Border talks finally under way

The 8th meeting of the Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee finally began today in Phnom Penh after a series of clashes this year.

The deadly conflicts were sparked by a long-standing dispute over 4.6 sq-km of land around the centuries-old Preah Vihear Temple.

Cambodia in particular has been looking forward to the GBC as everything seems to be in its favour at the moment.

Thailand was forced to bow to the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) provisional order to withdraw troops from a 17.3 sq-km demilitarised zone, of which 8.5 sq-km is in Thailand and 8.8 sq-km is in Cambodia, and allow Indonesian observers into the area.

However, the armed forces' Supreme Commander Thanasak Patimaprakorn has previously rejected the ICJ's ruling, likening it to "practically losing territory". But since the Pheu Thai-led government has "very good relations" with Cambodian leader Hun Sen, the armed forces have no choice but to follow orders.

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Metal pieces found in Preah Vihear: Suspected spy plane parts

The authority was inspecting the metal pieces suspected to be part of a spy plane exploded mid-air. The pieces were found in Preah Vihear province on 16 August 2011 (Photo: Hang Savyouth, RFA)

 Joint authority force in Preah Vihear province have discovered several metal pieces made from aluminum spread on the ground. The parts could be pieces a small plane flying over Kulen district, located about 40 km southwest of Preah Vihear city.

The discovery was made after 3 loud explosions were heard in the air on Tuesday morning.

Research teams from the joint force including soldiers, military police and CMAC employees, indicated that several metal pieces measuring 4 to 7-cm thick, as well as an electrical box were found near a villager’s house and also in several locations in the forest located in Kulen district, south of Sroyong commune, after several consecutive explosion sounds were heard. The sound created panic among villagers located about 40-km around the area.

On Tuesday 16 August, Sor Thavy, the deputy district governor of Preah Vihear province, said that several explosion sounds were heard at about 6AM, then the authority started the search immediately after villagers from Kulen district reported that they saw metal pieces raining down from the sky near their houses.

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[Thai] PM backs withdrawal from WHC

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has defended the decision to withdraw Thailand from Unesco's World Heritage Convention, saying its approval of Cambodia's management plan for Preah Vihear temple would put the country at a disadvantage.

At a press conference yesterday, Mr Abhisit said a draft agreement on the management plan proposed by the convention, which sets the criteria for Unesco's list of the world's most important cultural and natural assets, contained some wording from the Cambodian version of the draft.

He said some sensitive words - "restoration" and "repair" - from the Phnom Penh version of the draft had been interpolated into the draft. Such wording could put Thailand at risk of losing territory, he said, because they could be interpreted as apportioning blame for damage to the temple.

Thailand has found the draft unacceptable, prompting it to withdraw from the WHC, Mr Abhisit said.

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UNESCO Director-General regrets the announcement of Thailand's intention to denounce the 1972 World Heritage Convention

The Director-General of UNESCO Irina Bokova has expressed her deep regret following the declaration of the Thai Minister Suwit Khunkitti during the 35th session of the World Heritage Committee being held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris from 19 to 29 June 2011, on the intention of Thailand to denounce the 1972 World Heritage Convention.

Irina Bokova reiterated that "The World Heritage Convention of 1972 is not only the foremost international instrument for the preservation and protection of the world’s cultural and natural properties which have Outstanding Universal Value, but also widely recognized as an important and indispensable tool to develop and encourage international cooperation and dialogue”.

Contrary to widely circulated media reports, the World Heritage Committee did not discuss the Management Plan of the Temple of Preah Vihear nor did it request for any reports to be submitted on its state of conservation. Moreover, it needs to be clarified that UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre never pushed for a discussion of the Management Plan by the Committee.

The decision of the World Heritage Committee on the Temple of Preah Vihear World Heritage site in Cambodia only reaffirms the need to ensure the protection and conservation of the property from any damage. It further encourages the two countries to use the 1972 Convention as a tool to support conservation, sustainable development and dialogue.

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Malaysia Hopeful Thailand Will Adhere To Ceasefire Agreement

KUALA LUMPUR, May 9 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is still hopeful that Thailand and Cambodia, which clashed over a border issue, will be able to reach an amicable agreement soon.

Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Richard Riot Jaem said Malaysia also hoped that Thailand would adhere to the ceasefire agreement it signed in February this year.

