Thai Defense Minister Announces to Receive IOT Survey Team

AKP Phnom Penh, May 22, 2011 –Thai Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwon has agreed to receive Indonesian Observer Team (IOT) survey team to Cambodia-Thailand disputed border area, which will open way to the General Border Committee (GBC) to resume its meeting.

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and National Defense Minister Gen. Tea Banh told reporters on Saturday at Phnom Penh International Airport upon his return from the 5th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) held on May 18-21 in Jakarta.

The announcement by Thai defense minister to accept the IOT survey team was made orally, not by writing, underlined Gen. Tea Banh, stressing that this is a new development as all efforts to end the border dispute have been so far hindered by the Thai side.

The Cambodian national defense minister further affirmed that in all forums at the 5th ADMM, Cambodia has expressed its stance to solve the border dispute with Thailand by peaceful means.

He also welcomed all ASEAN defense ministers for having shown their interest and attention to the Thai aggression on Cambodian territorial integrity.

According to Gen. Tea Banh, the 5th ADMM endorsed two new initiatives – the establishment of the ASEAN Peacekeeping Centres Network, and the ASEAN Defense Industry Collaboration. The meeting also focused on military exercise project to prevent disasters and offshore security issue.

The ASEAN Peacekeeping Centres Network will facilitate cooperation in peacekeeping among the ASEAN Member States through planning, training and exchange of experience, said the ASEAN official website, adding that the ASEAN Defense Industry Collaboration, meanwhile, will provide opportunities to promote intra-ASEAN trade on defense products and services on the principles of flexibility, voluntary, and non-binding participation.

By SOKMOM Nimul