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Thai forces violate Cambodian territory
Cambodia has informed the UN Security Council that Thai forces have violated its territory near an ancient World Heritage Site temple where hundreds of troops continued to face off on Sunday.
- AP
- Published: 09:52 July 20, 2008
Preah Vihear: Cambodia has informed the UN Security Council that Thai forces have violated its territory near an ancient World Heritage Site temple, where hundreds of troops continued to face off on Sunday.
Cambodia's permanent mission in New York submitted a letter to the chairman of the Security Council and the chairman of the General Assembly to "draw their attention to the current situation on the Cambodian-Thai border," Information Minister Khieu Kanharith said.
The conflict over territory surrounding Preah Vihear temple escalated when Unesco recently approved Cambodia's application to have the complex named a World Heritage Site.
Thai activists fear the new status will undermine Thailand's claim to nearby land since the border has never been demarcated.
Troops from the opposing forces were on the brink of a shoot-out on Thursday night, which was avoided when Cambodians retreated from a site occupied by the Thais.
Opposing commanders and their troops have tried to defuse tensions, sometimes even sharing meals, snapping photographs and sleeping within easy sight of one another.
Cambodian Brigidier General Chea Keo said Thai troops have deployed an artillery piece about a kilometer northeast of Preah Vihear temple, the latest escalation ahead of Monday's meeting aimed at averting a military confrontation.
Despite their pledge to hold talks on Monday in Thailand to try to defuse the tensions, both Cambodia and Thailand have massed troops at the site.
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