Thai-Cambodia peace talks postponed as clashes continue

[News_Editor]

Thai-Cambodia peace talks postponed as clashes continue

2011-04-27 21:23:01 GMT+7 (ICT)

BANGKOK, THAILAND (BNO NEWS) -- Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Wednesday announced that scheduled peace talks between Thai and Cambodian defense ministers had been postponed, as border clashes enter their sixth day.

Peace talks further heated the situation as media reports cited military personnel saying Cambodia claimed Thailand had admitted defeat by entering the talks. In addition, further reports said postponing peace talks would be used as a response to the claims.

However, Vejjajiva insisted Thailand had not pulled out of the peace talks, insisting that a new date would be scheduled as Thai Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwon began his planned trip to China on Wednesday, following an invitation from China's Defense Ministry.

Prawit's secretary Noppadol Inthapanya, meanwhile, confirmed the minister would be open to having talks with his Cambodian counterpart Tea Banh after he returns from his visit to China, adding that he would continue to monitor the situation from abroad, and if a serious problem occurs in Thailand during his visit to China, the Defense Minister would fly back home.

Since Friday, both countries have clashed in their border regions, as both Cambodia and Thailand claim the 4.6 square kilometer area near the ancient Preah Vihear temple on their shared border, which has never been formally established. Cambodia requested Indonesian observers to mediate in the conflict but Thailand denied.

On Tuesday, clashes near the Preah Vihear temple, which is around 160 kilometers (100 miles) east of the Ta Krabey temple, where fighting has continued, but no reports of casualties were released in the latest clashes.

At least 12 soldiers from both countries have been killed during the the recent clashes, which continues to worsen. On Monday, clashes erupted near the Ta Muen Thom temple in Thailand's eastern Surin province, causing about 25,000 residents to evacuate the area.

Previously, Thailand's Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya had suggested the government to review its relation with Cambodia at the weekly Cabinet meeting, while Thailand's National army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha had stated that the government was currently discussing whether or not to go to war with Cambodia over the disputed border.

On Tuesday, Thai government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said the cabinet passed a three-part resolution disclosing retaliatory militarily action to push Cambodian soldiers out of the disputed area; diplomatic efforts to bring Cambodia back to bilateral talks; and all ministries are to review work plans and mechanisms involving cooperation with Cambodia.

Tensions first escalated between the two countries in July 2008 following the build-up of military forces near the Preah Vihear temple. The United Nations Security Council urged both sides to establish a permanent ceasefire after at least 10 people were killed.

Clashes resumed in February as both nations claim the lands surrounding the ancient Hindu Temple, which has been damaged due to the conflict. The Preah Vihear temple dates back to the 11th century and is located on the Cambodian side of the border.

In 2008, it was inscribed on the World Heritage List in recognition of its outstanding universal value. It is considered an outstanding example of Khmer architecture and consists of a complex of sanctuaries linked by pavements and staircases on an 800-metre-long axis.

Thailand and Cambodia are scheduled to meet in next month's ASEAN summit, which is scheduled to take place in Indonesia. In addition, Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya also has an appointment to meet with ASEAN chairman Marty Natalegawa on Thursday.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-04-27