UN Willing To Meet On Cambodia-Thai Clashes

[webfact]

UN willing to meet on Cambodia-Thai clashes

UNITED NATIONS, February 7, 2011 (AFP) - The UN Security Council Monday voiced concern about four days of cross-border fighting between Cambodia and Thailand and said it would be willing to hold a meeting on the dispute.

"Members of the council expressed great concern at the aggravation of the tension on the border," said Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, the Brazilian ambassador who is president of the Security Council for February.

"They called for a ceasefire and urged the parties to resolve the situation peacefully," she said of the fighting which has claimed seven lives and displaced thousands.

"They expressed their willingness to hold a Security Council meeting," she said, adding they will continue to follow the situation closely."

Earlier, Cambodia called on the council to take "urgent" action over the border conflict with Thailand.

"They expressed support to the mediation undertaken by the chair of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), the minister of foreign affairs of Indonesia," Viotti said, adding envoys from the 15 nations on the council had held closed door consultations talks.

Cambodian and Thai troops clashed Monday for a fourth straight day, after heavy fighting on Sunday when a ceasefire agreed a day earlier collapsed. The violence is the worst clashes between the two neighbours in years.

Both sides have accused each other of starting the fighting.

Cambodia and Thailand have written to the Security Council on the hostilities, diplomats said.

Cambodia sent two letters to the Security Council on the conflict over the weekend, one of which demanded "urgent" action, said a diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen has called for UN troops to be sent to set up a buffer zone on the contested border. It was not clear however if this demand was put in the Cambodian letters.

Thailand has also written twice, with a letter from Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva handed over Monday. Thailand has called for a bilateral solution to the dispute and the letter accused Cambodia of using "internationalization" of the conflict, the diplomat said.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who on Sunday called for a "cessation of hostilities", offered last year to help the two sides set up talks to resolve the border dispute.

Ban is "consulting with senior advisers" on the trouble, his spokesman Martin Nesirky told reporters.

It is unclear exactly what triggered the latest violence, but diplomatic frictions have grown since late December when seven Thais, including one lawmaker, were arrested by Cambodia near the border for illegal entry.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-02-08

[webfact]

US urges Thai-Cambodia restraint, undecided on UN

WASHINGTON, February 7, 2011 (AFP) - The United States called Monday for Thailand and Cambodia to show restraint after four days of cross-border fighting but took no stance on Phnom Penh's bid for UN involvement.

The United States has "raised our concerns with senior officials" in both Thailand and Cambodia, State Department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters.

"We continue to urge both sides to exercise maximum restraint and take all necessary steps to reduce tensions," he said.

Crowley said that the United States was "undecided" on whether the United Nations should be involved after Cambodia called for urgent action by the Security Council.

"We are discussing the best way forward within the Council," Crowley said.

Brazil, the president of the Security Council for February, said that members voiced "great concern" about the situation.

Thailand has called for a bilateral solution and criticized Cambodia over "internationalization" of the conflict, according to diplomats.

Each country has accused the other of provoking the violence near the disputed 11th-century Preah Vihear temple, which has claimed seven lives and displaced thousands.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-02-08

[webfact]

Diplomacy the new battlefront

By The Nation,

Agencies

Cambodia asks UN to send in peacekeeping force; Thailand says dispute should be settled bilaterally

Border between Thailand and Cambodia was not completely calm yesterday as Phnom Penh began to internationalise the boundary conflict, asking United Nations to send peacekeeping forces to contain the violence at the Hindu temple of Preah Vihear while Bangkok was struggling to bring it down to bilateral level.

Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen sent their respectively letters to President of the UN Security Council Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti accusing each other of launching heavy arm attacks to violate sovereignty of the other. Both sides claimed other fire first and they did retaliate only for self-defence.

Hun Sen said in his letter sent out since Sunday night that the attack resulted in human casualties and damaged to the Preah Vihear temple.

Abhisit argued that Cambodian troops used the Hindu temple as a shield. "Thailand is gravely concerned about the use of Phra Viharn (Thai accent for Preah Vihear) by Cambodia for military purpose, which is in violation of international law, in particular the article 4 (1) of the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Arm Conflict," he said in the letter to UN yesterday.

