Cambodian PM Nominates Trump For Nobel Peace Prize, Praises Extraordinary Statesmen

JAKARTA - Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet confirmed he nominated US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Hun Manet advanced Trump's "extraordinary statesmanship" in stopping the border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand.

Hun Manet sent a letter to the Norwegian Nobel Committee praising Trump's intervention as an example of "extraordinary achievements in easing tensions in some of the world's most volatile regions".

"This timely intervention, which prevents potentially devastating conflict, is critical in preventing the loss of many lives and paving the way for the restoration of peace," the Cambodian leader wrote in the letter.

Trump's phone call on July 26 to Thai and Cambodian leaders broke the deadlock in an attempt to end some of the toughest battles between the two neighboring countries in recent history, Reuters reported.

It resulted in a ceasefire negotiated in Malaysia on July 28. The two countries agreed on Thursday to ensure no more hostilities and allow observers from Southeast Asia.

In total, 43 people were killed and more than 300,000 people displaced by the five-day conflict that began with light gunfire and quickly increased to heavy artillery fire and rockets, followed by Thailand's deployment of F-16 fighter jets hours later for air strikes.

Pakistan said in June it also admitted it would recommend Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his services in helping resolve the conflict with India.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said last month he had nominated Trump for the award.