(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn underscored that Thailand’s termination of, or withdrawal from, the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU 2001) does not affect Cambodia’s lawful rights over its maritime areas, according to a statement seen by Fresh News on Tuesday (May 5).

He also expressed regret over the Thai government's decision to unilaterally terminate the MoU 2001.

Today, the Thai Cabinet approved a decision to terminate the MoU 2001 concerning overlapping maritime claims between Cambodia and Thailand.

Minister Prak Sokhonn underscored that the MoU 2001 is the only bilateral framework between the two countries for addressing overlapping maritime claims and pursuing maritime boundary elimination peacefully and in accordance with international law.

“Cambodia views the termination of, or withdrawal from the MoU 2001 as a departure from the spirit and political will that enabled the two countries to establish a framework for peacefully resolving these issues in accordance with international law,” the minister added.

In light of the termination of the MoU 2001, Minister Prak Sokhonn stated that Cambodia has no option but to initiate the compulsory conciliation mechanism under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), adopted in 1982.

The foreign minister affirmed that Thailand’s termination of, or withdrawal from, the MoU 2001 does not affect Cambodia’s lawful rights over its maritime areas.

He underlined that Cambodia’s decision to pursue the compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS reaffirms its commitment to resolving maritime disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law.
=FRESH NEWS