Thailand, Cambodia clash at UN mine ban talks as ‘fragile’ border truce teeters
Analysts warn relations are in a ‘fragile place’ as the neighbours trade barbs and leverage international law at a UN meeting in Geneva
Both governments used the meeting of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, also known as the Ottawa Convention, to appeal to the international community.
Cambodian Senior Minister Ly Thuch met International Committee of the Red Cross vice-president Gilles Carbonnier on the sidelines of the week-long gathering, which runs from Monday to Friday.
He reportedly urged the organisation to closely monitor the condition of 18 Cambodian soldiers detained by Thai authorities, called for their immediate release and for Bangkok to uphold its commitments under bilateral agreements and international law.
Ly Thuch, who serves as first vice-president of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority, described the detentions as “unlawful”, noting that the soldiers had been held for 125 days as of Monday.
He also urged the Red Cross to apply stronger pressure on Thailand to comply with its obligations under the Cambodia-Thailand peace agreement.