PHNOM PENH, Nov 11, (Xinhua): Cambodia "categorically denies" Thailand's allegation that new landmines have been laid at border areas, said a Cambodian foreign ministry's statement released Monday midnight. "The Royal Government of Cambodia categorically denies the allegations by Thailand that new landmines have been laid by Cambodia at the border with Thailand," the statement said.

The statement added that it is important to note that most minefields, from nearly three decades of Cambodia's civil wars, along the Cambodia-Thailand border have not yet been cleared due to difficult terrains and the undemarcated status of the border areas.

The Cambodian government is gravely concerned about Thailand's decision to halt the joint peace declaration, said the statement, adding "Cambodia remains committed to implementing the Joint Declaration."

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered a halt to the joint peace declaration on Monday, following a landmine explosion near Preah Vihear temple at the border area, injuring two Thai soldiers. The decision comes weeks after the two Southeast Asian neighbors signed a joint peace declaration at the ASEAN Summit on Oct 26.