"It will be hard to realize ASEAN unity if the members are still in clash over their border line," he said here on Wednesday.
He took an example of the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia which took casualties from both sides and other potential Malaysia-Indonesia, Philippines-Malaysia, Indonesia-Singapore and Indonesia-Vietnam conflicts.
"Border conflicts are one of the vital issues which can trigger people`s anger. I hope Indonesia as the 2011 Chairman of ASEAN can play a role in solving border problems among members of ASEAN," he said.
Fayakhun also hoped with the 18th ASEAN Summit in Jakarta next May 7-8, leaders of ASEAN could start making efforts to end border conflicts among related parties.
According to AFP, a Thai soldier was killed in fresh fightings with Cambodian troops, the army said Tuesday, raising the death toll from the worst border clashes in decades to 18, despite some signs of easing tensions.
Despite continued sporadic clashes, the situation had improved substantially on Monday for many of the 85,000 civilians who had sought refuge in temporary camps or temples on both sides returned home, authorities said.
"The Thais who have evacuated can return home because fighting has subsided," Thai Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban told reporters.
But he added: "We have to be fully vigilant."
Eight Thai and nine Cambodian soldiers were killed since April 22 in the conflict around two disputed temples on the border. Bangkok has said a Thai civilian was also killed and some homes were damaged on both sides.
The neighbors have come under increasing international pressure to end the violence. An attempted truce announced on Thursday after military negotiations proved short-lived, but the fighting has since become less intense and appears to be confined to a smaller area away from the civilian populations.
The relations between the two countries have been strained since the 900-year-old temple Preah Vihear was granted UN World Heritage status in July 2008.
The World Court ruled in 1962 that the temple belonged to Cambodia, but both countries claimed ownership of the 4.6 square kilometers (1.8 square miles) are surrounding the area.
Cambodia on Thursday asked the court to clarify the regulation and requested provisional measures including the removal of Thai forces from the temple and its surroundings, according to a document published on the International Court of Justice website.
The most recent deadly clashes have been mainly centered around two temple complexes about 150 kilometers (90 miles) west of Preah Vihear. (*)
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
