via CAAI
2/8/2011
(RTTNews) - Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Monday called for setting up a buffer zone monitored by UN forces along a stretch of disputed border with Thailand, following border clashes that left at least five people dead over the weekend.
"We need the United Nations to send forces here and create a buffer zone to guarantee that there is no more fighting," Sen said, warning that the ongoing fighting along the border was "threatening regional security".
"We will go to the UN Security Council whether you like it or not," Sen was quoted as saying while addressing students during a university graduation ceremony in the capital Phnom Penh on Monday.
Pointing out that Cambodia had contributed to UN missions in Africa, Sen said he has sought the help of the UN Security Council to halt what he described as Thailand's "repeated acts of aggression" against his country. He added that Cambodia has requested an an emergency meeting of the Security Council to address the issue.
Thailand has also filed a complaint with the UN Security Council to protest against "repeated and unprovoked armed attacks by Cambodian troops" in connection with the latest clashes, stressing that its troops had acted in "self-defense."
"Thai troops had exercised maximum restraint and used force only as necessary, in a manner proportionate to the threat against them," a Thai ministry statement said. "Additionally, fire was directed only at military targets from where the attacks were launched by Cambodian troops."
The developments follow border clashes between troops from both countries along a stretch of disputed border entered a fourth successive day on Monday. At least five people, including two Cambodian soldiers and a civilian as well as one Thai soldier and a Thai civilian, have been killed after the clashes erupted on Friday.
Provocation for the stand-off was reported to be last week's sentencing of two members of a Thai nationalist movement by a Cambodian court. The fighting has led to a mass exodus from the region, with thousands of residents fleeing their homes on both sides of the border.
Meanwhile, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon urged the two countries to "exercise maximum restraint." He added that the U.N. "remains at their disposal to assist in these peaceful efforts." The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) also indicated its willingness to broker peace between the two sides.
Currently, relations between Thailand and Cambodia remain strained over the ancient 11th century Preah Vihear temple located on their border. Both countries claim ownership of the temple, which is located inside Cambodian territory. However, the main approach to the temple is from Thailand.
The latest fighting marked the most serious incident along the disputed border since similar clashes erupted some two years ago. They erupted on Friday as Thai and Cambodian foreign ministers were meeting in Cambodia to discuss the long-running border dispute. The clashes have reportedly caused minor damages to the temple.
The long-standing dispute over the Preah Vihear temple began after International Court awarded the temple to Cambodia in 1962, and escalated after UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage Site recently. The dispute has led to several clashes between the armies of the two countries near the temple.
The Cambodian and Thai troops were involved in skirmishes briefly near the disputed border temple back in July 2008. Since then, the situation along the Thai-Cambodia border have been tense as both countries have increased their troop levels at their respective borders.
Thailand has witnessed several protests over the UNESCO listing of the disputed Preah Vihear border temple as a World Heritage site in 2008. Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has promised to challenge Cambodia's management plan for the preservation of the 11th century temple at the UNESCO.
The latest fighting marked the most serious incident along the disputed border since similar clashes erupted some two years ago. They erupted on Friday as Thai and Cambodian foreign ministers were meeting in Cambodia to discuss the long-running border dispute. The clashes have reportedly caused minor damages to the temple.
The long-standing dispute over the Preah Vihear temple began after International Court awarded the temple to Cambodia in 1962, and escalated after UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage Site recently. The dispute has led to several clashes between the armies of the two countries near the temple.
The Cambodian and Thai troops were involved in skirmishes briefly near the disputed border temple back in July 2008. Since then, the situation along the Thai-Cambodia border have been tense as both countries have increased their troop levels at their respective borders.
Thailand has witnessed several protests over the UNESCO listing of the disputed Preah Vihear border temple as a World Heritage site in 2008. Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has promised to challenge Cambodia's management plan for the preservation of the 11th century temple at the UNESCO.
The ties between the two countries have deteriorated further after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen appointed former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who has been convicted of corruption charges in Thailand, as an economic adviser to the country.
by RTT Staff Writer
For comments and feedback: contact editorial@rttnews.com
No comments:
Post a Comment