Thursday, 27 January 2011

Cambodian flag raises new controversy


via CAAI

Published: 27/01/2011

A new controversy has erupted after it was reported that Cambodia had raised a national flag over Wat Kaew Sikha Khiri Sawara temple on a disputed border area.

The flag had reportedly been flown at the temple instead after the contentious stone tablet with a message that the area belongs to Cambodia was demolished on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, when asked about this matter, said: "If this is true, the flag must be removed."

He said it is a line of practice for both sides not to put up any sign showing ownership in a disputed area.

However, Mr Abhisit said he did not know whether and where the Cambodian flag had really been raised.

Asked whether what happended during the past few weeks can be raised at a meeting of the World Heritage Committee, the prime minister said:

"Of course, we will have to report problems to the World Heritage Committee to let it know that if it wants to proceed with the management of an area in dispute, tension and serious conflict would follow. This would contravene the objectives of having a world heritage."

Preah Vihear temple near a disputed area has been declared a world heritage by Unesco and Thailand has opposed the decision reasoning management of the area will have problems as long as the dispute has not been settled.

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