Indonesia to observe Cambodia-Thailand border conflict

Indonesia to observe Cambodia-Thailand border conflict

2011-02-23 11:24:09 GMT+7 (ICT)

JAKARTA, INDONESIA (BNO NEWS) -- Amidst the recent border conflicts between Thailand and Cambodia, both countries have accepted Indonesia to observe both sides of the border, officials said Tuesday.

An Indonesian team of observers will be deployed to the region where they will observe and report accurately, as well as impartially on complaints of violations and submitting its findings to each party, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) said.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, however, underlined that the the team is only observing and not taking part in any peacekeeping efforts, stating that the observers would be unarmed.

The agreement took place during an ASEAN meeting in Indonesia between the nations' foreign ministers. In addition, Cambodia and Thailand also requested Indonesia to participate in bilateral negotiations.

Clashes began after a long battle between Cambodia and Thailand, which share border areas and both claim the lands surrounding Cambodia's Hindu Temple of Preah Vihear, was renewed. The recent violence reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people.

ASEAN also explained that the terms of reference for the observers will be based on Indonesia's experiences in welcoming similar missions from ASEAN Member States in Timor-Leste in 1999 and Aceh in 2003-2005, and Indonesia's own mission to Southern Philippines.

"The Meeting called upon Indonesia to engage appropriately to support the two countries’ efforts to resolve the tense situation," said the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Surin Pitsuwan, who went on to describe the meeting as a "historic day."

"It is a major step forward to our community building efforts – but it is only the beginning and we shall have many more challenges to overcome as we move towards ASEAN Community 2015," Pitsuwan added.

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