Cambodia Maintains Self-Defence Rights Despite Ceasefire
Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet has firmly stated that the kingdom's commitment to peace does not compromise its sovereign right to self-defence, following the December 27 ceasefire with Thailand that ended 21 days of border fighting.
Speaking on Monday, the Prime Minister emphasised that "Cambodia is adhering to the path of peace and prioritising above all else the lives and wellbeing of the people." He addressed concerns that the ceasefire arrangement might suggest weakness or territorial concessions to Thailand.
The ceasefire agreement requires troops from both nations to remain at their positions held when hostilities ceased. Critics have suggested this arrangement disadvantages Cambodia territorially, but Hun Manet categorically rejected such interpretations.
Territorial Integrity Preserved
The Prime Minister clarified that the decision to implement the ceasefire "does not mean the kingdom is willing to trade its territorial integrity for peace, nor imply it has either abandoned the right to self-defence or lacks the capability to do so."
He explained that while Cambodia possessed the military capacity to continue fighting, prolonging the conflict would serve no beneficial purpose for the smaller nation. The government chose diplomatic resolution to prevent further escalation and minimise civilian suffering.
The border conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with 32 civilians killed and 93 injured during the three-week period of fighting.
Legal Framework Unchanged
Hun Manet emphasised that current troop positions do not affect border demarcation determinations, as specified in the Joint Statement of the Special Meeting of the General Border Committee between Cambodia and Thailand.
"The international border line between Cambodia and Thailand is still determined by existing treaties and conventions," he stated, adding that Cambodia retains full rights to resolve border disputes through international law and bilateral mechanisms.
The Joint Border Commission has been tasked with resuming survey and demarcation work in affected areas, particularly where civilians previously resided, to ensure lasting peace along the shared frontier.
Unity and Sacrifice
Reflecting on the conflict's cost, the Prime Minister honoured the sacrifices made by military personnel and civilians, stating that their hardships serve as a reminder that "division is death, strong unity is life."
The ceasefire represents a measured approach to conflict resolution, prioritising diplomatic solutions while maintaining Cambodia's sovereign rights and territorial claims under international law.