Friday, 20 February 2009

Thais To Apologize for Rockets Fired

By VOA Khmer, Reporters
Original reporst from Washington and Phnom Penh
19 February 2009

A Thai military delegation is expected to arrive on Friday to make a formal apology following the firing of several rockets over the border near an ancient northern temple, officials said.

The visit follows the reported firing of six to eight shoulder-fired rockets near Ta Krabey temple in Banteay Ampil district, Odar Meanchey province, and amid a prolonged military standoff between both countries.

No one was injured, but Foreign Ministry spokesman Koy Koung said Thursday debris from the rockets had been found and were being kept by Cambodia as evidence.

Royal Cambodian Armed Forces commander Gen. Pol Sareoun said the Thai army had informed officials of a military exercise across the border, but it was unclear if the rocket-firing was a part of it.

Var Kim Hong, head of Cambodia’s border committee, said the incident was a “violation” of Cambodian sovereignty.

Council of Ministers spokesman Phay Siphan condemned the Thai military for the abuse of Cambodian territory.

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