Cambodge Soir09-08-2008
The situation creates a financial loss for the country. The UN has been called in to protect the site.
While the Khmer-Thai conflict seems to be long lasting, civil society reacts. On Friday morning, several representative of Adhoc, of the Cambodian Defender Project (CDP), of the Cambodian Woman Crisis Center (CWCC) and of the CCAWDU, involving several textile industry unions, have organised a joint press conference which evolved around two subjects.
First, the different representatives have expressed their concern about the Preah Vihear temple situation and are asking the government to find a quick solution. “This conflict has already resulted in financial losses and in a decreased number of tourists in the country”, said Sok Samoeun, director of the CDP, fearing an even more important loss if the standoff lasts.
Secondly, Sok Samoeun has strongly declared that, on behalf of all: “Cambodia shouldn’t discuss the border situation with Thailand, as the decision of the tribunal of The Hague in 1962, as well as the agreements of 1904 and 1907 state that this territory belongs to us. Now rests us to mark the border delimitated by these conventions”.
In a mail sent a few days ago to the General Secretary of the UN, the representatives of the Cambodian civil society suggest that the international organisation should designate an area around the world heritage temple, inside which military personnel wouldn’t be allowed. This is because the presence of weapons nearby the temple contributes to an explosive situation, likely to degenerate any time.
Reminding that “in case the conflict goes on, it won’t be the government, but the Cambodian population which will have to suffer. Chan Saveth, Adhoc investigator asks now for UN intervention”.
Tomorrow, Saturday 9th of September, several members of the civil society will travel to the site in order to bring along 19 million riels (4750 dollars) to support the military and the monks.
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