Bangkok: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is preparing to invite ambassadors from 50 donor countries to the Ottawa framework to verify facts about landmines. This initiative comes in response to recent incidents involving landmines that have raised international concerns.
According to Thai News Agency, the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs revealed that plans are underway to invite ambassadors from 50 donor countries within the Ottawa Convention to provide clarification on August 15th, followed by a visit to the affected area on August 16th to verify the facts. The Assistant Minister highlighted that repeated landmine incidents suggest Cambodia’s insincerity in addressing the issue and its violation of international law, vowing to take comprehensive diplomatic action.
Mr. Rasme Chalichan, Assistant Minister to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, addressed a recent incident where seven soldiers from a ranger company on patrol in the Chuptamoek area encountered an anti-personnel mine on August 12th. He stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally protested to Cambodia and is expediting the protest through relevant diplomatic channels. On Friday, August 15th, the Ministry will brief diplomatic representatives from over 50 countries, including donor countries to the Ottawa Convention and relevant agencies, on the matter. The following day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs will lead a delegation to Si Sa Ket Province to gather direct information from those working on the ground.
The Assistant Minister pointed out that the ongoing incidents of stepping on anti-personnel mines indicate Cambodia’s lack of sincerity in resolving the issue, as demonstrated by its rejection of Thailand’s proposals at the Thailand-Cambodia General Border Committee (GBC) meeting. This situation is a significant concern, violating international law, the United Nations Charter, and obligations under the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (Ottawa Convention) and international humanitarian law. It has also affected Thai soldiers’ lives, prompting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to pursue diplomatic action to the fullest extent of the law.