SIEM REAP, Cambodia (AP): The foreign ministers of Cambodia and Thailand resumed negotiations Monday aimed at settling an armed standoff over disputed border territory near a historic Hindu temple.

Officials from both countries expressed optimism that a second round of talks would produce a breakthrough over the dispute, after several thousand troops were deployed two weeks ago near the 11th century Preah Vihear temple.

``I hope that the result of the talks will be positive,'' said Thai Foreign Minister Tej Bunnag before flying off to the Cambodian city of Siem Reap. ``On the issue of withdrawing troops, they should be pulled back in equal numbers.''

The first meeting on July 21 between the two sides foundered over what maps should be used to demarcate the border. It prompted Cambodia to request an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council before agreeing to the second meeting with Thailand.

Cambodia's Foreign Minister Hor Namhong said Friday he was hopeful the new talks would end the impasse, but also warned his government would pursue the case at the U.N. if negotiations failed again.

A French map demarcating the border generally favors Cambodia, and Thailand rejects it saying it was drawn up by a colonial power to its own advantage.

Thailand relies on a different map drawn up later with American technical assistance, but accepts a ruling by the International Court of Justice that awarded the disputed temple to Cambodia in 1962.

Cambodia's ruling party tapped into growing nationalism over the border dispute to win over voters ahead of Sunday's parliamentary elections. Political analysts have predicted the government may be more willing to negotiate a compromise after it claimed a landslide victory in the election.