ASEAN and Indonesia assist in peaceful Thai-Cambodian resolution. On Tuesday, February 22, an emergency meeting of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was held in Jakarta, Indonesia to discuss the recent conflict between Thailand and Cambodia over their shared border near the Preah Vihear temple, in which at least ten people died and thousands of residents fled in fear. Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa announced after the meeting that an agreement had been reached, which allows 40 unarmed personnel from Indonesia to be stationed at the border region in question, to observe both sides’ adherence to peace and provide impartial reports from the location. Representatives from Thailand and Cambodia also both asked that Indonesia participate in further bilateral negotiations to help fully resolve their issues through diplomatic means.

Many thanks, Indonesia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, for your brotherly efforts to ensure safety and peace amongst the people of Thailand and Cambodia. Blessed be such mutual care and concern in bringing lasting harmony across the globe.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12534980
http://www.france24.com/en/20110222-asean-send-observers-disputed-thailand-cambodia-border-temple
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-02/21/c_13741787.htm, http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90777/90851/7293356.html, http://channel6newsonline.com/2011/02/indonesia-to-observe-cambodia-thailand-border-conflict/