KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Saturday that he has held separate telephone conversations with Thailand's caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, calling on both sides to implement a ceasefire starting from 22:00 (1500 GMT) Saturday.
Via social media, Anwar stated that he conveyed Malaysia's deep concern over the current situation during the calls and urged both parties to immediately cease all forms of hostilities and refrain from any further military actions, including the use of force or the forward movement of armed units.
To de-escalate tensions and enhance transparency, Malaysia has requested the deployment of an ASEAN Observer Team, led by the Malaysian Chief of Defense Forces, to monitor the on-site situation. Findings from the monitoring will be submitted to the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting scheduled for Dec. 16.
Hun Manet said on his official social media account on the same day that Cambodia welcomes and supports the ceasefire initiative proposed by Anwar.
However, Anutin confirmed in a media interview on Saturday afternoon that there would be no ceasefire on Saturday night. He emphasized that Thailand must fully defend its national sovereignty and the safety of its people at present and does not need to follow orders from anyone.
The Cambodia-Thailand border conflict has reignited since Dec. 7, causing casualties to both sides. ■