Singapore welcomes moves by Thailand, Cambodia to resolve temple dispute

Mr. Hor Namhong (L) and Mr. Tej Bunnag (R) at the meeting 18-19 Aug. 2008.

SINGAPORE, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- Singapore Wednesday welcomed the efforts of Thailand and Cambodia to hold talks on the Preah Vihear Temple issue.

A spokesman for the Singapore Foreign Ministry said in a statement that resolving the disagreement in an amicable manner was in line with the spirit of ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) solidarity and good neighborliness.

The spokesman added, Singapore wishes them well in their continuing efforts to work towards a good outcome for both sides.

Cambodia and Thailand announced earlier that they have agreed to arrange a second-phase troop redeployment at the disputed border area near the temple.

The Preah Vihear Temple straddles the Cambodian-Thai border atop the Dangrek Mountain and was listed as a World Heritage Site on July 7 by UNESCO's World Heritage Committee.

In 1962, the International Court of Justice decided that the 11-century temple and the land around belongs to Cambodia, which rankled the Thais and has led to continuous disputes.

Editor: Bi Mingxin