Cambodia urges Thailand to release captured Cambodian soldiers

PHNOM PENH/BANGKOK, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Thursday called on Thailand to release 20 Cambodian soldiers that it captured after a ceasefire took effect, said a Cambodian defense spokesperson.

Speaking in a press briefing, Cambodian Defense Ministry's Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson, Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, said the Thai soldiers took 21 Cambodian soldiers under control on July 29 at 7:30 a.m. local time.

"So far, we have received one dead soldier," she said. "We call on Thai side to send all 20 military personnel back to Cambodia as soon as possible."

Socheata said Cambodia, with the mediation from Malaysia, the current chair of ASEAN, is negotiating with Thailand on this issue.

The Thai army said on Thursday that the detained Cambodian soldiers would be repatriated after legal procedure.

The Thai army said the Cambodian soldiers are being handled in accordance with international law and that they will be sent back once legal procedures are completed.

On July 24, armed clashes erupted between Cambodian and Thai soldiers in border areas. The two countries agreed on an immediate and unconditional ceasefire on Monday afternoon, taking effect at midnight on Monday. Enditem