ID :
14238
Tue, 07/29/2008 - 17:02
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/14238
The shortlink copeid
Democrat backs pact on gradual Cambodian border troop withdrawal
BANGKOK, July 29 (TNA) – Opposition Democrat Party leader AbhisitVejjachiva on Tuesday voiced support for the initial agreement reached by Thailand and Cambodia for a gradual withdrawal of troops from the disputed area near the ancient Preah Vihear temple.
"It is the right move," Mr. Abhisit, "that can help ease the risk andtension from the current military standoff, but the troop withdrawals must be made by both sides," he said.
He viewed the plan to hold further talks and set up a joint Thai-Cambodian border committee should be seen as a good sign because it means that both sides wanted to solve their conflicts through negotiations.
He said the objective of the talks is to see both sides withdraw theirtroops from the disputed area and respect rights of each other.
Then, a further meeting of officials concerned should be held to discuss what obstructs their cooperation to manage the area.
However, he said the Thai side must not allow any development of the disputed area unless the difference in opinions over rights over theterritory is settled.
"It is the right move," Mr. Abhisit, "that can help ease the risk andtension from the current military standoff, but the troop withdrawals must be made by both sides," he said.
He viewed the plan to hold further talks and set up a joint Thai-Cambodian border committee should be seen as a good sign because it means that both sides wanted to solve their conflicts through negotiations.
He said the objective of the talks is to see both sides withdraw theirtroops from the disputed area and respect rights of each other.
Then, a further meeting of officials concerned should be held to discuss what obstructs their cooperation to manage the area.
However, he said the Thai side must not allow any development of the disputed area unless the difference in opinions over rights over theterritory is settled.
