After the third special GBC meeting, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Tea Seiha further explained the implementation details of the ceasefire that took effect at noon on December 27.
He said the emergency ceasefire included a 72-hour, or three-day, period of restraint, during which both sides needed to exercise restraint to stabilise the situation. Under the agreement, Thailand would return the 18 Cambodian soldiers it was holding after the ceasefire had been fully maintained for 72 hours.
The report viewed disclosure of this specific provision as marking a move from a statement of principles to practical implementation. Whether both sides could honour the agreement, maintain the ceasefire over the 72 hours and build trust, followed by a successful return of the soldiers once the condition was met, would be the first key test of whether this ceasefire could be consolidated and lead to more lasting peace.
Compiled by this station.