Despite calls by leaders attending the Asean Summit in Jakarta over the weekend to resolve the crisis, both Thai and Cambodian leaders have refused a truce.

Following the refusal, Thai and Cambodian Foreign Ministers agreed to extend their stay in Jakarta for more talks mediated by Indonesia on Monday.

Speaking to reporters after inaugurating a Symposium on the Dynamics of Youth and Terrorism, here today, Riot said he was taken aback by the fact that the agreement, signed in February, in which he was the signatory representing the Malaysian government, was not upheld.

"During the meeting in Jakarta in February this year, all 10 countries, including Thailand and Cambodia, had agreed to the agreement.

"But sadly, it was not adhered to by the concerned countries. Cambodia accepted it, but Thailand did not," he noted.

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Malaysia blames Thailand over Cambodia border clash

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia on Monday blamed Thailand for the renewed clashes on the Thai-Cambodia border, saying it had reneged on a deal to send observers to the disputed region.

The dispute overshadowed a weekend summit of the 10-member Southeast Asian bloc, where Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen launched into a tirade against Thailand over the conflict that has left 18 dead since last month.

Thailand and Cambodia agreed in February to accept Indonesian military observers on the border but the initiative remains on ice due to Thai demands that Cambodia first pull troops out of the temple.

"An agreement had been agreed upon, (Thailand) should adhere to it, I wouldn't want to say lacking in faith... (but) they did not adhere to the agreement," Malaysian deputy foreign minister Richard Riot Jaem told reporters.

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Cambodia appeals to World Court over border temple

PHNOM PENH, April 29, 2011 (AFP) - Cambodia said Friday it had asked the World Court to clarify a 1962 ruling about an ancient temple on its disputed border with Thailand as clashes between the neighbours entered an eight day.

The request "for the interpretation of the Court's judgment... concerning the temple of Preah Vihear" was prompted by "Thailand's repeated armed aggression to exert its claims to Cambodian territory", the foreign ministry said.

A clarification by the court was of "the utmost necessity... in order to peacefully and definitely settle the boundary problem between the two countries in the area", it added.

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[LIVE] Border dispute with Thailand- LIVE on 28 April 2011

-At 6:00 AM Thai and Cambodian troops change fire at Ta Krabey, then Thais shells to Cambodia’s Ta Moan, Ta Krabey and Thmor Daun of Cambodia. Till 8:00 Thais shells heavy guns to Cambodia. So, Cambodian troops would not wait and see Thai fire their territory.

- By 8:04 AM the exchange fire of Thai and Cambodian troops, Thais may be killed as Cambodian troops have no causalities.

-After Cambodian troops fire back a Thai military commander retreats the battle field.

-After the exchange of gunfire today, it leaves Thai soldiers killed and wounded especially at Ta Krabey, there is no Cambodian troop killed or wounded.

-Thailand’s fire hit a Cambodian village, and leave three Cambodian civilian wounded in Banteay Ampil district of Oddor Meanchey.

-Cambodia’s Religion 4 Military Commander Chea Mon and Thailand’s Religion 2 Sowat Chai could meet at 10:30 today at O’smach.

-At 10:20 Thailand stops firing artillery to Cambodia.

-Loud explosions could be heard since dawn in Phanom Dongrak, a village about 12 miles (20 kilometres) from the border, an Associated Press reporter said.

-Black cloud and heavy rain at battle field.

-10:50 meeting with Cambodian and Thai Military commanders starts. Thai suspends their fires.

-Electricity cut off.

-Fire at Thai troop hit well. Ten dead Thai soldiers were sent to a pagoda nearby Sorin. Other eight wounded soldiers are sent to hospitals.

-11:35 the meeting between the two nation’s military commanders ends, agreeing to stop fire and promised to contact timely to solve any armed clashes. The Commanders declare to allow all both sides of refugees return home.

(Via DAP)

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Cambodian, Thai troops exchange gunfire for 7th straight day

PHNOM PENH, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Gunfire exchanges between Cambodian and Thai troops over the border area at the Ta Moan temple and Ta Krabei temple in Oddar Meanchey province broke out again Thursday morning, said a field military commander.

"The fighting started again this early morning around 3:50 a.m. at the two temples, Thai soldiers triggered the attack first," Suos Sothea, deputy commander of the artillery unit, told Xinhua by telephone from the battle fields.

