Globle News Update

Cambodia Warming to Idea of Foreign Ownership

2009-11-26T23:56:00.000-08:00

Just three decades after the downfall of the Khmer Rouge, a deadly regime that left behind little notion of private property, a law that would allow foreigners to buy some kinds of real estate here appears to be nearing approval.

And while the proposed law is focused on the property market, experts agree it also would be a general boost for the country, which has been struggling through its own version of the global economic downturn.

“The law, in essence, will not help the whole economy recover. But it’s part of a wider picture,” said Daniel Parkes, country manager for the CB Richard Ellis real estate company. “What it is doing is making investment in Cambodia more transparent and easier.”

The law, which is expected to go to the National Assembly for a vote in the coming months, would allow foreigners to own apartments and condominiums on buildings’ upper floors. Now they are limited to 99-year leaseholds on any property.

Ground-level residences, which include ownership of the land that the units stand on, would continue to be reserved for Cambodians.

There are some controversial details in the draft. But over all, Mr. Parkes said, the proposed law would improve confidence in the market — especially in comparison with neighboring countries like Thailand, where foreigners are limited to 30-year leases on homes or land, and Singapore, where they are barred from owning property below the sixth floor.

Mr. Parkes’s own presence in Cambodia is due to great expectations for its real estate sector. The 27-year-old arrived here four months ago from Britain; his assignment was to open the first office of CB Richard Ellis in the capital to meet a growing demand for professional real estate services.

“Working in the U.K., it has become obvious over the last two years or so that it is a mature market,” Mr. Parkes said. “Where the future is, is in Asia.”

He says he considers the assignment to be a long-term one, and he spends weekends riding around the city on his 1967 Vespa, keeping his eyes peeled for a property that he might like to buy himself.

Over all, the country’s financial forecasts and Phnom Penh’s growth seem to support his optimism.

Economists here generally agree that Cambodia will emerge from its year-long recession in 2010. And the International Monetary Fund said in September that, while the country’s G.D.P. would contract 2.75 percent this year, it would climb about 4 percent in 2010.

The capital’s 1.3 million inhabitants mostly live in low-grade concrete apartment blocks that form the city’s low skyline. But Cambodia’s tallest building, the 30-story Canadia Tower, opened Nov. 5. And the structure, which includes apartments for some Canadia Bank employees, is the first of several such projects planned for the city center.

Like many housing markets across the world, speculative buying and inflated land values produced a lot of phantom growth in Cambodia in recent years.

From 2005 to mid-2008, prices for some houses in Phnom Penh rose tenfold. Increasing foreign investment and large-scale residential projects like Gold Tower 42, a South Korean-funded 42-story skyscraper that is still being built, were just some of the factors that led industry observers to have faith in the country’s market.

But as the effects of the global economic crisis spilled over into Cambodia in late 2008, demand dried up, and housing prices tumbled dramatically — 40 percent compared with the same period last year, according to real estate agents.

“Before there was so much investment from developers in China and South Korea,” said Soush Saroeun, executive director of Asia Real Property, a Cambodian real estate agency. He said prices in Phnom Penh’s most affluent neighborhoods had fallen to about $3,000 per square meter, or $280 a square foot, from around $4,500 per square meter in July 2008. (High-end real estate in Cambodia is generally valued in U.S. dollars.)

Some observers here say that confidence in the market actually was boosted when the long-awaited proposal to allow foreign ownership was introduced by the Ministry of Land Management in April.

Some investors and analysts say, however, that the draft contains stipulations that would cause unnecessary complications, like the rule that no more than 49 percent of a condominium building’s units may be owned by foreigners.

The rule would cause “big problems for developers in the region in their initial business plans,” forcing them to sell to two distinct markets, said Matthew Rendall, a managing partner with the legal consultancy Sciaroni & Associates, based in Phnom Penh.

Sek Sitha, an under secretary of state for the land management ministry, said the restriction was included because the government wants “Cambodians to have priority over foreigners.” But he said the Council of Ministers, which is now reviewing the draft law, and the assembly would consider the concerns.

In Channy, chief executive of Acleda Bank, one of the country’s largest banks, said that expecting Cambodians to buy 51 percent of the units in a building created to appeal to foreigners was unlikely because few would be interested in such a costly investment. “Demand is very low,” he said. “Most of our loans go to local Cambodians, but it depends on the cash flow of the individual borrower.”

The proposal also says foreigners cannot be co-owners in land purchases, nor can they buy any properties within 30 kilometers, or 18.5 miles, of the borders, except in special economic zones.

Rory Hunter, chief executive of the local property developer Brocon Group, said developers could bypass the proportional ownership issue by offering long-term leases, rather than sales, on the balance of the units in a building meant for the foreign market.

And while the current 99-year lease is not, practically, very different from an outright purchase, “psychologically, people want to own freehold, not leasehold,” Mr. Hunter said. “It will give foreign investors more confidence regarding the security of their investment.”

Khmer Rouge jail chief Duch seeks acquittal

2009-11-26T23:55:00.000-08:00

PHNOM PENH (AFP) – Former Khmer Rouge prison chief Duch asked Cambodia's UN-backed war crimes court Friday to acquit and release him, in a surprise development on the final day of arguments in his nine-month trial.

"I would ask the chambers to release me. Thank you very much," Duch said at the end of his closing statement to the court, officially known as the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia.

Following a query by judges, his Cambodian lawyer Kar Savuth then confirmed that Duch was asking to be acquitted on the grounds that he was not a senior member of the brutal 1975-1979 communist regime.

Cambodia hosts international ministerial meeting on transnational crimes

2009-11-16T21:43:00.000-08:00

SIEM REAP, Cambodia, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Monday hosts a four-day meeting of the Seventh ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (7th AMMTC), the Fourth ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime with their dialogue partners from China, Japan and Republic of Korea, and also the First ASEAN plus China Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime.

In a statement released Monday by Cambodia's Ministry of Interior said the meeting began on Nov. 16 to 19 in Siem Reap province in northern Cambodia.

The statement said that the countries of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) share many common perspectives, and many common challenges.

"The relationship within ASEAN has always been characterized by understanding and cooperation. Together, within the ASEAN framework, ASEAN Member States (AMS) have faced many challenges and accomplished many things," the statement said, adding that today, ASEAN Member States face many challenges within their region. Chief among these is the problem of transnational crime. AMS realized that this is not Cambodia's problem alone. This is all ASEAN Member States face.

"And to meet this problem, and to effectively combat it, ASEAN recently have adopted an important new additional guiding mechanism, the ASEAN Charter," it said.

The perpetrators of international crime are well organized and highly motivated. The ASEAN countries, acting together, are even more organized and even more motivated than them.

The ASEAN Charter provides ASEAN Member States with strength and resolve to commit the ASEAN law enforcement to combat and prevent organized crimes.

ASEAN objective is clear: to stamp out international crime completely, in all its forms. For the safety and long term stability of the entire ASEAN region, ASEAN may not fail at this task. That demonstrates ASEAN: one vision, one identity and one community.

Founded in 1967, the ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Cambodia, Thailand in new row

2009-11-16T21:40:00.000-08:00

PHNOM PENH - CAMBODIA and Thailand reignited their diplomatic row on Monday over fugitive former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra, giving disputing accounts over consular visits to a Thai man accused of spying.

The Cambodian foreign ministry said a Thai embassy official was allowed on Monday to visit Siwarak Chothipong, 31, who was arrested on Thursday on charges of supplying details of Thaksin's flight schedule to his country's embassy.

But Bangkok, already furious over Phnom Penh's refusal to extradite Thaksin when he visited Cambodia last week, denied that its diplomats had been granted access to the man, an employee at the Cambodia Air Traffic Service.

'Today, we agreed to allow (a Thai diplomat) to visit the man at 2pm (0700 GMT, 3pm Singapore time) in the prison where he is being temporarily detained,' Cambodian foreign ministry spokesman Koy Kuong told AFP.

The spy allegations prompted Phnom Penh to expel the Thai embassy's first secretary on Thursday and Thailand reciprocated hours later.

Thaksin, who visited under his new role as economic adviser to Cambodia, left the country on Saturday, ending a contentious four-day visit that deepened a diplomatic storm between already bickering Bangkok and Phnom Penh. -- AFP

Embassy on alert but life goes on

2009-11-08T20:03:00.000-08:00

senior Thai security officer in Bangkok said yesterday that intelligence and security agencies were drafting contingency plans that included the downsizing of staff at the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh, as well as an evacuation in case the diplomatic tensions translate into another anti-Thai riot.

Thai businessmen in Cambodia have been briefed about the situation and will continue to remain engaged with embassy staff for regular updates, the officer said on condition of anonymity.

But while the diplomatic fallout has forced officials there to look over their shoulders, no one thinks diplomatic tension will translate into another anti-Thai riot as was seen in January 2003 when the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh was torched along with Thai-owned businesses and other establishments.

According to the officer - who is observing the situation very closely - the embassy in Phnom Penh has been instructed to continue with standard operating procedures for the time being.

About 50 armed police and soldiers are posted in front of the embassy, said the officer, who added that there were no signs of any sort of protest in the making.

"Unlike the anti-Thai riot [in 2003], the Cambodia government appears to be taking adequate preventive measures to prevent a similar incident," said the officer.

"But then again, public protests are often orchestrated by political figures. If someone wants to see the embassy attacked again, they can set things in motion," said the officer.

Changes to standard operating prodcedures will depend on the situation on the ground. But as of yesterday there had been no restrictions on the movements of officers assigned to the embassy, according to another intelligence officer.

Thailand's 2nd Army Region commander, Lt-General Weewalit Jorasamrit, said the situation along the border near the Preah Vihear Temple remained normal.

"Contrary to some news reports, Cambodia has not at all called for reinforcements. We have not increased the number of our troops either," he said.

