Phnom Penh: In a recent announcement posted on social media on September 20, 2024, the President of the Senate highlighted the significant achievements of the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle (CLV-DTA) over the last 25 years, particularly in the development of the provinces of Kratie, Stung Treng, Mondulkiri, and Ratanakkiri. Despite these successes, the Senate President condemned the misuse of the initiative by extremists who have sought to leverage the program as a political weapon against the government.

The Senate President noted that these individuals have propagated falsehoods, claiming that the government has ceded territory in the northeastern provinces to foreign nations. These unfounded allegations, the Senate President emphasized, have been employed as part of a broader strategy to incite public unrest and promote the extremist "August 18 plan," which aimed to destabilize Cambodian society.

In response to this situation, the Royal Government has initiated public awareness campaigns aimed at educating citizens on the true nature of the CLV-DTA and the manipulative tactics of these extremists. The government has also reaffirmed its commitment to peace and stability, stating that effective administrative and legal measures have successfully neutralized the threats posed by the extremist agenda. The Senate President stated, "I, along with Party President and Prime Minister Hun Manet and other leaders, have decided that Cambodia will conclude our participation in the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA) from September 20, 2024, onward."

Although the extremists’ August 18 plan has been completely dissolved, the Senate President quoted Hun Sen's approach: "We will not just sit and watch the smoke; we will put out the fire completely," he added.

Taking into account the public’s concerns regarding territorial integrity and the need to disengage the extremists, the government announced a strategic decision to conclude Cambodia's participation in the CLV-DTA, effective September 20, 2024.

Looking ahead, the Senate President emphasized that Cambodia will continue to develop its territory through collaborations with regional partners, including ASEAN, CLMV, ACMECS, GMS, and other international development agencies. The government also revealed plans for a Border Infrastructure Development Fund focused on building crucial border roads with community involvement, furthering the country’s development goals.

While extremists may attempt to declare victory over this decision, the Senate President emphasized that such claims would ultimately diminish their ability to attack the Royal Government. "The Cambodian People’s Party's success is rooted in addressing the concerns of our citizens and strategically removing the tools of disruption from those who threaten our society," the Senate President concluded.

This statement comes as the government continues to navigate complex political landscapes, reaffirming its commitment to the welfare and stability of the Cambodian people.