Abhisit protested the Cambodia's violation of Thai sovereignty and territorial integrity and the attack on Thai civilians and properties but requested the UN to take no action.

Hun Sen, however, urged the UN Security Council to convene an urgent meeting to stop Thailand's aggression.

"We need the United Nations to send forces here and create a buffer zone to guarantee that there is no more fighting," Hun Sen said, adding that the situation kept deteriorating and the two sides were no longer listening to each other.

Meanwhile Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sok An wrote his letter to Unesco's Director Irina Bokova to informed her the damages of the Preah Vihear from Thai artillery shells.

The Hindu temple of Preah Vihear has been at the core of conflict between Thailand and Cambodia since last century. The conflict was boiled out when the World Heritage Committee inscribed it as a world heritage site in 2008 with Thailand's disagreement on the ground that the inscription might cause lost of Thailand's right over its vicinity.

The temple, ruled by the International Court of Justice in 1962, is situated in the territory under sovereignty of Cambodia but Bangkok argued that the surrounding areas belong to Thailand.

The current border clash is one of the worst in decades causing a lot of casualty and damages. One Thai soldier and one civilian died and 25 soldiers injured in the clash since Friday. Casualty and damage on Cambodia side were reportedly around the same as Thai side but could not be verified clearly.

A fresh round of clash took place yesterday morning when troops of both sides exchanged small arms firing in the area near the Preah Vihear.

Thailand insisted that it fired to Cambodia only for self-defence and hoped that the conflict could be solved bilaterally. Bangkok disagreed with the idea to bring the issue into the discussion of the UN Security Council.

"We would cooperate with the United Nations and international community but in this case we would like to reserve our right to solve the problem bilaterally," said government's spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), which both Thailand and Cambodia are members, likely wanted to have some roles in mediating the current conflict.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty M. Natalegawa, as the chair of the Asean, would visit Thailand today to obtain information on the situation after another visit to Phnom Penh for the same purpose earlier.

However Asean chief Surin Pitsuwan said the Asean would limit its role only in listening information from both sides. "In early stage, both sides should end the problem by bilateral consultative," he said.

Hun Sen said he needed third party mediation as two countries cannot negotiate each other. "I also appeal to (Thai Prime Minister) Abhisit not to be afraid of the third party to mediate the Cambodia and Thai border dispute. We can go to the International Court together."

The Asean, UN, United States and China have expressed their concern over the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodian and called the two neighbours to exercise utmost restraint.

-- The Nation 2011-02-08

[RedNIvar]

UN Willing, Thailand however unwilling.

[jayjay0]

Of course Cambodia is going to internationalize it and rightfully so. It is after all a world heritage site.

[whybother]

Of course Cambodia is going to internationalize it and rightfully so. It is after all a world heritage site.

They are not fighting over the world heritage site.

[jayjay0]

Of course Cambodia is going to internationalize it and rightfully so. It is after all a world heritage site.

They are not fighting over the world heritage site.

Technically true.

But there was no problem until it became a world heritage site. And access to it is what they are fighting for.

Hard to separate the two.

[webfact]

CROSS-BORDER SKIRMISH

UNSC is willing to host talk to solve dispute

By The Straits Time

The Nation

The UN Security Council Monday voiced concern about the cross-border fighting between Cambodia and Thailand, saying it would be willing to hold a meeting on the dispute.

"Members of the council expressed great concern at the aggravation of the tension on the border," said Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, the Brazilian ambassador, president of the Security Council for February.

"They expressed their willingness to hold a Security Council meeting," she said.

"They called for a ceasefire and urged the parties to resolve the situation peacefully," she said of the fighting which has claimed seven lives and displaced thousands.

"They expressed support to the mediation undertaken by the chair of the Asean, the minister of foreign affairs of Indonesia," Viotti said.

The envoys from the 15 nations on the council had held closed door consultations talks.

The cross-border fightings between Cambodian and Thai troops re-erupted last week and continued unitl Monday for a fourth straight day.

A ceasefire agreed between their senior officers on Saturday collapsed. The violence is the worst clashes between the two neighbours in years.

Both sides have accused each other of starting the fighting.