Crossing along the Thai-Cambodia common border also continued as usual yesterday as local residents and small traders carried on with their daily activities.

More than 5,000 Cambodian vendors and workers travelled past the Ban Khlong Leuk checkpoint yesterday to earn their livings in Na Klua market.

At their stalls, the Cambodian traders were seen glued to TV to check news updates about Thai-Cambodian relations.

Thai gamblers, however, were clearly reluctant to travel to casinos in Cambodia's Poi Pet.

Not many Thais went past Aranyaprathet to the casinos yesterday.

The tension has also taken its toll on the air-travel industry, as some foreign visitors heading to Cambodia via Thailand decided to remain in Thailand for the duration of their holidays.

Cambodia appoints Thaksin as govt adviser

2009-11-04T19:41:00.000-08:00

PHNOM PENH (AFP) – Cambodia has appointed former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as economic adviser to premier Hun Sen and his administration, a Cambodian government statement said on Wednesday.

The statement, read out on state television, said Thaksin would serve "as personal adviser to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and the adviser to the Cambodian government in charge of economy".

The appointment, by royal decree, came almost two weeks after Hun Sen riled Thailand by offering safe haven to Thaksin, who was ousted in a coup in 2006 and is living abroad to avoid corruption charges.

Vietnam set to reinforce practical ties with Cambodia

2009-11-04T19:25:00.000-08:00

Vietnam expects to join efforts with Cambodia to develop bilateral relations in a bid to bring practical benefits to both sides, said Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

PM Dung made this statement while receiving Cambodian Permanent Deputy PM Men Sam An, who doubles as President of the Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Association (CVFA), in Hanoi on November 3.

The government leader noted with pleasure that Vietnam-Cambodia ties have grown fruitfully, especially in the fields of politics, diplomacy, economics and trade, despite the impact of the global economic crisis.

The two nations have also co-operated smoothly in maintaining security, border demarcation and marker planting, mitigating damage caused by natural disasters and facilitating co-operative relations between border provinces, he said.

PM Dung appreciated the efforts of both the CVFA and Men Sam An in beefing up their bilateral relationship, saying that the Vietnamese government will create favourable conditions for the two sides to co-operate effectively, not only at the central level, but also among local chapters.

The PM asked the two associations to increase the dissemination of information about the time-honoured friendship amongst younger generations, and step up co-ordination at international forums, particularly in ASEAN and APEC.

Regarding acts and statements made by Sam Rainsy - President of the Sam Rainsy Party (SRP), who recently uprooted six temporary poles for Marker 185 between Vietnam’s southern province of Long An and Cambodia’s Svay Rieng province - he proposed that the Cambodian government take due measures to deal with Rainsy’s acts of sabotage and not permit similar cases to occur, as they negatively affect the fine relations between the two nations.

Having expressed delight at effective co-operation in economics, trade and investment, An said the two nations need to expand co-operation into the areas of aviation, post and telecommunications and banking.

The deputy PM stated that Sam Rainsy’s recent acts destroyed a national asset and violated the laws of Cambodia , undermining its fine relationship with Vietnam .

Empowered by the President, PM Dung bestowed a Friendship Order on the Cambodian official.

The same day, Politburo member and permanent member of the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, Truong Tan Sang, received the Cambodian guests.

Mr Sang applauded the CVFA’s collaboration with its Vietnamese counterpart and other partners from both countries to organise practical activities which have helped to beef up friendship and co-operation between their two peoples.

The Party official said he hoped that the two associations would work together to hold more such activities in future for the sake of Vietnam-Cambodia relations.

Also on November 3, the Cambodian delegates worked with the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) and the Vietnam Women’s Union .

VUFO President Vu Xuan Hong took this occasion to present the union’s noblest award--the insignia ‘For peace and friendship between nations’ - to Men Sam An and four other members of the Cambodian delegation. (VNA)

Cambodia balances East and West

2009-10-20T02:33:00.003-07:00

PHNOM PENH - At a ceremony last month marking the construction of the US$128 million Cambodia-China Prek Kdam Friendship Bridge in Kandal province, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said the growth in aid and investment from China was boosting economic development and strengthening his country's "political independence".

"China respects the political decisions of Cambodia," he told his audience. "They are quiet, but at the same time they build bridges and roads and there are no complicated conditions." It was a thinly veiled reference to the strings attached to Western aid, including calls for progress on anti-corruption reforms, and underscored China's growing role in Cambodia's developing economy.

With a still booming economy amid the global economic downturn, China has maintained the momentum behind its strong Cambodia balances East and West
By Sebastian Strangio

PHNOM PENH - At a ceremony last month marking the construction of the US$128 million Cambodia-China Prek Kdam Friendship Bridge in Kandal province, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said the growth in aid and investment from China was boosting economic development and strengthening his country's "political independence".

"China respects the political decisions of Cambodia," he told his audience. "They are quiet, but at the same time they build bridges and roads and there are no complicated conditions." It was a thinly veiled reference to the strings attached to Western aid, including calls for progress on anti-corruption reforms, and underscored China's growing role in Cambodia's developing economy.

With a still booming economy amid the global economic downturn, China has maintained the momentum behind its strong commercial diplomacy towards Southeast Asia. Cambodia - a small but important corner of Beijing's emerging regional economic sphere of influence - has been one of the key beneficiaries of the loans, aid and investment largesse.

Official "friendship" delegations between the Chinese Communist Party and Hun Sen's ruling Cambodian People's Party have proceeded apace throughout the crisis. During a three-day visit to China's Sichuan province that concluded over the weekend, Hun Sen and Chinese officials announced $853 million worth of new Chinese loans and grants for various infrastructure projects in Cambodia.

The funds will be dedicated to hydropower projects, two bridges and the rehabilitation of the highway linking the country's Kratie and Mondulkiri provinces. The announcement comes on top of the $880 million in loans and grants Cambodia has received from Beijing since 2006, including finance for the $280 million Kamchay hydropower dam in Kampot province and the recently completed $30 million Council of Ministers building in the capital Phnom Penh - presented as a gift from the government in Beijing.

Chinese Embassy spokesman Qian Hai said Chinese investments in Cambodia as of 2009 totalled $4.5 billion, a commercial success he credits in part to a policy of respecting Cambodia's sovereignty. "We do not interfere in the internal affairs of Cambodia," he said. Phnom Penh has traditionally reciprocated by recognizing Beijing's One-China policy, advocating "peaceful reunification" between Taiwan and the Chinese mainland, Qian Hai added.

China's global sales pitch to developing countries, essentially aid and investment decoupled from prickly issues of human rights or democratic reforms, has in recent years scored diplomatic points in Phnom Penh. But like most Southeast Asian countries, Cambodia has had a complicated and sometimes stormy historical relationship with Beijing.

The 1950s and 1960s were marked by close relations, cemented by the close personal friendship between Cambodia's mercurial Prince Norodom Sihanouk and Chinese leaders Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai, who offered the beleaguered Sihanouk asylum - including a residence and official stipend - after he was overthrown by the US-backed General Lon Nol in 1970.

China's support from 1975-79 for the radical Khmer Rouge regime - as a counterweight to the assertiveness of the recently reunited socialist Vietnam - led Hun Sen to refer to China as "the root of everything that was evil" in Cambodia in a 1988 essay. As memories of Cambodia's long civil war have faded and Hun Sen has consolidated his power, historical grievances have yielded to more practical concerns. (After Hun Sen ousted then-first prime minister Prince Norodom Ranariddh in a bloody factional coup in 1997, it is notable that China was the first country to recognize his rule.)

China's commercial growing economic ties to Cambodia are only one aspect of its re-engagement with Southeast Asia. Joshua Kurlantzick, a fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington and the author of Charm Offensive: How China's Soft Power is Transforming the World, said that around the time of the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis, China began to assert itself in the region through greater aid disbursements, new trade arrangements, cultural diplomacy and military ties.

"China ... saw broader China-ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] relations as a way of reassuring countries in the region that China would be a peaceful and non-interfering type of power - that China could work well with ASEAN and thus demonstrate it could play the game of soft, multilateral diplomacy," he told Asia Times Online.

Countervailing aid
Chinese aid is in some measure weaning Cambodia off its dependence on the West, which still contributes nearly half of the country's annual budget.

On October 16, the National Assembly debated a new trade treaty with China with lawmakers from the opposition Sam Rainsy Party (SRP) arguing that Chinese-funded projects have had adverse effects on the environment and local people. SRP parliamentarian Mu Sochua singled out a 199,000-hectare agricultural concession granted to Chinese firm Wuzhishan in the country's northeast Mondulkiri province, which she said has illegally stripped large tracts of land from ethnic minority Phnong villagers.

Carlyle Thayer, a professor of political science based at the Australian Defense Force Academy in Sydney, said China's strategy of "non-interference", enshrined also in the ASEAN Charter, has been a major selling point for Beijing in Southeast Asia, where in some countries it is viewed as a shield against pressure from the United States and other Western countries. "Chinese aid offers an escape hatch for countries under pressure from the West [that] promote human rights and democratic reform," Thayer said.

Kurlantzick said that Chinese aid was likely to have a "corrosive" effect on good governance and human rights in Asia. "Hun Sen knows how to play China off of the Western donor groups and China's aid - even if not necessarily linked to any downgrading of human rights - could have the effect of a kind of race to the bottom on human rights," he said.

Sophie Richardson, Asia advocacy director at the US-based Human Rights Watch, agreed that unconditional Chinese aid to Cambodia could act as a "financial lifeline" that might otherwise be cut by Western donors. She said, however, that since Western nations often failed to work together effectively to set and enforce aid conditions in Cambodia, China's growing presence may end up having little distinct impact on human rights.

"The most important point - and key problem - is that the government in Phnom Penh ... seems determined to be extraordinarily abusive, regardless of whoever's money is on offer," she said.

