» 07/21/2008 15:07 CAMBODIA – THAILAND Cambodia complains to UN over Thai troops crossing border Talks are underway between officials from both countries to solve the crisis. Both parties seem motivated by domestic political considerations and any solution will be hard to come by.
Phnom Penh (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Cambodia has complained to the UN Security Council about its military standoff with Thailand over the ancient temple of Preah Vihear on their disputed border. Reports said that more than 500 Thai troops and well over 1,000 Cambodian soldiers are facing each other raising concern over possible incidents.
On Friday Phnom Penh accused Thai soldiers of crossing into Cambodian territory. Bangkok insists that it is only protecting its border.
The defence ministers of both countries are meeting today in Aranyaprathet, Thailand, to solve the confrontation.
The situation is complicated by internal political problems.
The temple, surrounded by a 4.6 sq km (1.8 sq mile) area, was awarded by the International Court of Justice in 1962 to Cambodia, and is part of its culture.
In Thailand Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej was accused by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) of selling out a piece of Thailand's history in a campaign meant to defeat him.
A few days ago Thai oreign Minister Noppadon Pattama was forced to resign after he returned to Bangkok on 10 July following a meeting of the World Heritage committee, which ruled 8-1 in favour of Cambodia.
Cambodia is going to the polls next Sunday and outgoing Prime Minister Hun Sen, who is expected to win, is using the standoff in his favour.
