People's Daily Online
July 22, 2011
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen (pictured) said Friday that troop withdrawal from the newly defined demilitarized zone surrounding the 11st century Preah Vihear temple must be done simultaneously.
"The troop pullout must be done simultaneously, it's impossible that Cambodia withdraw its troops first," he said during a press briefing to express Cambodia's stance on the border issue with Thailand.
His remark came after Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Thursday Indonesian observers would not be allowed to enter the disputed border area near Preah Vihear temple ruins until Cambodian troops had left. He added that talks between the two sides are needed to discuss procedures to prevent any misunderstanding from occurring.
"We welcome negotiations with Thailand at anytime, anywhere and any levels of officials in order to speed up the process," said Hun Sen. "But the talks on the area defined by the court must be done with ASEAN participation at any cost."
He said the newly defined demilitarized zone by the International Court of Justice (ICJ)'s order covers the area of 17. 388 square kilometers.
Cambodia on Thursday had sent a seven-point draft agreement to Thailand, Indonesia, The Hague, and the United Nations Security Council, hoping to sign it with Thailand in order to comply with the order of the ICJ to define a demilitarized zone around the 11th century Preah Vihear temple.
"Cambodia still sticks to its ground that Cambodian troops will leave the temple area after the arrival of Indonesian observers," he added.
Source:Xinhua
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