Unesco Envoy Due in Bangkok, Phnom Penh Over Temple Dispute

24 February 2011 -- Kyodo

A UNESCO envoy will visit Thailand and Cambodia between Friday and Tuesday to discuss with their leaders the safeguarding of a World Heritage site on the two countries' disputed border, according to UNESCO and Cambodian officials.

Koichiro Matsuura, a former Japanese top diplomat who served as UNESCO'S director general between 1999 and 2009, will also examine with both sides ways of reducing tension and promoting dialogue on preserving Preah Vihear Temple, UNESCO said in a statement.

Phay Siphan, spokesman of Cambodia's Council of Ministers, said Thursday that Matsuura will arrive in Cambodia on Sunday, after visiting Thailand.
It remains unclear whether he will visit Preah Vihear, an 11th century Hindu temple that was inscribed as a World Heritage site in 2008 over Thailand's objections.
After being claimed by both countries, Preah Vihear was awarded to Cambodia in a 1962 ruling by the International Court of Justice.

But Thailand still claims 4.6 square kilometers of land around the temple and the two sides have clashed in the area since 2008, with damage being caused to the temple earlier this month.

Matsuura, who chaired the World Heritage Committee before becoming UNESCO's leader, was earlier this month appointed by UNESCO Director General Irina Bokovanamed as her special envoy to address the Preah Vihear issue.