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News Special Reports - World and Regional News Updated: 3:03 UTC Monday 06 June 2011

Preah Vihear temple

More than 900 years old, Preah Vihear temple sits on a high escarpment overlooking the Cambodian plains. The addition of the temple to a list of Unesco World Heritage sites in July 2008 reignited longstanding border disputes between Thailand and Cambodia. In 2008, a military standoff has continued for months, and skirmishes have cost lives on both sides. In recent days, the cross-border conflict between the two countries continue. VOA Khmer's extensive coverage below.

Cambodia Refuses To Withdraw International Court Request

Abhisit said Sunday that Cambodia should withdraw the request as a good faith initiative for bilateral talks over the border.

ASEAN Summit Highlights Economic Gains, Political Growing Pains

There has been strong support by all the leaders to create a unified economic trading block.

Thai-Cambodian Border Dispute Fueled by Nationalism, Politics

The border dispute dominated the agenda of this year’s summit of Southeast Asia nations.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono delivers his speech during the opening ceremony of the 18th ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, May 7, 2011

Thai, Cambodia Leaders Disagree on Border Claims

Meeting in Indonesia has not produced an agreement to end the two countries' ongoing border dispute.

Conflict and Controversy Overshadow Unity at ASEAN Summit

On Sunday, the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia held separate news conferences after trading accusations earlier at the ASEAN Summit.

Thai women and children walk to a waiting bus to transport them home after sporadic fighting between Thai and Cambodian troops was reported at a refugee camp in Surin province, northeastern Thailand, May 2, 2011

Thailand, Cambodia Agree to Indonesian Observers at Border

The temple sits in Cambodia, but Thailand claims adjacent land that includes a key access route to the complex.

Indonesian military personnel man the main entrance to the venue of the 18th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit meetings in Jakarta, Indonesia, May 7, 2011

ASEAN Summit Opens in Indonesia

An ongoing border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand is likely to be the focus of the meeting in Jakarta.

An overview of Cambodia's 11th century Hindu Preah Vihear temple, about 245 kilometers (152 miles) north of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Hundreds of Cambodian soldiers were camped at a cliff-top Khmer temple and World Heritage, February  9, 2011

International Court Expects Temple Hearing Soon

Cambodia has petitioned the court to re-interpret a 1962 decision that gave Preah Vihear temple to Cambodia.

France Calls for End of Border Hostilities

At least 17 people have been killed under artillery shelling, mortar attacks, rocket fire and small arms skirmishes since April 22.

Cambodia Seeks Court Ruling on Dispute With Thailand

Cambodia says its government wants the court to interpret the 1962 decision that gave Preah Vihear to Cambodia.

Cambodian Military Announces Ceasefire Plan

The commanders met at the O’smach border checkpoint following the seventh straight day of fighting that has killed at least 14 people.

Border Clashes Spread as Leaders Talk of Ceasefire

This week’s fighting has displaced more than 23,000 Cambodians in Oddar Meanchey province.

Six Killed in Truce-Shattering Border Clashes

Each side blamed the other for starting the fighting, which began around 6 am.

Group Confirms Cluster Bomb Use by Thailand

The Cluster Munition Coalition said it had investigated sites inside Cambodia where the munitions fell near Preah Vihear temple.

Border Conflict Helped by Ignorance: Scholar

Now, troops from both sides are locked in a border standoff, one that has led to skirmishes and killings since 2008.

Thai Professor Sees Politics as Crux of Border Problem

Cambodia has said it will not consider a bilateral solution—something Thailand prefers—and has asked for third-party monitoring.

Asean Border Mission for Ceasefire Only: Cambodia

Thai and Cambodian officials have yet to fully agree on an upcoming meeting, which Indonesia wants to host later this month or in April.

Cambodia, Thailand Closer to Observer Agreement

Indonesia has agreed to send 30 observers to the border, with half on each side of the border near Preah Vihear temple.

Thailand Wants Terms of Asean Mission

Hun Sen on Thursday criticized Thailand for a slow response to the documentation needed for Asean observers at the border.

Military Attaches to Inspect Sites of Border Clashes

The military delegation will include 19 representatives of foreign countries including the US, China and Japan.

A Current of Nationalism, Not Extremism: Researcher

A border dispute near Preah Vihear temple, a cultural touchstone for many Cambodians, has elicited support for Cambodian soldiers.

Unesco Envoy Prepares To Assess Temple Damage

Koichiro Matsuura, a Unesco special envoy for the temple, will travel to Bangkok and Phnom Penh between Feb. 25 and March 1.

Asean Border Monitors a First Step: Analysts

The underpinning issue of those clashes—a disputed stretch of land near Preah Vihear temple—remains unresolved.

ASEAN Mediates in Cambodia, Thailand Conflict

Thailand and Cambodia agreed Tuesday to accept Indonesian observers and avoid further clashes over a border dispute.

