世界遺産「プレアビヒア」周辺はカンボジア領 国際司法裁判所が判決

オランダ・ハーグの国際司法裁判所は11月11日、カンボジアとタイの国境地帯にあるヒンズー教寺院遺跡「プレアビヒア」周辺地域の帰属を争っている訴訟の判決を言い渡した。
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PREAH VIHEAR, CAMBODIA - FEBRUARY 8: A Cambodian monk looks out from inside the 11th century Preah Vihear temple on February 8, 2011 in Preah Vihear, Cambodia. Six Cambodian monks, living in a pagoda that was attacked by Thailand over the weekend, are now taking shelter inside the ancient temple near the military for protection. Thousands of refugees have fled the area after clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops near the disputed World Heritage site. Presently there is no official ceasefire in place as the two countries contest ownership of the 4.6 sq-km area. The 900-year-old temple belongs to Cambodia following a 1962 World Court ruling but this remains disputed by many Thais. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/ Getty Images)
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オランダ・ハーグの国際司法裁判所は11月11日、カンボジアとタイの国境地帯にあるヒンズー教寺院遺跡「プレアビヒア」周辺地域についてカンボジア領と認定する判決を下した。両国の間で領土問題となっており、武力衝突で周辺住民の死者も出ていたが、今回の判決で雪融けに繋がる可能性が出てきた。時事ドットコムが以下のように伝えている。

国際司法裁判所(ICJ、オランダ・ハーグ)は11日、タイとカンボジアの国境紛争をめぐる訴訟の判決で、世界遺産のプレアビヒア寺院遺跡がある高台一帯は、カンボジア領だとの判断を示した。

(時事ドットコム「寺院遺跡一帯はカンボジア領=国際司法裁が判決」2013/11/11 19:31)

コトバンクによると、「プレアビヒア」は9世紀末に建造された遺跡でアンコールワットよりも長い歴史を持つという。

カンボジア北部,タイとの国境を走るダンレック山地中にあるアンコール時代の寺院遺跡。この地域は1904年フランス・シャム(タイ)協約によりフランス領カンボジアに帰属したが,第2次大戦中からタイが占拠し,その後両国の国境紛争に発展した。寺院は,9世紀末にヤショーバルマン1世が創建し,11世紀前半にスールヤバルマン1世が増築・整備したもので,ビシュヌ神を主神とする。西を正面とし,なだらかな傾斜の自然の地形を利用して参道(全長848m,幅12m)がつくられている。

プレアビヒア とは - コトバンク)

