Monday, 18 August 2008

Preah Vihear, the Thais are withdrawing

The soldiers of both countries are withdrawing from the disputed site. Archive Picture


Cambodge Soir
18-08-2008

The Cambodian and Thai troops started pulling out from Preah Vihear on Saturday 16th of August.
Hang Soth, director of the authority managing the site has confirmed their withdrawal, during a phone call with Cambodge Soir Hebdo.

Initiated on Friday, this withdrawal should continue until Saturday evening, explained Lieutenant-Colonel Sar Thavy to the Reuters Press Agency. “Everybody seems happy to see the Thai troops pulling out, said Sar Thavy. The villagers are coming back to set up their businesses close to the temple of Preah Vihear.”

The withdrawal of the soldiers had been negotiated by the military authorities of both countries and was announced on Thursday 14th of August by General Neang Phat, State Secretary of Defence and Director of the Preah Vihear Conflict Resolution Committee. Heavy weaponry should also be pullet out.

“The exact number of soldiers who left the country remains confidential”, said Hang Soth on Saturday afternoon. In total, one thousand military troops were deployed in the area. A few dozens should remain on their positions at the border, according to an announcement from Neang Phat on the 14th of August. The State Secretary of Defence didn’t reveal more details at the time.

The withdrawal of troops takes place while the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of both countries are planning to meet for new negotiations on Monday 18th of August.

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