Phnom Penh: The Royal Government of Cambodia on May 5 decided to use the mechanism of forced mediation under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to find a peaceful solution after Thailand unilaterally withdrew from the 2001 Cambodia-Thailand Memorandum of Understanding (MOU 2001) (referred to by the Thai side as MOU44).
According to the announcement of Prime Minister Hun Sen on the evening of May 5, over the past 25 years, the Cambodia-Thailand Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) 2001 has played an important role as the only agreed bilateral framework for both sides to resolve overlapping maritime claims, and the entry into force of the MOU demonstrates the spirit of cooperation and mutual goodwill.
The King said that it is regrettable that the Thai side has decided to unilaterally withdraw from the MoU, and that Cambodia has always provided access to bilateral mechanisms that are consistent with the MoU.
He added that the unilateral withdrawal from the MoU is an abandonment of the only bilateral agreement that has created a unique bilateral framework that both sides have relied on and used for more than two decades.
The Prime Minister asserted that in this case, as a state that respects and adheres to international law and the peaceful resolution of disputes, Cambodia has no choice but to rely on international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, especially the Compulsory Conciliation mechanism established under that convention.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the Compulsory Conciliation mechanism was established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to assist States Parties to resolve disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law.
Cambodia’s decision reflects the sincere hope that the two countries can reach a just and lasting solution in accordance with international law that will allow their people to live together in peace, stability and happiness.
