New york: H.E. Keo Chhea, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Cambodia to the United Nations, asserted that any threat or use of force against a state's territorial integrity constitutes a violation of international law.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the statement was made during the UN Security Council's December High-Level Open Debate on 'Reaffirming the International Rule of Law: Pathways to Reinvigorating Peace, Justice, and Multilateralism,' which took place at the UN Headquarters in New York on January 26. H.E. Keo Chhea, along with officials from the Cambodian Mission, participated in the debate.
In his address, H.E. Keo Chhea underscored three pivotal issues: First, he highlighted the prohibition of threats or the use of force against any state's territorial integrity, as stipulated by Article 2.4 of the UN Charter, labeling it a breach of international law. Second, he stressed that the peaceful resolution of disputes is a legal obligation for Member States, advocating for the use of the International Court of Justice as a reliable mechanism to ensure lasting peace. Third, he emphasized that respect for international humanitarian law is a fundamental component of the international rule of law.
H.E. Keo Chhea further noted that acts of aggression against civilians, the destruction and pillage of civilian property, prevention of civilians' return, illegal occupation of territory, and damage to cultural heritage are grave violations of international humanitarian law.