Both countries have written to the Security Council on the hostilities. Cambodia wants a third party to intervene including deployment of UN peacekeepers at the disputed area while Thailand insisted the dispute be solved bilaterally.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who on Sunday called for a "cessation of hostilities", offered last year to help the two sides set up talks to resolve the border dispute.

Ban is "consulting with senior advisers" on the trouble, his spokesman Martin Nesirky told reporters.

-- The Nation 2011-02-08

[SomTumTiger]

Of course Cambodia is going to internationalize it and rightfully so. It is after all a world heritage site.

They are not fighting over the world heritage site.

Technically true.

But there was no problem until it became a world heritage site. And access to it is what they are fighting for.

Hard to separate the two.

The fighting isn't about the temple at all. Look at all the subsequent story lines popping up. Hun Sen's son on the front lines, earning his "Battle stripes" so he can take Daddy's place one day. Thailand doesn't stand to benefit from this conflict, and indeed, are being portrayed as the big bad villain. Those in charge know that, which is why it is far fetched to suggest that the Thai's ordered soldiers to fire first. That the Cambodians were the initial aggressors, or that a 3rd hand element intent on destabilizing the situation, is the most likely scenario. US will back Thailand 100 percent, that was never in doubt.

[webfact]

Thailand sends letter to UNSC explaining border fighting

BANGKOK, 8 February 2011 (NNT) – The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already sent a letter to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) explaining the prevailing tension and border clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops.

Secretary to the Foreign Minister Chavanond Intarakomalyasut stated at at press conference that the letter confirmed Thailand’s strict compliance with the United Nations (UN) Charter in solving international conflicts through peaceful means.

The secretary reaffirmed at the same time Thailand’s legitimacy to protect its sovereignty against Cambodian violation of its territorial integrity.

Mr Chavanond added that the ministry will also send a letter to the world heritage committee and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to point out that the registration of the Preah Vihear Temple has been causing problems between the two countries because the ancient ruin is situated on a disputed area. The fact is against the registration principle for world heritage.

The secretary stressed that Thailand will insist on its standpoint with the world heritage committee that the registration of Preah Vihear Temple should not be made in the middle of this year as has been scheduled, but ways should be sought to bring the two conflicting countries to talk before the registration procedure is taken.

-- NNT 2011-02-08

[anterian]

Two neighbours have a fight, one telephones for the police, the other refuses to accept police intervention. As an impartial observer which neighbour would you expect to be in the right?

[adamjohn]

The invaders can only be blamed; how can a conflict inside your property be your fault?

Purpose of an Army, invade my land- I shoot you- period.

Thai moved across legal land border- they are at fault.

[nullx8]

well i not tend to agree with you so easy.. but to be honest .. i searched tons of non-thai sources .. and the outcome is always this:

Thai moved across legal land border- they are at fault.

just one thing is diferent, that basically nobody take any side on this and peoples seems to shoot each other with no real reason at all.

besides the fact that the borderline was Cartographic made and agreed by Siam over 100 Years ago .. and 1962 Confirmed (again) by the International Court.

does anyone have any more internal information how this actually startet .. and why it did come that far ?

[Just1Voice]

Of course Cambodia is going to internationalize it and rightfully so. It is after all a world heritage site.

They are not fighting over the world heritage site.

Technically true.

But there was no problem until it became a world heritage site. And access to it is what they are fighting for.

Hard to separate the two.

The fighting isn't about the temple at all. Look at all the subsequent story lines popping up. Hun Sen's son on the front lines, earning his "Battle stripes" so he can take Daddy's place one day. Thailand doesn't stand to benefit from this conflict, and indeed, are being portrayed as the big bad villain. Those in charge know that, which is why it is far fetched to suggest that the Thai's ordered soldiers to fire first. That the Cambodians were the initial aggressors, or that a 3rd hand element intent on destabilizing the situation, is the most likely scenario. US will back Thailand 100 percent, that was never in doubt.

