PHNOM PENH, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- A Cambodian defense spokesperson said on Monday that the planned military action announced by Lt. Gen. Boonsin Padklang, commander of Thailand's 2nd Army Region, is a violation of a ceasefire reached by both countries.
Boonsin reportedly announced on Sunday the action to seize the Ta Krobey temple and to close the Ta Moan Thom temple.
Cambodian Defense Ministry's Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said, "This statement constitutes an undeniable evidence of the provocative and premeditated attempt to invade Cambodia's sovereignty and territorial integrity."
The above-mentioned action amounts to a violation of the ceasefire agreement reached during the special meeting on July 28, and the spirit of the extraordinary meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) held on Aug. 7 in Malaysia, she added.
Socheata said during this GBC extraordinary meeting, Cambodia and Thailand agreed that both parties must not move their troops, including refraining from patrolling beyond their current positions.
"Cambodia emphasizes its firm stand on peaceful resolution, and adheres to the principle of peace and strictly implements the ceasefire agreement," she said. "Cambodia hopes that Thailand will also uphold this principle with sincerity to resolve the border dispute so as to restore peace for the peoples of both countries. ■
