Bangkok: The International Court of
Justice on Monday ordered both Thailand and Cambodia to withdraw
their troops from the disputed plot around a 12th century
Hindu Shiva temple, which has been declared a heritage site by
the UN.
The International Court of Justice at the Hague is to
proceed with the case to interpret the 1962 ruling on the
Preah Vihear temple.
Pending the ruling, both countries are required to
pull out their troops from the area, Thailand's leading Nation
online newspaper said.
In a petition submitted in May, Cambodia asked the
court to issue a temporary injunction forbidding Thai troops
from carrying out any activities in a disputed area near the
Phrea Vihear temple, which is listed as a World Heritage Site.
In 1962, the court had ruled that the ancient Hindu
temple belonged to Cambodia.
Of late, Thailand has insisted the ruling covered only
the temple and the area around it was Thai territory. Though
the main entrance of the temple is on the Cambodian side, a
large part of the sprawling complex is on the Thai side.
The court rejected Thailand's request to throw out the
case.
Pending the ruling, both countries are required to
pull out their troops from the area, Thailand's leading Nation
online newspaper said.
In a petition submitted in May, Cambodia asked the
court to issue a temporary injunction forbidding Thai troops
from carrying out any activities in a disputed area near the
Phrea Vihear temple, which is listed as a World Heritage Site.
In 1962, the court had ruled that the ancient Hindu
temple belonged to Cambodia.
Of late, Thailand has insisted the ruling covered only
the temple and the area around it was Thai territory. Though
the main entrance of the temple is on the Cambodian side, a
large part of the sprawling complex is on the Thai side.
The court rejected Thailand's request to throw out the
case.
First Published: Monday, July 18, 2011, 19:27