Despite the recent influx of Chinese capital, there is no indication Hun Sen's government is ready to abandon ties to the West. Chea Vannath, an independent political analyst based in Phnom Penh, said that growing Chinese influence would likely be used to counterbalance the influence of Western countries - a vital strategy for a country of Cambodia's small size and redolent of Prince Sihanouk's balancing act during the periods of the Cold War that he ruled the country as prime minister, from 1955 to 1970.

"I think that what the government is trying to do is to diversify its aid ... It is eager to strike a balance," she said. "As a sovereign government, Cambodia needs aid from both sources."

Thayer agreed that rumors of a drop in Western - particularly American - influence were exaggerated. In 2007 US-Cambodia relations warmed when Washington lifted restrictions on the provision of aid to the central government, imposed following the coup of 1997. The US was already the top destination for Cambodia-made garments and textiles, one of the country's top exports.

In June, US President Barack Obama signalled his intention to boost trade further by removing Cambodia and Laos from a Cold War-era US trade blacklist, opening the way for American businesses to access US government-backed loans and credit guarantees for trade and investment between the two countries.

"All the countries of Southeast Asia, to varying extent, have long adjusted to China's rise and political influence," said Thayer. "They do not want to be put in a position of having to choose between China and the United States."

Cambodia balances East and West

2009-10-20T02:33:00.002-07:00

commercial diplomacy towards Southeast Asia. Cambodia - a small but important corner of Beijing's emerging regional economic sphere of influence - has been one of the key beneficiaries of the loans, aid and investment largesse.

Official "friendship" delegations between the Chinese Communist Party and Hun Sen's ruling Cambodian People's Party have proceeded apace throughout the crisis. During a three-day visit to China's Sichuan province that concluded over the weekend, Hun Sen and Chinese officials announced $853 million worth of new Chinese loans and grants for various infrastructure projects in Cambodia.

The funds will be dedicated to hydropower projects, two bridges and the rehabilitation of the highway linking the country's Kratie and Mondulkiri provinces. The announcement comes on top of the $880 million in loans and grants Cambodia has received from Beijing since 2006, including finance for the $280 million Kamchay hydropower dam in Kampot province and the recently completed $30 million Council of Ministers building in the capital Phnom Penh - presented as a gift from the government in Beijing.

Chinese Embassy spokesman Qian Hai said Chinese investments in Cambodia as of 2009 totalled $4.5 billion, a commercial success he credits in part to a policy of respecting Cambodia's sovereignty. "We do not interfere in the internal affairs of Cambodia," he said. Phnom Penh has traditionally reciprocated by recognizing Beijing's One-China policy, advocating "peaceful reunification" between Taiwan and the Chinese mainland, Qian Hai added.

China's global sales pitch to developing countries, essentially aid and investment decoupled from prickly issues of human rights or democratic reforms, has in recent years scored diplomatic points in Phnom Penh. But like most Southeast Asian countries, Cambodia has had a complicated and sometimes stormy historical relationship with Beijing.

The 1950s and 1960s were marked by close relations, cemented by the close personal friendship between Cambodia's mercurial Prince Norodom Sihanouk and Chinese leaders Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai, who offered the beleaguered Sihanouk asylum - including a residence and official stipend - after he was overthrown by the US-backed General Lon Nol in 1970.

China's support from 1975-79 for the radical Khmer Rouge regime - as a counterweight to the assertiveness of the recently reunited socialist Vietnam - led Hun Sen to refer to China as "the root of everything that was evil" in Cambodia in a 1988 essay. As memories of Cambodia's long civil war have faded and Hun Sen has consolidated his power, historical grievances have yielded to more practical concerns. (After Hun Sen ousted then-first prime minister Prince Norodom Ranariddh in a bloody factional coup in 1997, it is notable that China was the first country to recognize his rule.)

China's commercial growing economic ties to Cambodia are only one aspect of its re-engagement with Southeast Asia. Joshua Kurlantzick, a fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington and the author of Charm Offensive: How China's Soft Power is Transforming the World, said that around the time of the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis, China began to assert itself in the region through greater aid disbursements, new trade arrangements, cultural diplomacy and military ties.

"China ... saw broader China-ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] relations as a way of reassuring countries in the region that China would be a peaceful and non-interfering type of power - that China could work well with ASEAN and thus demonstrate it could play the game of soft, multilateral diplomacy," he told Asia Times Online.

Countervailing aid
Chinese aid is in some measure weaning Cambodia off its dependence on the West, which still contributes nearly half of the country's annual budget.

On October 16, the National Assembly debated a new trade treaty with China with lawmakers from the opposition Sam Rainsy Party (SRP) arguing that Chinese-funded projects have had adverse effects on the environment and local people. SRP parliamentarian Mu Sochua singled out a 199,000-hectare agricultural concession granted to Chinese firm Wuzhishan in the country's northeast Mondulkiri province, which she said has illegally stripped large tracts of land from ethnic minority Phnong villagers.

Carlyle Thayer, a professor of political science based at the Australian Defense Force Academy in Sydney, said China's strategy of "non-interference", enshrined also in the ASEAN Charter, has been a major selling point for Beijing in Southeast Asia, where in some countries it is viewed as a shield against pressure from the United States and other Western countries. "Chinese aid offers an escape hatch for countries under pressure from the West [that] promote human rights and democratic reform," Thayer said.

Kurlantzick said that Chinese aid was likely to have a "corrosive" effect on good governance and human rights in Asia. "Hun Sen knows how to play China off of the Western donor groups and China's aid - even if not necessarily linked to any downgrading of human rights - could have the effect of a kind of race to the bottom on human rights," he said.

Sophie Richardson, Asia advocacy director at the US-based Human Rights Watch, agreed that unconditional Chinese aid to Cambodia could act as a "financial lifeline" that might otherwise be cut by Western donors. She said, however, that since Western nations often failed to work together effectively to set and enforce aid conditions in Cambodia, China's growing presence may end up having little distinct impact on human rights.

"The most important point - and key problem - is that the government in Phnom Penh ... seems determined to be extraordinarily abusive, regardless of whoever's money is on offer," she said.

Despite the recent influx of Chinese capital, there is no indication Hun Sen's government is ready to abandon ties to the West. Chea Vannath, an independent political analyst based in Phnom Penh, said that growing Chinese influence would likely be used to counterbalance the influence of Western countries - a vital strategy for a country of Cambodia's small size and redolent of Prince Sihanouk's balancing act during the periods of the Cold War that he ruled the country as prime minister, from 1955 to 1970.

"I think that what the government is trying to do is to diversify its aid ... It is eager to strike a balance," she said. "As a sovereign government, Cambodia needs aid from both sources."

Thayer agreed that rumors of a drop in Western - particularly American - influence were exaggerated. In 2007 US-Cambodia relations warmed when Washington lifted restrictions on the provision of aid to the central government, imposed following the coup of 1997. The US was already the top destination for Cambodia-made garments and textiles, one of the country's top exports.

In June, US President Barack Obama signalled his intention to boost trade further by removing Cambodia and Laos from a Cold War-era US trade blacklist, opening the way for American businesses to access US government-backed loans and credit guarantees for trade and investment between the two countries.

"All the countries of Southeast Asia, to varying extent, have long adjusted to China's rise and political influence," said Thayer. "They do not want to be put in a position of having to choose between China and the United States."

Cambodian PM to attend ASEAN summit in Thailand

2009-10-20T02:33:00.001-07:00

PHNOM PENH, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen will lead a delegation to attend the 15th ASEAN Summit and related meetings in Hua Hin, Thailand scheduled from Oct. 23-25, at the invitation of his Thai counterpart Abhisit Vejjajiva.

The delegation includes Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Hor Namhong, Commerce Minister Cham Prasidh, Sun Chanthol, senior minister in charge of special mission and other members of the Royal Government of Cambodia, the Foreign Ministry's press release said on Tuesday.

According to Hor Namhong, it is still uncertain whether Prime Minister Hun Sen would raise the border issue during the ASEAN Summit meetings in Thailand on Oct. 23-25.

Thailand holds the 2009 ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) chairmanship.

The ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

China agrees $853 million in loans for Cambodia

2009-10-18T22:31:00.000-07:00

PHNOM PENH, Oct 17 - China will provide $853 million in loans to Cambodia for infrastructure, irrigation and dam projects to boost its economy and reduce poverty, Cambodia's foreign minister said on Saturday.

The agreement was clinched on Friday when Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen on the sidelines of an economy and trade fair in Sichuan, Hor Namhong told reporters.

"China continues to help Cambodia's infrastructure development, even though China is itself faced with problems from the global economic crisis," he said.

China will provide $593 million for 11 projects proposed by Cambodia's government in 2009, in addition to $260 million for five projects requested last year, Namhong added.

The money will be invested in new roads near the borders of Thailand and Vietnam and the expansion of existing links to the capital of Phnom Penh.

At least $30 million will be invested in expanding the capacity of the Phnom Penh port to meet the increasing demand of cargo ships docked on Tonle Sap River.

Cambodia is keen to develop new dams and irrigation projects to boost its agriculture sector, which contributed 34 percent of gross domestic product last year, followed by the tourism and garment manufacturing sectors.

An estimated 30 percent of Cambodia's 14 million people live beneath the poverty line, earning less than a dollar per day.

China is Cambodia's biggest aid donor, providing $600 million in 2007 and about $260 million in 2008, according to the state-run Council for Development of Cambodia.

It is also Cambodia's biggest foreign direct investor and has pumped $1 billion into the Southeast Asian nation this year. (Reporting by Ek Madra; Editing by Martin Petty and Ron Popeski)

Salesian Missions Planning Two New Agricultural Schools in Cambodia

2009-10-18T22:30:00.000-07:00

World Food Day and new United Nations report highlight need for such programs

New Rochelle, NY (Vocus) October 16, 2009 -- Salesian Missions has announced it is in the planning stages to open two new agricultural schools in Cambodia next year, just as World Food Day and a new report from the United Nations highlight the need for such programs.

