Cambodian soldiers stand guard near the Preah Vihear temple. [AFP]Thu, 27 Aug 2009
ABC Radio Australia
Cambodia has begun withdrawing some of its troops from its disputed border with Thailand, a move which is likely to ease tensions over the Preah Vihear temple.
Reuters news agency reports the deputy commander-in-chief of Cambodia's armed forces, General Chea Dara as saying the move is a show of the country's "positive position".
Thailand says it had no plans to follow suit.
The Preah Vihear temple, a 900-year-old Hindu temple, has been a source of tension between the two countries for decades.
The Cambodia and Thailand have been embroiled in a series of standoffs over the temple in the past year, resulting in border skirmishes that claimed the lives of seven troops.
Thailand is challenging a United Nations decision to make the temple a world heritage site under Cambodia's sole jurisdiction.
It wants joint development and supervision of the temple, which could one day become a lucrative tourist site.
Military representatives from both sides agreed on Monday to exercise restraint at the border.
The Cambodian pull-back is due to end on Sunday.
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