KUALA LUMPUR: The ceasefire is not merely a pause but a promise to protect lives, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, as Cambodia and Thailand recommitted to halting all military movements and attacks along their shared border.
The agreement, reached during a special bilateral meeting here, reinforces both nations’ pledge to uphold peace following recent deadly border clashes.
“That promise must be honoured with firm commitments, effective monitoring and sincere political will from both sides. We are proud that both sides have given this commitment through these meetings over the last few days.
“In Asean we believe in resolving disputes through consensus, non-confrontations, trust, mutual respect and the spirit of non-interference.
“This spirit has guided us today and will continue to do so in the journey ahead,” he told reporters after the conclusion of the meetings yesterday.
Thailand and Cambodia agreed to implement a ceasefire effective midnight on July 28, through a special meeting in Malaysia chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, that brought the South-East Asian neighbours to the negotiating table.
Tensions between the two countries peaked on May 28 when fighting broke out in the disputed Preah Vihear area, resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier.
According to the agreed minutes of the extraordinary meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) in Wisma Perwira here, both countries have emphasised their commitment to the ceasefire.
“Prolonged conflict would endanger the safety of civilians and soldiers on both sides and heighten tensions, thereby complicating efforts toward a joint resolution.
“Both sides agree to comply with international humanitarian law in the treatment of captured soldiers, including their living conditions, shelter, food and medical care in case of injury,” according to the minutes.
Cambodia and Thailand have also committed to scheduling a GBC meeting in a month’s time.
“Otherwise, an extraordinary GBC meeting should be called immediately with the same format as this extraordinary GBC meeting to discuss the ceasefire,” it said.
Earlier in the day, acting Thailand Defence Minister General Nattaphon Narkphanit said that the meetings were “an important step” towards peace.
“The goal here is a sustainable and durable ceasefire, that is one that is able to be accepted and enforced by both sides.
“There are mechanisms that are being put in place, and we believe those mechanisms are very important to ensure monitoring of this,” he said.
His counterpart, Cambodian Defence Minister General Tea Seiha, said in a prepared statement that his country reaffirms its commitment to “fully and faithfully” implement the understandings reached during the meeting on July 28.
“Particularly the ceasefire agreement and the establishment of an Asean Observer Team led by Malaysia. This mechanism is of great importance to ensure a sustained and accountable ceasefire,” he said.
