(Phnom Penh): Ly Thuch, First Vice President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), said that Cambodia remains open to cooperation with Thailand on demining efforts along the border once border demarcation has been clearly defined.

Ly Thuch spoke on Monday (Aug. 18) during a press conference on Thailand's baseless accusations against Cambodia concerning the alleged use of new landmines, and reaffirm Cambodia's position as a State Party to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (Ottawa Convention) at CMAA’s headquarters.

“Cambodia continues to keep its doors open for cooperation with Thailand on mine clearance, once aggression ceases completely, normalcy is restored, and discussions on border demarcation between the two countries are advanced,” he underscored.

The first vice president further underlined that with positive outcomes from bilateral meetings, mine clearance operations could proceed and even involve cooperation with neighbouring countries, including Thailand.

He affirmed that as a nation affected by landmines, Cambodia has worked closely with many countries, especially through CMAC, to share valuable lessons and expertise with other mine-affected nations.

At the same time, Ly Thuch urged Thailand to end its ambitions to encroach upon Cambodia, and instead called on the Thai side to begin building peace, friendship, good relations, and joint efforts to improve the livelihoods of the people in both countries.
=FRESH NEWS