If I were you, I wouldn't bet the farm on the U.S. backing Thailand 100%. At this point about the only thing they are doing is saying they are "distressed" a the fighting and hope it can be resolved peacefully. If full scale war broke out they would, in my opinion, try to work as mediators to bring about a peaceful solution, but don't expect the Marines to be landing any time soon. You also have to remember that Cambodia has signed agreements with Vietnam (who has no lost love for Thailand), as well as LAO, for "mutual defense" if one country is attacked by another country. Add to the equation that China has been pouring millions of dollars of military hardware and training into Cambodia, and you have an explosive situation that does not bode well for Thailand.

[brianb1944]

The invaders can only be blamed; how can a conflict inside your property be your fault?

Purpose of an Army, invade my land- I shoot you- period.

Thai moved across legal land border- they are at fault.

That statement implies remarkable inside knowledge that the rest of us arent privy to, you must be very well connected.

[thaihome]

well i not tend to agree with you so easy.. but to be honest .. i searched tons of non-thai sources .. and the outcome is always this:

Thai moved across legal land border- they are at fault.

just one thing is diferent, that basically nobody take any side on this and peoples seems to shoot each other with no real reason at all.

besides the fact that the borderline was Cartographic made and agreed by Siam over 100 Years ago .. and 1962 Confirmed (again) by the International Court.

does anyone have any more internal information how this actually startet .. and why it did come that far ?

The only agreed border is the temple border itself. The disputed area or buffer zone as it is called by the World Heritage Convention has never been agreed by either side.

The issue is not about the temple itself. It is about the area around the temple

In the 2008 decision to list the temple the Committee requested Cambodia to “convene an international coordinating committee for the safeguarding and development of the property no later than February 2009, inviting the participation of the Government of Thailand and not more than seven other appropriate international partners”.

In Cambodia's submission of a draft management plan to the committee in 2009 no mention was made of an International Coordinating Committee. The plan went on to say the management zone for the property will include the inscribed property and the buffer zone.

Cambodia is not even trying to develop the temple with Thailand, but as consistently went off on it own.

TH

[whybother]

The invaders can only be blamed; how can a conflict inside your property be your fault?

Purpose of an Army, invade my land- I shoot you- period.

Thai moved across legal land border- they are at fault.

Which "legal land border"?

The border agreed to in 1904, or the border mapped in 1907 that wasn't officially agreed to?

[nullx8]

Which "legal land border"?

The border agreed to in 1904, or the border mapped in 1907 that wasn't officially agreed to?

Exactly, and (again) rule by International Court in 1962, the borderline did not move since over 100 Years.

as stated before .. that this is only about the temple and/or only about the buffer zones does not matter anyway, since the border did not move.

or iam wrong ?

well we all missing the point ... which is .. WHY they clashing each other ?

even thai nationals seems not really knowing this .. as the media just globalize it as a "political issue"

[whybother]

Which "legal land border"?

The border agreed to in 1904, or the border mapped in 1907 that wasn't officially agreed to?

Exactly, and (again) rule by International Court in 1962, the borderline did not move since over 100 Years.

as stated before .. that this is only about the temple and/or only about the buffer zones does not matter anyway, since the border did not move.

or iam wrong ?

well we all missing the point ... which is .. WHY they clashing each other ?

even thai nationals seems not really knowing this .. as the media just globalize it as a "political issue"

"Exactly" what?

The 1904 agreement states that the border is the watershed, which puts the temple in Thailand. And that is what everyone signed.

The 1907 maps, added to the 1904 agreement later, should have followed the watershed, as per the agreement. The 1907 map is wrong.

Unfortunately, the Thais assumed that the maps followed the watershed. The French did the mapping because the Thais didn't have the expertise. For some reason (not documented anywhere), the French moved off the watershed around the temple.

[Steely Dan]

Which "legal land border"?

The border agreed to in 1904, or the border mapped in 1907 that wasn't officially agreed to?

Exactly, and (again) rule by International Court in 1962, the borderline did not move since over 100 Years.

as stated before .. that this is only about the temple and/or only about the buffer zones does not matter anyway, since the border did not move.

or iam wrong ?

well we all missing the point ... which is .. WHY they clashing each other ?

even thai nationals seems not really knowing this .. as the media just globalize it as a "political issue"

"Exactly" what?

The 1904 agreement states that the border is the watershed, which puts the temple in Thailand. And that is what everyone signed.

