Geneva: H.E. Ambassador Dara In, Permanent Representative of Cambodia to the United Nations in Geneva, recently met with Madam Tatyana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), to provide an update on the Cambodia-Thailand armed conflict.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, during the meeting held in Geneva on November 18, Ambassador Dara In emphasized the fragile situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border. He reported continued Thai military incursions, coercive actions against Cambodian civilians, encirclement of villages, and Thailand's failure to repatriate 18 Cambodian soldiers as previously agreed.
The Ambassador addressed Thailand's recent accusation concerning a "new landmine incident" on November 10, clarifying that the incident involved old legacy landmines. He highlighted Cambodia's internationally recognized achievements in mine action, reaffirming the country's dedication to a mine-free world. He stated there is no credible evidence to support the claim of new mine-laying by Cambodia and emphasized the nation's disinterest in such actions. Ambassador Dara In accused Thailand of using these allegations as a pretext to suspend peace negotiations and escalate tensions.
He also brought attention to a series of grave incidents, including the November 12 shooting by Thai soldiers, which resulted in the death of a Cambodian civilian and injuries to three others, and the November 15 rape of a Cambodian migrant worker by seven Thai soldiers. These events, according to the Ambassador, signify a worsening security situation and constitute serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. He urged for continued vigilance and support from the United Nations to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict.