US urges Cambodia, Thailand to end weeks of deadly violence

US urges Cambodia, Thailand to end weeks of deadly violence

Secretary of state Marco Rubio reiterates President Donald Trump’s desire for peace and readiness to facilitate talks in a call.

Cambodia
Thai troops move armoured vehicles near the frontline during fighting with Cambodian forces in Kab Choeng district. (EPA Images pic)
BANGKOK:
US secretary of state Marco Rubio called on Cambodia and Thailand to end violence as the two countries continue talks to end weeks of deadly clashes.

Rubio reiterated President Donald Trump’s desire for peace in a call with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, according to a statement from the US on Thursday.

“Secretary Rubio further reaffirmed that the United States is prepared to facilitate discussions to ensure peace and stability between Cambodia and Thailand,” State department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in the statement.

Thailand and Cambodia are talking for the first time since clashes began on Dec 7, with at least 44 people killed and more than half a million civilians displaced on both sides of the border.

Five days of clashes in July ended with an initial ceasefire agreement mediated by Malaysia and the US.

Stay current - Follow FMT on WhatsApp, Google news and Telegram

Subscribe to our newsletter and get news delivered to your mailbox.