Bangkok Post Reporters
Troop reductions are crucial to easing tensions along the border with Cambodia near the Preah Vihear temple, the 2nd Army commander says.
Lt Gen Wibulsak Neepal yesterday said the two countries should reduce the numbers of soliders deployed in the area to a level where neither country has an edge.
"I am afraid violence might occur if we do not talk," he said.
Border tensions flared again after the Thai government renewed its opposition to Unesco listing the temple as a World Heritage site on Cambodia's behalf.
The issue was addressed by Lt Gen Wibulsak in talks with his Cambodian counterpart, Lt Gen Chea Mon, at the border adjoining Surin's Kap Choeng district.
Lt Gen Wibulsak refused to comment on Thailand's opposition to the temple's listing other than to say: "We do what we are supposed to do. That is to protect our sovereignty."
Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon met Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen for informal talks in Phnom Penh on Saturday. Mr Suthep said Hun Sen supported attempts to ease tensions.
But the Phnom Penh Post yesterday quoted Hun Sen as warning Thailand against violating Cambodian airspace.
"I told the Thai deputy prime minister and minister of defence frankly to be careful and not fly across the border into Cambodian territory," Hun Sen told graduates at the National Institute of Education in Phnom Penh on Tuesday.
"I am afraid that I won't be able to control the shooting if the soldiers on the ground lose patience."
Cambodia had no intention of confronting Thailand but had the right to protect its territorial sovereignty, the Phnom Penh Post quoted him as saying.
"We are waiting to shoot because we are not invading [Thailand]. Cambodia is not showing muscle, but to defend the nation we will play it until the end," Hun Sen said.
Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya yesterday said relations remained strong despite Hun Sen's aggressive words.
Lt Gen Wibulsak Neepal yesterday said the two countries should reduce the numbers of soliders deployed in the area to a level where neither country has an edge.
"I am afraid violence might occur if we do not talk," he said.
Border tensions flared again after the Thai government renewed its opposition to Unesco listing the temple as a World Heritage site on Cambodia's behalf.
The issue was addressed by Lt Gen Wibulsak in talks with his Cambodian counterpart, Lt Gen Chea Mon, at the border adjoining Surin's Kap Choeng district.
Lt Gen Wibulsak refused to comment on Thailand's opposition to the temple's listing other than to say: "We do what we are supposed to do. That is to protect our sovereignty."
Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon met Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen for informal talks in Phnom Penh on Saturday. Mr Suthep said Hun Sen supported attempts to ease tensions.
But the Phnom Penh Post yesterday quoted Hun Sen as warning Thailand against violating Cambodian airspace.
"I told the Thai deputy prime minister and minister of defence frankly to be careful and not fly across the border into Cambodian territory," Hun Sen told graduates at the National Institute of Education in Phnom Penh on Tuesday.
"I am afraid that I won't be able to control the shooting if the soldiers on the ground lose patience."
Cambodia had no intention of confronting Thailand but had the right to protect its territorial sovereignty, the Phnom Penh Post quoted him as saying.
"We are waiting to shoot because we are not invading [Thailand]. Cambodia is not showing muscle, but to defend the nation we will play it until the end," Hun Sen said.
Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya yesterday said relations remained strong despite Hun Sen's aggressive words.
4 comments:
Cambodian soldiers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tl6589ba4d4&feature=channel_page
You are the only one who increase troops and you also should reduce and don't need to negotiate because of your act.
We’re certainly don’t want to be on the trajectory, which ineluctably put us on a glide path on the warpath with our neighbor, when we still have diplomatic options in which we can resolve this conflict-plagued issue in an effort to forestall future war; however, the Thai will have to do their share.
PPU
See Angkor Wat in 3D Animation
National Geographic is partnering with Microsoft Live Labs to create rich three-dimensional
spaces of global landmarks such as Machu Picchu, Stonehenge, and the Taj Mahal. The program takes
a large collection of photos (of a place or an object), analyzes them for similarities, and
stitches them together for a more immersive experience
Do not forget to upload photos of Angkor wat
Upload Angkor Photos
Post a Comment