Saturday, 27 June 2009

Thai Official Vows To Avoid Temple Issue On Cambodia Trip

BANGKOK (AFP)--Thailand's deputy prime minister said Friday he would steer clear of a dispute over an ancient temple on the Cambodian border when he meets the neighboring country's leader this weekend.

Soldiers from both sides have built up on the frontier in recent days near the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple, where seven soldiers have died in clashes since tensions flared last year.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has said he is sending his deputy, Suthep Thaugsuban, to Phnom Penh on Saturday to explain Thailand's decision to ask world heritage body UNESCO to reconsider listing the temple.

However, following a warning by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen that Thailand must respect his country's sovereignty, Suthep said he would now avoid the issue.

"I will not discuss any topic that could trigger conflict," Suthep told reporters in Bangkok.

"But do not jump to conclusions that my mission will not achieve anything. I am confident that bilateral talks will enhance a better understanding that Thailand will treat its neighbors cordially," he said.

Hun Sen vowed Thursday to take a hard stance on the dispute over the temple, the ownership of which was awarded to Cambodia by the World Court in 1962, sparking decades of tensions.

Unrest flared in July 2008 after UNESCO granted world heritage status to the ancient Khmer temple, with its crumbling stone staircases and elegant carvings.

Thai army chief Gen. Anupong Paojinda said Friday that soldiers from both sides wanted to avoid clashes, and were regularly speaking to each other to ease tensions.

"We will not be the first to start fighting," Anupong told reporters.

"The local commander told me the situation is still calm. Forces from both countries deployed at the temple are constantly in contact with each other, and there is no indication that it could lead to confrontation," he said.

The Thai government will protest the listing of Preah Vihear at a UNESCO meeting, which is continuing in Seville, Spain, until June 30.

Dow Jones Newswires
06-26-09

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