AFP
Cambodia and Thailand made a "big step" by agreeing to an agenda to resolve a long-running border dispute that erupted in deadly fighting last month, Cambodia's lead negotiator said.
Officials from the two countries met in the Cambodian tourist hub of Siem Reap to begin three days of talks aimed at hammering out territorial claims and ending a four-month military stand-off that spilled into a deadly shootout near the ancient Preah Vihear temple last month.
"We have moved forward with a big step in resolving the border issue," Va Kimhong, head of Cambodia's border committee, told reporters at the end of a meeting in which the two sides agreed to an agenda for defusing tensions.
The negotiator added the two countries would make it a priority to demarcate territory around the 11th century Khmer temple as soon as it is cleared of landmines.
"We have also agreed to determine the location that needs to be measured in area around Preah Vihear temple," he said.
In earlier opening remarks, Mr Va said only about 60 per cent of the border between the two countries had been demarcated, despite an agreement to have lines properly drawn by the end of 2006.
"It is so important that both our countries should have clear border lines in order to solve the problem and avoid incidents," he said.
He called for both sides to cooperate in a friendly manner and "avoid using weapons and armed forces."
The foreign ministers of both countries are scheduled to meet on Wednesday, officials said.
Shortly after a round of talks failed last month, troops from the two countries clashed on October 15 on disputed land near the temple, killing one Thai soldier and three Cambodian troops.
Two rounds of emergency talks after the October clashes made little progress, with both sides only agreeing not to fire on each other again.
The Cambodian government has since announced that it plans to double its military budget next year to 500 million dollars.
The Cambodian-Thai border has never been fully demarcated in part because it is littered with landmines left over from decades of war in Cambodia.
The most recent tensions between the neighbours began in July when the temple was awarded UN World Heritage status, rekindling a long-running disagreement over ownership of the surrounding land.
Officials from the two countries met in the Cambodian tourist hub of Siem Reap to begin three days of talks aimed at hammering out territorial claims and ending a four-month military stand-off that spilled into a deadly shootout near the ancient Preah Vihear temple last month.
"We have moved forward with a big step in resolving the border issue," Va Kimhong, head of Cambodia's border committee, told reporters at the end of a meeting in which the two sides agreed to an agenda for defusing tensions.
The negotiator added the two countries would make it a priority to demarcate territory around the 11th century Khmer temple as soon as it is cleared of landmines.
"We have also agreed to determine the location that needs to be measured in area around Preah Vihear temple," he said.
In earlier opening remarks, Mr Va said only about 60 per cent of the border between the two countries had been demarcated, despite an agreement to have lines properly drawn by the end of 2006.
"It is so important that both our countries should have clear border lines in order to solve the problem and avoid incidents," he said.
He called for both sides to cooperate in a friendly manner and "avoid using weapons and armed forces."
The foreign ministers of both countries are scheduled to meet on Wednesday, officials said.
Shortly after a round of talks failed last month, troops from the two countries clashed on October 15 on disputed land near the temple, killing one Thai soldier and three Cambodian troops.
Two rounds of emergency talks after the October clashes made little progress, with both sides only agreeing not to fire on each other again.
The Cambodian government has since announced that it plans to double its military budget next year to 500 million dollars.
The Cambodian-Thai border has never been fully demarcated in part because it is littered with landmines left over from decades of war in Cambodia.
The most recent tensions between the neighbours began in July when the temple was awarded UN World Heritage status, rekindling a long-running disagreement over ownership of the surrounding land.
3 comments:
From the beginning I had make my comment to the Thai Government about Ancient Preah vihear temple and I did make my the predition what's going to happen in Thailand"It's did happen"
Now..I believe not to late to turn back for the right direction.To do what's right for the future of your people.
Remember the Government of Thailand you are never lost anything,Just think about it. Ancient preach Vihear temple...Now list as the World Heritage.
Back off and live in peace Thai.
Prasat Preah Vihear is not negotiable.
11:36PM is right, You Thai did not lost anything. Khmer have lost alot. We can name all the provinces if you want. But to make you realize here a few provinces:
Trat
Sakeo
Chanthaburi
Surin
Nokor Reach
Reacheasima
Korat
Burirom
Chieng Mai
Chieng Tong
Chieng Rai
etc..
Kolabott Khmer,
Nice curse..
the 6th virgin curse.. give us some
results.. only death of Hok Lundy...
So please more curse.. especially
kill all high rank yuons in phnom penh...
Khmer Canadian
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