BANGKOK, 20 July 2012 – The ASEAN Secretary-General believes that the withdrawal of Thai and Cambodian troops from the disputed area around the Preah Vihear Temple will help ease tension and lead to better relations between the two neighbors.
ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan commented on Thursday that the readjustment of troop deployment around the ancient Preah Vihear Temple by Thailand and Cambodia, as stated in an injunction issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), will effectively boost trust between the two countries.
And while the border dispute is awaiting a solution from the ICJ, Mr. Surin assured that ASEAN will always be ready to assist and support all steps to maintain the amicable air between the neighbors.
He reckoned that if Thailand and Cambodia can continue to keep up with the security measures and stability along the border area, the Indonesian observers may not need to be sent in to carry their duty.
However, the ASEAN chief stated that, if called for, the observers will be ready to lend their hands to help both countries keep their confidence in the process, without interfering in their internal affairs.
