In a statement issued today (24 December) on the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's website, the Australian government said that it "remains deeply concerned" about ongoing clashes along the Thailand-Cambodia border and called on both sides to ensure the protection of civilians, civilian infrastructure and cultural heritage, as well as to engage in good faith negotiations during the General Border Committee meetings.
The full statement reads:
We express our condolences to those who have lost family and loved ones, and ask that both sides ensure the protection of civilians, civilian infrastructure and cultural heritage.
We urge both sides to abide strictly with their obligations under international law, de-escalate tensions, take fast and effective steps to cease hostilities, including through the implementation of the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration.
We strongly encourage both sides to engage in good faith in negotiations during the General Border Committee Meeting to achieve a lasting and peaceful resolution.
We welcome ongoing efforts by ASEAN, Malaysia and the United States to support an end to the conflict.
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