Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Phnom Penh (Agenzia Fides) – There is a great concern on the part of the international community, humanitarian aid organizations, and the countries of the ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) for the conflict that has broken out in recent days on the border between Cambodia and Thailand: military fighting that has led to two deaths and several wounded on the Cambodian side and 10 Thai soldiers have been taken prisoners. The dispute began over the land near the Preah Vihear temple, located on border territory, and in recent months, the conflict has worsened due to rising nationalism that has led to military battles, causing tension in the whole surrounding region.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon has called for “moderation on both sides,” asking that they “hold bilateral talks that can lead to a peaceful resolution of the controversy.” In an attempt to negotiate, today the leaders of the two armies will meet to try and find a solution through dialogue, while hundreds of Cambodian civilians are evacuating the area.
The area under dispute is a space of about 4.5 kilometers squared near the temple, which according to the International Justice Court, belongs to Cambodia, but that Thailand claims is theirs.
The temple of Preah Vihear, built in the 9th century AD, recognized by Cambodia, was declared “Patrimony of Humanity” by UNESCO, this past July 8. In June, Thailand and Cambodia signed an accord with the UN, in which both sides accepted that the temple belonged to Cambodia. Phnom Penh also declared that it would not claim the “buffer zone” on the Thai side of the temple.
The spread of nationalist sentiments, played upon by both countries, for political reasons, has brought on new tensions. The governments have taken it to the military, so as not to disappoint internal public opinion. This action has been strongly criticized in Southeast Asia.
The possibilities of making the zone a tourist area and commercializing it (after UNESCO’s declaration), with evident gains for the economy and the image, have worsened the conflict. After a day of combat, there has been another ceasefire, however given the political instability of both countries, armed conflict is likely to arise, analysts say. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 16/10/2008)
