Cambodian Senate vice‑president warns against border changes by force or ‘fait accompli’

YAOUNDÉ, July 9, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s First Vice‑President of the Senate Ouch Borith warned that no country’s borders should be altered unilaterally through force or by creating a “fait accompli,” stressing the principle was essential to safeguarding international law and lasting peace.

Speaking at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie (APF) Executive Committee in Cameroon on July 7, Borith said the challenge extended beyond Cambodia, underscoring the need to defend sovereign equality and the credibility of international law.

“Defending this principle is essential to preserving the foundation of a just and lasting peace,” he told delegates.

Borith, who heads Cambodia’s parliamentary delegation and serves as one of the APF’s vice‑presidents, thanked members of the Political Committee for their support following a May visit to Siem Reap.

He said delegates had witnessed destruction, evidence of serious violations and the suffering of displaced civilians, prompting the committee to adopt a resolution reaffirming Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“This gesture of confidence and responsibility deeply moved us and strengthened our determination to pursue the settlement of disputes exclusively through peaceful means,” he said.

Addressing the assembly, Borith stressed that peace depended on dialogue conducted in good faith, patience, respect for commitments and adherence to international law.

He urged APF members to continue monitoring what he described as a deteriorating situation along Cambodia’s western border.

Referring to the ceasefire signed on December 27, 2025 through regional mediation, he said Cambodia had honoured all commitments and consistently pursued restraint.

But he alleged Thai forces had continued unilateral activities in areas Phnom Penh regards as its sovereign territory, including land clearing, installing barriers, reinforcing military positions and holding religious ceremonies at temples claimed by Cambodia.

He said Cambodia had lodged repeated protests, insisting disputes must be resolved peacefully through dialogue and respect for international law.