WASHINGTON, April 26 (UPI) -- The Thai and Cambodian governments are called on to settle their differences peacefully, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (pictured) advised.
Cambodia accused Thailand of using poison gas during fighting along their shared border, though Bangkok denies the charges.
Border conflicts between the two Asian nations are centered on an 11th-century temple, listed as a World Heritage Site in 2008. The international courts ruled in 1962 that the Preah Vihear temple was in Cambodia though parts of the overall temple grounds are in Thai territory.
Clinton, in a statement, said Washington was "deeply concerned" by reports of violence along the Thailand-Cambodia border.
"We strongly urge both sides to exercise restraint, refrain from provocative acts and immediately take all necessary steps to reduce tensions and avoid further conflict," she said.
Thailand after earlier clashes erupted in February rejected an offer to have U.N. peacekeeping troops sent to the area. The United Nations said troops would be sent in only if both sides were in agreement and they were part of bilateral cooperation between the countries.
Cambodia accused Thailand of using poison gas during fighting along their shared border, though Bangkok denies the charges.
Border conflicts between the two Asian nations are centered on an 11th-century temple, listed as a World Heritage Site in 2008. The international courts ruled in 1962 that the Preah Vihear temple was in Cambodia though parts of the overall temple grounds are in Thai territory.
Clinton, in a statement, said Washington was "deeply concerned" by reports of violence along the Thailand-Cambodia border.
"We strongly urge both sides to exercise restraint, refrain from provocative acts and immediately take all necessary steps to reduce tensions and avoid further conflict," she said.
Thailand after earlier clashes erupted in February rejected an offer to have U.N. peacekeeping troops sent to the area. The United Nations said troops would be sent in only if both sides were in agreement and they were part of bilateral cooperation between the countries.
2 comments:
US needs to do more than just talking with no result.
The root of all Thai problems lay squarely in the hand of Thais Military establishment who is riding on the ailing Thai Monarch back.
Only the US who is the master of Liberty, Democracy and Social Justice can put pressure on Thai top military brass to behave according to the 21th century norm. Does the United State of America have good will and good conscious to deal with its rotten ally named "Tais Only Land" ?
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