"Investing in agriculture in developing countries is key as a healthy agricultural sector is essential not only to overcome hunger and poverty, but also to ensure overall economic growth and peace and stability in the world," said Josette Sheeran, executive director of the World Food Program, in an Oct. 14 United Nations press release announcing the economic crisis has lead to a sharp increase in hunger, affecting the world's poorest.

Salesian Missions currently operates more than 90 agricultural schools around the world. The plans for the two new schools in Cambodia - one in Poipet and the other in Battambang - should be in place early next year, according to Matt Welsh, program officer with Salesian Missions. When the schools actually open is largely based on when the necessary funds will be raised, he added (Those interested in finding out how they can help should go to www.FindYourMission.org).

"We are in the process of developing model farms at these two sites, where villagers will be provided relevant training in modern farming methods with the goal of increasing crop yields," said Welsh who oversees specific Salesian Missions programs in Latin America, the Caribbean and Asia.

Like their counterparts in other countries, the agricultural schools will serve youth ages 15 to 20.

"These are young people from marginalized, disadvantaged families, who do not have the resources to send their kids to school otherwise," said Welsh, who added that the schools are estimated to serve more than 100 students at a time.

"Salesian Missions has provided schools like these all over the developing world," said Welsh. "Not only can they provide skills training, but also food for students and their families."

Salesian Missions provides not only educational opportunities in more than 130 countries around the globe, they address core needs. The agricultural schools offer more than just agricultural training - they are often part of a larger program that also offers literacy education and other vocational training, in addition to feeding programs for hungry children.

"The core of our mission is to provide educational opportunities to the poorest of the poor. When the youth receive training, they stay and contribute to the local economy and the needs of their communities," said Welsh. "This delivers benefits for years after they leave our institute."

Salesians have been operating vocational training programs around the world for nearly 150 years and were invited by the Cambodian government in 1991 to establish a vocational training institute in Phnom Penh.

ABOUT SALESIAN MISSIONS: Salesian Missions is headquartered in New Rochelle, NY. The mission of the U.S.-based nonprofit Catholic organization is to raise funds for its international programs that serve youth and families in poor communities around the globe. The Salesian missionaries are made up of priests, brothers and sisters, as well as laypeople - all dedicated to caring for poor children throughout the world in more than 130 countries, helping young people become self-sufficient by learning a trade that will help them gain employment. To date, more than 3 million youth have received services funded by Salesian Missions. These services and programs are provided to children regardless of race or religion. To date, more than 5 million Americans have contributed financially to this work. For more information, go to www.salesianmissions.org.

Cambodia proposes Thai border talks at regional summit

2009-10-12T18:52:00.000-07:00

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA - Cambodia on Monday proposed neighbouring Thailand puts their border dispute on the agenda when it hosts this month's summit of Southeast Asian leaders, according to a diplomatic letter.

The summit of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and six dialogue partners - China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand - takes place in the coastal resort of Hua Hin on October 23-25.

In a letter to his Thai counterpart Kasit Piromya, a copy of which was sent to AFP, Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong said the border dispute between the two countries should be included on the summit's agenda.

The move came after Kasit reportedly said last week he would seek approval at the meeting to establish a neutral organisation that would help settle the Thai-Cambodia dispute, which has sparked deadly skirmishes between troops.
"In this regard, I would like to propose that the dispute between Cambodia and Thailand in the area of the temple of Preah Vihear be included in the agenda of the ASEAN summit in Hua Hin," Hor Namhong said.

The focus of the border dispute has been an area of land around the 11th century Preah Vihear temple, where clashes have killed seven soldiers since nationalist tensions between the neighbours flared last year.

Cambodia and Thailand have been at loggerheads over the land around Preah Vihear for decades, but tensions spilled over into violence in July last year when the temple was granted UNESCO World Heritage status.

The World Court ruled in 1962 that it belonged to Cambodia.

Soldiers from Cambodia and Thailand continue to patrol the area, with the last gunbattle near the temple area in April leaving three people dead.

Cambodian premier Hun Sen last month said that he had ordered his troops to shoot anyone from neighbouring Thailand who crossed illegally on to land around Preah Vihear.

The border between the two countries has never been fully demarcated, in part because it is littered with landmines left over from decades of war in Cambodia.

Source:AFP

POST BAG From Cambodia with clarity

2009-10-12T18:49:00.001-07:00

Re: "Hun Sen, Cambodia's agent provocateur?" (Bangkok Post, Oct 7) written by "pseudo scholar" Pavin Chachavalpong-pun. His article, which was written with ill will and malicious intent, contains many manipulative and baseless arguments against Samdech Techo Hun Sen, prime minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, as follows:

First, when the Thai soldiers entered Keo Sikha Kiri Svara Pagoda near Preah Vihear temple, Cambodia exercised maximum restraint and great tolerance because the country was about to hold elections. At the same time, Prime Minister Hun Sen wanted to avoid armed clashes between the two countries.

Second, undoubtedly Prime Minister Hun Sen is far from being an ''agent provocateur''. He is a statesman and a respected leader of Asean. He did not stir up nationalism, as the writer has wrongly accused. In fact, it was Thailand that initiated the problem and tried to exploit extreme nationalist sentiment in order to make political gains.

Third, if you know Prime Minister Hun Sen, he has never wanted to provoke an armed conflict with Thailand. There is, and has been, no reason whatsoever for him to engage in this act of provocation. The true reality is that Thailand was the one that started it all. No peace-loving nation on earth like Cambodia wants to make political gains by provoking armed conflict with its neighbours. Therefore, the recent tensions between the two countries began with the yellow-shirt protesters from Thailand who wanted to enter our Preah Vihear temple.

The Cambodian government simply wanted to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. With regard to the point of warning the Thais to stop ''trespassing on Cambodian land'', what Prime Minister Hun Sen really wanted was to protect Cambodia's sovereignty and territorial integrity and to avoid any armed clash between the two sides.

Fourth, Prime Minister Hun Sen never said that he wanted Thailand to give up its Asean chairmanship. Again, this is another factual error. What he really said at the time was whether Thailand would be able to host the Asean Summit and other related meetings, given its domestic situation then. Of course, later the Asean Summit and other meetings in Pattaya were cancelled, in April of this year. What Prime Minister Hun Sen said was proved absolutely right and no one can deny this fact.

Fifth, there was no need for Prime Minister Hun Sen to use the Preah Vihear temple issue to increase his popularity because he is already popular, and his Cambodian People's Party won the election with more than a two-thirds majority.

Sixth, after Thailand had destroyed the Cambodian market inside our territory, the Royal Government of Cambodia had to demand that the former pay compensation to the Cambodian people who were affected by the destruction of the market on Cambodian soil. This is a normal process, and Thailand should comply.

Seventh, we all know very well that the opposition party in any country in the world usually does not have any good things to say about the government in power. So, do you really want to join the opposition party in Cambodia against the Royal Government of Cambodia?

Finally, the issue of ''love-hate relations'' could only take place in Thailand, certainly not in Cambodia. Everyone in the world knows that the Preah Vihear temple belongs to Cambodia. Cambodia has no ''love-hate relations'' whatsoever.

Source: Bankok Post

Over 5,000 families need immediate help in Cambodia: Oxfam

2009-10-06T21:36:00.002-07:00

PHNOM PENH, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia is still in emergency relief mode though flood waters in some areas are beginning to stabilize, the international humanitarian agency Oxfam said Tuesday in its press release.

Affected populations are in need of food, plastic sheets, mosquito nets, water filters and water containers among other non-food item needs. Livelihoods have greatly been threatened especially with loss of the current rice crop. Wage labour opportunities are no longer available to those who rely on agriculture labour for income, the release said.

According to Oxfam, 5,000 families or about 20,000 people need immediate assistance in four provinces. This figure may grow bigger as more information is received and more areas accessed. Oxfam's staff reported that flood victims in Kampong Thom, StuengTreng, Kratie, and Preah Vihear remain among the most vulnerable.

Source: China View

"We can't underestimate the situation" said Francis Perez, Country Lead of Oxfam International in Cambodia. "We are still in an emergency situation. Public health concerns and people's livelihoods are our priorities. We must keep strong coordination with other humanitarian agencies."

It is now estimated that 60,000 people are affected with at least 17 deaths including one pregnant woman, 65 injured with 18 serious cases and 30,000 hectares of rice fields and plantation destroyed by flood waters. Oxfam's field reports show that 1,519 houses, 55 public buildings, 40 km of rural roads, 160 irrigation systems, channels, dams, embankments, and three bridges were damaged, causing major disruption to people's livelihoods. Relief works are hampered by transportation problem as roads and bridges have been damaged.

The traditionally dispersed settlements of Cambodian people also make some of the forested villages inaccessible for need assessment and aid distribution, whilst public health concerns are mounting among unaccounted population in remote and forested villages.

Oxfam's health experts warn that people must be careful about drinking water, as flood waters are highly contaminated.

Pregnant woman dies of swine flu in Cambodia

2009-10-06T21:36:00.001-07:00

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – Cambodia's health minister says a pregnant woman died from swine flu, the country's third reported fatality from the illness.

Health Minister Mam Bunheng says the 25-year-old woman, who was nine months pregnant, went to a Phnom Penh hospital several days ago with flu-like symptoms and tested positive for swine flu.

He said doctors performed a cesarean section and the baby was born healthy, but the woman died Tuesday.

Cambodia's second swine-flu related death, a 47-year-old man, occurred Monday at the same hospital, the minister said.

The World Health Organization reports more than 340,000 confirmed cases of H1N1 worldwide, and more than 4,100 deaths. Many countries have stopped counting individual cases.

