ID :
209292
Sun, 09/25/2011 - 14:15
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Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/209292
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UN secretary-general expresses concerns over temple dispute says Thai FM
BANGKOK, September 25 (TNA) - Thai Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said Sunday the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed concerns over relations between Thailand and Cambodia resulted from the disputed border area near the ancient Preah Vihear temple.
According to the foreign minister, the world body chief felt uncomfortable over relations between the two neighbouring countries and expressed his anxieties during talks in New York.
Surapong said he told Ban that he and Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra visited Cambodia recently and were warmly welcomed by Phnom Penh government leaders and hoped that relations would improve.
Cambodia has earlier asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to interpret its 1962 ruling which awarded the Preah Vihear temple to Cambodia, claimed by both countries for decades. Frequent clashes occurred in the past around the 4.6 sq. km. area near the temple and contested by the two countries.
Ban was reportedly relief after being informed by the Thai minister that Thailand would adhere to the Court’s ruling which allowed Indonesian observers to be dispatched to the contested area, aimed at ending clashes there, Surapong said.
Surapong also said he had invited the UN chief to visit Thailand officially before the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders summit in Bali in November. (TNA)
According to the foreign minister, the world body chief felt uncomfortable over relations between the two neighbouring countries and expressed his anxieties during talks in New York.
Surapong said he told Ban that he and Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra visited Cambodia recently and were warmly welcomed by Phnom Penh government leaders and hoped that relations would improve.
Cambodia has earlier asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to interpret its 1962 ruling which awarded the Preah Vihear temple to Cambodia, claimed by both countries for decades. Frequent clashes occurred in the past around the 4.6 sq. km. area near the temple and contested by the two countries.
Ban was reportedly relief after being informed by the Thai minister that Thailand would adhere to the Court’s ruling which allowed Indonesian observers to be dispatched to the contested area, aimed at ending clashes there, Surapong said.
Surapong also said he had invited the UN chief to visit Thailand officially before the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders summit in Bali in November. (TNA)
