Phnom Penh (FN), July 17 - After receiving criticisms from the Prime Minister and the public, the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) President, Kem Sokha, posted a brief message supporting the inclusion on Monday morning.

"As a Cambodian, I am proud to have been born in the land of Cambodia - a land of rich cultural heritage, such as Sambor Prei Kok. I strongly support the addition of "Sambor Prey Prak" on the World Heritage List,” Kem Sokha wrote on Facebook.

Critics claim that the post was a personal message from Kem Sokha and not an official statement on behalf of the CNRP.

Sambor Prei Kuk is a cultural and historical site located in Sambor Village in Kompong Thom province, about 200 kilometers northeast of Phnom Penh.

The site was once an old capital named Isanapura and a religious center for the worship of Shiva Brahmanism.

More than 100 temples constructed of solid brick, laterite and sandstone and decorated by bas-reliefs were built in Sambo Prei Kuk in the 7th century.

The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts issued released an official announcement dated Sunday on the inscription of "Sambor Prei Kok" on UNESCO's World Heritage List at the 41st meeting in Krakow, Poland on July 8, 2017.
=FRESH NEWS