Cambodia delays opening Thai border gate to temple: official

Cambodia delays opening Thai border gate to temple: official

via CAAI

PHNOM PENH (AFP) – Cambodia has postponed opening a border gate with Thailand at the disputed site of an ancient temple, an official said Wednesday, after conflicting reports over troop withdrawal from the area.

"We have delayed it indefinitely," said Hang Soth, director general of the government-run agency managing the Preah Vihear temple.

Cambodia earlier this week said redeployment of troops by both countries away from the border had eased the way for the gate to be opened for the first time in over two years on Sunday.

But the Thai prime minister has since denied any such withdrawal and renewed calls for all Cambodians to leave the disputed area before the army would pull back.

"I said clearly that there would be no military withdrawal if there is still intrusion," Abhisit Vejjajiva told reporters when questioned on the issue.

The gate, which gives access to the 11th century site to visitors from Thailand, has been closed since June 2008 after Thai protesters rallied near the ruins.

Preah Vihear is a combustible issue between the neighbouring countries, with the temple itself belonging to Cambodia, according to a 1962 World Court ruling, but the main entrance lying in Thailand.

The exact boundary through the surrounding grounds remains in dispute.

Relations between the pair have been strained following a series of deadly border clashes in July 2008 over land surrounding the temple after it was granted UN World Heritage status.

Hang Soth told AFP that the decision to delay opening the gate was taken because neither side could agree on details like whether a ticket booth could be installed on the Thai side.

Thailand also wanted Thai vendors to be allowed to sell their wares in a Cambodian market near the temple, he said.

"We disagreed because it is our territory," said Hang Soth.

The Thai-Cambodia border has never been fully demarcated, partly because it is littered with landmines left over from decades of war in Cambodia.

Relations between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and the Thai premier appear to have improved in recent months following a series of meetings held on the sidelines of international and regional summits.