Cambodian PM: Ceasefire with Thailand does not mean capitulation

The ceasefire agreement reached on December 27 at a special meeting of the General Border Committee of Cambodia and Thailand does not signify Cambodia's capitulation or its renunciation of the right to self-defense, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said, The Daily Baku reports, citing Khmer Times newspaper.

The decision to mutually agree to a ceasefire, he said, "does not mean Cambodia is capitulating or willing to sacrifice its territorial integrity for the sake of peace," nor does it mean the country is "incapable of or has renounced its right to self-defense." On the contrary, this decision demonstrates that the country has decided to pursue a peaceful path and put the lives and well-being of its people as its highest and most important priority, despite pressure or difficulties, the prime minister emphasized.

Cambodia places the highest priority on "peace and development," consistently supporting and participating in the preservation of regional and global order based on international law, treaties, conventions, and agreements to which Phnom Penh has subscribed, particularly the UN Charter and the ASEAN Charter, with the goal of peaceful and positive coexistence with all countries in the region and around the world, the head of government emphasized.

Cambodia and Thailand previously agreed to a ceasefire.