Source: AP

Cambodia: Functioning Judiciary Required

2009-10-04T19:17:00.000-07:00

Cambodia: Functioning Judiciary Required For Rights To Become A Reality

Thank you Mr. President,

The Asian Legal Resource Centre (ALRC) welcomes the initial report of the Special Rapporteur on Cambodia, in particular the highlighted areas of priority for future work, namely: the freedom of expression, the independence of the judiciary, land and housing rights, impunity and prison reform.
The ALRC wishes to take this opportunity to underline the need for an end to long-standing delays by the government in implementing provisions of the 1993 Constitution of Cambodia, in particular concerning the functioning and independence of the judiciary.

The Constitution specifically stipulates that a number of laws need to be enacted, including a law on the statute of judges and prosecutors and a law on the organization of the judiciary. However, after 16 years, these laws are still missing. As a result, Cambodians are not entitled to be tried by an independent, competent and impartial tribunal, in practice. They are being tried by judges whose status has not been defined by law and by courts whose establishment has no legal basis under the Constitution.
The government has preferred to continue to apply an outdated law on the nomination of judges and the activities of courts, enacted during the country’s communist past, which is unconstitutional, does not live up to international standards and does not ensure the independence of the judiciary. This leads to corruption, favouritism for certain judges and infringements by the Ministry of Justice and the Executive on the workings of the judiciary.
In light of this, the ALRC firstly wishes to know whether the Special Rapporteur has taken up this issue with the Cambodian authorities and whether they have responded and shown any credible intent to take action to ensure the separation of powers and an independent judiciary? Has the government provided any time-frame for the enactment of the above laws, which are essential for there to be any hope of independence of the judiciary.
Finally, you have stated sensing a disconnect between national law concerning land rights and widespread land grabbing ongoing in the country. We firmly believe that without a functioning, independent judiciary there will always be a disconnect between the law and the enjoyment of rights in practice, notably concerning the mentioned issues of priority, and support your efforts in this regard, as well as the continuation of your mandate.

Monday, 5 October 2009, 1:24 pm
Press Release: Asian Human Rights Commission

After delays, Cambodia rekindles stock market dream

2009-10-04T19:13:00.000-07:00

PHNOM PENH (Reuters) – Construction cranes and unfinished high-rise buildings surround the silty marshland where a year from now Cambodia hopes to turn the page on decades of upheaval by opening a stock exchange.
The idea of a Cambodian stockmarket has been floated since the 1990s but has struggled for traction in a country known for a culture of political impunity, chronic poverty and a history of violence, including the Khmer Rouge "Killing Fields."
But authorities argue those days are over and plan to sign a deal this month with World City Co Ltd, a South Korean-backed developer, to start building a $6 million, four-storey stock exchange on the waterfront of a new financial district.
"We want to do it next year," Mey Vann, director of the financial industry department at Cambodia's Ministry of Economy and Finance, said in an interview. "It'll be good timing for us with the economic recovery."
It was supposed to open in September, a target set last year when South Korea's stock exchange operator agreed with the Cambodian government to set up and run a joint stock exchange.
But the global financial crisis intervened, ending an unprecedented boom which saw Cambodia's economy expand 10 percent annually in the five years up to 2008. Foreign investment collapsed, tourist arrivals fell by double digits and garment exports, a mainstay of the economy, shrank by 15 percent.
In recent weeks, Cambodian officials have cautioned against moving too fast, in some cases questioning whether a country whose education system was decimated during Pol Pot's 1975-79 reign of terror is ready to invest in stocks.
"We've been waiting for a green light," said Intyo Lee, project director for Korea Exchange, Asia's fourth-largest bourse operator which will own 49 percent of the exchange and is recruiting and training workers for it. Cambodian will own the rest.
"We're pretty much ready," he added, "but many people say it's too early. The government is trying to build consensus."
STARTING SMALL
The exchange expects to start small with just four or five companies issuing about $10 million worth of shares each, said Lee. That's comparable to neighboring Vietnam's first stock market launched in 2000 with its initial market capitalization of $43 million. Today, Vietnam's market is worth $27 billion.
Yet there are risks to Cambodian investors. In Vietnam, most of the investors were local, often unaware of the risks, and many were burned as the market steered a rollercoaster course. Meanwhile, foreign investors largely sought to dip into the potential high returns of an emerging frontier market while hedging their bets with a highly diversified portfolio.
Like its communist neighbor, Cambodia is giving privatizing state companies priority with a place to sell stock. The Finance Ministry has asked three state-owned companies to list shares: Telecom Cambodia, port operator Sihanoukville Autonomous Port and the Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority.
Some of those companies have a simple question: why do it?
"We don't have any financial constraints. I don't understand the reasons we are going to be listed," said Ek Sonn Chan, who runs the Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority, which employs about 600 people, has about $200 million in assets and generates about $25 million in annual revenue. He said the company is profitable.
"If we become a public company, maybe we are more responsible, more transparent and maybe we can help the government allocate financial support to our company. But in the meantime, we don't know much about how it happens. It's very new to Cambodia, very new to me," he said.
Others say the timing may not be right for some time. Foreign direct investment nearly halved to an estimated $490 million from $815 million in 2008, according to the International Monetary Fund, which expects Cambodia's economy to shrink nearly 3 percent this year before growing about 4 percent next year.
Most of the disappearing capital had flowed into construction projects, including a $2 billion satellite city on the outskirts of the capital Phnom Penh where the exchange will be built.
Developed by South Korean-backed World City, the two-year-old project known as Camko City aims to create a new financial district by 2018 spread over 125 hectares, complete with glass-walled office towers for stockbrokers, upmarket apartments, securities regulator offices and sleek retail spaces.
But construction has slowed, said Kim Duk-kon, a vice president at World City. Although the first phase is nearly complete with many of the residential villas built and sold, subsequent phases are on hold after capital dried up.
FLOODED SWAMPLAND
The area where the stock exchange will be built is flooded swampland on the edge of Boeung Kak Lake in the heart of the city. The Finance Ministry said the end of the rainy season this month will allow workers to begin building the exchange on the corner of what developers are calling Phnom Penh Boulevard.
Cambodian officials rejected an initial design, saying the exchange's exterior was too modern and not Cambodian enough. It has since been redesigned using traditional Khmer accents.
Vann at the Finance Ministry and Kim said a news conference this month will announce construction of the exchange. A new Securities and Exchange Commission of Cambodia, he added, is drafting market regulations that will be issued soon.
"We have a very good team at the Securities and Exchange Commission. They graduated from overseas. They are new blood in terms of enforcement of the law," he said. "Our law is very strict in terms of speculation."
Some observers are unconvinced and say authorities need to demonstrate how investors will be protected in a country with a reputation for corruption at nearly every level of the bureaucracy. Some fear speculative gambling by public employees.
David Cowen, deputy division chief for the International Monetary Fund's Asia and Pacific Department, met recently with the new securities regulator and urged its officials to work closely with the central National Bank of Cambodia.
He said the Commission would soon issue operational guidelines on securities firms. The IMF wants to see if those rules are consistent with banking laws and recognize the central National Bank of Cambodia's role as the nation's chief regulator.

Source: Yahoo News

Cambodian PM's message opens new academic year for 2009-2010

2009-10-01T19:47:00.000-07:00

PHNOM PENH, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen urged all the students to love themselves and their parents, as well as distance themselves from drug-related chemical materials, official news agency AKP reported on Thursday.

The premier made the remarks in a message sent to the students across the country on the new school-year 2009-2010 starting today.

On behalf of the royal government, he said, he was pleased with the countrymen, teachers, educational staff and students to celebrate the new school-year 2009-2010 in the whole country.

However, he said, the challenge faced by the education field in the country is the balance between the strengthening of the quality and the widening of the quantity.

In order to get to the planning of the national education in 2015 and the planning of educational strategy, and respond to the implementation of the child rights, Hun Sen said, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports should pay not only attention to implicating Article 68 of the Cambodian Constitution and educational law, but also motivated the local and international communities to join the development of education in the country.

The premier said for the new academic year, the royal government will made a further effort to implement the child rights to draw the parties involved, mainly students' parents to form a studying environment in a comfortable way.

In his message, he also raised a Teacher Day to be held on Oct.5, asking students to adhere to the gratitude to those who educated them, which is a good tradition for a long time.

Opposition Amendments to Penal Law Denied

2009-10-01T19:46:00.000-07:00

The National Assembly voted against amendments to a new penal code that opposition proponents said would increase freedom of expression and improve justice and democracy.

Eighty-three of 101 lawmakers present voted against the amendments, to 43 of 672 different articles, in an Assembly heavily dominated by the Cambodian People’s Party.

The penal code, drafted with the help of the French government, seeks to update a combination of 1995 laws, tradition, the constitution and principles of international law.

Yim Sovann, a Sam Rainsy Party lawmaker who supported the changes, told the Assembly session: “The amendments aim to open the possibility of pulling some articles that affect the rights and freedoms of expression for people, and to provide a clear definition of each offense, because we worry there are some negative points in the draft of the penal code.”

He later said he regretted the amendments were not approved, but he hoped the president of the Assembly, Heng Samrin, would allow a full-session debate.

Sam Rainsy Party officials said certain articles in the draft law tighten the freedom of expression and public assembly, while allowing for complaints of defamation and insult that are open for abuse.

Cheam Yiep, head of the Assembly’s finance commission, told the session the amendment requests were “illegal.”

“The amendment requests contradict the internal rules of the National Assembly,” he said.

Minister of Justice Ang Vong Vatana told the session the penal code was written “to serve human rights.”

“Nothing we did is to pressure or close human rights,” he said.

Some human rights organizations have said the penal code’s negative points can be corrected during Assembly debate.

Source: VOA

Strong Indonesia quake kills hundreds, traps more

2009-09-30T22:54:00.000-07:00

PADANG, Indonesia – A powerful earthquake that struck western Indonesia trapped thousands of people under collapsed buildings — including hospitals, a hotel and a classroom, officials said. At least 200 bodies were found in one coastal city and the toll was expected to be far higher.

