Cambodia, Thailand considering troop withdrawal from Preah Vihear

29/07/2008 10:58:10

Cambodia and Thailand say they have agreed to consider withdrawing troops out of disputed land near an ancient temple.

After about 12 hours of talks, foreign ministers from both countries say they will ask their governments to redeploy the thousands of soldiers stationed around a small patch of land near the 11th century Preah Vihear temple.

The ruins of the Khmer temple, which sits on a mountaintop overlooking the jungle, belong to Cambodia, but the most practical entrance begins at the foot of a mountain in Thailand.

Both sides claim some of the surrounding territory.

Cambodia's Foreign Minister Hor Namhong says both countries will exercise maximum restraint and avoid the use of armed force.

Thai Foreign Minister Tej Bunnag says redeployment will only take place when the Thai government approves.

Neither side pledged any firm goals for moving the troops, and no date was set for their next meeting.

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