Friday, 8 August 2008

Tension Eases at Ta Moan Temple

By Sok Khemara, VOA Khmer
Original report from Washington
07 August 2008

Khmer audio aired 07 August 2008 (1.12 MB) - Download (MP3)
Khmer audio aired 07 August 2008 (1.12 MB) - Listen (MP3)

Military tension between Cambodian and Thai soldiers around Ta Moan Thom temple has eased, following a decision on both sides to lay common conditions for negotiation.

"The first condition was that both sides have to withdraw from Ta Moan Thom," said Maj. Sim Sokha, a commander from Military Region 4. "The second one, both sides have to allow people to enter the temple."

During the day, Cambodian soldiers can enter the temple, which lays on the border of Oddar Meanchey province, west of Preah Vihear temple, where a standoff continues, Sim Sokha said. But both sides have agreed not to enter the temple at night.

Defense Minister Gen. Tea Banh said Wednesday Thai troops had moved to their original position, 350 meters from the temple, after they occupied and fortified the temple last weekend.

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