Cambodia, Thailand in fresh talks on border dispute

29/07/2008 03:49:56

Cambodia and Thailand say they'll consider pulling troops out of disputed land near an ancient temple on their shared border, but have not made any firm commitments to ending a two-week military standoff.

Following a full day of talks on Monday, both countries' foreign ministers said they would ask their governments to redeploy the thousands of soldiers stationed near the Preah Vihear temple.

The 11th century temple sits on land belonging to Cambodia, but which is most easily reached from Thai territory, and both countries claim some of the surrounding land.

The ministers also agreed to avoid the use of armed force in resolving the dispute, which observers say was a key issue in Cambodia's elections at the weekend.

As counting continued on Monday, Prime Minister Hun Sen's ruling party was in the lead on around 60 percent.

But opposition parties have accused his party of interfering with voter rolls to ensure victory, and want the elections re-run.

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