Reuters
(Updated 12:09 p.m.) PHNOM PENH – Thai and Cambodian troops clashed with heavy artillery for a sixth day on Wednesday near two disputed 12th-century Hindu temples, the Cambodian defense ministry said following a night of shelling that killed a Thai villager.
Talks between Thai and Cambodian defense ministers to end Southeast Asia’s bloodiest border dispute in years were abruptly cancelled, dashing hopes of an imminent end to fighting that has killed at least 14 people and sent more than 50,000 into evacuation centers.
Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwon had been expected to meet his Cambodian counterpart, Tea Banh, in Phnom Penh, but he instead was flying to China for previously scheduled meetings.
“We welcome talks but only if Cambodia stops the shooting first,” said Thai Army spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd.
Many experts say the fighting over territory and sovereignty is fuelled by political interests. Each government seeks to discredit the other by appealing to nationalists at home, especially as Thailand prepares for a national election expected by July.
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