Thailand and Cambodia launch talks to end border clashes
Representatives of Thailand and Cambodia on Wednesday began four days of talks at a border crossing in Chanthaburi province to end hostilities between the two countries. This was announced by the Cambodian side, publishing a photo of the meeting of the delegations of the defence ministries. This was reported by The Public with reference to The Guardian.
The talks were in danger of collapse after Phnom Penh insisted on moving the meeting to a neutral location. However, the parties agreed to start a dialogue in Thailand, declaring their intention to ensure a ceasefire, restore stability and facilitate a speedy return to normalcy in the border areas.
A new escalation in the long-running border conflict this month has killed more than 40 people and displaced around 1 million people, according to officials. The fighting has shattered an earlier internationally mediated ceasefire.
The Thai Ministry of Defence said that Bangkok is optimistic and expects positive results of the talks, but stressed that their success depends on the sincerity of the Cambodian side. Thailand, in particular, demands a preliminary declaration of a ceasefire and cooperation in demining the border areas.
At the same time, the Cambodian Ministry of Interior said it hopes that Thailand is ready to actually implement the ceasefire agreement, despite reports of periodic shelling along the border.
The conflict between the countries is related to disputes over the demarcation of more than 800 kilometres of the border, defined in colonial times, as well as control over several ancient temples on the border line. The two sides mutually accuse each other of renewed fighting since 7 December and of targeting civilians.
A previous outbreak of violence in July, which lasted five days and also left dozens dead, was halted with the mediation of the United States, China and Malaysia, but that ceasefire proved short-lived.
Photo: The diplomatic insight
