Preah Vihear Temple was shelled by the Thai military during the July 24-28 clashes. - Supplied
PHNOM PENH: The Asian Cultural Council (ACC) has raised alarm over renewed fighting along the Cambodia–Thailand border, saying the latest clashes have placed several nationally and internationally significant heritage sites at risk, alongside causing civilian casualties and displacement.
In a Dec 9 statement, the ACC said the clashes on Dec 7 and 8, involving heavy weapons and airstrikes, had escalated tensions and resulted in attacks affecting major cultural and historical landmarks.
The council specifically named the Preah Vihear Temple, Ta Mone Thom Temple, Ta Krabei Temple and Khna Temple as sites impacted by the violence.
“The Asian Cultural Council calls on the militaries of both countries to immediately cease violence and prioritize the safety of their citizens, protect national and international cultural heritage, an inestimable treasure of humanity, and immediately cease all activities that threaten the peace and stability of both countries,” said the statement.
It warned that military actions in and around such areas risk permanent loss of sites with great historical, cultural and spiritual value.
Calling for an immediate end to the violence, the council urged the armed forces of both Cambodia and Thailand to prioritise the protection of civilians and safeguard cultural heritage.
It appealed to both sides to stop all military activities that undermine peace and stability and refrain from resolving disputes through force.
The statement also underscored the legal obligations of both countries under international conventions, including the 1972 World Heritage Convention and the 1954 Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.
The ACC said adherence to these agreements, along with commitments under the Joint Declaration on the Peace Agreement, is essential to preventing further damage and restoring calm.
“The Asian Cultural Council supports solutions that promote reconciliation, diplomatic solutions, and mutual understanding to build peace, trust, prosperity and unity in a prosperous, civilised Asia,” it said. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
