Source: Radio Free Asia
Reported by Khmerization
Prime Minister Hun Sen (pictured) accused Thailand of harbouring an ambition for a long term occupation of Khmer territories, reports Radio Free Asia.
Speaking to students at a graduation ceremony on 25th, Mr. Hun Sen said that Cambodia is prepared to use its self-defence rights to protect Cambodia's territories near Preah Vihear temple which was occupied by Thai troops.
Mr. Hun Sen said: "In relations to the incident (border conflict) that was caused by Thailand and the Thai leadership, Cambodia, in my capacity as the head of an executive branch, has full rights to defend Cambodia's independence and sovereignty. I also have the obligation to explain to the people and to order our army to defend our territories. I have said again and again that Cambodia will not use military force to resolve our bilateral issues. Cambodia will only use force as a last resort in the case of self-defence and the defence of Cambodian sovereignty."
Mr. Hun Sen said he will meet with Mr. Suthep Taugsuban, the visiting Thai Deputy PM who is scheduled to arrive on Saturday, but said that the talks should centre on the military situations on the borders rather than on the joint management of the temple.
He said: "I will still welcome my friends, Deputy PM Suthep and Defence Minister Prawit, when they arrived. And if they think they cannot get what they wanted, whether they will come or not to come is up to them. But I wish to send a message to them now: don't talk about the Preah Vihear issue. But if they want to raise the Preah Vihear issue, they must talk about the withdrawal of Thai troops. That's the only thing we can talk about."
Reports from the borders indicated that the military situations are very tense with reports that both sides have reinforced their troop numbers.
Cambodian military sources reported that Thai planes have dropped two bombs near the disputed borders in a military drill. Thai military had also evacuated Thai villagers near Preah Vihear temple as well as beefing up troop numbers and heavy artillery at various border areas in Surin, Sisaket and Sakeo provinces.
Reported by Khmerization
Prime Minister Hun Sen (pictured) accused Thailand of harbouring an ambition for a long term occupation of Khmer territories, reports Radio Free Asia.
Speaking to students at a graduation ceremony on 25th, Mr. Hun Sen said that Cambodia is prepared to use its self-defence rights to protect Cambodia's territories near Preah Vihear temple which was occupied by Thai troops.
Mr. Hun Sen said: "In relations to the incident (border conflict) that was caused by Thailand and the Thai leadership, Cambodia, in my capacity as the head of an executive branch, has full rights to defend Cambodia's independence and sovereignty. I also have the obligation to explain to the people and to order our army to defend our territories. I have said again and again that Cambodia will not use military force to resolve our bilateral issues. Cambodia will only use force as a last resort in the case of self-defence and the defence of Cambodian sovereignty."
Mr. Hun Sen said he will meet with Mr. Suthep Taugsuban, the visiting Thai Deputy PM who is scheduled to arrive on Saturday, but said that the talks should centre on the military situations on the borders rather than on the joint management of the temple.
He said: "I will still welcome my friends, Deputy PM Suthep and Defence Minister Prawit, when they arrived. And if they think they cannot get what they wanted, whether they will come or not to come is up to them. But I wish to send a message to them now: don't talk about the Preah Vihear issue. But if they want to raise the Preah Vihear issue, they must talk about the withdrawal of Thai troops. That's the only thing we can talk about."
Reports from the borders indicated that the military situations are very tense with reports that both sides have reinforced their troop numbers.
Cambodian military sources reported that Thai planes have dropped two bombs near the disputed borders in a military drill. Thai military had also evacuated Thai villagers near Preah Vihear temple as well as beefing up troop numbers and heavy artillery at various border areas in Surin, Sisaket and Sakeo provinces.
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