Cambodia appeals ICJ to clarify verdict on disputed temple

via CAAI

25/02/2011

The Cambodian government on February 24 officially asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to explain the Hague’s verdict in 1962 on the sovereignty of the 11th century Preah Vihear temple.

The Cambodian news agency AKP quoted Prime Minister Hun Sen as saying that the country officially sent its proposal together with all relevant documents to the ICJ, appealing this organ to clarify the 1962 verdict that recognises Cambodia’s sovereignty on the Preah Vihear temple.

Earlier, PM Hun Sen said that Cambodia would obey the ICJ’s decision and suggested Thailand respect the decision.

According to the Cambodian government leader, the Cambodia-Thailand conflict can not end with a ceasefire order or observers from the third side which may just ease tension while awaiting for a comprehensive solution for the two countries’ border area.

Cambodian newspapers on February 24 cited the US State Department’s statement applauding the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)’s efforts in addressing the current severe border dispute between the two nations.

ASEAN will send Indonesian observers to the area near the disputed temple to monitor the ceasefire.

On February 23, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva announced that the country will not withdraw any troop from the border area with Cambodia despite the presence of the Indonesian observers.