Resolution on the border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia

The European Parliament adopted a resolution condemns the border clashes between the armed forces of the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Kingdom of Thailand. 

The resolution had been tabled by the ALDE, GUE/NGL, EPP, Greens/ALE, S&D and ECR groups.

It urges all parties to exercise the utmost restraint and take the steps necessary to reduce tension, to resume their dialogue with a view to resolving their differences peacefully, and to accept the assistance of ASEAN and the United Nations. Members note that since there has been fighting between Thailand and Cambodia since the beginning of February 2011, near the border including near the temple of Preah Vihear which has allegedly been damaged by shelling during the recent border clashes. These clashes started after a Cambodian court sentenced two Thai nationals to up to eight years' imprisonment, having found them guilty of espionage and illegal entry after they crossed into the disputed border area in December 2010. Reports state that there have been fatal casualties and injured soldiers and civilians on both sides, and that thousands of civilians in the surrounding area have had to be evacuated.

Parliament recalls that the temple of Preah Vihear has been the centre of recurring boundary disputes between Thailand and Cambodia over the last century, and that the International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that the temple of Preah Vihear is situated in territory under the sovereignty of Cambodia. It was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site on 7 July 2008. Members call on both countries to respect the 1962 judgment of the International Court of Justice and to reach a peaceful settlement of the dispute regarding the border area close to the Preah Vihear temple. Both countries are asked to find a solution that will allow direct access from their respective territories to the Preah Vihear temple, and not to obstruct one another's citizens entering the temple or the border area.

Parliament welcomes the efforts undertaken by Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, as ASEAN chair, to help the two sides reach a temporary solution so as to trigger bilateral mechanisms for realising the objectives of border demarcation and general peace in the area.

It also welcomes the decision by the Director-General of UNESCO to send a mission to assess the state of the Preah Vihear temple. Both Cambodia and Thailand are urged to cooperate with the UNESCO mission.

Lastly, Parliament expresses its concern about the alleged use of cluster munitions and calls on both countries to refrain from using such munitions under any circumstances, noting that neither Thailand nor Cambodia has ratified the Convention on Cluster Munitions.