via Phnom Penh Post, 09 February 2021: Greater coordination sought between government agencies in Cambodia to prevent the accidental destruction of historical architecture.
The Ministry of Culture and Fine Art has requested cooperation from the Ministry of Cult and Religion in preventing the construction or demolition of temples or structures on potentially historic or archaeological sites.
To this end, the culture ministry suggested that the latter instruct its municipal and provincial departments across the country to inform the culture ministry so that it can send experts for evaluation before a construction or demolition takes place.
In her February 4 letter to religion minister Chhit Sokhon, culture minister Phoeurng Sackona said the government has already issued a circular on the “prohibition of exploration and vandalising of ancient artifacts” instructing the ministries of National Defence and Interior and the Apsara National Authority (ANA) to collaborate.
Sackona said the culture and religion ministries have also issued an inter-ministerial circular on an “absolute ban on all acts of vandalism leading to the loss, damage or transformation of ancient buildings, paintings and artefacts in pagodas in Cambodia”.
Source: Cooperation sought in historic site protection | Phnom Penh Post
