Chalit opposes central committee’s participation in problem solving

Siem Reap, CAMBODIA : Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong (R) speaks while his Thai Foreign counterpart Tej Bunnag (L) listens during a joint press conference at a hotel in Siem Reap on July 28, 2008. Thailands army chief welcomed on July 29, talks with Cambodia to resolve a two-week tense military standoff, but refused to commit to withdrawing troops from their border. AFP PHOTO/ TANG CHHIN SOTHY

July 29, 2008
Bangkok - Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pukpasuk said there was no need for the central committee to settle the Preah Vihear dispute between Thailand and Cambodia.

He also said the dispute was the problem between two countries, calling for the setup of a panel to follow up with the issue.

ACM Chalit believed it would take time for Thailand and Cambodia to resolve the overlapping territory problem.

He thought that the problem would be solved if both countries were sincere.
Army chief Anupong Paojinda also welcomed talks with Cambodia to resolve the two-week military standoff, but refusing to withdraw troops from the mutual border.

Cambodia and Thailand held talks yesterday.

The conflict helped Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen win general elections on Sunday.

However, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej is threatened by the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) who called for his resignation to show responsibility for failing to keep Thailand’s benefits and sovereign power of the mutual border.