Friday, 17 October 2008

Cambodian PM Rejects Mediators In Thai Border Spat

PHNOM PENH (AFP)--Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Friday rejected the help of mediators or international organizations to resolve a border dispute with Thailand which erupted in deadly clashes this week.

"I think that it is not time yet (for mediated talks) because Cambodia and Thailand agreed to resume negotiations within existing mechanisms," Hun Sen told reporters after meeting with his cabinet.

"The other (countries) should not try to raise the issue in the international community," he added.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said Thursday his country was ready to mediate between Thailand and Cambodia over the border dispute.

However Thai and Cambodian commanders met earlier in the day and agreed to introduce joint patrols in the area to prevent any further violence.

The premier's remarks favoring bilateral talks were a reversal of his earlier calls to resolve the territorial dispute in international courts.

Cambodia also sought to raise the dispute at the United Nations Security Council earlier this year but Thailand has steadfastly rejected any third-party involvement.

Two Cambodian soldiers were killed and seven Thai troops injured in clashes along their common border Wednesday over disputed land near the ancient Preah Vihear temple.

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