Cambodia Urges Thailand To Resume Peaceful Talks To Restore Peace

PHNOM PENH, The Cambodian government Monday urged all parties concerned in Thailand to resume peaceful talks in order to achieve a political settlement to the current stand- off.

In a statement released on Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said that Cambodia, as a neighbouring country and a member state of ASEAN "is very concerned by the increasingly severe violence in Thailand."

It said the current awful situation in Thailand has gravely affected not only Thailand's image, but also that of ASEAN as well, according to China's Xinhua news agency on Monday.

Moreover, the statement urges all parties concerned in Thailand "to resume peaceful talks in order to achieve a political settlement to the current stand-off and restore peace and normalcy to the Thai people, thus stability in the region."

"The Cambodian people's only wish is to see the friendly Thai people enjoy a normal and peaceful life," the statement said.

Violence in Thailand has escalated in recent days, and more than 30 people have died and several hundreds people suffered injuries since the protests began.

-- BERNAMA