Source: Press TV,
Sun Apr 24, 2011
Cambodian and Thai soldiers have exchanged gunfire for the third consecutive day, as fierce border clashes continue unabated between the two sides.
So far eleven soldiers have died in the clashes; however, there were no report of casualties in the Sunday incident.
As fighting over a disputed border area near an ancient temple broke out on Friday and continues to rage between the two neighbors.
The exchanges of fire prompted thousands of villagers to flee their homes.
Each side accuses the other of starting the latest spate of fighting, which mainly involves artillery duels at long range.
In his weekly television address, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said there had been sporadic clashes, but reiterated Thailand's position, saying, "we have no intention of invading or attacking anyone."
However, he added that his country had "a duty to fully protect our own sovereignty."
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged the warring sides to open talks to find a lasting solution.
Cambodia has appealed for outside mediation to break the brewing stalemate, but Thailand has emphasized that the dispute should be resolved through bilateral talks.
Border tensions boiled over into violent clashes after UNESCO declared the ancient Khmer temple of Preah Vihear a world heritage site, causing nationalistic feelings to flare on each side of the Thai-Cambodia border over possession of the structure.
MSH/TG/MMN
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