The Russian Embassy assessed the chances of a settlement between Cambodia and Thailand

Against the background of the bilateral talks between Thailand and Cambodia, official Phnom Penh continues to declare its commitment to a peaceful settlement of the contradictions based on the ceasefire agreement of July 28 and the Kuala Lumpur Declaration of October 26. The Russian Embassy in Cambodia informed Izvestia about this on December 26.

"In modern conditions, it is very difficult to make far-reaching forecasts. At the same time, it should be noted that the current escalation of the conflict surpasses the July clashes in its duration and scale," they said.

December 26 is the third and final day of work of the Secretariat of the General Border Committee for the preparation of a special meeting of the CPC with the participation of the defense ministers of the countries, scheduled for December 27. The stated purpose of the meeting is "the cessation of hostilities and the search for solutions to restore stability in relations between the two countries."

"This gives us some hope for a settlement of the conflict. We are closely monitoring the development of the situation. We believe that all differences should be resolved through political and diplomatic methods in the spirit of unity and solidarity inherent in ASEAN. We call on the parties to exercise restraint, primarily to avoid civilian casualties," the embassy added.

Stand down: will Thailand and Cambodia come to a peace agreement

Bangkok-Phnom Penh bilateral talks have started in the border province of Chantaburi.

On December 8, the Cambodian military opened fire on the Thai Anupong base. In response, the Thai army called on residents of the border areas to evacuate to shelters due to the threat of escalation of the conflict. Shortly after, fighting between Thailand and Cambodia unfolded along the entire joint border, affecting five regions and hundreds of citizens on both sides.

On December 12, US President Donald Trump announced that Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to a cease-fire and respect for an earlier peace agreement. Later, Thai Prime Minister Anuthin Chanvirakun said that the country would continue to fight and would not stop the conflict. Trump threatened the countries with the imposition of duties in case of refusal to cease fire.

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