Thailand, Cambodia let in observers

Thailand and Cambodia agreed Tuesday to accept Indonesian observers and to avoid further clashes over a border dispute that has claimed at least 10 lives and displaced thousands, officials said.

The agreement came during a meeting of foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Indonesia, which holds the current chair of the 10-member block.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, speaking on behalf of ASEAN, said that it was a "unique arrangement" for a group that devotes most of its time to trade and avoids conflict resolution.

"Indonesia will observe on both sides of the border. … This is an observer team, not a peacekeeping or peace-enforcement team. The observer team will be unarmed," he told reporters after the talks.

China Tuesday said it supported Indonesia's efforts to solve the border row between Cambodia and Thailand within ASEAN, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

"China appreciates and supports Indonesia's active mediation efforts to tackle the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict under the ASEAN framework," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said.

Thailand and Cambodia have accused each other of starting the clashes, which erupted around the Hindu temple of Preah Vihear earlier this month.

The temple belongs to Cambodia, but the surrounding area is claimed by both sides.

Despite a UN appeal for restraint, there has been a series of skirmishes reported by both sides since a February 5 ceasefire agreement.