By SOPHENG CHEANG
Associated Press Writer
SIEM REAP, Cambodia (AP) -- Cambodia and Thailand struggled Monday to settle a standoff over disputed border territory near an ancient Hindu temple that prompted both countries to deploy thousands of troops to the area.
Foreign ministers from the two Southeast Asian nations expressed optimism that their talks would produce a breakthrough in the dispute.
But midway through the talks Monday in Siem Reap, the mood was tense and progress remained elusive, officials said.
"We have discussed many points but we have not reached a solution yet,'' Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong told reporters.
A first round of talks on July 21 foundered over what maps should be used to demarcate the border. It prompted Cambodia to request a meeting of the United Nations Security Council before agreeing to the second round of talks with Thailand.
The dispute over 1.8 square miles of land near the 11th century Preah Vihear temple escalated earlier this month when UNESCO approved Cambodia's application to have the complex named a World Heritage Site.
Associated Press Writer
SIEM REAP, Cambodia (AP) -- Cambodia and Thailand struggled Monday to settle a standoff over disputed border territory near an ancient Hindu temple that prompted both countries to deploy thousands of troops to the area.
Foreign ministers from the two Southeast Asian nations expressed optimism that their talks would produce a breakthrough in the dispute.
But midway through the talks Monday in Siem Reap, the mood was tense and progress remained elusive, officials said.
"We have discussed many points but we have not reached a solution yet,'' Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong told reporters.
A first round of talks on July 21 foundered over what maps should be used to demarcate the border. It prompted Cambodia to request a meeting of the United Nations Security Council before agreeing to the second round of talks with Thailand.
The dispute over 1.8 square miles of land near the 11th century Preah Vihear temple escalated earlier this month when UNESCO approved Cambodia's application to have the complex named a World Heritage Site.
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