Phnom Penh, Dec. 11 -- UNESCO has expressed strong concern over the renewed tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, including in the vicinity of the Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

In a statement, the organisation has called for urgent protection of the region's cultural heritage in "all its forms."

The Paris-headquartered UN body further reminded all parties of their obligations under international law, notably the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and the 1972 World Heritage Convention.

"UNESCO will continue to monitor the situation of cultural heritage in the region, with a view to ensuring its protection," the organisation said.

UNESCO said it stands rea...