Click to enlarge. The ICJ's map of Demilitarised Zone.By ARTHUR MAX
Associated Press
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The U.N.'s highest court Monday ordered troops from both Thailand and Cambodia to immediately withdraw military forces from disputed areas around a World Heritage temple straddling their border.
The court drew a "provisional demilitarized zone" around the 1,000-year-old Preah Vihear temple that would push Thai troops back from positions they have long occupied and would see Cambodian armed forces leave the temple's immediate vicinity.
At least 20 people have died since 2008 in clashes between the two countries that continued as late as last April, when military commanders agreed to an oral cease-fire.
By a vote of 11-5, the judges of the International Court of Justice went beyond Cambodia's request to order Thai troops out of the area, and imposed restrictions on both armies and police forces.
It said it decided to intercede to avoid the risk of more clashes and further damage to the ancient Hindu shrine.
It also called on the two nations to allow officers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations into the area to observe the cease-fire, which was called for by the U.N. Security Council last February.
The court ruled in 1962 that Preah Vihear is in Cambodian territory, a judgment Thailand does not dispute.
But the earlier ruling failed to draw definitive boundaries. Cambodia went to the U.N. tribunal for clarifications on "the meaning and scope" of the ruling. Thailand argued that the court has no need to take further action.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The U.N.'s highest court Monday ordered troops from both Thailand and Cambodia to immediately withdraw military forces from disputed areas around a World Heritage temple straddling their border.
The court drew a "provisional demilitarized zone" around the 1,000-year-old Preah Vihear temple that would push Thai troops back from positions they have long occupied and would see Cambodian armed forces leave the temple's immediate vicinity.
At least 20 people have died since 2008 in clashes between the two countries that continued as late as last April, when military commanders agreed to an oral cease-fire.
By a vote of 11-5, the judges of the International Court of Justice went beyond Cambodia's request to order Thai troops out of the area, and imposed restrictions on both armies and police forces.
It said it decided to intercede to avoid the risk of more clashes and further damage to the ancient Hindu shrine.
It also called on the two nations to allow officers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations into the area to observe the cease-fire, which was called for by the U.N. Security Council last February.
The court ruled in 1962 that Preah Vihear is in Cambodian territory, a judgment Thailand does not dispute.
But the earlier ruling failed to draw definitive boundaries. Cambodia went to the U.N. tribunal for clarifications on "the meaning and scope" of the ruling. Thailand argued that the court has no need to take further action.
6 comments:
This is not a victory but not a lost for Cambodia either, but one thing for sure if Thailand comply with the ruling it will prevent further lost of life.
In the next couple of days see what the reaction from the bandits,and Cambodian soldiers need a break from the fox holes.
Cambodia is requested Thai army withdrawal and Cambodia got it, at the least the Thai have to withdraw it simple .
They are not going to comply. ICJ is making a fool of itself. I doubt that any thing would change in a few day.
ICJ must willing to make a clear cut between what is right and what is wrong. This ICJ's provision will not be good enough for either parties and clash will contenue.
I know preah vihear is in srok Khmer and a world heritage!!!!!!!! But why ask us Khmer troop to withdraw to-from our own land. Not fair!!!!!!! The land is our!!!! The temple are built by our ancestors!!!! Then why not did they see these as a considerations!!!! We always a victim!!!! Why??????do the world see that Khmer empire are keep shrinking??????? They should not create a dmz zone. Did the world court says that preah vihear belong to Khmer in 1962???? Instead of dmz, they should have drawn as a Cambodian border!!!!!!!!! This will solve the future conflict cus of precise border demarcation!!!! But dmz only benefit the temple which is ok. But what happen if their is no more dmz??? Will whom this area belong to???? Another subject-- did we Khmer get the unilateral management of the temple???? We Khmer ask the border line around the ruled in 1962 but get what???????? I am pissed!!!!!!!!! We need to go to war to get once our!!!!!!??????? Like the old says goes," no one will help you if you can not help yourself." we khmer need to be strong, educated, wise, united, etc....... But when????? If these are not happen, we are going to be a constant pain in the ass for the next 1000 years and beyond!!!! If we still exist and have our land of course!!!!!!!! Sincerely sroa lench poouch Khmer !!!!
I agree with comment above! Why asking Khmer to leave our own home..??????Thailand is the one suppose to leave our home....ICJ drunkard?
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