Thursday, 7 August 2008

Government Spokesman Clarifies Press Reports on Closing Door for Preah Vihear Talks

Phnom Penh, August 7, 2008

AKP -- Information Minister Khieu Kanharith, spokesman for the Royal Government of Cambodia, on August 5 made a televised clarification on the National TV (TVK) on the reports by Thailand's Bangkok Post daily and some local newspapers which have said that talks with Thailand on the Preah Vihear issues have terminated.

Information Minister Khieu Kanharith said at the bilateral meeting in Siem Reap province between H.E. Hor Namhong, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and H.E. Tej Bunnag, Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, the top representatives of the two countries' prime ministers, both sides agreed to pull troops out of that area.

This means, he underlined, we will withdraw the armed forces, because it is not good if troops stay close to each other.

This does not mean that we withdraw all our authorities from the Preah Vihear area, he said, adding that Cambodian local border authorities and temple security guards are stationed there as before.

"But, what is important is that the two government representatives have already demonstrated their goodwill in settling the border issues through peaceful means, he pointed out, adding: "There still remain more details to be resolved, that is, we cannot stop our talks."

"A memorandum of understanding in 2000 has determined the preparation of border delimitation between the two countries in detail and with precision. So, there is no need for the two governments to have talks further," he said

It was not necessary, he further said, but if it was necessary and urgent, we could meet any time. However, as we have already determined the border, it does not seem necessary for the two prime ministers' representatives to meet again while we are in the process of forming a government.

"We would like to leave the time to properly process the formation of a new government, but it does not mean that we have completely closed the door of negotiations," Information Minister Khieu Kanharith said.

TVK reports that the Thai army have invaded Cambodia's Keo Sikha Kiri Svara pagoda since July15, 2008. The pagoda is located close to the Preah Vihear Temple. After the talks in Siem Reap province on July 28 between the two countries' government representatives, the military standoff and tension between Cambodia and Thailand at the Preah Vihear area have lessened and would lead to the respective withdrawal of troops.

The invasion by Thai troops in the area took place after the UNESCO registered the Prasat Preah Vihear of Cambodia as a World Heritage Site on July 7, 2008 at the 32nd UNESCO Conference in Canada.

(By Mr. Ravuth M.)

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