Thai FM denies compromising national interests for Cambodian energy
BANGKOK, May 11 (TNA) - Thai Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama Sunday
denied press reports that the government has made concessions to
Cambodia over contested areas claimed by both countries in exchange
for oil and natural gas from the Thai-Cambodian Joint Development
Area.
"Thailand would never give even an inch of its territory to Cambodia
and no one in the government thought about doing it," Mr. Noppadon
said.
Admitting that the overlapping claims to the areas surrounding the
Preah Vihear temple of Cambodia is a very sensitive issue while
negotiations with Cambodian officials are not yet finalised, Mr.
Noppadon said.
Cambodia is going to hold an election in July while a committee
considering a Cambodian government request to register the temple
ancient ruins as a UNESCO World Heritage site would be held the same
month.
Cambodia has asked the United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) named the Preah Vihear temple to its
World Heritage list. Thailand did not oppose the idea, but arguing
that the dispute over 4.6 sq km area adjoining the temple ruins has
yet to be settled.
Historically, Thailand and Cambodia have laid claim to the temple,
astride the border in Kantharalak district of Thailand's Si Sa Ket but
can be easily accessed only through Thailand.
The World Court ruled in 1962 that the temple belonged to Cambodia.
"Currently, areas mutually claimed by Thailand and Cambodia are not
yet settled total 26,000 square kilometres. It's necessary for the two
countries to settle the disputed areas first because they contain oil
and natural gas worth about Bt5 trillion," Mr. Noppadon said.
The disputed areas should be jointly managed by governments of the two
countries, he said, adding that he would discuss the issue with
Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sok An as soon as possible.
"The country's interests must come first. A joint statement will be
issued by the two governments regarding the overlapping areas. Only a
few minor wordings are left for the settlement," Mr. Noppadon added.
(TNA)-E111
Political News : Last Update : 16:37:33 11 May 2008 (GMT+7:00)
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