Khmer King's Adviser ask PM to show restraint

Prince Sisowath Thomico, an adviser to Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni wrote a letter to Thai prime minister, stating that the two countries had an interest in putting aside territorial disputes for the harmony of the region.

Phnom Penh Post reported Wednesday that the Prince's letter from Beijing was an attempt to resolve the ongoing standoff over the status of Preah Vihear temple and other disputed areas along the border.

"Raising territorial claims is a futile attempt that flies in the face of history, and that harms our people by diverting significant resources that could otherwise be invested in development," he wrote.

"My dearest wish, Your Excellency, would be to see Preah Vihear standing as the enduring symbol of the reconciliation between our two nations, of the harmony of our relationship, and a model of fruitful cooperation between the two neighbours."

The letter followed a meeting of both countries during Unesco's World Heritage Committee in Brazil. The panel has delayed its consideration on Cambodia's management plan for Preah Vihear temple to next year in Bahrain after Thailand threatened to withdraw its membership.

In a weekly address on Sunday, Abhisit said Thailand had obtained the Cambodian management plan and would look to see if it violates "Thai sovereignty" in the border area.

But Tith Sothea, spokesman for the Council of Ministers' Press and Quick Reaction Unit, said yesterday that since Cambodia's plan had been submitted to the WHC, Thai attempts to raise the matter were meaningless.

"I think Abhisit's knowledge on heritage issues is limited - he does not understand the facts, the work of heritage and its progress," he said. "His manner is to provoke nationalism and [give out] misleading information to gain politically."

Tith Sothea said Deputy Prime Minister Sok An, who headed the Cambodian delegation to Brazil, would return to Cambodia on Saturday.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• UNESCO
• World Heritage Committee
• Preah Vihear
• Thai PM
• Abhisit Vejjajiva
• Sok An