Cambodian official says government will pursue its territorial claims

At a workshop in Ratanakiri on March 24, Cambodian Human Rights Committee chairman Keo Remy said territorial sovereignty was a matter of national “life and death”. He said the government was continuing efforts to recover land it describes as illegally occupied by Thailand and would make no concessions on sovereignty. He said Cambodia uses diplomacy, legal avenues and regional and international mechanisms to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. He described land issues as fundamental national interests and said the government would maintain its position and continue pursuing its claims through legal means. According to the account, the committee has issued 60 protest statements and condemnation documents over alleged Thai violations. It also met representatives of 29 parties in Geneva, Switzerland, to explain Cambodia’s position. The Cambodian side said it would continue using international rules and multilateral platforms to seek a resolution of border issues within a legal framework.