ICJ orders both Thai and Cambodian troops to withdraw from disputed temple

[News_Editor]

ICJ orders both Thai and Cambodian troops to withdraw from disputed temple

2011-07-19 03:33:21 GMT+7 (ICT)

THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS (BNO NEWS) -- The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Monday ordered Thai and Cambodian troops to withdraw from disputed Preah Vihear temple area.

On April 28, Cambodia had issued a petition to the ICJ, stating that its interpretation of the 1962 Judgement explained that the Temple of Preah Vihear "is situated in territory under the sovereignty of Cambodia," that Thailand is under an obligation to withdraw any military or police forces stationed at the Temple or its vicinity, but that the area surrounding it remains in dispute.

In addition, Cambodia made a request to the United Nations to order the withdrawal of Thai troops, but Thailand claimed no conflicts existed between the two sides over the interpretation of the 1962 verdict, arguing that it had complied with the ruling.

However, ICJ on Monday unanimously rejected Thailand's request to rule out Cambodia's petition, and as provisional measures, the Court voted in favor (11 to 5) of both sides to immediately withdraw their military personnel from the area and refrain from any military presence within that zone and from any armed activity directed at that zone.

Furthermore, the Court also voted in favor (15 to 1) for both sides to allow ASEAN observers to continue working in the area and have access to the provisional demilitarized zone. It also ordered both parties to continue complying with the provisional measures - which includes Cambodia’s free access to the Temple of Preah Vihear or its provision of fresh supplies to its non-military personnel in the temple - until the Court finishes reviewing Cambodia's petition.

Both Cambodia and Thailand claim the 4.6 square kilometer area near the ancient Preah Vihear temple on their shared border, which has never been formally established. Cambodia requested Indonesian observers to mediate in the conflict but Thailand denied.

Tensions first escalated between the two countries in July 2008 following the build-up of military forces near the Preah Vihear temple. The United Nations Security Council urged both sides to establish a permanent ceasefire after at least 10 people were killed.

Clashes resumed in February as both nations claim the lands surrounding the ancient Hindu Temple, which has been damaged due to the conflict. The Preah Vihear temple dates back to the 11th century and is located on the Cambodian side of the border.

In 2008, it was inscribed on the World Heritage List in recognition of its outstanding universal value. It is considered an outstanding example of Khmer architecture and consists of a complex of sanctuaries linked by pavements and staircases on an 800-meter-long axis.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-07-19

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