世界遺産のプレアビヒア寺院遺跡
Preah Vihear Temple(01 of31)
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(credit:Flickr:William Brehm)
Preah Vihear Temple(02 of31)
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(credit:Flickr:William Brehm)
Preah Vihear 26-01-2005 10-15-26(03 of31)
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(credit:Flickr:El Groo)
Preah Vihear 26-01-2005 09-53-21(04 of31)
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(credit:Flickr:El Groo)
Preah Vihear 26-01-2005 10-31-36(05 of31)
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(credit:Flickr:El Groo)
Thailand And Cambodia Exchange Artllery Fire Over Disputed Temple Site(06 of31)
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PREAH VIHEAR, CAMBODIA - FEBRUARY 9: A Cambodian solider stands guard along the grounds of the ancient Preah Vihear temple February 9, 2011 in Preah Vihear province, Cambodia. Thousands of refugees were moved 80 km away from the Preah Vihear temple as tensions remain high on both sides of the border. The 11th century Hindu temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been the subject of a lengthy dispute between the two countries over ownership of the 4.6-sq-km contested area. Currently there is there is an uneasy pause to the fighting, but no official ceasefire in place. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Thailand And Cambodia Exchange Artllery Fire Over Disputed Temple Site(07 of31)
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PREAH VIHEAR, CAMBODIA - FEBRUARY 9: A Cambodian solider plays with his mobile phone while relaxing on the ancient Preah Vihear temple where a military camp has been set up February 9, 2011 in Preah Vihear province, Cambodia. Thousands of refugees were moved 80 km away from the Preah Vihear temple as tensions remain high on both sides of the border. The 11th century Hindu temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been the subject of a lengthy dispute between the two countries over ownership of the 4.6-sq-km contested area. Currently there is there is an uneasy pause to the fighting, but no official ceasefire in place. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Thailand And Cambodia Exchange Artllery Fire Over Disputed Temple Site(08 of31)
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PREAH VIHEAR, CAMBODIA - FEBRUARY 9: A Cambodian solider looks across at the Thai border from the ancient Preah Vihear temple where a military camp has been set up February 9, 2011 in Preah Vihear province, Cambodia. Thousands of refugees were moved 80 km away from the Preah Vihear temple as tensions remain high on both sides of the border. The 11th century Hindu temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been the subject of a lengthy dispute between the two countries over ownership of the 4.6-sq-km contested area. Currently there is there is an uneasy pause to the fighting, but no official ceasefire in place. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Thailand And Cambodia Exchange Artllery Fire Over Disputed Temple Site(09 of31)
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PREAH VIHEAR, CAMBODIA - FEBRUARY 9: A Cambodian solider rests inside the ancient Preah Vihear temple where a military camp has been set up February 9, 2011 in Preah Vihear province, Cambodia. Thousands of refugees were moved 80 km away from the Preah Vihear temple as tensions remain high on both sides of the border. The 11th century Hindu temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been the subject of a lengthy dispute between the two countries over ownership of the 4.6-sq-km contested area. Currently there is there is an uneasy pause to the fighting, but no official ceasefire in place. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Thailand And Cambodia Exchange Artllery Fire Over Disputed Temple Site(10 of31)
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PREAH VIHEAR, CAMBODIA - FEBRUARY 9: A Cambodian solider and a monk walk along the ancient Preah Vihear temple looking toward the Thai border February 9, 2011 in Preah Vihear province, Cambodia. Thousands of refugees were moved 80 km away from the Preah Vihear temple as tensions remain high on both sides of the border. The 11th century Hindu temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been the subject of a lengthy dispute between the two countries over ownership of the 4.6-sq-km contested area. Currently there is there is an uneasy pause to the fighting, but no official ceasefire in place. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Thailand And Cambodia Exchange Artllery Fire Over Disputed Temple Site(11 of31)
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PREAH VIHEAR, CAMBODIA - FEBRUARY 9: Cambodian soldiers rest on the ruins of the ancient Preah Vihear temple where a military camp has been set up February 9, 2011 in Preah Vihear province, Cambodia. Thousands of refugees were moved 80 km away from the Preah Vihear temple as tensions remain high on both sides of the border. The 11th century Hindu temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been the subject of a lengthy dispute between the two countries over ownership of the 4.6-sq-km contested area. Currently there is there is an uneasy pause to the fighting, but no official ceasefire in place. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Thailand And Cambodia Exchange Artllery Fire Over Disputed Temple Site(12 of31)
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PREAH VIHEAR, CAMBODIA - FEBRUARY 9: A Cambodian solider looks across at the Thai border from the ancient Preah Vihear temple where a military camp has been set up February 9, 2011 in Preah Vihear province, Cambodia. Thousands of refugees were moved 80 km away from the Preah Vihear temple as tensions remain high on both sides of the border. The 11th century Hindu temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been the subject of a lengthy dispute between the two countries over ownership of the 4.6-sq-km contested area. Currently there is there is an uneasy pause to the fighting, but no official ceasefire in place. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Thailand And Cambodia Exchange Artllery Fire Over Disputed Temple Site(13 of31)
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PREAH VIHEAR, CAMBODIA - FEBRUARY 9: A Cambodian monk prays in front of the ancient Preah Vihear temple where a military camp has been set up February 9, 2011 in Preah Vihear province, Cambodia. Thousands of refugees were moved 80 km away from the Preah Vihear temple as tensions remain high on both sides of the border. The 11th century Hindu temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been the subject of a lengthy dispute between the two countries over ownership of the 4.6-sq-km contested area. Currently there is there is an uneasy pause to the fighting, but no official ceasefire in place. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Thailand And Cambodia Exchange Artllery Fire Over Disputed Temple Site(14 of31)
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PREAH VIHEAR, CAMBODIA - FEBRUARY 9: A Cambodian monk looks out from inside the ancient Preah Vihear temple February 9, 2011 in Preah Vihear province, Cambodia. Six Cambodian monks who were living in a pagoda claimed by Thailand were attacked over the weekend. The monks are now taking shelter inside the ancient temple near the military for protection. Thousands of refugees were moved 80 km away from the Preah Vihear temple as tensions remain high on both sides of the border. The 11th century Hindu temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been the subject of a lengthy dispute between the two countries over ownership of the 4.6-sq-km contested area. Currently there is there is an uneasy pause to the fighting, but no official ceasefire in place. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Thailand And Cambodia Exchange Artllery Fire Over Disputed Temple Site(15 of31)
