Thai-Cambodian border talks agree on full troop redeployment

HUA HIN, Aug 20 (TNA) -Thai Foreign Minister Tej Bunnag and his Cambodian counterpart Hor Namhong on Tuesday agreed to adopt a provisional arrangement over the disputed Preah Vihear temple pending the survey and demarcation of the area in question.

In a joint press conference after a full day of talks in this Thai resort town, Mr. Tej announced both parties have agreed on a full redeployment oftroops in the area, among other measures.

Mr. Hor said Cambodia would pull out its troops from the temple area, butwould maintain only some police there for security.

Both agreed to adopt a provisional arrangement pending the survey and demarcation work to be carried out by the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC),which is expected to be convened in October.

Asked whether Phnom Pehn would withdraw its written request for the United Nations Security Council to deal with the dispute, the Cambodian foreign minister said he personally wanted to do so soon, but that the matter isup to the Cambodian government's decision.

Likewise, the Thai foreign minister reaffirmed that the arrangement mustcomply with the Thai constitution.

It is expected that the next round of the Foreign Ministers' Meeting willtake place after the Joint Boundary Commission is convened in October.

Asked when Cambodia would allow tourists to visit the Preah Vihear temple, the Cambodian foreign minister said Phnom Penh would consider it whentroops of both sides are pulled out of the temple area.

Thai Foreign Minister Tej said he could not give details regarding the troop withdrawal because it is a duty of military officers of bothcountries to further negotiate the matter.