Phnom Penh (FN), July 9 - According to a statement by Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation made available to Fresh News this afternoon of July 9, 2016, Cambodia once again reiterates its position not to participate in expressing position in regard of the verdict to be issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague over the dispute between the Philippines and China.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation stated once again Cambodia’s position vis-à-vis the proceeding of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague the decision of which is scheduled to be announced on July 12, 2016. The ministry, in the statement, expressed Cambodia’s position and explanation in three points as follows:

1. It is Cambodia’s understanding that the lawsuit lodged by the Philippines is the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague to solve the disputes between the Philippines and China and hence has nothing to do with all members of ASEAN

2. It is for this reason that Cambodia will not join with the others in expressing position vis-à-vis the court verdict regarding the dispute between the Philippines and China

3. Nevertheless, as a friend of both countries in the dispute, and with the intent of maintaining peace, security and stability in the South China Sea as well as preserving the great interest of the whole region that will come out of cooperative relationship and good strategic partnership between ASEAN and China, we would like to call on the Philippines and China to continue to solve their problems by peaceful means.
=FRESH NEWS