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PREAH VIHEAR, CAMBODIA - FEBRUARY 9: A Cambodian solider looks across at the Thai border from the ancient Preah Vihear temple where a military camp has been set up February 9, 2011 in Preah Vihear province, Cambodia. Thousands of refugees were moved 80 km away from the Preah Vihear temple as tensions remain high on both sides of the border. The 11th century Hindu temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been the subject of a lengthy dispute between the two countries over ownership of the 4.6-sq-km contested area. Currently there is there is an uneasy pause to the fighting, but no official ceasefire in place. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Thailand And Cambodia Exchange Artllery Fire Over Disputed Temple Site(16 of31)
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PREAH VIHEAR, CAMBODIA - FEBRUARY 9: Cambodian soliders looks across at the Thai border from the ancient Preah Vihear temple where a military camp has been set up February 9, 2011 in Preah Vihear province, Cambodia. Thousands of refugees were moved 80 km away from the Preah Vihear temple as tensions remain high on both sides of the border. The 11th century Hindu temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been the subject of a lengthy dispute between the two countries over ownership of the 4.6-sq-km contested area. Currently there is there is an uneasy pause to the fighting, but no official ceasefire in place. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Thailand And Cambodia Exchange Artillery Fire Over Disputed Temple Site(17 of31)
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PREAH VIHEAR, CAMBODIA - FEBRUARY 8: A Cambodian solider guards the grounds of the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple as tensions remain high on both sides of the border, on February 8, 2011 in Preah Vihear, Cambodia. Thousands of refugees have fled the area after clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops near the disputed World Heritage site. Presently there is no official ceasefire in place as the two countries contest ownership of the 4.6 sq-km area. The 900-year-old temple belongs to Cambodia following a 1962 World Court ruling but this remains disputed by many Thais. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/ Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Thailand And Cambodia Exchange Artillery Fire Over Disputed Temple Site(18 of31)
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PREAH VIHEAR, CAMBODIA - FEBRUARY 8: A Cambodian solider guards the grounds of the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple as tensions remain high on both sides of the border, on February 8, 2011 in Preah Vihear, Cambodia. Thousands of refugees have fled the area after clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops near the disputed World Heritage site. Presently there is no official ceasefire in place as the two countries contest ownership of the 4.6 sq-km area. The 900-year-old temple belongs to Cambodia following a 1962 World Court ruling but this remains disputed by many Thais. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/ Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Thailand And Cambodia Exchange Artillery Fire Over Disputed Temple Site(19 of31)
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PREAH VIHEAR, CAMBODIA - FEBRUARY 8: A Cambodian solider guards the grounds of the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple as tensions remain high on both sides of the border, on February 8, 2011 in Preah Vihear, Cambodia. Thousands of refugees have fled the area after clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops near the disputed World Heritage site. Presently there is no official ceasefire in place as the two countries contest ownership of the 4.6 sq-km area. The 900-year-old temple belongs to Cambodia following a 1962 World Court ruling but this remains disputed by many Thais. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/ Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Thailand And Cambodia Exchange Artillery Fire Over Disputed Temple Site(20 of31)
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PREAH VIHEAR, CAMBODIA - FEBRUARY 8: A Cambodian solider rests in the grounds of the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple as tensions remain high on both sides of the border, on February 8, 2011 in Preah Vihear, Cambodia. Thousands of refugees have fled the area after clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops near the disputed World Heritage site. Presently there is no official ceasefire in place as the two countries contest ownership of the 4.6 sq-km area. The 900-year-old temple belongs to Cambodia following a 1962 World Court ruling but this remains disputed by many Thais. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/ Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Thailand And Cambodia Exchange Artillery Fire Over Disputed Temple Site(21 of31)
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PREAH VIHEAR, CAMBODIA - FEBRUARY 8: A Cambodian monk looks out from inside the 11th century Preah Vihear temple on February 8, 2011 in Preah Vihear, Cambodia. Six Cambodian monks, living in a pagoda that was attacked by Thailand over the weekend, are now taking shelter inside the ancient temple near the military for protection. Thousands of refugees have fled the area after clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops near the disputed World Heritage site. Presently there is no official ceasefire in place as the two countries contest ownership of the 4.6 sq-km area. The 900-year-old temple belongs to Cambodia following a 1962 World Court ruling but this remains disputed by many Thais. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/ Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Thailand And Cambodia Exchange Artillery Fire Over Disputed Temple Site(22 of31)
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PREAH VIHEAR, CAMBODIA - FEBRUARY 8: A Cambodian monk looks out from inside the 11th century Preah Vihear temple on February 8, 2011 in Preah Vihear, Cambodia. Six Cambodian monks, living in a pagoda that was attacked by Thailand over the weekend, are now taking shelter inside the ancient temple near the military for protection. Thousands of refugees have fled the area after clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops near the disputed World Heritage site. Presently there is no official ceasefire in place as the two countries contest ownership of the 4.6 sq-km area. The 900-year-old temple belongs to Cambodia following a 1962 World Court ruling but this remains disputed by many Thais. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/ Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Thailand And Cambodia Exchange Artillery Fire Over Disputed Temple Site(23 of31)
