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PHNOM PENH: The Cambodian government said on Friday it would not extradite fugitive former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra if he took refuge here, upping the ante in the war of words with its neighbour.
On Friday, the Cambodian government asserted in a statement that under treaties between the two nations it could reject a request for Thaksin's extradition because it would be made on the grounds of "political offence".
"The government's spokesman wishes to affirm that Cambodia's stance is firm and will not, whatsoever, extradite..." the statement said.
The reaction came after the Thai government said Thursday it would seek the extradition of Thaksin if he took refuge in Phnom Penh, and rebuked Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen for his offer to let the fugitive leader stay "anytime".
Thaksin was ousted in a 2006 coup and continues to live in exile after fleeing in August last year to avoid a two-year jail term for corruption.
The Cambodian statement added that the country would maintain "ties of friendship and good cooperation in all fields" with Thailand but said Hun Sen's offer reflected "virtuous behaviour" towards his "long-time friend" Thaksin.
"This virtuous attitude is not interpreted as an interference of Thailand's internal affairs," the statement said in English.
Relations between Cambodia and Thailand have been strained over the past year amid a deadly troop standoff in disputed border territory near the 11th century Preah Vihear temple.
The World Court ruled in 1962 that the temple belonged to Cambodia, but the two governments have been at loggerheads over the surrounding land for decades.
The Thai government has repeatedly attempted to arrest Thaksin abroad, but the former premier travels on various passports, reportedly living mostly in Dubai.
- AFP/so
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