BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, serving as acting Prime Minister, has hailed an immediate ceasefire agreement from the General Border Committee meeting in Malaysia as a significant and positive development.
He stressed that the success of the accord depends on the sincere and serious commitment of both sides to ensure the ceasefire is fully and effectively implemented.
Regarding potential violations, the acting premier explained that established mechanisms are in place. The Regional Border Committee, or RBC, would facilitate discussions between military commanders from both nations. He noted that Malaysia and ASEAN, serving as observers, would act as witnesses to any breaches, which would then be addressed under international law.
The Deputy Prime Minister also clarified that the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding, known as MOU43, is a separate matter and was not part of the GBC discussions. He stated that the meeting’s focus was solely on the ceasefire to prevent any escalation of clashes, and any issues concerning MOU43 would need to be addressed at a different level. (NNT)
