(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet rejected accusations that Cambodia initiated the previous border conflict with Thailand, maintaining that Thai troops entered Cambodian territory and opened fire first.

Speaking on Wednesday (Oct. 7) at the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the University of Health Sciences in Phnom Penh, the premier cited the May 28 death of Cambodian soldier Suon Roan, saying Cambodian forces had not provoked the confrontation.

“Out of nowhere, they came and shot our soldier on our own soil, and people across the country demanded a response,” he said.

Samdech Thipadei reiterated that Cambodia has never sought war and said its actions were aimed at defending national rights, dignity and territorial integrity.

He said the conflict had caused hardship for hundreds of thousands of people and damaged significant infrastructure, adding that the Royal Government continues to address the consequences and support the recovery of affected areas.

Regarding the December 27 ceasefire, the premier said the agreement was intended to halt hostilities and maintain existing troop positions, not to cede territory.

On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet reaffirmed that border surveying and demarcation should proceed through the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding, the Joint Boundary Commission and other established legal and diplomatic mechanisms.

=FRESH NEWS