Cambodian PM calls for troops to keep calm ahead of ICJ's verdict over border row with Thailand

English.news.cn   2013-11-07 21:14:15

PHNOM PENH, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Thursday called on troops along Cambodia-Thailand border to keep calm as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) will announce its decision in the case regarding the disputed land near Preah Vihear Temple next Monday.
"I'd like to appeal to all types of armed forces who are on duties to defend the border to keep calm, exercise utmost restraint and avoid any activities that could lead to tension or clash,"he said in a special video recording, which was simultaneously broadcast on all local TV channels Thursday evening.
The premier also urged the compatriots to continue keeping good relations with the people of Thailand in order to further enhance solidarity, friendship and close cooperation between the two countries. "I and Thai Prime Minister and Defense Minister Yingluck Shinawatra have agreed that whatever the verdict of the International Court of Justice on Nov. 11 is, the two countries have to comply with this decision and try to maintain peace and stability along the border at any cost,"Hun Sen said.
He stressed that the verdict will enable the two sides to end the conflict peacefully in the spirit of mutual respect for international law, national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and maintain good neighboring relationship. "The Cambodian government has a firm policy to build a border with its neighboring countries as the border of peace, friendship, cooperation and development,"he said.
In his speech, the premier also explained the history of the conflict between the two Southeast Asian nations over Preah Vihear Temple to the compatriots.
The ICJ will announce its decision on the border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand over a 4.6 square-km land near the 11th century Preah Vihear temple on Nov. 11 after Cambodia brought the case to the court in April 2011.
The ICJ awarded Cambodia the temple and its vicinity on June 15, 1962, but Thailand claimed the ownership of 4.6 square km of scrub next to the temple in 2008.
The temple had been a flashpoint of armed clashes between the two countries'troops since July 2008 when the UNESCO listed it as a world heritage site.
Hun Sen said in June 2011 that sporadic clashes left 24 Cambodian civilians and soldiers dead and caused serious damages to the temple.