Cambodia and its neighbour Thailand have agreed to promote tourism at the
disputed ancient temple ruins of Preah Vihear, after troops of both countries
have been withdrawn.
The agreement was made following a private luncheon and talks at Government
House here between Mr. Samak and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence
Minister Gen. Tea Banh.
Speaking to journalists after the talks ended, Mr. Samak who is also Defence
Minister, said both countries had agreed to solve common border problems and
promote areas which could attract tourists.
"Territorial problems which cannot be resolved by now will be left for
negotiations later," he said, adding that Cambodia has agreed to redeploy its
troops from the temple and a "middleman will be appointed to oversee promoting
tourism with an aim to bring back tourists".
"Both countries will benefit as Cambodia would collect the gate fee while
Thailand will enjoy other benefits," he said.
"But the temple cannot be opened for tourism now," said Mr. Samak, "as no one
(soldiers) must be there."
Monday's agreement to promote tourism at Preah Vihear temple came after Thai
Foreign Minister Tej Bunnag and his Cambodian counterpart Hor Namhong on August
19 agreed to adopt a provisional arrangement pending a survey and demarcation
of the area to be carried out by the Joint Boundary Commission, expected to be
convened in October.
The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that Preah Vihear belongs to
Cambodia, but the surrounding land remains in dispute.
The Thai-Cambodian border has never been fully demarcated, in part because it
is littered with landmines left from decades of war in Cambodia.
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