Shaky cease-fire holds between Thailand, Cambodia

Sunday, February 06, 2011
By SOPHENG CHEANG
The Associated Press

BANGKOK — Thailand's prime minister has called for a peaceful solution to border tension with Cambodia but warned Thai soldiers will defend national sovereignty if attacked. The comments came as a shaky cease-fire appeared to hold.

In his weekly Sunday television show, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the "border issues must be solved through nonviolent means."

But he added that "if our sovereignty is violated, we have to protect it ultimately."

The fiercest border clashes in years erupted Friday and Saturday between troops stationed along the border. Sporadic artillery fire left at least five people dead.

Both sides blame each other for fighting, which also caused minor damage to a landmark 11th century temple near a strip of disputed land.