Phnom Penh (FN), August 11 - Chhum Socheat, spokesman of Ministry of National Defense, said that the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces are ready to face the Lao side, awaiting order from the top.

The statement was made after PM Hun Sen warned the Laotian PM to withdraw troops from Cambodia by August 17 in Steoung Treng province.

Chhum Socheat said that the RCAF had to protect Cambodia’s territory and they shall maintain the rights to defend and to oppose any violation in the territory.

Since February, the Cambodian and Laotian military have faced confrontations after the Lao side came to block the bulldozed of the Cambodian-Lao border that lies in Steoung Treng.

The premier also plans to fly to Laos to discuss this matter. He appealed to Cambodians to not be surprised when seeing soldiers moving to Stung Treng.

The premier added that he does not want to declare war with neighboring countries, but also not allow them to violate Cambodia's sovereignty.
=FRESH NEWS