Friday, 18 July 2008

Cambodian, Thai troops come close to shoot-out in temple dispute

AP - 18.07.2008

A Cambodian army general says Cambodian and Thai troops has come close to a shoot-out as a tense confrontation over disputed border territory surrounding an ancient temple entered its fourth day Friday.

Brig. Gen. Chea Keo said soldiers of the opposing sides raised rifles at each other as the Thais tried to evict Cambodian troops sleeping inside the compound of another temple in the area Thursday night.

The incident lasted more than 10 minutes before the Cambodians pulled out of the compound, the general said.

The standoff is the latest escalation in a long-standing conflict over land that surrounds Preah Vihear temple, although both countries have agreed to hold talks next Monday to avoid military action.

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