According to the Japanese Kyodo News Agency, spokesman for the Cambodian Foreign Ministry Koy Kuong affirmed his country’s willingness to join the meeting, scheduled for Jakarta, Indonesia, on February 22.

The meeting was proposed by Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa. Indonesia is currently the ASEAN Chair.

In his letter dated February 11 to ASEAN member countries, the Indonesian Foreign Minister proposed organising an “informal foreign ministers’ meeting” on “regional and international issues” with implications on the ongoing border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand.

If the proposal is approved by all ASEAN member countries, especially Thailand, it will be the second time the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute will be interfered by the third party, which, Cambodia said, is necessary.

Spokesman for the Thai Government Panitan Wattanayakorn has confirmed that Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya will attend the meeting.

The Thai spokesman said his country is willing to provide true information to ASEAN member countries but persistent that disputes with Cambodia need to be settled bilaterally.

At the Cambodian Government’s request, the United Nations will hold the first meeting on Cambodia-Thailand border dispute in New York on February 14 with the participation of Cambodian, Thai and Indonesian foreign ministers.

Also on February 12, Chairman of the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Land Border Demarcation Committee Var Kim Hong said the committee will not convene in late February.

Cambodian officials said despite security concerns, many of 12,000 Cambodian people in the disputed Preah Vihear temple area began returning home after seeking shelter in an area about 90 km from the temple due to clashes between Cambodian and Thai soldiers last week.