Thailand in Temple Dispute with Cambodia

http://english.ntdtv.com/

via Khmer NZ

2010-08-17

This ancient Hindu temple sits on a jungle-clad escarpment that forms a natural boundary between Cambodia and Thailand.

But in 1962, the International Court of Justice awarded the temple ruins to Cambodia… a ruling that Thailand does not accept.

The dispute has caused military clashes between the two countries since Thai soldiers came to the site in July 2008.

Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen says bilateral talks are not working, and he is concerned about possible military clashes between the two armies.

On Monday Cambodia's foreign minister met with the ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan in Phnom Penh to discuss the issue.

[Hor Namhong, Cambodian Foreign Minister]:

"The royal government lead by Samdech Hun Sen is prepared with everything to solve the problems by peaceful means, we are prepared to resort to international organizations or to the security council of the UN if necessary, to the international court if necessary, to the ASEAN and the military if necessary."

After the meeting, ASEAN Secretary General Pitsuwan says he will have to wait for the ASEAN foreign minister's decision.

With troops and artillery building up on both sides of the border, Cambodia is looking for a resolution.