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PREAH VIHEAR, CAMBODIA - FEBRUARY 8: A Cambodian monk looks out from inside the 11th century Preah Vihear temple on February 8, 2011 in Preah Vihear, Cambodia. Six Cambodian monks, living in a pagoda that was attacked by Thailand over the weekend, are now taking shelter inside the ancient temple near the military for protection. Thousands of refugees have fled the area after clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops near the disputed World Heritage site. Presently there is no official ceasefire in place as the two countries contest ownership of the 4.6 sq-km area. The 900-year-old temple belongs to Cambodia following a 1962 World Court ruling but this remains disputed by many Thais. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/ Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Thailand And Cambodia Exchange Artillery Fire Over Disputed Temple Site(24 of31)
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PREAH VIHEAR, CAMBODIA - FEBRUARY 8: A \'Danger\' sign warns visitors about a fragile structure within the grounds of the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple, on February 8, 2011 in Preah Vihear, Cambodia. Thousands of refugees have fled the area after clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops near the disputed World Heritage site. Presently there is no official ceasefire in place as the two countries contest ownership of the 4.6 sq-km area. The 900-year-old temple belongs to Cambodia following a 1962 World Court ruling but this remains disputed by many Thais. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/ Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Thailand And Cambodia Exchange Artillery Fire Over Disputed Temple Site(25 of31)
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PREAH VIHEAR, CAMBODIA - FEBRUARY 8: The blood from a Cambodian solider killed on Sunday is seen in the grounds of the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple as tensions remain high on both sides of the border, on February 8, 2011 in Preah Vihear, Cambodia. Thousands of refugees have fled the area after clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops near the disputed World Heritage site. Presently there is no official ceasefire in place as the two countries contest ownership of the 4.6 sq-km area. The 900-year-old temple belongs to Cambodia following a 1962 World Court ruling but this remains disputed by many Thais. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/ Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Thailand And Cambodia Exchange Artillery Fire Over Disputed Temple Site(26 of31)
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PREAH VIHEAR, CAMBODIA - FEBRUARY 8: Damage caused by the recent Thai attack to the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple, on February 8, 2011 in Preah Vihear, Cambodia. Thousands of refugees have fled the area after clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops near the disputed World Heritage site. Presently there is no official ceasefire in place as the two countries contest ownership of the 4.6 sq-km area. The 900-year-old temple belongs to Cambodia following a 1962 World Court ruling but this remains disputed by many Thais. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/ Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Thailand And Cambodia Exchange Artillery Fire Over Disputed Temple Site(27 of31)
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PREAH VIHEAR, CAMBODIA - FEBRUARY 8: A Cambodian monk takes shelter inside the 11th century Preah Vihear temple on February 8, 2011 in Preah Vihear, Cambodia. Six Cambodian monks, living in a pagoda that was attacked by Thailand over the weekend, are now taking shelter inside the ancient temple near the military for protection. Thousands of refugees have fled the area after clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops near the disputed World Heritage site. Presently there is no official ceasefire in place as the two countries contest ownership of the 4.6 sq-km area. The 900-year-old temple belongs to Cambodia following a 1962 World Court ruling but this remains disputed by many Thais. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/ Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Thailand And Cambodia Exchange Artillery Fire Over Disputed Temple Site(28 of31)
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PREAH VIHEAR, CAMBODIA - FEBRUARY 8: Cambodian soliders head towards the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple as tensions remain high on both sides of the border, on February 8, 2011 in Preah Vihear, Cambodia. Thousands of refugees have fled the area after clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops near the disputed World Heritage site. Presently there is no official ceasefire in place as the two countries contest ownership of the 4.6 sq-km area. The 900-year-old temple belongs to Cambodia following a 1962 World Court ruling but this remains disputed by many Thais. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/ Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Thailand And Cambodia Exchange Artillery Fire Over Disputed Temple Site(29 of31)
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PREAH VIHEAR, CAMBODIA - FEBRUARY 8: A Cambodian monk looks out from inside the 11th century Preah Vihear temple on February 8, 2011 in Preah Vihear, Cambodia. Six Cambodian monks, living in a pagoda that was attacked by Thailand over the weekend, are now taking shelter inside the ancient temple near the military for protection. Thousands of refugees have fled the area after clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops near the disputed World Heritage site. Presently there is no official ceasefire in place as the two countries contest ownership of the 4.6 sq-km area. The 900-year-old temple belongs to Cambodia following a 1962 World Court ruling but this remains disputed by many Thais. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/ Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Thailand And Cambodia Exchange Artillery Fire Over Disputed Temple Site(30 of31)
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PREAH VIHEAR, CAMBODIA - FEBRUARY 8: A Cambodian solider rests in the grounds of the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple as tensions remain high on both sides of the border, on February 8, 2011 in Preah Vihear, Cambodia. Thousands of refugees have fled the area after clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops near the disputed World Heritage site. Presently there is no official ceasefire in place as the two countries contest ownership of the 4.6 sq-km area. The 900-year-old temple belongs to Cambodia following a 1962 World Court ruling but this remains disputed by many Thais. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/ Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Thailand And Cambodia Exchange Artillery Fire Over Disputed Temple Site(31 of31)
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PREAH VIHEAR, CAMBODIA - FEBRUARY 8: A Cambodian monk takes shelter inside the 11th century Preah Vihear temple on February 8, 2011 in Preah Vihear, Cambodia. Six Cambodian monks, living in a pagoda that was attacked by Thailand over the weekend, are now taking shelter inside the ancient temple near the military for protection. Thousands of refugees have fled the area after clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops near the disputed World Heritage site. Presently there is no official ceasefire in place as the two countries contest ownership of the 4.6 sq-km area. The 900-year-old temple belongs to Cambodia following a 1962 World Court ruling but this remains disputed by many Thais. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/ Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