The 1907 maps, added to the 1904 agreement later, should have followed the watershed, as per the agreement. The 1907 map is wrong.

Unfortunately, the Thais assumed that the maps followed the watershed. The French did the mapping because the Thais didn't have the expertise. For some reason (not documented anywhere), the French moved off the watershed around the temple.

So whatever happened in 1962? I daresay the Thais had cartographers by then. As ever there are more questions than answers. Did the ICJ take into account the map being added after the 1904 agreement? Was the decision in Cambodia's favour a result of Thailand unilaterally occupying the temple grounds in 1954? Is the ICJ decision appealable and if so is there a statute of limitations? If appealable why was no appeal made?

On the face of it it would seem that there is an anomaly with the ICJ judgement, and why did it not specifically refer to the land bordering the temple? However handbags on the border stoked up politicians playing the nationalism card is no way to go about solving things. I suspect Abhisit knows this but has to appear to be taking action or else suffer electoral consequences of not acting - again the poisoned inheritence he recieved courtesy of the coup and the PAD is coming back to haunt him.

[whybother]

In 1962, the IJC ruled 9-3 that the temple (but not the surrounding areas) belonged to Cambodia, based on their opinion that the Thais didn't complain about the fact that the 1907 maps were wrong.

[Just1Voice]

In 1962, the IJC ruled 9-3 that the temple (but not the surrounding areas) belonged to Cambodia, based on their opinion that the Thais didn't complain about the fact that the 1907 maps were wrong.

You're correct in this, to a point. In pointing out that the Thai had not complained about the map for a period of 50 years, that they had, by default, so to speak, accepted the map as the "official map". The ICJ pretty much stated the map showing the border drawn by the French was the official map, and the determining factor. Therefor, since the ICJ ruled the map was "official", that means the border drawn on it is also the "official border". That border clearly puts the Temple in Cambodia, and clearly shows the border demarcation. Everyone except Thailand accepts that.

In response to a previous post, yes, Thailand had the right to appeal the ICJ ruling, but the never bothered to do so. To me, if they thought they were in the right, an appeal should have been filed within the time limit, which was 7 years, but they failed to do so.

So, three points to consider.

1) When 2 or more countries agree to let the ICJ settle a case, they ALSO agree to abide by the decision.

2) However, if the decision goes against one of the parties, that party then has 7 years to appeal.

3) Ever since the ruling the Thai have said they don't agree with it, but never bothered to file an appeal, which begs the question of "Why not?"

3a) My guess is that they knew that, legally, they didn't have a good enough case, or "legal leg" to stand on, so an appeal would have been a waste of time & money, and/or:

3b) They knew that "a" was correct, and that a second "loss of face" in the international community would have been to much for their Thai Pride to bear.

I believe this "loss of face" issue is also the reason they have adamantly refused to allow an international mediation by impartial 3 parties, or even their own ASEAN members to make a ruling, and keep insisting it's a "bilateral issue" they can resolve with Cambodia. In my opinion they would rather lose lives of soldiers and innocent civilians rather than lose face.

Edited February 8, 2011 by Just1Voice

[SomTumTiger]

If I were you, I wouldn't bet the farm on the U.S. backing Thailand 100%. At this point about the only thing they are doing is saying they are "distressed" a the fighting and hope it can be resolved peacefully. If full scale war broke out they would, in my opinion, try to work as mediators to bring about a peaceful solution, but don't expect the Marines to be landing any time soon. You also have to remember that Cambodia has signed agreements with Vietnam (who has no lost love for Thailand), as well as LAO, for "mutual defense" if one country is attacked by another country. Add to the equation that China has been pouring millions of dollars of military hardware and training into Cambodia, and you have an explosive situation that does not bode well for Thailand.

Watching DPM Suthep talking with the US Ambassador tonight, they certainly seemed quite friendly. Perhaps you were there? I was.

[Thai at Heart]

If I were you, I wouldn't bet the farm on the U.S. backing Thailand 100%. At this point about the only thing they are doing is saying they are "distressed" a the fighting and hope it can be resolved peacefully. If full scale war broke out they would, in my opinion, try to work as mediators to bring about a peaceful solution, but don't expect the Marines to be landing any time soon. You also have to remember that Cambodia has signed agreements with Vietnam (who has no lost love for Thailand), as well as LAO, for "mutual defense" if one country is attacked by another country. Add to the equation that China has been pouring millions of dollars of military hardware and training into Cambodia, and you have an explosive situation that does not bode well for Thailand.

