Philippines foreign minister Theresa P. Lazaro chairing the Asean Foreign Minister’s Retreat on Jan 29. - Philippine Information Agency
CEBU: Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa P. Lazaro was surprised as she wrapped up a press conference at the Asean Foreign Minister’s Retreat. No reporters from the pool asked about the Cambodia-Thailand conflict, which claimed more than a hundred lives.
“Well, you concentrated only on the code of conducts and the Myanmar issues. I was hoping that you would ask about the other issues, like about the Thai, Cambodian border. But since you didn’t ask, I thank you very much,” said Lazaro, as she closed the press conference in Cebu.
The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia became a major topic in the Asean bloc after two rounds of armed clashes broke out in July and December. The current Dec 27 ceasefire remains highly fragile, with more than a dozen parts of Cambodian territory under Thai military occupation.
There have been several confrontations between the frontline soldiers of the two nations, and the Thai military are reportedly digging more trenches and preparing fortifications, notably in the areas close to Preah Vihear Temple.
During the press conference, Lazaro noted that the Asean ministers underscored the important role of the Asean Observer Team (AOT) in monitoring the implementation of the ceasefire, based on its mandate.
“We welcome the joint statement of the Third Special General Border Committee meeting between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Kingdom of Thailand last Dec 27 and called for its full and effective implementation with a view to promoting a peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law, thereby contributing to peace and stability between the two countries and in the wider area,” she said.
“We further welcome the extension of the mandate of the AOT and noted the steps taken by Malaysia to ensure a smooth transition of the coordinator role on the AOT to the Philippines as the Asean chair,” she added. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
