International Court Of Justice (ICJ) To Speak On Preah Vihear Case This Month

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ICJ to speak on Preah Vihear case this month
By The Nation 2011-05-21

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will voice observations on the Preah Vihear case on May 30 and 31 in relation to Cambodia's request for provisional measures in the disputed border area, the court said on Thursday.

The case is related to Cambodia's move to seek an interpretation of the 1962 ruling on the ancient temple.

The scheduled observation will focus on the measures sought by Cambodia, including the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Thai troops from the disputed area adjacent to the temple.

The court has allocated two hours per day to each side for providing testimonies.

The Thai legal team will fly to The Hague next week after Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has finalised briefings with them on Monday, a government official said.

The hearing is open to media representatives and individuals subject to accreditation procedures, the court said.

Cambodia has filed a petition with the World Court asking it to interpret the Court's 1962 ruling on the temple. The petition, Cambodia claims, was prompted by Thailand's repeated armed aggression to exert its claim on Cambodian territory.

The historic Preah Vihear temple has been a point of contention between the two countries, as the boundary through the grounds surrounding the temple is not demarcated. The occasional military clashes at this border have claimed numerous lives.