(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen appealed to peace-loving countries to support Cambodia’s case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and to inform allied nations that Cambodia is not seeking weapons for conflict but only support for international legal measures.

Samdech Techo spoke on Monday (Jun. 16) in a special message.

The president of the Senate expressed hope that countries worldwide adhere to policies respecting international law, avoiding the use or threat of force, and will support Cambodia in pursuing peaceful solutions through bilateral negotiations and legal mechanisms.

“Anyone who avoids the court is admitting guilt. Honestly, only thieves fear the court. If you are innocent, you should have no fear of the court,” Samdech Techo underscored.

Samdech gave a concrete example of ASEAN countries that have chosen the best approach: Malaysia and Indonesia jointly went to court, as did Singapore and Malaysia. This is a method that allows governments to avoid public pressure.

At this point, Samdech Techo Hun Sen emphasized that no government should be accused of retreating or surrendering land. He stated, “If a court rules on a border issue, we must respect that decision and explain to our people that the territory is to be relinquished based on legal judgment—not weakness. Resorting to conflict would only cost lives.”

He called on nations that oppose war and support peaceful resolutions to back Cambodia’s case at the International Court of Justice, noting that although the disputed border spans over 800 kilometres, Cambodia is only seeking resolution on four specific points.

The Senate president firmly stated, “Cambodia wants the international community to know that there is no need to encourage conflict. But if you support peaceful solutions—whether through bilateral talks or legal channels like the International Court of Justice—Cambodia welcomes that. We are not asking for weapons to wage war. We are asking for support in pursuing peace.”

It should also be noted that on 15 June 2025, the Royal Government of Cambodia officially submitted a letter to the International Court of Justice seeking resolution of the border dispute around Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Moan Tauch Temple, Ta Krabei Temple, and the Emerald Triangle area— coinciding with the 63rd anniversary of the ICJ’s historic ruling in Cambodia’s favour regarding the Preah Vihear Temple case on 15 June 1962.
=FRESH NEWS