国際司法裁判所は1962年、遺跡自体はカンボジア領と認定したが、周辺の約5キロ平方メートルの土地の帰属をめぐって両国が対立し、たびたび交戦してきた。2008年にはユネスコの世界遺産に認定されたことで、タイとカンボジアの周辺地域での武力衝突が激しくなっていた。newsclipでは次のように解説している。

2011年には砲撃・銃撃戦で双方の兵士、住民ら30人近くが死亡、100人以上が負傷し、周辺地域の住民10万人以上が一時避難した。紛争激化を受け、カンボジアは同年4月、国際司法裁にプレアビヒア周辺の国境未画定地域の領有権に関する判断を求めた。

(newsclip「タイ・カンボジアの国境紛争、国際司法裁が11月11日に判決」2013/10/27 19:03 )

ただし、カンボジアのフン・セン首相は、タイのタクシン派との関係は良好。そのため、タクシン元首相の妹が率いるインラック政権は、プレアビヒアをめぐる問題でカンボジアとの対立を望んでいない。バンコク週報が、10月の外相会談の結果を次のように報じている。

両国の外相が10月28日、カンボジア・ポイペットで話し合いを行い、いかなる判決が出ようと両国が関係改善に向けて努力を続けることで意見が一致した。

(バンコク週報「カンボジアとの領有権問題、判決後も関係改善で一致」201310/29)

