(VOVworld) - The United Nations International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Monday ruled that Cambodia has sovereignty over the whole territory of the Preah Vihear temple.  ICJ judgments are final and are not subject to appeal.

Cambodia is announced by the United Nations International Court of Justice to own the Preah Vihear temple. (Photo: Reuters)

Cambodia’s authorities and people welcomed the verdict, calling it a fair decision. Council of Ministers spokesman Phay Siphan said the ICJ ruled that the area adjacent to the Preah Vihear temple belongs to Cambodia and enjoined the two countries to respect the verdict and avoid any military clashes.

Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra expressed her satisfaction with the ICJ’s decision as Thailand and Cambodia are obliged to cooperate, using existing bilateral mechanisms to settle all areas of dispute surrounding the temple premises.

Following the unanimous ICJ verdict, Thailand and Cambodia will look after Preah Vihear and the nearby areas with assistance from the UNESCO.