via Khmer NZ
BANGKOK, Aug 13 – An aide to the Thai Foreign Minister on Friday asserted that the Thai-Cambodian territorial dispute can be resolved through bilateral mechanisms, without third party intervention.
Chavanond Intarakomalyasut made his statement after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Thursday announced that he would ask United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to mediate with Thailand over the 4.6 sq km area adjacent to the ancient Preah Vihear temple, which is claimed by both countries.
The secretary to the foreign minister confirmed that bilateral discussions on the disputed area are already in progress. Currently, Thai officials are awaiting a joint parliamentary meeting to approve three documents agreed by Joint Boundary Commission (JBC).
After the approval, he said, the officials will schedule the next JBC meeting. Its primary agenda item is setting up the sixth working group on a joint land survey for border demarcation.
“Thailand will settle the border row with the neighbouring country through talks.” Mr Chavanond said. “We neither have any intention to threaten nor intrude militarily into Cambodian territory as earlier claimed by Cambodian authorities.”
The foreign minister’s secretary said the Thai-Cambodian dispute is a bilateral problem. In the General Assembly meeting in New York in September, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will clarify the issue to the UN Secretary-General for an improved understanding before his visit to Cambodia in October.
UN chief Ban Ki-moon is scheduled to officially visit Cambodia October 27-28.
Meanwhile, the Thai army's Surasi Task Force, stationed at Thailand’s northeastern province of Si Sa Ket near Preah Vihear temple, reported Cambodian troop movements.
Lt-Col Nut Sri-in, Surasi Task Force commander in charge of troops guarding the Thai-Cambodian border said about 30 Cambodian soldiers left their base to their command and they were believed to take orders from their superiors before returning to their base.
The Thai senior military officer also said more troop reinforcements were seen at the border, and that Thai soldiers have been keeping a close watch on the situation and reporting it to their commanders. (MCOT online news)
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