Prime Minister Hun Manet has announced that Cambodians now enjoy national unity and that opposition groups have lost all leverage against the government following Cambodia's September 20 withdrawal from the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA).

“Now, Cambodian people across the country are united. There's no more division. So, let’s not dwell on the DTA issue anymore. We need to work together to develop our country, cooperate with other partners, and do what we can with the resources we have. 

“The concerns are over. Cambodians are united now. There’s no more fuss over minor issues. So, those who want to sustain a negative sentiment are out of options and out of weapons,” he said, as he addressed a graduation ceremony for students of the Royal University of Law and Economics on the morning of September 26.

Cambodia informed Laos and Vietnam on September 20 of its decision to withdraw from the cooperation agreement, which had been in place for over 20 years. This followed disapproval of the agreement from some citizens, including the members of some opposition groups, many of whom are based abroad.

Both Manet and former Prime Minister Hun Sen, now president of the Senate and Chairman of the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP), explained that the withdrawal was meant to disarm the opposition by ending their ability to use the issue as an excuse to attack the government over concerns about territorial loss.

“Now, there is no need to worry about the DTA issue anymore. It doesn't matter if it's there or not. What we should focus on now is how to develop the four provinces. Let’s improve the roads along the border, extend infrastructure to the 'Dragon’s Tail' area so we can clear all the landmines and establish communities there. This is more important,” said Manet.

“Now, let’s all celebrate the Pchum Ben festival, travel together and enjoy unity and national harmony,” he continued.