Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Wednesday that planned peace talks between Thai and Cambodian defense ministers had been rescheduled.
The talks to end a conflict over a long-standing border dispute were abruptly cancelled when Thai Defense Minister Gen. Prawit Wongsuwon left for China on Wednesday morning.
"We are not pulling out of cease-fire talks with Cambodia," Vejjajiva said. "We will set a new date as soon as Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwon comes back from China."
Before flying to Beijing, Gen. Prawit said his meeting in China was scheduled several months ago and could not be cancelled. But Thai media cited a military spokesman as saying that the decision was made in response to Cambodian claims that Thailand was admitting defeat by attending the talks.
A century-old conflict between the two states over the ownership of several 11th century temples was reignited in 2010. The two neighbors fought a four-day war near one of the temples in February, and a ceasefire has been in place since March.
The current clashes started last Friday when the sides exchanged artillery, rocket and rifle fire near the Ta Moan and Ta Krabey temples, killing 14 people. Both sides blame each other for starting the conflict.
Fighting also broke out on Tuesday at the Preah Vihear temple 150 km (93 miles) to the east of the temples.
The border between Thailand and Cambodia has never been demarcated in detail.
Thailand says it wants a bilateral solution to the conflict, while Cambodia seeks international mediation and independent monitors in the disputed area.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen accused Thailand on Wednesday of warmongering, but said that he welcomed talks with the Thai prime minister at a scheduled meeting in Indonesia early next month.
BANGKOK, April 27 (RIA Novosti)