"In fact, Thai troops have fired artillery shelling on our troops almost throughout tonight and they have increased shelling in early Thursday morning," he said.

"Thai forces have fired both small guns and heavy artilleries on our troops over the areas, they have ambitions to fight and capture the temples," he said. "We have also exchanged some small guns to defend our territory, we do not use heavy guns to fight back yet," he said.

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[Cambodian] CMAC to look for cluster bombs

The Cambodian Mine Action Centre is preparing to dispatch a team to search for cluster munitions allegedly used by Thai forces during military clashes along the border last month, CMAC director general Heng Ratana said today.

Thousands of families were displaced last month during clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops near Preah Vihear temple that left at least 10 people dead.

As these families return to their homes, Heng Ratana said they are still at grave risk of being injured by cluster munitions.

“We are very concerned about the upcoming rainy season,” Heng Ratana said.

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De-listing of Preah Vihear Temple Impossible: UNESCO

Koichiro Matsuura, special envoy of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) said on Monday that it is impossible to de-list Preah Vihear temple from the World Heritage List.

Matsuura made the remarks during a meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

"Thailand has intention to ask UNESCO to de-list the temple, but I had informed Abhisit Vejjajiva (Thai prime minister) and Kasit Piromya (Thai foreign minister) that de-listing of Preah Vihear temple from the World Heritage List is impossible by all means because Preah Vihear temple is the outstanding universal value," the Prime Minister's spokesman Eang Sophalleth quoted Matsuura as saying.

"Preah Vihear temple, the World Heritage site, is under the responsibility of UNESCO, so UNESCO experts will come to evaluate and restore Preah Vihear temple in the future,"Matsuura told the premier.

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Thai Troops pull back from temple

A Cambodian soldier looks at a dilapidated section of the Preah Vihear temple. (Photo: WASSANA NANUAM)

A road is being built to the temple from the Cambodian side of the border. (Photo: JETJARASNARANONG)

 

 

Thai and Cambodian soldiers have pulled out from a temple in disputed territory in a bid to ease border tensions.

Ten soldiers from each country positioned at Wat Kaew Sikha Khiri Sawara near the 11th century Preah Vihear temple withdrew from the area on Dec 1.

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Preah Vihear temple border gate with Thailand likely to open on weekend

(Xinhua): Ten Thai soldiers stationed in Wat Keo Sekha Kiri Svarak pagoda at Preah Vihear temple have already withdrawn and the Preah Vihear temple border gate with Thailand is likely to open on Sunday, said a top official at the Preah Vihear National Authority.

"Since Monday's evening, both sides have pulled out each side of the 10 soldiers stationed in Wat Keo Sekha Kiri Svarak pagoda and Thai side asked to keep five of them dressed uniforms and equipped with radio transmitters, but no weapons to station at the Police station 795 nearby the Cambodian market nearby the temple," Hang Soth, General Director of the Preah Vihear National Authority told Xinhua on Tuesday.

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Cambodia PRU responses to Sondhi Limthongkun, PAD leader

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Thailand asks Asean not to intervene in temple row

The Thai government is asking other Asean countries not to intervene in the Preah Vihear conflict and allow Cambodia and Thailand to settle the matter themselves.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Thursday he did not believe the reports that Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, in his capacity as Association of Southeast Asian Nations chairman, would raise the Preah Vihear dispute at an Asean meeting.

He thought the Asean chair was simply sounding out the opinions of association members about the border dispute after receiving a letter from Cambodia.

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Press Release of Office of the Council of Ministers Press and Quick Reaction Unit

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Thailand Still does not have Good will for Border Deal: Cambodia

CAMBODIA, PHNOM PENH, AUGUST 18, 2010-Cambodia Wednesday said that Thailand still does not have good will for border deal because Thai National assembly did not set up the agenda for border deal to be approved.

The Thai border committee is just the name, ‘not necessary’ because all documents that Thai border committee signed with Cambodian side. Thai National assembly did not approve,” Koy Khoung, spokesman for foreign ministry said.

The Thai border committee did not have power to decide, he said.

Cambodia last week appealed to international communities to seek ways to deal border issues with Thailand.

