Armed Forces chief optimistic on Cambodia-Thailand peace process

KUALA LUMPUR: Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar hopes both parties involved in the ongoing General Border Committee (GBC) process will reach an agreement and honour it.

The GBC is part of a ceasefire agreement reached between Thailand and Cambodia at a special meeting in Putrajaya on July 28.

Nizam said the joint working group held discussions ahead of the actual GBC meeting set to begin tomorrow.

“The key matters to be discussed and decided are the ceasefire agreement, as well as the simplified terms of reference.

“These terms are important to ensure both sides understand and adhere to them.

“The meeting will also cover matters related to the Asean monitoring team,” he said, adding that the joint working group meeting concluded at 10.30pm yesterday.

Nizam said there was no easy road to reach an agreement, although all parties understood the importance of peace.

“I often use three dictums that, to me, are easy to understand: peace is expensive, life is precious and time is essential,” he told the New Straits Times.

Tensions between the two Asean member states escalated on May 28 following a clash between troops in the Preah Vihear border area, reigniting a long-standing dispute over their 817km shared border.

The fighting led to 15 deaths and displaced more than 100,000 people.

On July 28, Malaysia, as Asean chair, hosted a meeting involving Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayacha in Kuala Lumpur.

After the meeting, Anwar said the immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand marked the beginning of efforts to rebuild trust, confidence and cooperation between the two countries.

Phumtham said the outcome reflected Thailand’s commitment to a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution, while continuing to protect its sovereignty and the lives of its people.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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