The issue was expected to be on the agenda of the 21-member WHC meeting Wednesday, but the meeting was adjourned to allow Cambodia and Thailand to iron out their dispute on the sidelines of the meeting.
Thailand’s Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti as leader of the Thai delegation to the WHC meeting in the capital of Brazil said in an interview from Brasilia to Thai television Channel 3 Thursday morning that Cambodia insists on pressing ahead with its management plan, while Thailand strongly opposes it.
Speaking after a 45-minute discussion with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sok An, who heads the Cambodian delegation, Mr Suvit said he would work to his best ability to protect Thailand’s national interest, but that what actually happens is up to the decision of all 21 WHC members. He however hoped that the WHC will comprehend the adverse impact that might occur if it endorses Cambodia’s plan.
The 34th annual meeting of the World Heritage Committee this year is now being held from July 25 to August 3.
The Thai Cabinet on Wednesday resolved to oppose Cambodia's plan for Preah Vihear temple, set to be proposed to the World Heritage Committee meeting, instructing the Thai delegation to boycott the anticipated endorsement by walking out of the meeting and not cooperating with the WHC once it endorses the plan.
Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the cabinet adopted a resolution assigning the natural resources and environment minister to make it clear that Thailand opposes the Cambodian effort to bring up the plan for the UNESCO committee’s consideration.
Mr Abhisit stated that the matter should not be discussed unless the two neighbours resolve their dispute over the overlapping zone of 4.6 square kilometres.
He threatened to review Thailand’s membership in the World Heritage Committee if the agency endorses Cambodia’s Preah Vihear management plan.
In 1962, the International Court of Justice awarded the temple and the land it occupies to Cambodia.
The site of the historic structure, which lies along the disputed Thai-Cambodian border, has long been a point of contention between the two Asian neighbours.
On July 7, 2008, Preah Vihear temple was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Under the terms of the listing, Cambodia is required to submit a management plan for WHC approval.
By: MCOT online news
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