Wisma perwira: The ceasefire agreement and terms of reference (TOR) were the primary focus of the secretariat-level discussions between Thailand and Cambodia, which entered its second day today, according to Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar. He emphasized the significance of finalizing both matters to ensure both parties understood and adhered to them, with a particular focus on monitoring implementation by the ASEAN Defence Attach© Monitoring Team (AMT).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the AMT is tasked with ensuring Thailand and Cambodia comply with the ceasefire agreement reached by the leaders of both nations on July 28. Gen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar noted that the current proceedings serve as a joint working group ahead of the actual General Border Committee (GBC) meeting, where the ceasefire agreement and a simplified TOR are key topics of discussion.
The TOR is deemed crucial in ensuring mutual understanding and compliance between the parties. It also addresses issues related to the AMT. The secretariat-level meeting involves 54 representatives from both countries and is being held at Wisma Perwira, preceding the Extraordinary GBC meeting.
Yesterday, it was noted that Malaysia is not participating in the three-day secretariat meeting and is only acting as a facilitator before the Extraordinary GBC meeting. The ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia was agreed to take effect at midnight on July 28, facilitated by a special meeting in Malaysia that brought the two countries to the negotiation table amid escalating tensions.
The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Seri Perdana Complex in Putrajaya, included Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who agreed to the ceasefire after weeks of mounting tensions. The 817-kilometre-long undemarcated border points between the nations have been a longstanding sensitive issue, occasionally sparking tensions and affecting diplomatic relations.
Tensions reached a peak on May 28 when fighting erupted in the disputed Preah Vihear area, leading to the death of a Cambodian soldier.