US backs ASEAN efforts to resolve Thailand-Cambodia border spat

via CAAI

By The Associated Press (CP)

WASHINGTON — The U.S. has welcomed ASEAN's efforts to resolve a deadly border dispute between member states Cambodia and Thailand.

Forty observers from Indonesia will monitor a cease-fire after violence broke out this month near the ancient Preah Vihear temple, scene of a long-running territorial dispute. Indonesia is current chair of the Southeast Asian grouping.

State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said Wednesday the U.S. also supports the ASEAN foreign ministers' call for Cambodia and Thailand to resume bilateral negotiations "at the earliest opportunity."

The 10-nation group, long criticized as ineffectual, is trying to take a more active role in regional affairs.

At least eight people have died in the recent fighting, and thousands have been displaced.