Hun Sen: P.Vihear open after NY

via CAAI

Published: 21/12/2010

The Preah Vihear ruins on the Thai-Cambodian border will be opened after the New Year and Thailand should also open its side of the border so people can visit the ancient temple, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen told visiting Thai army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha in Phom Penh on Tuesday.

Gen Prayuth returned to Thailand today after a two-day visit.

Apart from the opening of Preah Vihear temple and the Thai border, Hun Sen also said demarcation of the common border of the two countries should be carried out as soon as possible, Bangkok Post military correspondent Wassana Nanuam reported.

"Since we are neighbours and cannot move away from each other, we should cooperate and stay together in peace.

"Thailand and Cambodia are like a tongue and teeth which must be in contact. It is not right that the teeth must be removed if the tongue is bitten," the Cambodian prime minister said to Gen Prayuth.

Hun Sen said since the Thai-Cambodian border is over 800km long, the two countries should not let Preah Vihear temple to be the problem of the entire border.

Demarcation talks should be held as soon as possible, he said, adding he expected the Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) to hold a meeting after the New Year.

Concerning the deployment of troops in the 4.6-square-kilometre disputed area, Hun Sen said he wanted soldiers of the two countries to be positioned far apart to prevent confrontation.

During the New Year, both Thai and Cambodian military leaders would visit their soldiers to show that their troops are still in the disputed area, but without confrontation, he said.

Hun Sen also said both Thai and Cambodian soldiers have withdrawn from Wat Kaew Sikha Khiri Sawara.

A source said Hun Sen officially handed over three detained Thai villlagers, who were jailed for spying after wandering over the border while hunting and then released under a royal pardon, to Gen Prayuth on Monday night.

"Cambodia is pleased by Gen Prayuth's visit and an overnight stay. Hun Sen was on hand to welcome Gen Prayuth by himself," the source said.

Gen Prayuth said in an interview on his return from Cambodia that the relations between the two countries have been strenghtened.

The two countries have agreed to cooperate in many fields. More Cambodian troops will be sent to Thailand to study more on the Thai military, he said.

Gen Prayuth said after being handed over the three Thais, he passed them over to the Thai embassy.