The temblor Wednesday started fires, severed roads and cut off power and communications to Padang, a coastal city of 900,000 on Sumatra island. Thousands fled in panic, fearing a tsunami. It was felt hundreds of miles (kilometers) away in Malaysia and Singapore, causing buildings there to sway.

The undersea quake of 7.6 magnitude was followed by a powerful, shallow inland earthquake on Thursday morning with a preliminary magnitude of 6.8, the U.S. Geological Survey said. It hit about 150 miles (240 kilometers) south of Padang at a depth of just under 20 miles (24 kilometers).

Shallow, inland earthquakes generally are more destructive. There were reports that the second quake badly damaged dozens of additional buildings.

In Padang, the capital of West Sumatra province, the shaking was so intense from Wednesday's temblor that people crouched or sat on the street to avoid falling. Children screamed as an exodus of thousands of frantic residents fled the coast in cars and motorbikes, honking horns.

At least 500 buildings in Padang collapsed or were badly damaged, said Disaster Management Agency spokesman Priyadi Kardono, adding that 200 bodies had been pulled from the rubble there. The extent of damage in surrounding areas was still unclear due to poor communications. Indonesia, a poor, sprawling nation with limited resources, was cobbling together an emergency aid response, and the government was preparing for the possibility of thousands of deaths. Read more...........

Source: Yahoo News

Asia typhoon toll 350, floods in Vietnam, Cambodia

2009-09-30T22:33:00.001-07:00

HOI AN, Vietnam (Reuters) – Floods and landslides were expected to hit Vietnam and nearby nations on Thursday after a typhoon cut a destructive path through South East Asia, killing nearly 350 people.

State media in Vietnam said 85 people had died and 12 were missing after typhoon Ketsana swept through the country late on Tuesday. The government initially estimated damages in five of 12 affected provinces at more than $120 million.

Eleven people died in Cambodia and the Philippines where the typhoon first struck last weekend, with 246 reported deaths. Thailand was sending troops to provide humanitarian assistance in anticipation of floods.

River waters in Vietnam's eight coastal and central highland provinces were receding on Thursday, but the national weather bureau warned of more flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas and high waters in low-lying areas.

Military rescue teams rushed medicine, food and blankets to flood victims and in several areas people were airlifted from marooned houses, a Reuters witness said.

Floodwaters submerged many old houses in Hoi An city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Transport was restricted to boats.

The region hit by Ketsana lies far north of Vietnam's Mekong Delta rice basket. Farmers in Vietnam, the world's largest robusta coffee producer, struggled to dry beans after heavy rains battered the country's growing area, raising quality concern.

Ketsana damaged 740 hectares of rubber and coffee in Daklak, Vietnam's top coffee-growing province where 180,000 hectares of coffee has been planted, a government report said.

U.S. hosts regional meeting in Cambodia on energy development

2009-09-30T22:32:00.000-07:00

The United States Embassy in Phnom Penh on Tuesday hosted a two-day conference in Cambodia on energy development in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).

In the opening speech, U.S. Ambassador Carol A. Rodley said "the challenges facing the GMS in the energy sector are not unique: high economic growth of the region is driving the demand for energy whereas almost 50 million people in the GMS lack access to electricity."

"Under this GMS Economic Cooperation program, development of the energy sector in one country will be able to benefit the development of all countries through the most efficient use of the natural resources within the region," she added.

Participants for the forum are the representatives from some of the world's most well-known publicly traded American companies such as Chevron, GE, AES, Shlumberger, Conoco Phillips, Dupont, and Rockwell Automation as well as scores of other American, Cambodian, Thai, Vietnamese, Singaporean, Malaysian, Chinese, and other companies that are interested to contribute to the development of the GMS energy sector.

The two-day conference includes speakers from the public and private sectors in the United States, Cambodia, China, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. Conference topics will range from understanding energy policies and opportunities in member countries to a case study of energy trading in relationship to the expanding GMS market.

The Greater Mekong Subregion Economic Cooperation (GMS-EC) program is a regional effort among the countries of the Mekong river basin including Myanmar, Cambodia, China, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, to develop energy infrastructure with the goal of expanding trade and growth in the region.

The U.S. Embassy said in a statement that "steady supplies of energy will be a critical element of future GMS trade and growth."

The GMS-EC program envisions regional production and distribution of energy, creating new opportunities for energy related technology producers, distributors, and traders.

Priorities of the GMS-EC Program include cooperation on developing energy, transportation, telecommunications, tourism, environment, and human resources for expanded business opportunities.

An Asian Development Bank (ADB) evaluation of the GMS Energy Program found that investor confidence in undertaking regional power export projects has risen strongly due to greater regional integration.

Source: Xinhua

Typhoon kills nearly 50 in Vietnam, Cambodia

2009-09-30T00:12:00.001-07:00

HOI AN, Vietnam (AFP) – Typhoon Ketsana left a trail of destruction across Southeast Asia Wednesday, killing at least 49 people in Vietnam and Cambodia and churning towards Laos, officials said.

Tens of thousands of people had fled their homes to escape flooding caused by Ketsana, which had already killed 246 when it struck the Philippines over the weekend as a weaker tropical storm. Related article: Philippines destruction

Floodwaters hit swathes of Vietnam including ancient UN World Heritage sites, and aid workers across the region were trying to evacuate stranded people and get supplies to other survivors.

The death toll in Vietnam rose overnight to at least 38 people with another 10 people missing, and could climb higher, said an official from the flood and storm control committee in the central Vietnam city of Danang.

Ketsana made landfall in Vietnam on Tuesday afternoon and weakened in the night to become a tropical depression which had reached the border of Laos early Wednesday, an official from the national storm centre in Hanoi told AFP.

There were no immediate reports of casualties in Laos, a government spokesman there said, but Cambodian police and government officials said at least 11 had died in that country's northeastern and central regions.

"At least nine people were crushed last night when their houses fell down," said Chea Cheat, chief of the Red Cross office in central Kampong Thom province.

Chea Cheat added that at least 78 houses in his province were destroyed Tuesday evening and that heavy rain and rising floods were continuing.

International organisations and government officials in Cambodia said they were distributing tents and food while assessing damage across at least five of the country's provinces.

Central Vietnam bore the brunt of the typhoon's impact, with the country's flood and storm control committee saying that 168,585 people in six coastal provinces had been evacuated. Many areas were without power.

In Vietnam, the ancient town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site close to the South China Sea, was flooded Wednesday morning, AFP reporters observed.

On Tuesday flooding hit parts of Danang as well as Hue, the former capital and another World Heritage site, where residents used small wooden and steel boats to move around.

State-run Vietnam News carried a front-page photograph of houses almost submerged by brown floodwaters in Kon Tum province. Flooding also struck 20,000 hectares (about 50,000 acres) of agricultural land, the storm committee said.

Military helicopters may join the rescue effort, Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai said late Tuesday.

"We will focus on rescuing those who are isolated," particularly in Kon Tum and Quang Ngai provinces, he said. "We have to immediately evacuate households on the banks of three rivers and areas that may suffer from landslides."

An update on the rescue effort was not immediately available Wednesday.

"We want the defence ministry to send armoured vehicles or trucks that can go in water to help people because we don't have enough boats," the chairman of the People's Committee in Kon Tum said Tuesday night.

"Several people are now sitting on the top of their house or on the top of trees. We cannot reach them."

Vietnam suffers annually from tropical storms and typhoons. At least 41 people died in September 2008 when Typhoon Hagupit struck the country's north.

Source: AP

Thai PM Comments on Hun Sen's Harsh Reaction on Preah Vihear Conflict

2009-09-30T00:08:00.001-07:00

The Prime Minister says the harsh statement by Cambodia's Prime Minister is a normal reaction, while the deputy prime minister in charge of national security believes the news may have been distorted.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva deems the harsh statement by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen is a usual reaction. The PM's comment followed Hun Sen apparent threat that Thai intruders would be shot if they entered the disputed Thai-Cambodia common border area.
The PM further said that Thailand should not be concerned about this, as we have to reserve our country's rights as well. He insisted that Cambodia does not hold rights over Thailand, and the government will continue to proceed with peaceful means regarding this matter.

The PM said there is no need to send the deputy prime minister in charge of national security, Suthep Thaugsuban, to negotiate with Hun Sen. Abhisit added that he is confident that Hun Sen will attend the 15th ASEAN Summit in October.

Meanwhile, Suthep said he is not yet aware of the facts regarding the matter. However, he believes the news may have been distorted and that the Cambodian PM did not intend to make such a comment. Suthep added that the facts should first be confirmed by intelligence and the Foreign Minister before further assumptions are made. He added that the government's policy does not include violence, and it will not give up on protecting the nation's land.

Some have said that Hun Sen's remark may have been grounded by a close relationship with fugitive ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. In response, Suthep has stated that Hun Sen is a professional politician, so he would not link his personal issues to his political movements.

Source: Thai-Asean News Network

PREAH VIHEAR CONTROVERSY -Four square km land belongs to Cambodia : Hun Sen

2009-09-28T18:24:00.000-07:00

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Monday said with strong words that Cambodia and Thailand do not have overlapping land of 4.6 square km near 11th century Khmer Preah Vihear temple.

