Hun Manet denies Cambodia ceded land to Thailand in peace deal

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct.19,2015) — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Sunday rejected online rumors that the country had ceded territory to Thailand under recent ceasefire or peace agreements, saying no land concessions were made.

Responding to speculation circulating on social media, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said the July 28 ceasefire and a forthcoming peace agreement contain no provisions related to border changes.

“Cambodia has not agreed to any deal, including the ceasefire or the planned peace agreement, that would result in the loss of its legitimate sovereignty or territorial integrity,” Samdech Thipadei said in a statement.

He said the ceasefire was aimed solely at ending armed conflict, while the upcoming peace accord is intended to restore diplomatic ties between the countries. Neither agreement addresses land or border issues, he added.

“The work of demarcating and installing border posts is under the authority of the Cambodia–Thailand Joint Border Commission,” he said. “This must be done peacefully and in accordance with existing treaties, protocols and bilateral agreements.”

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet reaffirmed the government’s commitment to defending Cambodia’s territorial integrity.
“We have never forgotten or abandoned our legal duty and rights to defend Cambodia’s sovereignty,” he said.