Protests lodged as pact broken

Cambodia violates ceasefire, says Maris

- PORAMET TANGSATHAPORN MONGKOL BANGPRAPA

Thailand lodged diplomatic protests against Cambodia yesterday for violating their ceasefire agreement, Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said.

He said the protests were submitted to the prime minister of Malaysia, in his capacity as Asean chair, and to the United States and China, which are serving as observers in the Thai-Cambodian border dispute.

The move followed reports that Cambodian forces continued firing along the border despite the ceasefire agreement reached on July 28.

The agreement was intended to halt all hostilities as of midnight on July 29.

While declining to disclose the contents of the letters, Mr Maris said the Thai government had lodged protests against Cambodia under available frameworks, including its use of antipersonnel landmines banned under the Ottawa Convention.

He said Thailand also addressed the United Nations Security Council and affirmed that it exercised its legitimate right to respond to violations of its sovereignty with restraint and within the bounds of international law.

CAMBODIA BROKE TRUCE: RTA