"That area is Cambodian soil," Hun Sen said at a opening ceremony of the new Tourism Ministry building in Phnom Penh downtown.
"Thailand is using their own map which was drawn unilaterally to take land from Cambodia such as 4.6 km square near Preah Vihear Temple," Xinhua quoted Hun Sen as saying.
Hun Sen had said that Thai "yellow T-shirt" protesters rallied at the area near Preah Vihear temple to demand Cambodian troops and villagers to move out from the land of 4.6 square km near the temple. "They are extremists and have ambitions," he said.
State-run Xinhua said Hun Sen warned that he has told his military commander that if the Thai "yellow T-shirt" protesters forced their way into the area, Cambodian troops could use force.
He said he has ordered his troops to shoot anyone found illegally crossing a disputed border with Thailand.
His remarks came a little over a week after Thai protesters rallied at the site near the Preah Vihear temple, where seven soldiers were killed when tensions flared last year.
"If they enter again, they will be shot," Hun Sen told officials.
"Troops, police and all armed forces must adhere to the order ... for invaders, shields are not used but bullets are used," the said in the speech at the opening ceremony for Cambodia's new Ministry of Tourism building.
The Prime Minister also rejected the declaration by Thai leaders that the road Cambodia built to Preah Vihear temple is joint sharing for using. "This road was built on Cambodian soil and it did not have joint share with Thai side. I am so sorry for your comment," he said, adding "you have confused the matter of this street."
However, Hun Sen stressed that even though "we will not avoid to use force, our stance is still to deal with the issues with peaceful way, Cambodia does not need war."
Cambodian and Thai troops have confronted each other since July 15, 2008 at the areas near Khmer Preah Vihear temple after Cambodia registered the temple as the World Heritage Site in July 7, 2008.

Capreol woman collecting money to help Cambodia's poor

2009-09-28T18:22:00.000-07:00

A Greater Sudbury woman will hold a pair of events in early October to help raise funds for a school for children, including many orphans, in a small Cambodian village.
Tammy Durand will first hold a licenced dance entitled Crank it Up in Cape-Town in the Capreol Arena upstairs hall on Saturday, Oct. 3. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.
"I have 150 (tickets) sold so far," said the Capreol native. "It's going to be good. It can hold a maximum 275 people."
Advance tickets can be purchased at the Northern Credit Union Capreol branch, Joan's Variety and Ace Hardware.
On Monday, Oct. 5, Durand plans to bicycle to Toronto via North Bay, taking Highway 11 and many back roads, to both collect money for and raise awareness about her campaign.
"I'm going to take four nights to do it," she said. "My rationale is the promotion of this. It's a 509-kilometre trip. Children would walk that in 40 days if there was a food bank at the other end. Awareness is a big thing, too. I've had 31 years of living in a bubble."
The proceeds from the fundraisers will go to Durand's "ABCs and Rice Campaign" in aid of the Supporting the Orphans and Indigent People of Cambodia for Development (SOID).
Durand met the man behind SOID, a former monk named Sok Vana, while visiting Cambodia as part of a tourist group in June. She was taking a much-needed vacation after 10 years of working in the transportation field.
SOID runs an orphanage, as well as a free school for the impoverished children of Veal, a small village near Siem Reap, a city located northwest of the capital of Phnom Penh.
"If you have seen Foster Parents Plan or World Vision commercials, that's exactly what it is -- except it means so much more when you are there," she said.
Families of students at the school are given a ration of rice each month, while students get a nourishing meal each morning, five days a week.

There is a first TypeA/H1N1- Death Case in Cambodia

2009-09-27T23:37:00.001-07:00

A Cambodian Woman, Mrs.Eng Heng, 41 years, had died in Calmetre Hospital on Sunday, 27 September, 2009 in the afternoon. This is the first death case of Type A/H1N1 in Cambodia. The Preminister, Samdach Hun Sen has called today to all Cambodian people to pay high attention to this virus.

Notice from the Govement to prevent in advance about the storm

2009-09-27T23:36:00.001-07:00

Swine flu kills three more in Vietnam

2009-09-27T21:08:00.000-07:00

Vietnam reported three more influenza A deaths late Friday, raising the H1N1-related casualties in the country to 14, including one just a day earlier.

The two deaths reported by the HCMC Health Department were a 13-year-old from the Mekong Delta province of Long An and a 49-year-old Australian. The child, who was overweight and also had kidney failure, died from a lung infection caused by the H1N1 virus while the Australian died from severe respiration failure.
Meanwhile, the Vietnam Ministry of Health reported another death in the Central Highlands’ Dak Lak Province, where a 23-year-old pregnant woman died from pneumonia caused by the virus.
Vietnam reported 175 new cases of swine flu on Friday, raising the country’s tally to 8,014 since the end of May, with 6,495 discharged from hospitals in good health.
Fourteen have died of the flu, with the first two cases in August and 12 this month alone.

Reported by Thanh Nien staff

Telecoms told to abide by limits on promotions

2009-09-27T21:05:00.001-07:00

Mobile phone operators cannot offer customers bonuses worth more than 50 percent of a prepaid card’s value, a senior official has said.

The statement comes as the government tightens control over sales promotions.
Do Thang Hai, head of Trade Promotion Agency at the Ministry of Industry and Trade, said Vietnam’s Trade Law stipulates that a bonus offered by businesses cannot exceed 50 percent of the value of the product they are selling, which means local telecom companies have violated the law in the huge promotions they have offered so far.
The agency has warned telecom firms against violating the regulation and asked them to stop all illegitimate sales promotions in October, Hai said in an interview with local newswire VnExpress Friday.
The intense competition between seven telecom firms offering mobile phone services in the country has threatened to get out of hand with some companies even offering a complementary 200 percent of the value of a prepaid card to attract subscribers. Between 5,000-8,000 new mobile phone subscribers are signed up every day, according to the VnExpress newswire.
“It’s hard to know when the competition will end as a company always tries to do better than its rivals,” a manager at Vinaphone said, according to VnExpress.
“The number of mobile phone subscribers has grown really fast in Vietnam, but not in a stable manner,” the Vietnam Economic Times quoted Hai as saying Friday. “Many people just want to enjoy the huge promotions, and then they throw the SIM cards away.”
“In other countries telecom companies focus on postpaid subscribers because they are the real active phone users. But it’s not the case in Vietnam.”
The Ministry of Information and Communications said last Wednesday that mobile phone users account for 87.9 percent of Vietnam’s 110 million phone subcribers.
According to a regulation that took effect on August 10, each person is allowed to subscribe to three numbers per mobile network. This means a person in Vietnam can register a maximum of 21 numbers with the seven service providers.

Source: Thanh Nien

Cambodia to send 42 peacekeeping forces to Central African Republic and Chad: officials

2009-09-27T21:01:00.000-07:00

Cambodia will dispatch 42 peacekeeping forces to Central African Republic and Chad under the peacekeeping mission of the United Nations, the local media said on Sunday. "Our forces will depart for these countries in November after Prime Minister agreed to send our soldiers," DAP News quoted Nhim Savat, director general for general department of politics and international relations of Ministry of National Defense, as saying. "And in earlier mid-2010, we will send other 80 armed forces of light engineering Unit for the two countries under the U.N. peacekeeping mission," he added. Cambodia and the U.N. have already signed on MOU of deploying the peacekeeping armed forces in Chad and Central African Republic," he said. "The UN side will not send their monitors to train our armed forces for this time after they have confidence in the abilities and capacities of forces training and our experiences in previous times," said Sem Sovanny, director general of the national center for peacekeeping forces management, mine clearance, unexploded ordnance waste of post war. "Five senior military officials from National Defense Ministry will also accompany our Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) to these countries," Sem said. Cambodia is used to take part in joint military exercises in several countries, such as Indonesia, Mongolia, Bangladesh, and also Sudan's de-mining activities under the U.N. peacekeeping mission. Cambodia will also host the military exercise which is to be supported by the United States under a program titled "Global Peace Operations Initiative or GPOI" which will take place in June or July in 2010.

Source: Xinhua

Three new Vietnam-Cambodia border gates to be opened

2009-09-27T20:58:00.000-07:00

Vietnam and Cambodia will open three new border gates by early next month to facilitate increasing passenger and freight traffic between the two countries, Cambodian spokesperson Phan Siphan said Sunday.

Two of the three new border gates will be in An Giang Province and the other in Tay Ninh.
According to Vietnam Trade Office in Cambodia, trade between the two countries reached US$1.7 billion last year, up $400 million from 2007.
Vietnam said in July it plans to implement hydropower, tourism, agriculture and forestry projects in the 10 provinces bordering Cambodia through 2020. The 10 border provinces have a population of 12.65 million, the government said.

Source: VNA

Truckers hit by fee

2009-09-25T01:56:00.000-07:00

Truck drivers entering Cambodia from Aranyaprathet have been caught off guard after Cambodian customs officers began demanding a refundable cash levy on their vehicles.
About 150 trucks were stopped yesterday at the Poi Pet checkpoint after the customs authority changed its foreign-vehicle screening regulations.
Officers at the checkpoint said drivers must now show truck ownership documents and pay US$5,000 (170,000 baht) before they could take their vehicles into Cambodia, said Capt Charn Wongwaimethee, the border police commander in Aranyaprathet district.
Cambodia imposed the regulation yesterday morning and truck drivers who had not been informed were forced to park their trucks in front of the border checkpoint on the Thai side, Capt Charn said.
Management of Thai and Cambodian transport companies were called in and, after negotiations with the Cambodian authority, the officers agreed to a compromise.
Shortly after noon, they allowed the trucks to deliver their goods, but said they would begin enforcing the regulation without exception from today.
He quoted Maj Leem Tek, of the Office of Cambodian-Thai Border Coordination in Poi Pet, as saying the rules were introduced as a reprisal measure. Thai customs officers closely examine Cambodian vehicle documents whenever they cross into Thailand, he said.