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【各国の世界遺産・特選15】

UNESCO Heritage Sites: 15 Stunning Cultural Gems Around The World
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System(01 of15)
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Seven separate sites make up the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, including the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere. The reef system is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, and home to a large number of endangered species.\n (credit:Andy Blackledge/ Wikimedia)
Canada's Dinosaur Provincial Park(02 of15)
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Situated in the heart of Alberta’s badlands, Dinosaur National Park is home to some of the most significant fossil findings from the Age of Dinosaurs, including 35 species of dinosaurs which date back some 75 million years ago. Paleontologists have also found every group of dinosaurs from the Cretaceous period in the area. (credit:Chris Stubbs/ Wikimedia)
Cocos Island National Park(03 of15)
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Located off the coast of Costa Rica, the uninhabited Cocos Island is the only island in the eastern Pacific with a tropical rainforest. Cocos National Park is one of the best places in the world to spot large marine species such as sharks, rays and dolphins, making it a mecca for scuba divers. (credit:J RAWLS/ Wikimedia)
Canada's L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site (04 of15)
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This archeological site in Newfoundland contains the remains of an 11-century Viking settlement, evidence of the first European exploration to North America. It is the only known Norse settlement in North America (outside of Greenland). The site’s\nprominent wood-framed, turf structures are similar to those found in Iceland and Greenland from the same century. (credit:Gtapp/ Wikimedia)
Archaeological Landscape Of The First Coffee Plantations In The South-East Of Cuba(05 of15)
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The remains of nearly 170 coffee plantations from the 19th and 20th century rest on the rugged valleys of the Sierra Maestra Mountains in Eastern Cuba. What makes these landscapes special is that they reveal the revolutionary agricultural techniques employed by French settlers and their African slaves to cultivate the harsh landscape.
The Dominica's Morne Trois Pitons National Park(06 of15)
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Few places in the world can blend the lush beauty of rain forests and the scenery of volcanoes, yet Morne Trois Pitons does just that. A National Park located on a volcano in the south-central Dominica, this heritage site stands out thanks to its boiling mud ponds, waterfalls, tropical forests, hot springs, freshwater lakes and five volcanoes. (credit:Nelro/ Wikimedia )
The Dominican Republic's Colonial City of Santo Domingo(07 of15)
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The first cathedral, hospital, customs house and university in the\nAmerica\'s were built on Santo Domingo following the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492. The grid pattern used to build the town gave birth to the standard used by town planners in the New World. (credit:Enrique López-Tamayo Biosca/ Wikimeida)
Mexico's Ancient Maya City Of Calakmul(08 of15)
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Hidden in the tropical forests of southern Mexico in the state of\nCampeche are the ruins of Calakmul – one of the largest and greatest Maya cities. This site stands out due to the unearthed structures, art, tombs and other relics that have provided a glimpse into the life in this ancient Maya capital. (credit:PhilippN/ Wikimedia)
Guatemala's City Of Antigua (09 of15)
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The city of Antigua was founded in the early 16th century, only to have most of it destroyed by an earthquake in 1773. Despite the damage, its architecture, inspired by Spanish colonials, remains well-preserved to this date. \n (credit:Pedro Szekely/ Wikimedia)
Haiti's National History Park(10 of15)
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The Palace of Sans Souci, the buildings at Ramiers and the Citadel are the three structures that make up Haiti\'s National History Park. The ruins date back to the early 19th century, when Haiti declared its independence and are the first monuments built by\nblack slaves who gained their freedom. (credit:Rémi Kaupp/ Wikimedia)
Nicaragua's Ruins of León Viejo(11 of15)
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León Viejo earns its spot on UNESCO\'s list as one of the oldest Spanish colonial settlements in the Americas. The artifacts discovered on the site date back to first contact between Spanish settlers and Nicaragua\'s indigenous people back in the 16th century.\n\n (credit:HHaefner /Wikimeida)
Panama's Darien National Park (12 of15)
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Panama’s Darien National Park is a natural bridge connecting the Americas. It contains numerous ecosystems from sandy beaches and rocky coasts to swamps and tropical forests. The park is also home to a number of rare and endangered species, as well as two indigenous tribes.\n (credit:Alamy)
The United States' Yellowstone National Park(13 of15)
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Yellowstone National Park is famous for its wildlife and thousands of geothermal features, such as hot springs and geysers. The majority of Yellowstone National Park is located in the state of Wyoming, though a small percentage also spills into the states of Montana and Idaho. (credit:Getty)
The United States' Statue Of Liberty(14 of15)
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What started as a gift from France to mark 100 years of independence is now one of New York City\'s most popular tourist attractions. Towering over Liberty Island at the entrance to New York Harbor, the sculpture symbolized the countries’ alliance, as well as the principles of freedom and democracy. At the time, it was considered one of the greatest technical achievements of the 19th century. (credit:Alamy)
Saint Kitts and Nevis' Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park(15 of15)
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Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is one of the America\'s most well preserved military fortresses from the 17th and 18th century. It stands as a testament to European colonial expansion and was designed by the British Military and built by African slave labour. (credit:Ukexpat/ Wikimedia)