Cambodia fighting with thai

A Cambodian soldier examines the body of a comrade killed in fighting near Preah Vihear temple Wednesday.

TWO Cambodian soldiers were killed and at least two others wounded in heavy fighting near Preah Vihear temple Wednesday that also wounded five Thai troops, as a standoff over disputed border territory that has simmered since July erupted in violence.

At least three separate clashes broke out in more than two hours of fighting, Foreign Minister Hor Namhong told reporters in Phnom Penh after an emergency meeting with foreign diplomats, adding that Cambodia would not hesitate to defend its sovereignty against future aggression.

"We have been patient for a long time ... of course we'll continue to be patient, but at the same time we have the right to defend our country," he said.

Cambodia's ambassador to the United Nations will inform the UN Security Council about the fighting, he added, while diplomats present at the briefing said they hoped the dispute could be resolved through talks rather than bloodshed.
"We've been watching the situation with concern.... It is our hope that both sides will continue to show restraint," said Piper Campbell, charge d' affaires at the US embassy.

A statement from the Foreign Ministry accused Thailand of increasing its troop presence at several points along the border, saying Cambodia "strongly protests against these repeated and very serious armed provocations by Thailand, which would lead to large-scale armed hostilities".

The two sides battered each other with rockets and automatic weapons around Veal Antri, the scene of a clash earlier this month between troops, military commanders said, adding that a Thai helicopter also fired on Cambodian lines.