Milan, 28 July (LaPresse/AP) – The leaders of Thailand and Cambodia are meeting today in Malaysia in an urgent attempt to resolve the bloody clashes on the border between the two countries, which have now entered their fifth day despite growing international calls for peace. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai interim Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will hold talks this afternoon at the official residence of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is hosting the negotiations in his capacity as chairman of the regional bloc ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Fighting broke out last Thursday after a landmine explosion along the border wounded five Thai soldiers. Both sides accused each other of starting the clashes, which have left at least 35 people dead and more than 260,000 displaced on both sides. The two countries have recalled their ambassadors and Thailand has closed all border crossings with Cambodia. Today's meeting follows direct pressure from US President Donald Trump, who warned that the United States may not proceed with trade agreements with both countries if hostilities continue.
© Copyright LaPresse
