The bulletin claimed Ms Lemaistre said the demolitions of around 500 buildings in zones I and II of the Angkor Archaeological Park came as part of an agreement worked out by Cambodian and UNESCO representatives. Media sources in Cambodia asked Ms Lemaistre if she knew how many buildings would be demolished and she said she didn’t know the exact figure.
She carried on by saying each demolition would be evaluated before it was actually carried out. Apsara contractors have already knocked down a number of the buildings which have encroached on the Angkor zones. This caused householders to stage protests. One group of protesters blocked the highway linking Siem Reap Airport and Angkor Wat last week.
Angkor Archaeological Park is Cambodia’s premier tourism site and one of the most visited locations in Southeast Asia. The temples are six kilometres north of downtown Siem Reap. 12GO ASIA offers choice when travelling to Siem Reap from other locations in Cambodia and Southeast Asia.
UNESCO supports Angkor moves to demolish illegally built houses
News in Asia
The management organisation with jurisdiction over Cambodia’s Angkor temples claims UNESCO has voiced support for its move to demolish illegally built homes. Apsara Authority quoted national UNESCO representative Anne Lemaistre as stating the demolitions had the full support of the world heritage organisation.