Nation Revels in Temple's 'Heritage' Status
Unesco's World Heritage Committee approved the Preah Vihear temple for protection late Monday. (08 July 2008)
Cambodians celebrated across the country Tuesday, followingthe inclusion of Preah Vihear temple as a Unesco World Heritage site. Public officials joined residents in impromptu celebrations in Phnom Penh. Monks in pagodas rang bells, as people went into the streets, shouting,clapping, singing and dancing to drums. Prime Minister Hun Sen issued a statement congratulating Cambodiaon the inscription, especially noting efforts of diplomats and the negotiatingteam. The protection of the temple, which sits on a disputedborder region, required years of brokering with Thailand. Unesco's World Heritage Committee Announced late Monday theinclusion of the temple on the protection list. The temple joined another 15sites around the world that were inscribed during meetings of the committee in Canada. An official who attended those meetings said Thailand hadobjected to the inclusion of the temple, but the decision was impossible toreverse. Foreign Minister Hor Namhong declared the result at a pressconference Tuesday. The registration of the temple as a World Heritage was not aloss of territory, "even one centimeter," to Thailand or Cambodia,he said. Phnom Penhcity officials planned a concert and fireworks display at Wat Phnom Tuesdaynight. Cambodian People's Party lawmaker Cheam Yiep called theinscription a "big success" for the ruling party. Opposition Sam Rainsy Party lawmaker Son Chhay said theWorld Heritage listing was not a surprise, as the temple belonged to Cambodia, but he worried the agreement had cost Cambodiaterritory and could lead to future losses in border negotiations. The celebrations followed weeks of increased tension betweenCambodia and Thailand, as Thai opposition crowds protested inBangkok and at theborder, claiming an agreement to allow Cambodia to apply for Heritage status amounted to a cessation of land. Officials said Tuesday the gate to Preah Vinhear templeremained closed on the Thai side, and Cambodian riot police remainedon guard in front of the Thai Embassy in PhnomPenh.