Watching DPM Suthep talking with the US Ambassador tonight, they certainly seemed quite friendly. Perhaps you were there? I was.

The US will publicly side with Thailand. That is what friends are for. I can't see the US getting involved. Although I would love to be a fly on the wall if one of the many Thai generals has to explain why Thailand is apparently fighting over 4. something square kilometres of scrub at the request of a bunch of people in yellow shirts sitting in the road (several of whose leaders are already charged with terrorism), despite the whole issue apparently being settled over 40 or 50 years ago.

I can imagine when the Thai general leaves the room, there will be a collective shake of the shoulders to which someone will probably say, "TIT".

[ballpoint]

You're correct in this, to a point. In pointing out that the Thai had not complained about the map for a period of 50 years, that they had, by default, so to speak, accepted the map as the "official map". The ICJ pretty much stated the map showing the border drawn by the French was the official map, and the determining factor. Therefor, since the ICJ ruled the map was "official", that means the border drawn on it is also the "official border". That border clearly puts the Temple in Cambodia, and clearly shows the border demarcation. Everyone except Thailand accepts that.

In response to a previous post, yes, Thailand had the right to appeal the ICJ ruling, but the never bothered to do so. To me, if they thought they were in the right, an appeal should have been filed within the time limit, which was 7 years, but they failed to do so.

So, three points to consider.

1) When 2 or more countries agree to let the ICJ settle a case, they ALSO agree to abide by the decision.

2) However, if the decision goes against one of the parties, that party then has 7 years to appeal.

3) Ever since the ruling the Thai have said they don't agree with it, but never bothered to file an appeal, which begs the question of "Why not?"

3a) My guess is that they knew that, legally, they didn't have a good enough case, or "legal leg" to stand on, so an appeal would have been a waste of time & money, and/or:

3b) They knew that "a" was correct, and that a second "loss of face" in the international community would have been to much for their Thai Pride to bear.

I believe this "loss of face" issue is also the reason they have adamantly refused to allow an international mediation by impartial 3 parties, or even their own ASEAN members to make a ruling, and keep insisting it's a "bilateral issue" they can resolve with Cambodia. In my opinion they would rather lose lives of soldiers and innocent civilians rather than lose face.

Once again someone tries to put their own interpretation on the ICJ ruling. The fact is that the court did not rule on the line of the border, it was asked "does the temple belong to Thailand or Cambodia?" The answer was "it belongs to Cambodia". The ruling stated that Thailand must withdraw its army from "the temple and its vicinity". The ruling did not state that Thailand must withdraw its army to the border shown on the 1907 map. The current dispute is where exactly the temple's vicinity ends. No doubt things would have been different if the court had ruled that the Thais must move 1 km from the temple, or back to the border shown on the map, but it didn't because it had no jurisdiction to do so. It'll be interesting to see if both countries would agree to have the border officially delineated by an independant authority. There is no guarantee that the 1907 map would be the one taken up, and a redrawing of the border to follow the natural watershed is a distinct possibility.

[DesflyTdesme]

Diplomacy the new battlefront

By The Nation,

Agencies

Cambodia asks UN to send in peacekeeping force; Thailand says dispute should be settled bilaterally

Border between Thailand and Cambodia was not completely calm yesterday as Phnom Penh began to internationalise the boundary conflict, asking United Nations to send peacekeeping forces to contain the violence at the Hindu temple of Preah Vihear while Bangkok was struggling to bring it down to bilateral level.

Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen sent their respectively letters to President of the UN Security Council Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti accusing each other of launching heavy arm attacks to violate sovereignty of the other. Both sides claimed other fire first and they did retaliate only for self-defence.

Hun Sen said in his letter sent out since Sunday night that the attack resulted in human casualties and damaged to the Preah Vihear temple.

