Jubilant Cambodians wave their national flag in Phnom Penh's central market yesterday as they celebrate the listing of Preah Vihear temple as a World Heritage site by Unesco.The Bangkok Post
Wednesday July 09, 2008
PHNOM PENH : Cambodians celebrated in the streets yesterday over their country's success in having an 11th-century Hindu temple named a World Heritage landmark despite objections from Thailand. Thousands danced, sang and waved Cambodian flags, chanting ''Long live Preah Vihear temple!'' in response to news that Unesco had granted the temple World Heritage Site status.
''This is a very auspicious day for us. We're very delighted,'' said Ti Vansi, a medical student who joined his peers in skipping class to hold a celebration rally.
Mom, a 20-year-old vendor, joined the crowds singing, dancing to drum music and waving flags as they marched around the central market.
''I was told by other traders [about the listing] and I want to be here to celebrate the success,'' she said.
More than 200 students and professors waved flags and sang the national anthem in front of the University of Health and Sciences. Many students cut classes and motorists honked their horns in salute.
''I came out here (from class), along with everybody else. We are so happy,'' said 23-year-old university student Veasna.
Tuy Chamroan, deputy dean at the university, said he supported the students leaving class for the street celebration.
''As a Cambodian, I feel very proud and excited about the news because we've been waiting for it for some 30 years,'' he said.
Cambodian media indulged in a subdued show of nationalism, with a live feed from the meeting in Quebec by private television network CTN at 3am for Deputy Prime Minister Sok An to personally announce the news.
In a statement yesterday, Prime Minister Hun Sen called the temple's designation ''a new source of pride for the people of Cambodia.''
The successful inscription of Preah Vihear temple ''resulted from a very long and complicated process and negotiations,'' Hun Sen said.
In a reassurance to Thailand, he added the temple's inscription ''does not affect'' the negotiations to resolve disputes over the border line between the two nations.
A government official in charge of Preah Vihear also joined his country's celebration. ''Of course we are overjoyed. The people on the border are dancing. It is a good day for Cambodia,'' Hang Soth said by telephone.
At a press conference in the capital, Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong was jubilant.
''This is a victory for the Cambodian government and the Khmer people,'' Mr Hor Namhong said.
Wednesday July 09, 2008
PHNOM PENH : Cambodians celebrated in the streets yesterday over their country's success in having an 11th-century Hindu temple named a World Heritage landmark despite objections from Thailand. Thousands danced, sang and waved Cambodian flags, chanting ''Long live Preah Vihear temple!'' in response to news that Unesco had granted the temple World Heritage Site status.
''This is a very auspicious day for us. We're very delighted,'' said Ti Vansi, a medical student who joined his peers in skipping class to hold a celebration rally.
Mom, a 20-year-old vendor, joined the crowds singing, dancing to drum music and waving flags as they marched around the central market.
''I was told by other traders [about the listing] and I want to be here to celebrate the success,'' she said.
More than 200 students and professors waved flags and sang the national anthem in front of the University of Health and Sciences. Many students cut classes and motorists honked their horns in salute.
''I came out here (from class), along with everybody else. We are so happy,'' said 23-year-old university student Veasna.
Tuy Chamroan, deputy dean at the university, said he supported the students leaving class for the street celebration.
''As a Cambodian, I feel very proud and excited about the news because we've been waiting for it for some 30 years,'' he said.
Cambodian media indulged in a subdued show of nationalism, with a live feed from the meeting in Quebec by private television network CTN at 3am for Deputy Prime Minister Sok An to personally announce the news.
In a statement yesterday, Prime Minister Hun Sen called the temple's designation ''a new source of pride for the people of Cambodia.''
The successful inscription of Preah Vihear temple ''resulted from a very long and complicated process and negotiations,'' Hun Sen said.
In a reassurance to Thailand, he added the temple's inscription ''does not affect'' the negotiations to resolve disputes over the border line between the two nations.
A government official in charge of Preah Vihear also joined his country's celebration. ''Of course we are overjoyed. The people on the border are dancing. It is a good day for Cambodia,'' Hang Soth said by telephone.
At a press conference in the capital, Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong was jubilant.
''This is a victory for the Cambodian government and the Khmer people,'' Mr Hor Namhong said.
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