Cambodia urges non-politicalisation of landmines, reaffirms commitment to Ottawa treaty
[Cambodia views mine action not only as a humanitarian imperative but also as a ‘vital contribution to peacebuilding and a cornerstone of national development’. CMAC]
The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) has called on Thailand to refrain from using a recent landmine incident as a pretext to unilaterally suspend the Joint Declaration peace agreement that was signed by both nations on October 26.
In a statement issued late on November 11, the CMAA expressed “deep regrets” over reports from certain Thai media outlets alleging that Cambodia had planted new landmines along the border.
The authority described such claims as “unfounded and defamatory”, warning that they could undermine ongoing cooperation between the two countries under the Joint Coordinating Task Force (JCTF), which was created to advance humanitarian demining and build mutual trust.
“Cambodia calls upon Thailand to refrain from using the landmine incident that occurred on November 10, injuring Thai soldiers in the border area, as a pretext to unilaterally suspend the implementation of the Joint Declaration,” said the release.
The Cambodian authority stressed that the country remains a committed State Party to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, known as the Ottawa Convention, and has consistently upheld its obligations under international law.
“Cambodia views mine action not only as a humanitarian imperative but also as a vital contribution to peacebuilding and a cornerstone of national development,” read the release.
Ahead of the 22nd Meeting of States Parties to the Ottawa Convention, which will take place later this month in Geneva, the CMAA called on Thailand and other parties to “uphold the spirit of cooperation, foster a culture of dialogue, and adhere to humanitarian principles”.
The statement cautioned that unfounded accusations or attempts to politicise landmine-related issues risk damaging mutual trust and the credibility of the global mine-ban movement.
The CMAA reaffirmed Cambodia’s consistent position in the statement.
“As a steadfast supporter and dedicated State Party to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, Cambodia reaffirms that it has never used and will never use new anti-personnel mines, under any circumstances,” it said.
Anwar dismisses criticism of retired Thai general criticism, urges focus on resolution
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who will chair ASEAN until the end of the year, has brushed off criticism from a retired Thai general over his role in facilitating the Thailand–Cambodia peace deal.
Speaking in parliament on November 11, Anwar said he did not view the remarks as an issue and urged all parties to prioritise peace rather than politicising the situation.
“If you ask me, I am praying that it will be resolved,” he said.
“Why do you want to celebrate if they continue to fight, just to show that the Malaysian PM failed? This is a harmful approach,” he added.
A video circulating online shows the retired Thai general accusing Anwar of being a “traitor” who allegedly caused Thai economic losses through the peace agreement, claiming it enabled US interference in the region.
Anwar reiterated that Malaysia’s role in the peace process was guided by the ASEAN principles of dialogue and regional stability.
-The Phnom Penh Post-
