Friday, August 28, 2009

Activists Urge Govt to Protect Sovereignty over Preah Vihear

28 August 2009

An activist group has urged the government to protect Thailand's sovereignty over the disputed area around the ancient ruins of Preah Vihear Temple. Meanwhile, yellow-shirt supporters are taking an inspection tour of the disputed zone to gather first-hand information.

A network which has been closely monitoring the Preah Vihear Temple dispute demanded that the government maintain troops around the ancient temple to protect the country's sovereignty over the 4.6 square-kilometer area surrounding it.

The activist group also urged a review of the draft framework for negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia on security and order over the unresolved area and other interim arrangements.

Moreover, it called on Parliament to postpone its consideration of the framework, scheduled for next Monday, saying that the country may lose its territorial rights over the disputed land if the plan is agreed upon.

Along with the request, the group submitted a video tape showing Cambodian troops on patrol near the Preah Vihear Temple to the Defence Ministry.

In a related development, at least 300 supporters of People's Alliance for Democracy travelled to the Preah Vihear Temple to see first-hand the controversial location. However, only eight people were allowed to inspect the area with military officials accompanying them. The group is expected to return late this evening.

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