Iftekhar urges Thailand and Cambodia to show restrain on borders

DHAKA, Bangladesh, July 26 (BSS) - Adviser for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh caretaker government Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury today said Bangladesh, as a peaceful and peace-loving country, urged both Thailand and Cambodia to show restrain on their border dispute over an ancient temple.

He also expressed the hope that "the matter could be resolved through dialogue in the spirit of Asian solidarity", said a pressrelease.

He was speaking to the media in Singapore today where theASEAN Regional Forum Conference was taking place.

"Both Thailand and Cambodia are our close friends and we findthe dispute between them painful for us," he said.

"We believe any bilateral dispute can be resolved peacefullythrough dialogue. Confrontations never help," he remarked.

He also welcomed the "Six Party Talks" on North Korea that took place in Singapore on the side-lines of the ARF, particularly the contact at the level of Secretary of State ofthe US and the North Korean Foreign Minister.

"Like many others Bangladesh is pleased with this developmentand hopes that it will help ease tension," Dr Iftekhar said.

BSS/1320gmt