Topic 7: Angkor Wat Temple

 

Topic: Angkor Wat Temple

First of all, I am very pleasure to show you my presentation and the subject of it focuses on Angkor Wat Temple. I will divide my presentation into five parts.

1 - Angkor in the Civil War 
2 - The Arrival of the United Nations at Angkor
3 - The Looting of Angkor
4 - The Revival of National and International Activities at Angkor
5 - Recommendations. 

 We will also answer some important questions such as : 
* Where is the Angkor Wat located?
* What is its current situation?
* Who participated to preserve and support it as a national heritage?

1 - Angkor in the Civil War

During the period of civil strike, the monument of Angkor became a store for supplies and occasionally a refuge, but, despite constant turmoil, it has always remained a national symbol of the Cambodians. Also contrary to rumors and erroneous press reports, Angkor was never wantonly attacked for political ends. It was more the people who had carefully tended the monuments that suffered torture, deprivation, and death at the hands of the Khmer Rouge. Many among the workforce were executed.

2 - The Arrival of the United Nation at Angkor

Following the United Nations’ recognition of the Kingdom of Cambodia, international support was offered to a country that has been devastated by grief and destruction and had almost lost its will survive. With the arrival of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC), UNESCO established in 1991 a regional office and assisted the new Royal Cambodian Government in seeking international support to safeguard Angkor. It was a city of the Khmer kings waiting to become once more the symbol of its country and its people. Vestiges, which bear witness to a rich and glorious past, reflect all the value that is a source hope for the Khmer people, Of hope reborn and identity recovered. Yet this symbolic city is in peril because of the ravages of time and the assaults of nature and therefore it must be saved. 

3 - The Looting of Angkor

While looting at the monuments for the past two decades has escalated, looting itself is not new to Angkor. It began in the 15" century caused by certain different aggressive foreign thieves. During the last civil war, an enormous number of artifacts disappeared over the border, many of which were sold for a few dollars in the bazaars. Later the plundering became more organized, increasing at an alarming rate over the past two decades, robbing the temples of irreplaceable statues and lintels, freestanding statues of great weight have also been carried off.

4 - The Revival of National and International Activities at Angkor

Following peace negotiations that commenced in the latter part of 1989 and the establishment of the coalition government after the national elections in 1993, international participation in saving Angkor became more active. The signing of the political settlement known as the Pan's Agreement in 1991 lifted the embargo on the international development in Cambodia and foreign investments started in return and the number of foreign visitors have increased. The Japanese government, together with France took a lead in creating international awareness, as well as pledging millions of dollars to support the campaign to safeguard Angkor. In December 1992, the historic site of Angkor was included on the UNESCO World Heritage list of over 400 sites. Inclusion on_ the list recognizes Angkor as one of mankind’s most significant cultural heritage sites and the International symbol of Cambodia and its people.

5 - Recommendation 

Owing to His Majesty King Norodom Sihanouk, king of Cambodia, and as an honorary president, a great advocate and supporter of the campaign to save Angkor, and the Commitment of the Royal Cambodian Government and the cooperation of many Non-Governmental, International organizations and International Community as well, I hope the fate of Angkor the symbol of Cambodian identity will be safe; It's the most tourist site and the famous heritage Will be now preserved and protected. I anticipate that the Government will put the Tonle Sap River for possible inclusion too on the World Heritage list as an endangered natural site. 

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