Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Referring Border Row To ICJ Not Tantamount To Asean’s Failure

KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 (Bernama) — Referring the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) should not be equated with Asean’s failure to solve the issue.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Dr Marty Natalegawa said what was important was that the parties involved would solve the matter peacefully rather than resorting to violence.

He told reporters this at the 25th Asia-Pacific Roundtable here Monday.

The minister noted that the row had previously been brought to the attention of the United Nations Security Council and Asean, and now ICJ.

“But this doesn’t mean that the diplomatic process has been exhausted, as various measures are being taken to solve the issue, including the legal process, diplomacy and others,” he said.

The ancient Preah Vihear temple has been at the centre of the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia.

In 1962, the ICJ granted the temple to Cambodia, but Thailand claimed much of the surrounding land.

Tensions mounted a few years ago following Cambodia’s bid to have the temple listed as a World Heritage site.

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