Press Release Phnom Penh, 17 July 2011 CCHR releases Blurred Boundaries briefing note in advance of tomorrows ICJ

J decision and calls for a permanent peace deal between Cambodia and Thailand that puts people before politics The Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR), a non-aligned, independent, non-governmental organization that works to promote and protect democracy and respect for human rights throughout the Kingdom of Cambodia (Cambodia), calls for both Cambodia and Thailand to use tomorrows International Court of Justice (the ICJ) decision in response to Cambodias request for an interpretation of the 1962 ICJ judgment over the sovereignty of the disputed Preah Vihear temple as the first step on the path to a permanent peace deal on the long-standing border conflict between the two countries. CCHR marks tomorrows ICJ decision by releasing a briefing note entitled Blurred Boundaries: A Briefing Note on the Cambodian-Thai Border Tensions, which sets out the history, causes and developments of the long-running border dispute. It is now vital that both countries allow third party independent players either international or regional to help them reach a final resolution to the border conflict, so as to end the ongoing bloodshed and displacement of civilians. In anticipation of the decision by the ICJ, CCHR President Ou Virak commented: Tomorrows ICJ decision represents an opportunity for a fresh chapter in Cambodian-Thai relations that should not be spurned. The Cambodian governments application to the ICJ is a step in the right direction in terms of resolving the border conflict, and the incoming Thai government should capitalize on its new mandate by setting aside the political games that have dogged negotiations thus far and by working in partnership with Cambodia. Any further ICJ decision relating to the disputed territory surrounding Preah Vihear temple will not amount to a resolution to a dispute that concerns a stretch of border around 160 kilometers long. Nevertheless, the decision could be a springboard to a permanent peace settlement to the wider border conflict. Both governments must seize this opportunity to honor their democratic mandates and put their people before politics. - END For more information, please contact Ou Virak via telephone at +855 (0) 12 40 40 51 or e-mail at ouvirak@cchrcambodia.org. Notes to Editor CCHR was founded in November 2002. Ou Virak, CCHR President, won the 2007 Reebok Human Rights Award for his work promoting freedom of expression. CCHR is a member of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX), the global network for free expression.