Analysts See Role for International Court in Border Row

Cambodia is hoping that meetings among Asean ministers in Jakarta will bring about a resolution to the border dispute.

In Northern Preah Vihear, Lao Is a Way of Life

For decades, Cambodians here have been much more isolated from their fellow countrymen than from their Lao neighbors to the north.

A Cambodian soldier walks past amored vehicles during the National Assembly members' visit to troops in a military base near the Preah Vhear temple in Preah Vihear province, some 500 kilometers northwest of Phnom Penh, February 9, 2011

Observers See Limited Role for Asean in Dispute

Prime Minister Hun Sen said Thursday he wants a ceasefire to be signed at the Asean meeting Tuesday in Jakarta.

Cambodia To Seek Asean as Witness to Ceasefire

Prime Minister Hun Sen has categorized the fighting as “a small war” between the two countries.

Mixed Outlooks Following Cambodian Trip to UN

The Security Council urged both sides to agree to a permanent ceasefire and encouraged the venue of Asean for mediation.

‘No Mission’ Yet to Preah Vihear Temple: Unesco

A spokeswoman for Unesco told VOA Khmer that any visit would have to be done with “full collaboration” from both countries.

Border Dispute Seen Unifying Myriad Groups

Much of the national unity has solidified in recent weeks, following heavy border fighting with Thailand between Feb. 4 and Feb. 7.

Cambodia To Seek Asean Monitors at Border

The Security Council on Monday encouraged Asean arbitration in the longstanding border feud between Cambodia and Thailand.

A Cambodian military policeman stands watch during the ground breaking ceremony of a Chinese funded road at Koun Damrey village, Banteay Meanchey province, about 15 kilometers (9 miles) east of Cambodia's border with Thailand, February 15, 2011

Thai, Cambodian Soldiers Clash in Fresh Border Skirmish

As each side blames the other, new skirmish comes shortly after UN Security Council urges ceasefire around disputed border.

After UN Session, Asean Next for Border Solution

The foreign ministers of Asean are scheduled to meet Feb. 22, while Cambodia hopes to move the process forward with Asean and Thailand.

In Preah Vihear Temple, 50 Years of Conflict

Thai claims to the land near the temple, or even the temple itself, have run afoul of Cambodia’s claims to legal ownership of the land.

Arab Uprisings a Lesson for Cambodia: Activist

The uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia surprised the world, deposing two long-term autocrats and sparking similar unrest across Arab states.

UN Security Council Urges Permanent Cambodia-Thailand Cease-Fire

After clashes leading to 10 deaths, foreign ministers of Cambodia, Thailand meet behind closed doors with 15-member council.

A weapon is placed on the stone at the entrance of Cambodia's famed Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in Preah Vihear province, about 245 kilometers (152 miles) north of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, February 8, 2011

Thailand, Cambodia Foreign Ministers to Face Off at UN

Cambodia requests emergency meeting after worst fighting with Thailand in years broke out near a disputed border area.

Public transportation workers protest in demand of salary raises in front of the national TV building, right, in Cairo, Egypt, February 14, 2011

Border Dispute Eclipses Egypt Coverage in Local Media

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak stepped down after 18 days of anti-government demonstrations, relinquishing 30 years of power.

Border clashes have left thousands of villagers homeless from Thai-Cambodia border area

Villagers Suffering From Thai-Cambodia Border Fighting, Urge Peace

Many Cambodian villagers took refuge in Siem Reap, while Thais moved to camps several kilometers away from the border.

A Cambodian soldier polishes his boots at the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple on the border between Thailand and Cambodia, February 8, 2011

Thailand, Cambodia Border Fight Moves to UN

These two countries plan to present their positions to Security Council next week.

Foreign Minister Leaves for Security Council Talks

Hor Namhong is scheduled to address the Security Council along with his Thai and Indonesian counterparts on Monday.

Cambodia To Seek French Maps of Border

On Wednesday, France offered its maps to help resolve border disputes that have simmered over on multiple occasions since July 2008.

Unesco To Investigate Claims of Temple Damage

A Thai government spokesman said Unesco should seek permission from Thailand before entering the area.

Cambodian Ambassador, Thai Minister Address Forum

Participants agreed that a better understanding of history could be a way to diffuse tension in the future.

A Cambodian soldier walks past amored vehicles during the National Assembly members' visit to troops in a military base near the Preah Vhear temple in Preah Vihear province, some 500 kilometers northwest of Phnom Penh, February 9, 2011

Thailand, Cambodia Step Up Diplomatic Efforts

But countries accuse each other of using banned weapons in their battles in past few days near 900-year-old Hindu temple.

CMAC Investigating Cluster Munition Site

CMAC is meanwhile in the process of educating civilians in the area of safety around cluster munitions.

Thailand To Issue Its Own Report to UN on Clashes

The cross-border fight killed at least five people, including one Cambodian and one Thai civilian.

Seminar Looks at Thai, Cambodian Relations

The seminar follows heavy fighting on the border over the weekend, when Cambodian and Thai troops exchanged fire.