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Ban Ki-moon Ready to Mediate Cambodia-Thailand Border Conflict

CAMBODIA, PHNOM PENH, AUGUST 18, 2010-Head of United Nations Ban Ki-moon has showed his willingness to be a mediator for Cambodia-Thailand border disputed following Cambodian PM Hun Sen’s word request.
Deputy spokesperson for UN Secretary General Farhan Haq replied an email of DAP Media Center on Wednesday saying that, “The Secretary-General is willing to mediate situation when both sides request him to do so.”
Cambodian PM Hun Sen last week called on an international conference to seek peaceful solution to the two-year-long border dispute as Thailand sent troop invade Cambodia’ territory sounding world heritage Preah Vihear temple. Hun Sen said that bilateral talk was stuck due to Thailand did not approve the two countries’ border committee’s notes, which has been done for three meetings to put an end to the disputed, adding that he would inform Ban Ki-moon as he plans to pay a two-day official visit to Cambodia on October 27-28.
However, the UN added that so far it has not received any formal requests from the both sides.
Cambodian said it is ready to bring the border issue to ASEAN or UN while Thailand wants to seek settlement only bilateral talks.
Cambodia’s Foreign Affairs spokesperson Koy Kuong on Wednesday welcomed Ban Ki-moon’s respond to the border issue.
The spokesman told DAP Media Center that, “This is a positive signal of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that he want to contribute to find resolution to Cambodia-Thailand border dispute.”
(Additional reporting by Sorn Sopheak and Yung Khemara)

DAP News

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Cambodia Sends a Letter to ASEAN’s Chairman for Help

CAMBODIA, PHNOM PENH, AUGUST 14, 2010-Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Nam Hong on Saturday sent a letter to Vietnam as ASEAN Chairman for help in dealing border issues with Thailand. Cambodia needs your (Chairman) for help or acts the coordinator for this issue (border issues) under common ASEAN framework or under your own ability or related ASEAN countries in conformity with ASEAN Charter because Cambodia and Thailand are members of ASEAN,” Hor said in his letter.
Cambodia is hopeless for bilateral talks with Thai side over border issues. Cambodia avoids armed clashes with large scale between the two countries because Thai PM, recently,  has threatened to use military forces to evict Khmer people who live there for years, and Khmer troops stationing there, and take 4.6 square Km of Cambodia’s sovereignty through using secret map that drew un-bilaterally and it did not recognize as international law. Cambodia stands on spirit of ASEAN’s solidarity,” Hor insisted.

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Hun Sen Teaches Abhisit a lesson on Border Issue

CAMBODIA, PHNOM PENH, AUGUST 13, 2010-Cambodian government has seen patiently on dealing border issues with Thailand even Thai troops invaded Cambodia’ sovereignty since July 15, 2008 but the Phnom Penh government has kept maximum restraint for bilateral deal on border issues. But yesterday in the meeting of Conservation of Tonle Sap Lake, PM Hun Sen taught Thai PM Abhisit a lesson on this issue because PM Hun Sen ordered his deputies to stop resuming the bilateral talks on border unless Thailand ratified the border agreement that the border committees from the countries had approved.
This lesson will teach ruling Thai PM in a shame in his leadership.  That lesson will make Thai PM not forget about the time of his reign.
Cambodia needs the international communities to be witness for border issues because Thailand always created trick and very flexible for bilateral relationship and border deal. Thailand under ruling Thai PM has created enemy with Cambodia.  Thailand created many enemies including border issues with Malaysia, Burma and Laos. How does the country to live in peace.
This Thai PM is expansionist after he did not recognize MoU 2000 and now he turned to know MoU 2000. He himself helped to set up MoU in 2000. But, sometimes, he pretended not to know about it.
Thai PM needs to know about the lesson learning about the international law. Ratify or not on border deal with Cambodia is Thai right and it does not matter. But how to deal border, and go to measure the area that is the problem.  Thai PM has set up the relationship with dishonest as neighboring countries.
Thai government is set up a strategy. Cambodia could list 11^th century Preah Vihear temple as world heritage site but Cambodia could not develop and attract the foreign tourists because the armed forces stationed in each side.  But this strategy is successfully or not when we will wait and see.
The UN secretary general started his visit Cambodia on October 27-28. UN SG. Mr. Ban will act coordinator for border issues with Thailand. Thai PM also plans to meet Mr. Ban in late September in meeting of General assembly of UN.

DAP

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