PHNOM PENH: Senate president Hun Sen has made his strongest statement to date regarding the Thai occupation of Cambodian territory, declaring that Cambodia will reclaim the lost land, but through peaceful means, not the use of military force.
“The territory that Thai soldiers have invaded and illegally occupied must be reclaimed, but there are only two paths for such a claim: first, the use of force; and second, peaceful negotiation. We choose the path of peace!” he declared, while visiting more than 3,000 displaced civilians at a temporary shelter in Sla Kram commune, Svay Chek district, Banteay Meanchey province, on Tuesday (June 9) morning.
“Choosing the negotiation method does not mean we lack the capability to fight to take back the land. However, if we were to strike first to reclaim it, Cambodia would be accused of violating the ceasefire agreement. Therefore, we must remain patient in order to negotiate peacefully,” he explained.
Currently, more than 29,000 Cambodians from the border regions are unable to return to their homes due to the Thai occupation and for related safety reasons. Thousands have been provided with temporary shelter, while others remain at pagodas.
Hun Sen declared that the shelter should be called the 'Waiting Village' as it was not permanent, just a place where people could shelter while they waited to return to their homes. He also declared that the shelters would be gifted to those who were staying there, even after their original homes are returned to them. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
