ASIA/CAMBODIA – Disarmament pact on the border with Thailand. Fr. Figaredo: “A step forward of hope”

Phnom Penh – Cambodia and Thailand have signed a disarmament agreement under the auspices of ASEAN to remove heavy weapons from their border. This follows the ceasefire agreed upon on August 7 after a month of fighting along the border. The first phase of the disarmament plan will continue in November, while the second phase is scheduled for December. The process is being overseen by the military leaders of both countries, who met on October 31 under ASEAN’s mediation “to restore mutual trust and stability along the border,” according to a statement from the organization.
The heavy weapons were categorized into three groups: multiple rocket launchers, artillery, tanks, and combat vehicles. The parties have agreed to report on the progress of the weapons removal “to ensure transparency, accountability, and confidence in the implementation.”
Jesuit Enrique Figaredo, Apostolic Prefect of Battambang, a province bordering Cambodia and Thailand, told Fides: “The news of this disarmament agreement encourages us and fills us with hope. The Cambodian people sense a new atmosphere, one that is changing for the better.” Fr. Figaredo continued: “We note that the borders between the two nations remain closed; there are no exchanges or border crossings, which affects the economic activities that once flourished between the two countries, especially regarding trade and also the movement of workers.” He added: “It seems that in Thailand there is a political approach more inclined toward peace, and in Cambodia we are pleased about this. A possibility of peace is emerging.”
The Jesuit also observed: “Of course, in Cambodia we still have about 100,000 internally displaced people in refugee camps, waiting to return to their homes, while the territory is completely militarized, and they long to resume their activities.” There is a great desire to return to normalcy, and these advances in rebuilding good relations give us hope.
“As Catholics, peace between Cambodia and Thailand is part of our daily prayers and the prayer intentions at Mass. Together with Pope Leo, we pray for an unarmed and disarming peace. The Lord will open a path and enlighten people’s minds so that they can make decisions for reconciliation and peace,” he concludes.

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