Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to peacefully settle their border dispute in compliance with the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2000 and rulings of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). During yesterday’s meeting, Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Banh and his Thai counterpart Sukumpol Suwanatat agreed to allow the existing joint committees to clear mines and carry out measurements in the disputed area near the Preah Vihear temple.

The temple, called Preah Vihear in Cambodia and Phra Viharn in Thailand, has seen border dispute between the two countries (Photo: VOA)

Thailand committed to informing Cambodia of the time it will withdraw its troops from the de-militarized zone. The Thai minister also asked Cambodia to prevent its people from crossing the border for illegal logging and to retain boundary markers 43 and 46 in Banteay Meanchey province. An ICJ hearing will be held in mid-April to weigh its 1962 ruling on the case.