"We respect ICJ`s decision that includes ASEAN as a facilitator in the effort to solve the Thailand-Cambodia conflict," Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa said here on Tuesday after chairing the 44th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM) in Nusa Dua.
Marty said the ICJ`s mention of the deployment of ASEAN observers in the conflict area was considered as a support to ASEAN to take part in solving the Thailand-Cambodia`s conflict.
The minister added during his meeting with ASEAN foreign affairs ministers on Tuesday morning until afternoon, both the Thai and Cambodian foreign affairs ministers stated that they would honor ICJ`s decision.
The ICJ on Monday (July 18) ordered Cambodia and Thailand to immediately withdraw their military personnel currently present in the provisional demilitarized zone around the area of the Preah Vihear temple.
It added that Cambodia and Thailand should continue their co- operation within ASEAN and, in particular, allow observers appointed by that organization to have access to the provisional demilitarized zone.
The Court`s order was issued after Cambodia, on April 28, submitted a petition for interpretation of the Court`s 1962 judgment along with a request for the indication of provisional measures.
The ICJ awarded the Preah Vihear temple to Cambodia in 1962 and the temple was enlisted as a World Heritage Site on July 7, 2008.
A border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand occurred just a week after the enlistment as Thailand claims ownership of 4.6 square kilometers (1.8 square miles) of scrubs next to the temple.
Since then, both sides have built up military forces along the border and periodic clashes have happened, resulting in the death of troops and civilians on both sides.
(Uu.A051/HAJM/H-YH)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
