Security Council urges Cambodia, Thailand to establish permanent cease-fire

The members of the Security Council expressed their great concern about the recent armed clashes, and called on the two sides to display maximum restraint and avoid any action that may aggravate the situation, said Viotti, reading a press statement after a close-door meeting on the border conflict between the two south-eastern Asian countries.

"The members of the Security Council further urged the parties to establish a permanent cease-fire and to implement it fully and resolve the situation peacefully and through effective dialogue," she said.

Viotti said the Security Council expressed support for the active efforts of the Association of South East Asian Nations ( ASEAN) in this matter and encouraged the parties to continue to cooperate with the organization.

She added that the Council welcomed the upcoming meeting of ministers of foreign affairs of ASEAN on Feb. 22.

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