Tea Banh says Cambodia, Thailand to comply with ICJ over border

Defense Minister Tea Banh speaks at National Conference on "Governance and Security Sector Reform.

PHNOM PENH (Cambodia Herald) - Defense Minister Tea Banh said Thursday that Cambodia and Thailand would comply with the International Court of Justice and withdraw forces from around Preah Vihear Temple.

"We have not yet complied 100 percent with the ICJ demands but we have reached a good stage. We also need some time," he told reporters.

"We have agreed to the ICJ demands but are waiting for a good situation so we can do it perfectly."

On July 18 last year, the ICJ ruled that Cambodia and Thailand should withdraw their armed forces to no more than 17 kilometers from the temple.

The ruling followed Cambodia's complaint against Thailand for opening fire on the temple and Cambodian soldiers.

Cambodia has also asked the ICJ to explain its ruling in 1962 that the Hindu temple is located in Cambodian territory.

Thailand has never recognised the ruling and sent troops into the area in 2008, leading to clashes and deaths on both sides.