20 July 2008

Preah Vihear -- Follow Up

This is not a new case but it seems that Thailand, although accepting that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and their determination that the Preah Vihear temple complex was within the sovereign territory of Cambodia, still believes that approximately 4.6sq. km around the temple complex is the sovereign territory of Thailand.

Earlier this month the UN accepted Cambodia's application to have the temple listed as a World Heritage Site. However, Thailand has never given up hope that their claims to the territory surrounding the temple. The application approval has seen an escalation of tensions with both Thai and Cambodia troops being sent to the area. The troops from both sides are under explicit orders not to fire unless fired upon.

Cambodia has sent a letter to the UN Security Council bringing to their attention the standoff between the two countries. Cambodia says that it is not looking for UN intervention but rather bringing the matter to the SC's attention.

Cambodia and Thailand will meet on Monday to try and defuse the situation and resolve it.

No comments: