Tuesday, 29 July 2008

Democrat backs pack on troop withdrawal

Opposition Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva 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 and tension 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 their troops 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 the territory is settled. (TNA)

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