SEREMBAN: Malaysia plans to help establish an Asean Monitoring Team along the disputed Cambodian-Thai border to achieve a permanent ceasefire, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
The Foreign Minister stated that a general border committee comprising officials from both sides began talks on Monday (Aug 4) in Kuala Lumpur to de-escalate border tensions.
"The technical committee will draft the Terms of Reference (TOR) so our plan for a permanent ceasefire along their border can be realised. The highlight will be on Aug 7 when ministers from both countries visit Kuala Lumpur, and we hope the TOR will be finalised by then," he said.
Mohamad added that the TOR is essential to create a monitoring team to maintain peace in the area.
"We want the situation along the border to return to normal so the people of both countries can live in peace," he said, noting that this would also lead to reopening the border.
On July 28, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an unconditional and immediate ceasefire following a special meeting in Putrajaya chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
At the meeting, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai agreed to convene a General Border Committee Meeting as part of the ceasefire agreement following deadly clashes between both sides.
Mohamad expressed confidence that an agreement could be reached as both sides have agreed to drafts proposed by Malaysia.
"There haven't been many objections from both sides. Both sides have, however, made some additions to add value for themselves," he said, expressing confidence that a permanent ceasefire solution could be achieved.
Mohamad added that the Malaysian Armed Forces chief has held talks with counterparts from both countries to achieve this.
"This will further pave the way for the Asean Monitoring Team, which will include military advisors from Asean member countries to act as observers and ensure the permanent ceasefire plan remains in place," he added.
