October 1, 2024
PHNOM PENH – Cambodia maintains its position on supporting the establishment of a Palestinian state as concerns over a full-scale war in the Middle East continue to grow.
Speaking at the General Debate of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly on September 28, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sok Chenda Sophea reaffirmed the country’s commitment to its long-standing support for a two-state solution, in accordance with relevant UN resolutions.
He stated that this is the only way Palestinians and Israelis can resolve their prolonged conflict and live peacefully side by side.
“Cambodia supports the establishment of a Palestinian state and Palestine’s bid for full membership in the UN. Cambodia condemns all acts of terrorism and calls for dialogue to halt the ongoing war and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” he said.
“We are deeply concerned about the potential for an all-out regional war in the Middle East, especially with recent reports of escalating violence in Lebanon. The rapid escalation of this conflict must stop; the international community must urge all sides to work proactively toward de-escalating the grave situation,” he added.
Media reports indicate that over 41,000 people have been killed and nearly 96,000 injured since the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, observed that the country’s position on supporting Palestine has remained clear since previous government mandates, following international law and the UN Charter.
Peou noted that the US and other superpowers back Israel, while Palestine continues to lose territory due to Israel’s strong alliances. He remarked that this situation reflects a tendency toward “double standards”.
“For the current situation, superpowers see themselves as the law and the new world order. That’s why I say justice is for rich and powerful countries. Whatever they do, even if it violates international law, they claim it’s justified, while weaker states adhere to the rules. Cambodia believes there should not be double standards,” he said.
Chenda Sophea also expressed the country’s concerns over the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. He stated that Cambodia, along with other ASEAN member states, remains committed to the bloc’s Five-Point Consensus as the foundation for a peaceful and inclusive solution.
“We stress the importance of fostering an environment conducive to dialogue and ceasefire negotiations. We also emphasise the need for humanitarian relief and for a Myanmar-owned and led political process aimed at achieving lasting peace and reconciliation,” he said.
Chenda Sophea also voiced the country’s support for Laos’s ASEAN chairmanship and its continued efforts to help Myanmar restore normalcy. He said Cambodia welcomes the appointment of Julie Bishop as the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General on Myanmar.
Peou noted that Cambodia has made significant efforts to find a solution to the Myanmar crisis.
In 2022, then-Prime Minister Hun Sen, as ASEAN chair, visited Myanmar and met with Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council of Myanmar. During the meeting, Hun Sen shared his win-win policy, a strategy that helped Cambodia end its own conflict after the Khmer Rouge era.
“When Hun Sen met with [Hlaing], some ASEAN leaders and superpowers criticised him. But so far, none of them have offered a better way to address the Myanmar crisis than what Cambodia has attempted. They seem to be pushing Myanmar further into civil war,” Peou said.
“This reflects yet another double standard. The superpowers appear to value the efforts of smaller countries less, no matter how significant their actions,” he added.