Unesco calls for dialogue

By The Nation
28 July, 2010

Unesco has called for dialogue between Thailand and Cambodia concerning Unesco's listing of Preah Vihear Temple as World Heritage Site.

Unesco's director general Irina Bokova said in a statement issued on Wednesday that the role of the 1972 World Heritage Convention as an instrument for international cooperation.

She was referring to dispute between Thailand and Cambodia over Cambodia's listing of Preah Vihear Temple as World Heritage Site.

Unesco's World Heritage Committee is convening in Brasilia city of Brazil and Cambodia has submitted a Full Management Plan for the Hindu-styled temple required by the committee after the temple was inscribed as the WH site in 2008.

Thailand said it would walk out from the meeting if the committee approved the plan.

Bokova's comments follow protests outside Unesco Office in Bangkok (Thailand) held as the World Hertiage Committee meets in Brasilia to examine the state of conservation of the temple.

Referring to her recent meetings with representatives of Cambodia and Thailand, Bokova emphasized that the first concern of the World Heritage Committee is to protect and promote their heritage, and this with full respect and without prejudice to the sovereignty of Member States or to any territorial claims.

"Protecting and enhancing our natural and cultural heritage, means building the peace, respect and solidarity which lies at the heart of Unesco mission. It is our common responsibility to make these sites emblems of peace, dialogue and reconciliation."