
Cambodia seeks ‘urgent meeting' of UN security council over Thailand clashes
'Considering the recent extremely grave aggressions by Thailand, which have gravely threatened peace and stability in the region, I earnestly request you to convene an urgent meeting of the Security Council to stop Thailand's aggression,' Hun Manet wrote in a letter addressed to the sitting UN Security Council president Asim Iftikhar Ahmad.
Meanwhile, Thailand condemned Cambodia on Thursday as 'inhumane, brutal and war-hungry,' accusing it of targeting homes and civilian infrastructure with artillery in clashes over a disputed border.
Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub called on the international community to condemn Cambodia for its artillery barrage, which has killed at least one person and wounded several more.
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Arab News
2 days ago
- Arab News
Why is the US easing sanctions on Myanmar's junta?
In a significant policy shift, the US last week announced the partial lifting of sanctions on Myanmar's junta. The new measures allow transactions involving Myanmar's central bank and certain state-owned enterprises, including Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise. The move came shortly after news that Myanmar's top general had written to President Donald Trump, expressing optimism for improved relations. US officials clarified there was no connection between the sanctions decision and the letter. Nevertheless, the timing and scope of the changes merit close examination, especially considering their impact on the ongoing civil war, the Rohingya crisis and broader regional dynamics. Myanmar remains locked in a violent civil conflict that erupted following the 2021 military coup. Resistance movements — including the national unity government and various ethnic armed groups — have gained significant momentum across the country. The military regime has responded with airstrikes, mass arrests and the restriction of humanitarian access, particularly in contested areas. Against this backdrop, sanctions targeting Myanmar's central bank and the Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise had served as a key element of international pressure, restricting the regime's access to foreign currency and limiting its ability to finance military operations. The easing of these restrictions comes at a moment when the junta is under increasing pressure on the battlefield and in international forums. Supporters of the policy change point to the need for humanitarian flexibility and concerns over unintended consequences in the region's financial sector. Several banks in Southeast Asia had reportedly begun derisking operations involving Myanmar, making it harder for aid organizations and third-party financial institutions to operate. The updated policy aims to mitigate those effects while continuing to target individuals and entities directly involved in abuses. The policy shift has important consequences for the Rohingya, who remain some of the most vulnerable people in Myanmar. An estimated 600,000 Rohingya still live in Rakhine State under conditions of extreme repression, while nearly 1 million remain in refugee camps in Bangladesh. Humanitarian agencies continue to report that access to food, medicine and aid in northern Rakhine is severely restricted. A recent report by the Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK detailed the use of starvation as a weapon of war in Rohingya areas, with dozens already reported dead from hunger and lack of medical care. Lifting some restrictions on financial transactions with state-owned enterprises does not directly address this crisis, but observers hope it could open new diplomatic channels and enable greater international engagement on humanitarian access. It also comes at a time when international aid to the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh is declining sharply. With funding cuts and a deteriorating situation on the ground, any policy that could improve coordination or unlock new avenues of support is being closely watched by humanitarian actors. Any policy that could improve coordination or unlock new avenues of support is being closely watched by humanitarian actors. Dr. Azeem Ibrahim The easing of sanctions may also reflect evolving geopolitical realities. Myanmar sits at a crucial crossroads between South Asia, Southeast Asia and China. For years, Beijing has deepened its influence in Myanmar through infrastructure projects and strategic partnerships. Any steps that reduce Myanmar's economic dependence on China or open space for engagement with international actors may serve broader regional objectives. In addition, restoring limited financial access for Myanmar's central institutions could support nongovernmental and cross-border aid flows, allowing for greater humanitarian flexibility in areas not under junta control. A careful calibration of sanctions may be part of a broader strategy to preserve humanitarian space while maintaining pressure on the military leadership. Neighboring countries such as Bangladesh, Thailand and India will be watching these developments closely. Bangladesh, in particular, is bearing the brunt of the regional fallout, hosting hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees for more than seven years. With international support decreasing and no immediate solution in sight, Dhaka has repeatedly called for renewed efforts to facilitate the voluntary, safe and dignified repatriation of the Rohingya to Myanmar. If the policy shift from Washington signals a potential diplomatic opening, it could also reinvigorate discussions around the role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and other regional actors in supporting a political settlement. Malaysia and Indonesia have pushed for greater engagement on Myanmar within ASEAN, while other states have emphasized noninterference. A more flexible US posture could help bridge these differences and encourage coordinated regional approaches. The US decision to lift certain sanctions on Myanmar represents a notable recalibration of policy. While the full consequences remain to be seen, the move creates space for potential humanitarian and diplomatic gains. The civil war continues to evolve and new approaches may be needed to address the complex realities on the ground. Going forward, it will be important for Washington and its partners to maintain clear conditions and expectations regarding human rights, access to aid and political inclusion. By carefully managing this new phase of engagement, the international community can continue to support the people of Myanmar — including the Rohingya — in their pursuit of peace, dignity and justice.

