Malaysia-led Defence Attaches Team Visits Preah Vihear 

By Vijian Paramasivam

PHNOM PENH, Aug 20 -- The Interim Observer Team (IOT), established as part of the ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, is touring the Preah Vihear province on Wednesday, which has been a flashpoint during the conflict between the countries.

The National Defence Ministry said that the IOT, led by Malaysian Defence Attaché to Cambodia Col Nazlee Abdul Rahim, will visit the areas surrounding the world-famous Preah Vihear Temple.

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“They are visiting the province this morning to observe, verify and report on the updates of the situation after the ceasefire,” said the ministry’s spokesperson Maly Socheata, during a media briefing.

Led by Malaysia, the IOT comprises military attaches from Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Vietnam, who are scheduled to visit conflict-hit zones in the northern part of Cambodia. 

They will be responsible for updating on the security conditions in the affected provinces.

Cambodia continues to urge the release of its 18 soldiers held by Thailand for the past 21 days, said the ministry.

The border conflict began on the morning of July 24 and ended after the intervention of Malaysia, as the ASEAN chair, along with the United States and China. 

During the Extraordinary Meeting of the Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) on August 7, both countries agreed on a 13-point peace agreement, which included the establishment of the IOT.  

--  BERNAMA