Saturday, 12 September 2009

Cambodia to Discuss Thai Airspace Violations: Chhum Socheat

Written by DAP NEWS -- Saturday, 12 September 2009

Cambodian senior army officials will discuss Thai airspace violations into Cambodian territory with Thai Air Force Chief on his official visit to Cambodia on September 14, even though the matter is not included on the official agenda for the meeting, a spokesman for the Defense Minister told DAP News Cambodia on Friday.

The Thai Air Force Chief and another 30 officials will visit Cambo- dia on to talk with high raking army officials and Cambodian Government leaders.

“This is an annual meeting and talk between Cambodian and Thai soldiers to exchange experiences,” said Chhum Socheat. Despite the sometimes tense situation between the neighbors, exchanging official trips of high ranking and senior armies continues. “These special talks will promote closer cooperation between the two militaries,” Chhum Socheat Said.

The Thai Air Force’s incursions were in violation of a previous bilateral agreement. “I hope that Cambodia will raise this matter … but the talks are primarily about training,” he added.

According to the Cambodian army spokesman, the Thai Air Force Chief will talk with Soeung Samnang, Cambodian Air Force Chief, and then will a meet with General Pol Saroeun, Cambodian Royal Armed Forces Chief, and Defense Minister Tea Banh. On September 15, the delegation will visit Angkor Wat temple until 4 pm, then return to Thailand.

The Preah Vihear temple has suffered damage recently—from Thai bullets and shrapnel fired during two skirmishes with Cambodia that resulting in several deaths and many injuries. The previous Thai Govern-ment supported Cambodia’s effort to inscribe Preah Vihear temple as a World Heritage Site, in addition to the wealth of internationally recognized documents and maps that clearly show that the land belongs to Cambodia.

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