Monday, 12 May 2008

Thai FM denies compromising national interests for Cambodian energy

BANGKOK, May 11 (TNA) - Thai Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama Sunday denied press reports that the government has made concessions to Cambodia over contested areas claimed by both countries in exchange for oil and natural gas from the Thai-Cambodian Joint Development Area.

"Thailand would never give even an inch of its territory to Cambodia and no one in the government thought about doing it," Mr. Noppadon said.

Admitting that the overlapping claims to the areas surrounding the Preah Vihear temple of Cambodia is a very sensitive issue while negotiations with Cambodian officials are not yet finalised, Mr. Noppadon said.
Cambodia is going to hold an election in July while a committee considering a Cambodian government request to register the temple ancient ruins as a UNESCO World Heritage site would be held the same month.

Cambodia has asked the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) named the Preah Vihear temple to its World Heritage list.
Thailand did not oppose the idea, but arguing that the dispute over 4.6 sq km area adjoining the temple ruins has yet to be settled.

Historically, Thailand and Cambodia have laid claim to the temple, astride the border in Kantharalak district of Thailand's Si Sa Ket but can be easily accessed only through Thailand.

The World Court ruled in 1962 that the temple belonged to Cambodia.

"Currently, areas mutually claimed by Thailand and Cambodia are not yet settled total 26,000 square kilometres. It's necessary for the two countries to settle the disputed areas first because they contain oil and natural gas worth about Bt5 trillion," Mr. Noppadon said.

The disputed areas should be jointly managed by governments of the two countries, he said, adding that he would discuss the issue with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sok An as soon as possible.

"The country's interests must come first. A joint statement will be issued by the two governments regarding the overlapping areas. Only a few minor wordings are left for the settlement," Mr. Noppadon added.

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