered damage from Thai shelling and bombing during last December’s Thai attacks.
According to Maly Socheata, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence, today’s mission was conducted at civilian sites and infrastructure, including citizens' residences and a referral hospital, which suffered severe damage.
This inspection was conducted in accordance with the spirit of the December 27 Joint Statement, under which both the Cambodian and Thai sides agreed to work with the AOT working group to record and verify the situation on the ground and ensure that both parties respected the ceasefire.
“Cambodia has always provided full support to the AOT observer team and emphasised the indispensable importance of strengthening the AOT's role and mandate to verify and ensure the full and effective implementation of the ceasefire, aiming to promote transparency, accountability and mutual trust,” said Socheata. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
