Cambodians cheer World Heritage nod for temple

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA - CAMBODIANS celebrated in the streets on 8 July 2008 over their nation's success in having an ancient Hindu temple named a World Heritage landmark.But the decision is set to stoke political tensions in Thailand, with the top court questioning the legality of Bangkok's support for the Cambodian bid.In Phnom Penh, thousands of people danced, sang and waved flags, chanting 'Long live Preah Vihear temple!' in response to news of the World Heritage Site status.

'This is a very auspicious day for us. We're delighted,' said medical student Ti Vansi.Prime Minister Hun Sen issued a statement yesterday, calling the temple's designation 'a new pride for the people of Cambodia'. UNESCO spokesman Joanna Sullivan said on Monday that the temple had been designated a heritage site at a meeting in Quebec City.The building, which lies along the disputed Thai-Cambodian border, has long been a point of contention between the two countries.

In 1962, the International Court of Justice awarded the temple and the land it occupies to Cambodia, a decision that still rankles with Thais, even though the temple is culturally Cambodian, sharing the Hindu-influenced style of the more famous Angkor Wat in north-western Cambodia.

Cambodia started seeking the World Heritage status for the temple in 2001, hoping for the influx of tourists and international funding that normally accompany such a designation.In the past, Thailand had vetoed its neighbour's submissions for fear that the status would include disputed land along the border.

But Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's government bypassed Parliament and endorsed Cambodia's application.Yesterday, the Constitutional Court ruled 8-1 that the communique approved by the Cabinet last month needed parliamentary approval.The opposition Democrat Party pounced on the verdict, saying it would launch a Senate petition to oust Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama, who had sought Cabinet approval for the communique.

Under the Constitution, lawmakers can ask the Speaker to investigate unconstitutional actions by a minister.'We are aiming to terminate Noppadon first,' chief opposition whip Satit Wongnongtaey said, adding that a petition to remove the entire Cabinet may eventually be submitted.

By K. Kesavapany