Sunday, 27 July 2008

Positive outcome expected in Siem Reap talk : New FM

Sun, July 27, 2008
By The Nation

Newly-appointed Foreign Minister Tej Bunnag expects positive outcome from a meeting with his Cambodian counterpart in Siem Reap on the military stand off at Preah Vihear temple on Monday.

Tej who swears in as foreign minister on Sunday afternoon will lead a Thai delegation to a crucial meeting with Hor Nam Hong on Monday.

"I expect a positive outcome from the ministerial meeting although I think we can settle the problem," Tej said.

Tej chaired a meeting of senior foreign ministry officials including Permanent Secretary Virasakdi Futrakul and Spokesman Tharit Jarungwat.

The spokesman quoted the new minister as saying that the dispute over the Preah Vihear temple which led to the military stand off is complicated.

"If Cambodia shows sincerity and open minded in the talk by not setting any condition, I believe the negotiation on Monday will be going well. Both countries have excellent relations which will help the talk," Tharit quoted Tej as saying.

However the talks on this sensitive issue will certainly take time and could not be settled in a single meeting.

Tharit stressed that the Thai military is stationing in the areas that are in the Thai territory.
Meanwhile Thai Ambassdor to Phnom Penh Weerapan Watcharathit said Cambodia has arranged the ministerial meeting at the Angkor Palace Spa and Resort in Siem Reap province.

Tej is scheduled to arrive at the province at about 9am and returned to Bangkok on the same day.

The ambassador was confident that there will not be a protest against Thailand in the province because to organisers of a protest in Cambodia have to seek permission from the government and so far no one sought the permit.

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