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BANGKOK, June 27 (TNA) -- Thai Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said early Saturday that his visit to Cambodia and talks with Prime Minister Hun Sen could lead to a strengthening of relations between the two neighbouring countries and lead to a reduction in the military stand-off at the border, particularly at the historic Preah Vihear temple.
Speaking to journalists only hours before he left for a one-day visit to Cambodia, Mr. Suthep said he was optimistic that his visit and talks with Mr. Hun Sen could help strengthen cooperation and as the two countries are neighbours, there is no reason for a tense atmosphere.
Asked if he believed he could lead Mr. Hun Sen to better understand the Thai perspective on the Preah Vihear temple issue, Mr. Suthep said he would explain to the Cambodian prime minister that the “Thai government is sincere in promoting (improved) bilateral relations.”
There is no need to argue about Preah Vihear temple because the World Court had ruled that it belongs to Cambodia while the Thai government’s objection to the World Heritage Committee on listing the temple as a World Heritage Site is another issue, Mr. Suthep said.
The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that the temple belongs to Cambodia while the United Nations for Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s World Heritage Committee granted Cambodia’s application for Preah Vihear temple to be designated a World Heritage Site in July 2008.
Clashes between soldiers of the two countries have occurred periodically as both sides claim some of the territory surrounding the temple. (TNA)
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