PHNOM PENH, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia will initiate the compulsory conciliation mechanism under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) after Thailand on Tuesday cancelled the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding concerning overlapping maritime claims between the two ASEAN member states, Cambodia's Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn said.
Sokhonn, who is also a deputy prime minister, said the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding is the only bilateral framework between the two countries for addressing overlapping maritime claims and pursuing maritime boundary delimitation peacefully and in accordance with international law.
"Cambodia views the termination of, or withdrawal from, the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding as a departure from the spirit and political will that enabled our two countries to establish a framework for peacefully resolving these issues in accordance with international law," he said in a statement.
"Cambodia once again expresses its regret over this decision," he said. "In response to the termination of the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding, Cambodia has no option but to initiate the compulsory conciliation mechanism under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, adopted in 1982."
Sokhonn said that nevertheless, Thailand's termination of, or withdrawal from, the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding does not affect Cambodia's lawful rights over its maritime areas.
"Cambodia's decision to pursue compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS reaffirms its commitment to resolving maritime disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law," he said.
His statement came after Thailand's cabinet on Tuesday approved the cancellation of the 2001 maritime agreement with Cambodia, pivoting future negotiations over overlapping territorial claims to UNCLOS.
The decision aligns with a proposal by Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, who cited the need to update the negotiating framework to reflect current realities and adhere to universally recognized international law, said Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Thai prime minister's office. ■
