Thursday, October 14, 2010

Kasit: No protest from Cambodia

14/10/2010
Online news: Breakingnews
Bangkok Post

Cambodia has not sent any protest letter to Thailand nor clarified allegations by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) that some red-shirts received weapons training at a camp near Siem Reap, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said on Thursday.

He also said the DSI had not yet reported the substance of its investigation to the ministry.

He said Cambodia's reaction through the media to the DSI's report was "normal".

"We will not retort because we can clarify the matter if there is any misunderstanding,’’ Mr Kasit said.

Last week, the DSI reported that 11 hard-core red-shirt supporters arrested in Chiang Mai province admitted to having undergone weapons training in Cambodia. High ranking Cambodian officials subsequently dismissed the claim in comments made to news reporters.

Mr Kasit said issue will not be raised in talks with United Nations Secretary-General Bun Ki Moon during his visit on Oct 26.

“Thailand will discuss the Preah Vihear temple matter in order to reaffirm its resolve to settle the problem under the existing memorandum of understanding,’’ he said.

“Thailand will also reiterate its desire to for peace and to develop the area with Cambodia, as well as welcoming the UN to join in the development,’’ said Mr Kasit.

Bangkok and Phnom Penh claim overlapping areas around Preah Vihear temple, and that has led to renewed conflict over the last year.

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