Thai Soldier Returned in Wake of Border Clashes

The fighting reportedly damaged part of Preah Vihear temple, a Unesco World Heritage site.

Cambodian soldiers sit at Preah Vihear temple after a brief clash with Thai troops, February 05, 2011

Thailand-Cambodia Dispute a Test for ASEAN

Association of Southeast Asian Nations is trying to negotiate end to clash between two countries' forces.

Cambodia Seeks UN Intervention After Border Clashes

Hor Namhong said Monday he had briefed diplomats on the request and would travel to New York to report to the Security Council.

Cambodia Complains to UN Amid New Clashes with Thailand

The Cambodian government says part of an 11th-century Hindu temple has been damaged by cross-border artillery fire from the Thai army.

Major Clashes Reported Between Troops in Preah Vihear

Friday's fighting included the firing of multiple rockets from vehicle platforms and from tanks.

Border Issue Tangled in Thai Politics, Analysts Say

Government spokesman Phay Siphan said Thai political strategists have used the border situation to unseat two prime ministers.

Domestic Politics Drive Thai-Cambodia Border Dispute

Opinions differ about whether current border dispute is likely to lead to military confrontation or is just political posturing.

Thai, Cambodia Foreign Ministers To Meet Friday

According to reports, Thai Foreign Minister will bring a message to Cambodia Friday saying Thailand has no intention of war.

Thai Protester Demands ‘Impossible’: Government

The Cambodian government on Wednesday issued a strong rebuke of the Thai “yellow shirt” protest movement.

Cambodian, Thai Premiers Hopeful on Border Resolution

Cambodian and Thailand may have broken a deadlock in a three-year border dispute.

Cambodia Refuses To Lower Flag from Contentious Pagoda

The pagoda was built by Cambodians in 1998 on land claimed by Cambodia.

Thai, Cambodian Defense Ministries Postpone Border Meeting

Cambodia and Thailand have indefinitely postponed an annual border meeting in the midst of an ongoing row over Preah Vihear temple.

Hun Sen Issues Missives to UN After Thai Border Threats

Hun Sen discussed the letters on Monday, saying Cambodia would “fight against a warlike Thai invasion inside Cambodia."

Cambodia Issues More Warnings to Thais Over Temple

Cambodian officials maintain that the land, west of Preah Vihear temple, does not belong to Thailand.

Unesco To Discuss Temple Plan Next Year: Minister

Preah Vihear temple remains at the center of an ongoing border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand.

In Brazil, Thailand Objects Again to Preah Vihear Plans

Thailand has re-raised objections to the World Heritage status of Preah Vihear temple on the northern border.

Cambodia Hints at Broader Solution for Border

A Thai government spokesman told VOA Khmer last week that Bangkok remains committed to a bilateral solution.

1962 World Court Identified Thai Border: Official

Thai officials have been quoted in the media saying the 1962 judgment of the court awarded Preah Vihear temple to Cambodia.

Thailand Continues Claims on Disputed Border

Bangkok continues to insist that a 4.6 kilometer stretch of land near Preah Vihear temple belongs to Thailand.

US Voices Concern Over Border Dispute

Cambodia and Thailand have failed on multiple occasions to bilaterally diffuse the border standoff, which began in July 2008 .

Hun Sen Calls Thai Premier ‘Stupid,’ ‘Crazy’

Prime Minister Hun Sen directly insulted the prime minister of Thailand as “stupid” and “crazy” on Monday.

Hun Sen Blasts Thais Over Temple Remarks

Both sides have withdrawn their ambassadors and other diplomats in the dispute.

World Heritage Status a Great Benefit: Expert

To date, there are 890 World Heritage sites in 148 countries around the world.

Thais Protest Over Soldiers on Border

Nearly 500 Thai protesters gathered in front of the Cambodian Embassy in Bangkok Monday to protest the presence of Cambodian troops.

Border Advocates Grow Impatient With Dispute

Cambodian and Thailand have had border problems for decades, with sections of the boundary going unmarked.

No Disputed Border Near Temple: Group

Cambodian lawmakers, government officials and border representatives ended a roundtable discussion Thursday.

Cambodia To Renew Bilateral Thai Border Talks

Cambodia will withdraw a proposal to have a border dispute with Thailand put on the Asean agenda at a summit this month.

‘No Disputed Land’ Near Border Temple: Hun Sen

Prime Minister Hun Sen on Monday said there was no disputed land near Preah Vihear temple, contrary to Thai statements.

Thai Parliament Opens Way for Border Talks

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday welcomed the approval of border discussions in Thailand’s parliament.

2000 Border Agreement a Disadvantage: Expert

A 2000 border agreement signed between Cambodia and Thailand is not likely to yield results in longstanding disputes.

Troops Begin Partial Border Withdrawal

Cambodian soldiers and armored personnel carriers began a step-by-step withdrawal from border positions near Preah Vihear temple.

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