Al Arabiya
2 days ago
- Al Arabiya
Cambodia will nominate Donald Trump for Nobel Peace Prize
Cambodia will nominate US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, its deputy prime minister said on Friday, following his direct intervention in halting the Southeast Asian country's recent border conflict with Thailand. Asked via text message to confirm Cambodia's plan to nominate Trump for the prize, Chanthol responded, 'yes.' Speaking to reporters earlier in the capital, Phnom Penh, Chanthol thanked Trump for bringing peace and said he deserved to be nominated for the prize, the highest-profile international award given to an individual or organization deemed to have done the most to 'advance fellowship between nations.' Pakistan said in June that it would recommend Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in helping to resolve a conflict with India, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said last month he had nominated Trump for the award. It was a call by Trump last week that broke a deadlock in efforts to end the heaviest fighting between Thailand and Cambodia in over a decade, leading to a ceasefire negotiated in Malaysia on Monday, Reuters has reported. Following the truce announcement, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said in a post on X that Trump made it happen. 'Give him the Nobel Peace Prize!,' she said. At least 43 people have been killed in the intense clashes, which lasted five days and displaced more than 300,000 people on both sides of the border. 'We acknowledge his great efforts for peace,' said Chanthol, also Cambodia's top trade negotiator, adding that his country was also grateful for a reduced tariff rate of 19 percent. Washington had initially threatened a tariff of 49 percent, later reducing it to 36 percent, a level that would have decimated Cambodia's vital garment and footwear sector, Chanthol told Reuters in an interview earlier on Friday.


Leaders
2 days ago
- Leaders
Lebanon's President Vows to Disarm Hezbollah Amid Rising Tensions
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has expressed his strong commitment to disarming Hezbollah, as the US intensifies pressure on Lebanon to take action against the militant group. Aoun emphasized that disarming Hezbollah would not serve Israeli interests, despite the group's claims to the contrary. Hezbollah and Israel engaged in a two-month war last year, which significantly weakened the militant group. Nevertheless, Hezbollah still retains a portion of its arsenal. Israel has continued airstrikes on Hezbollah targets, even after a ceasefire was established in November. The Israeli government has threatened to maintain these strikes until Hezbollah disarms. Aoun's Call for Authority and Security In a speech on Thursday, Aoun stated that Beirut demands the extension of the Lebanese state's authority over its entire territory. He called for the removal of weapons from all armed groups, including Hezbollah, and their handover to the Lebanese army. Aoun urged politicians to seize this historic opportunity to affirm the army's monopoly on weapons throughout Lebanon. He believes this step is essential to regain the world's confidence in Lebanon. Under the November ceasefire, Hezbollah was supposed to withdraw its fighters north of the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometers from the Israeli border. Israel, in turn, was expected to withdraw its troops from Lebanon but has maintained a presence in five strategic areas. The ceasefire was based on a UN Security Council resolution that mandated only the Lebanese military and UN peacekeepers should possess weapons in southern Lebanon. Unfortunately, this resolution has remained unfulfilled for years. Political Dynamics and Hezbollah's Response Aoun assumed the presidency in January, ending a two-year vacancy. His election was facilitated by a shifting balance of power following the recent conflict. On Wednesday, Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem responded to Aoun's statements, asserting that calls for disarmament serve the Israeli agenda. He accused US envoy Tom Barrack of using intimidation and threats during discussions with Lebanese officials. In recent months, Israel has conducted near-daily strikes in Lebanon, targeting what it claims are Hezbollah militants and infrastructure. On Thursday, Israel launched several strikes on Hezbollah strongholds in southern and eastern Lebanon. Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that the targets included Hezbollah's largest precision missile manufacturing site. In his speech, Aoun declared that Lebanon is at a crucial stage that cannot tolerate provocations from any side. He reiterated his commitment to establishing a state monopoly on weapons to defend Lebanon's sovereignty and borders. Aoun addressed Hezbollah's supporters, recognizing them as an essential pillar of society. Next Steps for Disarmament Aoun revealed that Lebanon has proposed modifications to ideas submitted by the United States regarding Hezbollah's disarmament. A plan will be discussed at a cabinet meeting next week to establish a timetable for implementation. Additionally, Aoun demanded the withdrawal of Israeli troops, the release of Lebanese prisoners, and an immediate cessation of Israeli hostilities. Aoun emphasized that Lebanon must choose between collapse and stability. Hezbollah remains the only group that retained its weapons after Lebanon's civil war, citing 'resistance' against Israel, which occupied southern Lebanon until 2000. Lebanon has also committed to disarming Palestinian militant groups that control the country's refugee camps. Short link : Post Views: 8