PHNOM PENH: Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeung Sakona has expressed Cambodia’s concerns over Thailand’s construction of a replica of Angkor Wat and discussed the possibility of sending Unesco specialists to conduct an on-site, independent assessment of the damage to Preah Vihear Temple caused by recent border clashes.
She met with Khaled Ahmed El-Enany Ali Ezz, director-general of Unesco, at the organisation’s headquarters in Paris, France, on Wednesday (Nov 26).
“The minister also raised Cambodian concerns regarding a neighbouring country’s construction of an Angkor Wat replica and called on the World Heritage Centre and Unesco’s Legal Affairs Division to examine the various legal mechanisms within the spirit of the 1970 and 1972 Conventions in order to prevent this issue,” explained a Nov 27 culture ministry statement.
“In addition, she discussed the possibility of sending Unesco experts to independently inspect and assess the damage caused to Preah Vihear Temple as a result of previous border clashes,” it added.
She also congratulated El-Enany on his election as director-general on this important institution during Unesco’s 43rd General Conference.
She further reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment as a member state to cooperating in the implementation of Unesco’s programmes and upholding its key principles.
In particular, she noted that cooperation between Cambodia and Unesco has become highly successful, both through mechanisms such as the ICC-Angkor, Sambor Prei Kuk and Preah Vihear, as well as through collaborative efforts in the protection, promotion and conservation of tangible and intangible world heritage.
El-Enany welcomed the Cambodian delegation and praised Cambodia as a member that has consistently provided excellent cooperation with Unesco.
He also confirmed his intention to continue all cooperative efforts with Cambodia and to review the concerns raised by the minister.
Preah Vihear Temple suffered severe damage at the hands of Thai troops during the border conflict in July. This included the use of air-dropped MK-82 bombs. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