Abhisit argued that Cambodian troops used the Hindu temple as a shield. "Thailand is gravely concerned about the use of Phra Viharn (Thai accent for Preah Vihear) by Cambodia for military purpose, which is in violation of international law, in particular the article 4 (1) of the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Arm Conflict," he said in the letter to UN yesterday.

Abhisit protested the Cambodia's violation of Thai sovereignty and territorial integrity and the attack on Thai civilians and properties but requested the UN to take no action.

Hun Sen, however, urged the UN Security Council to convene an urgent meeting to stop Thailand's aggression.

"We need the United Nations to send forces here and create a buffer zone to guarantee that there is no more fighting," Hun Sen said, adding that the situation kept deteriorating and the two sides were no longer listening to each other.

Meanwhile Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sok An wrote his letter to Unesco's Director Irina Bokova to informed her the damages of the Preah Vihear from Thai artillery shells.

The Hindu temple of Preah Vihear has been at the core of conflict between Thailand and Cambodia since last century. The conflict was boiled out when the World Heritage Committee inscribed it as a world heritage site in 2008 with Thailand's disagreement on the ground that the inscription might cause lost of Thailand's right over its vicinity.

The temple, ruled by the International Court of Justice in 1962, is situated in the territory under sovereignty of Cambodia but Bangkok argued that the surrounding areas belong to Thailand.

The current border clash is one of the worst in decades causing a lot of casualty and damages. One Thai soldier and one civilian died and 25 soldiers injured in the clash since Friday. Casualty and damage on Cambodia side were reportedly around the same as Thai side but could not be verified clearly.

A fresh round of clash took place yesterday morning when troops of both sides exchanged small arms firing in the area near the Preah Vihear.

Thailand insisted that it fired to Cambodia only for self-defence and hoped that the conflict could be solved bilaterally. Bangkok disagreed with the idea to bring the issue into the discussion of the UN Security Council.

"We would cooperate with the United Nations and international community but in this case we would like to reserve our right to solve the problem bilaterally," said government's spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), which both Thailand and Cambodia are members, likely wanted to have some roles in mediating the current conflict.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty M. Natalegawa, as the chair of the Asean, would visit Thailand today to obtain information on the situation after another visit to Phnom Penh for the same purpose earlier.

However Asean chief Surin Pitsuwan said the Asean would limit its role only in listening information from both sides. "In early stage, both sides should end the problem by bilateral consultative," he said.

Hun Sen said he needed third party mediation as two countries cannot negotiate each other. "I also appeal to (Thai Prime Minister) Abhisit not to be afraid of the third party to mediate the Cambodia and Thai border dispute. We can go to the International Court together."

The Asean, UN, United States and China have expressed their concern over the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodian and called the two neighbours to exercise utmost restraint.

-- The Nation 2011-02-08

Wow this iscrazy and depressing and immature most of all sad. Not for the two countriesbut for the soldiers, that lost their lives the people who have to vacate theirhomes the families pushed out in the street, which should be a simple discussion.The fight is over a small piece of land which is taking lives of innocentpeople because of the government. For the government it’s passed sad, not onebut both. (Historical Site) first of all who’s history lies in or on this site awar let’s be serious I can see, if another country was trying to take over thecountry, but those Genghis Khan, days been long gone, now taking hostages, that would draw a flag . But not for war if any harm has been done and it was a quick release. Now, If... if the historicalsite belongs to Cambodia, and is on Thailand’s border you should let them claimit, or sell that piece of the land to them because Thailand has much land, andplenty historical sites, sell the land rebuild, or redo the border. Compensatethe soldiers families that died, compensate the families whose home had beendestroyed, because as close as these countries are they have to be some cousinsare uncles over there as well as Laos. These countries are the close ofneighbors and should be allies for the rest of their days in case a real wartype event jumps off. Countries already have problems within the country; thecountry is just continuing to separate its people and categorize, them which is very bad for thecountries future. After a while everybody would hate, everyone and the land ofsmiles which we know, will become a land of hate, towards everyday people.Cause then they will began to categorize people. ( This situation should simply end with talks). Wow....

[Preman]

Call in Uncle Fester or Bugs Bunny!

[webfact]

BORDER CLASHES

UN Security Council Agrees To Meet On Feb 14 On Thai-Cambodian Border Disputes

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