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M'sian team seeks to end Thai-Cambodia tensions

PETALING JAYA: A Malaysian-led diplomatic delegation is engaging with Thailand and Cambodia to prevent further escalation along the contested border, says the Malaysian Armed Forces. Chief of Defence Forces Jen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar (pic) is leading a diplomatic delegation to Thailand and Cambodia to facilitate discussions following an agreement by both countries to implement an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. The Armed Forces' Defence Intelligence and Strategic Com­munications Division said despite the ceasefire, several minor skirmishes were reported shortly after its implementation. However, this was addressed following a meeting between the regional commanders of both Thailand and Cambodia yesterday, where the parties reached a renewed agreement on several matters. 'Among them is to uphold the ceasefire agreement, prohibit attacks on civilians and halt any further reinforcement of troops. 'Both sides agreed to prohibit the movement of military forces, facilitate the return of wounded and deceased personnel, and to establish a coordination team consisting of four representatives from each side,' it said. The two parties also agreed to wait for further discussions and decisions based on the outcome of the upcoming General Border Committee meeting scheduled for Aug 4. 'The Malaysian delegation will proceed to Phnom Penh to hold further discussions with the Cambo­dian counterpart,' the state­ment said. The ceasefire was agreed to during a special meeting hosted by Malaysia on Monday, which brought the two South-East Asian neighbours to the negotiation table amid escalating tensions. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had brokered a meeting, the outcome of which saw Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai jointly agree to the ceasefire. Earlier yesterday, Thailand's army had accused Cambodia of violating an hours-old truce, saying that sporadic clashes continued despite an agreement to end the deadly fighting in the disputed border region between the two countries. Thai troops have retaliated 'appropriately' and in 'self-defence', Thailand's army spokesperson, Winthai Suvaree, said. The Thai-Cambodia conflict traces its roots to long-standing disputes stemming from colonial-­era maps and treaties that defined boundaries. Relations had remained relatively stable since a 2011 clash that left dozens dead, before erupting into intense fighting last week.