Monday, April 25, 2011

Cambodia Says Thai Shells Damaged Ancient Temples

By SOPHENG CHEANG Associated Press
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia April 25, 2011 (AP)

Cambodia accused Thailand of damaging two ancient temples during three days of border clashes that killed 12 people, as Southeast Asian diplomats struggled Monday to find a way to end the repeated deadly flare-ups.

A precarious calm held Monday in the disputed border region where Ta Moan and Ta Krabey temples lie. The nearly 1,000-year-old stone temples date back to the Khmer empire that once ruled over much of both Cambodia and Thailand.

The land around the temples and several other crumbling stone monuments has fueled profound nationalistic fervor in both countries for decades. While a wider war seems unlikely, several cease-fires have failed to prevent new border violence.

Cambodian government spokesman Phay Siphan said the two temple complexes, caught in crossfire over the weekend, had been hit by bullets and shells, but there was no word on how bad the damage was. Thailand authorities had no immediate comment on the allegation.

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