Banteay Meanchey (FN), Nov. 29 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet reflected on the Peace Talks in Phnom Penh, the Mine-Free event in Siem Reap, and today’s meeting with residents in Malai District as symbolic visits to places deeply connected to Cambodia’s tumultuous past. Samdech Thipadei described these events as highlighting the bitter chapters of war and landmines in the country’s history.

The premier spoke on Friday (Nov. 29) at the inauguration of new achievements in Boeng Chungrok Techo Win-Win development zone in Banteay Meanchey Province.

“Last week, there was an international meeting in Phnom Penh, bringing together a large number of parliamentarians from Africa, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. These representatives from both political parties and parliaments discussed peace, national unity, and reconciliation. Earlier this week, I was in Siem Reap to host the Ottawa Anti-Mine Action Forum, which brought together foreign experts to study how Cambodia successfully ended its war in a stable, non-ceasefire manner, unlike conflicts where fighting resumes within years,” the premier underscored.

Samdech Thipadei continued, “Yesterday, in Gaza, Lebanon announced a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, which Israel considers a rebel group. Meanwhile, nearly 200 of our Blue Berets troops contacted Minister Tea Seiha. Some UN soldiers were injured by tank fire, not by accidental shelling. This demonstrates how difficult it is to achieve lasting peace. It is far easier to foster anger and revenge than to build peace.”

The premier added, “What makes today unique is that, after addressing peace in Phnom Penh last week and anti-mine action in Siem Reap earlier this week, I now stand in an area that was once a battleground and filled with landmines. In the 1990s, while political victories and peace were achieved elsewhere, this region was still at war. What we are launching today is tied to that history, with many of those present being survivors of the war—those wounded, disabled, but still alive.”

“Here, we see the remnants of war, the landmines, and the faces of survivors, but also a new hope for the future. Over 20 years ago, who would have imagined there would be concrete roads in this village? Who could predict a brighter future? Today’s achievements are the result of Samdech Techo’s clear vision and leadership, the dedication of authorities, armed forces, and the people. This is the true essence of peaceful success.” Samdech Thipadei mentioned.
=FRESH NEWS