Fighting, Temple Damage Remain Concerns
Cambodia will need the utmost cooperation from Thailand if an ongoing, potentially deadly, border standoff is to be resolved, a cabinet
Cambodiawill need the utmost cooperation from Thailand if an ongoing, potentiallydeadly, border standoff is to be resolved, a cabinet spokesman said Monday. Thousands of Thai and Cambodian troops remain stationed onthe border, centered around border temples in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meancheyprovinces. Political instability in Thailand between oppositionsupporters and an embattled government have made negotiations difficult. However, Phay Siphan, spokesman for the Council ofMinisters, said Thursday bilateral talks would continue. "We wish Thailandto stop confrontations or any intentions to shoot in the area of Preah Viheartemple," he said, as a guest on "Hello VOA." Cambodiamaintains that a portion of the temple was damaged in Oct. 15 fighting betweensmall groups of soldiers. Thailanddenies the claim. At least three Cambodian and one Thai soldier was killed inthe fighting. Along with preventing more violence, Cambodia wantsto ensure the temple is damaged no further, Phay Siphan said. Preah Vihear temple was granted World Heritage protection byUnesco July 7, which led to protests in Bagkok and at the temple and theeventual occupation of a nearby pagoda, claimed by Cambodia, by Thai troops. Bothsides then massed high numbers of heavily armed troops along the border,leading to the current deadlock. Phay Siphan said Unesco officials would hold a ceremony atPreah Vihear templeNov. 7 aimed at decreasing the military tension. Talks will be held between military commanders on bordercommittees from both sides Nov. 10. Such talks have so far failed to lead to any meaningfulwithdrawal of troops, amid worries that a protracted standoff could lead tomore violence.