(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet clarified that during his recent official visit to France, Cambodia did not ask for French support in taking sides in its border dispute with Thailand. Instead, Cambodia sought France’s support for justice and adherence to international law.
The clarification follows public discussions and inquiries directed at Delegate Minister Jean-François Tain after the conclusion of the visit.
Speaking on Saturday (Apr. 11) during the groundbreaking ceremony for Section II of the Funan Techo Canal, the premier reaffirmed Cambodia’s longstanding position to resolve border issues through legal mechanisms.
"I do not ask any country to side with me. I ask them to stand on the side of justice and the law, as that is the core of Cambodia's aspirations. Cambodia cannot rely on major powers to exert pressure on others,” Samdech Thipadei underlined.
“We must resolve this through legal frameworks, treaties, and the United Nations Charter. We urge all parties to respect the law. This exemplifies how Cambodia seeks support and reflects our stance,” he added.
Samdech Thipadei further elaborated that Cambodia presented factual evidence during discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, including alleged border encroachments and construction activities on Cambodian territory. The request, he stressed, was for France to help promote respect for international law.
He added, "We presented facts without exaggeration or fabrication. Our request to President Macron was to foster the implementation and respect of international law. If the law finds Cambodia at fault, we will accept it. If not, the other party must also accept the outcome. This is all we seek."
According to Delegate Minister Jean-François Tain, in his dialogue with President Macron, Samdech Thipadei articulated the current realities surrounding the Cambodia–Thailand border issue, ensuring a balanced representation of the facts without exaggeration or minimisation.
The prime minister highlighted three main concerns:
First, the situation along the Cambodia–Thailand border remains volatile, with reports of Thai troops crossing internationally recognised boundaries into Cambodian territory. These incidents, he said, violate international law and have resulted in damage to homes and the displacement of thousands of Cambodian residents.
Second, Cambodia firmly rejects any unlawful changes to the border, maintaining that affected areas remain under Cambodian sovereignty despite alleged encroachments.
Third, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to a peaceful resolution, stressing adherence to existing agreements and treaties between Cambodia and Thailand.
=FRESH NEWS