Bangkok Airways to lose Siem Reap-Phnom Penh route

2009-09-25T01:55:00.000-07:00

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Phnom Penh - The Cambodian government said it would not renew the contract allowing Thai carrier Bangkok Airways to operate the domestic Phnom Penh-Siem Reap route when the deal expires next month, local media reported Friday. Officials said the decision would boost passenger numbers for Cambodia's new operator, Cambodia Angkor Air, a joint venture between the Cambodian government and state-owned Vietnam Airlines. It started operations in July.
Mao Havannal, the head of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, told the Phnom Penh Post newspaper that the decision had been taken to give the new airline a boost.
"Now that we have our own domestic airline, Bangkok Airways will not be allowed to continue their flights when the agreement finishes on October 25," he told the paper.
Bangkok Airways operates four flights a day between Cambodia's capital and the key tourist destination of Siem Reap, home to the famous Angkor Wat temple complex, which is visited by millions of people annually.
Bangkok Airways began flying the route last year after its subsidiary, Siem Reap Airways, was grounded amid reports of financial irregularities and safety concerns following an audit by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Copyright DPA

Viettel tops Cambodia’s telecom market

2009-09-22T19:30:00.000-07:00

Vietnam’s military-run telecom company Viettel has become the largest telecommunication provider in Cambodia since it opened its services there in February, a company representative said.
Metfone, Viettel’s trade name in Cambodia, now accounts for 60 percent of the country’s ADSL service market share and 50 percent of landline services, according to the company.
While it ranks second among nine mobile phone service providers operating in Cambodia, Metfone is the only business to provide wireless fixed phone services, with nearly 20,000 customers, said the firm.

Cambodian FM flies to New York to attend UN General Assembly

2009-09-22T19:28:00.000-07:00

PHNOM PENH, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Hor Namhong left here on Tuesday for New York to attend the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly to be held from Sept. 23 to 30.
Koy Kuong, spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said Tuesday that as planned Hor Namhongwill deliver a speech to the session with focuses on world economic crisis, millennium development goals, climate change, Doha Round, food and energy security and the reform of the United Nations Security Council.
Also, on the sidelines of the U.N forum, Koy Kuong said, Hor Namhong plans to have bilateral meetings with other foreign ministers including the U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
For the meeting with Hillary Clinton which is planned on Sept. 28, Hor Namhong will discuss the issues on bilateral cooperation, freedom of expression, the U.S. trade act, ASEAN-U.S. relations and the U.S. assistance to Cambodia, Koy Kuong added.
It will be the first time for Hor Namhong to meet bilaterally with Hillary Clinton, according to Koy Kuong.

Preah Vihear case to run till Tuesday: Klanarong

2009-09-22T19:23:00.000-07:00

The National Anti Corruption Commission is expected to complete its deliberation on the Preah Vihear impeachment case involving the Samak Sundaravej government by next Tuesday, NACC member Klanarong Chintik said yesterday.

The NACC had already started hearing the case but it would take a week to complete since the proceedings had to cover the individual involvement of each accused, Klanarong said.
"Today's deliberation has covered 12 of 44 accused ministers and officials and the NACC should be able to rule on the case by September 29," he said.
At the heart of the legal wrangling is whether the then prime minister Samak and his ministers intentionally bypassed Parliament when drafting the Cambodian-Thai memorandum of understanding related to Preah Vihear Temple dispute.
Under Article 190 of the Constitution, the government is obligated to seek approval from parliament on the framework to negotiate an international agreement when it has ramifications in regard to borders.
Based on the Constitution Court ruling last year, the government failed to comply with Article 190.
Klanarong said the NACC had to determine the involvement of each accused in order to apportion the wrongdoing involved by each of the accused.
After reviewing the wrongdoing committed by each, the next step was for the NACC to name those targetted for impeachment and those who will face criminal prosecution.
He denied speculation that the NACC might target former foreign minister Noppadon Patama to shoulder the blame alone, saying the deliberation had not even reach halfway to form any conclusion. Source : The nation

Cambodian NA Rejects Mu Sochua’s Claims

2009-09-16T20:39:00.001-07:00

The Commission of Foreign Affair, International Cooperation, and Information of the Cambodian National Assembly (NA) on Monday rejected and dismissed remarks made by Mu Sochua, a Sam Rainsy Party Lawmaker (SRP), at the Human Commission of Tom Lantos in the US recently. This NA rejection came following Mu Sochua’s claim that human rights and democracy in Cambodia is worsening. She alleged that the kingdom’s court system is not just, as she lost a defamation case against Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. “Removing the parliamentary immunity of Mu Sochua and Ho Vann followed by Article 80 and 88 of the Cambodian Constitution and Article 8 to 12 of the 2006 Lawmaker Statute,” noted the NA statement which DAP News Cambodia obtained. “We reject and dismiss the remarks of Mu Sochua,” the statement said. “Sam Rainsy himself did not acknowledge election result and refused to attend 9 commissions of the NA.” The NA disagreed with Human Right Commission of Tom Lantos, which apparently only invited Cambodian opposition officials, not allowing members of the Camb-odian Government to attend. This action, said the NA, showed that the event was undemocratic and unbalanced. It could put strain on the relationship between Cambodia and US. “We condemn Mu Sochua’s sayings as they are to cheat the national and international view,” the statement iterated. Meanwhile, the NA welcomed and supported US Assembly Foreign Affair Commission Director Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, saying he knew the real democracy of Cambodia. After she lost her case against premier Hun Sen at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court, Mu Sochua filed with the Appeal Court, and then travelled to the US to try to publicize the situation in Cambodia.

Cambodian Sends Diplomatic Note to Thai Embassy over Iinhumane Acts’

2009-09-16T20:21:00.000-07:00

The Cambodian Foreign Affair and International Cooperation Minis- try (MFA) on Monday sent a diplomatic note to the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh, complaining about “inhumane acts,” a reference to the alleged burning to death of one Cambodian citizen, according to the MFA diplomatic note. According to a report from the Provincial Authority of Oddor Meanchey province in Cambodia, on September 11, 2009 at noon, Thai black-uniformed forces of Unit 2608 fired at a group of Cambodian villagers while they were allegedly cutting down trees illegally at the border area between boundary pillars 12 and 13. “Two teenagers from the group were badly wounded in the shooting. One of them, named Mao Kleung, managed to escape the scene, while the other injured boy, named Yon Rith, who was 16 years old, was arrested and burned alive by the Thai forces,” said the diplomatic note which DAP News Cambodia obtained. “The Royal Government of Cambodia considered these reported acts as a serious breach of internationally accepted humanitarian principle, which should not be committed by any agent of a civilized State in official capacity, and contrary to the spirit of Point 11 of the record of Discussion of the 6th Meeting of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation between Thailand and Cambodia on 4-5 August, 2009 in Bangkok,” the diplomatic note said. The Royal Government of Camb- odia requested “the Authorities concerned of Thailand to take appropriated measures to prevent such an atrocity from happening again and conduct a thorough investigation into this unfortunate incident to bring to justice those who committed the above acts of cruelty.”

Chevron, Mitsui Seek Oil Exploration Rights from Cambodia

2009-09-16T19:07:00.000-07:00

U.S. energy giant Chevron Corp. and Japan's Mitsui Oil Exploration Company are seeking exploration rights in a maritime area that is disputed between Cambodia and Thailand, a Cambodian official said Wednesday.
Officials from both companies told Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen in meetings on Tuesday that they had submitted their applications for bids to the Cambodian National Petroleum Authority, a spokesman for the premier said.
"The prime minister welcomes both companies and the government will make a transparent bid and bring benefits to both sides, especially a lot of benefits to the Cambodian people," said spokesman Eang Sophalleth.
Thailand made a similar agreement on exploration rights with the two firms in 2001.
Talks between Cambodia and Thailand over how to divide up the offshore energy resources along their disputed sea border in the Gulf of Thailand opened in 1995 but have since stalled.
Cambodia has been seeking a 50-50 split of the disputed area while Thailand wants a larger share of the fields.
Following the discovery of oil in 2005 by Chevron, Cambodia was quickly feted as the region's next potential petro-state, sitting on an estimated hundreds of millions of barrels of crude, and three times as much natural gas.
But it remains unclear how much can actually be recovered, or whether any potential revenue would be used to benefit Cambodia, ranked among the world's most corrupt countries.

Source: Rigzone

Cambodia protests alleged Thai brutality at border

2009-09-16T19:06:00.000-07:00

(AP) — PHNOM PENH, Cambodia - Cambodia sought an explanation from Thailand on Wednesday for an incident in which a Cambodian youth was allegedly shot, then burned alive by Thai paramilitary troops in a disputed border area.
Ouch Borith, a senior Cambodian Foreign Ministry official, said Thailand had yet to reply to a diplomatic letter sent Tuesday requesting an investigation into the incident.
The Cambodian letter said Thai rangers shot at a group of Cambodian villagers who were allegedly cutting down trees illegally in the border area of Oddar Meancheay Province last Friday.
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It said two teenage boys from the group were badly wounded. One of them, identified as Mao Kheung, escaped, while the other, 16-year-old Yon Rith, was arrested and burned alive by Thai forces, it claimed.
"The boy was our compatriot and he has received very cruel and inhumane treatment from the Thai forces, such as should not occur in the 21st century," Ouch Borith said.
Thai foreign ministry spokeswoman Wimon Kidchob told reporters in Bangkok on Wednesday that the Cambodian villagers had crossed into Thai territory and were simply sent back.
"According to the military, there was no arrest. They were given a warning and pushed back without any incident," she said.
Ouch Borith said Cambodia officials had collected the boys remains-a rope used to tie his hands and a pile of ashes-from the scene of the incident.
He urged the Thai government to seriously investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice.
Tensions going back centuries between the neighboring countries flared in 2003, when a mob burned down the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh after a Thai actress allegedly made an insulting remark. Tensions soared again last year over the disputed border territory.

Source: AP

Abhisit looks to have numbers in police chief poll

2009-09-14T18:43:00.000-07:00

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has scheduled a meeting of the Royal Thai Police board tomorrow to consider the nomination of a new police commissioner-general, a source said. The meeting will be held at Parliament at 3pm.

Abhisit has indicated he will re-nominate Pol General Patheep Tanprasert for the new police chief job. During the last board meeting, Patheep and Pol General Jumpol Manmai were candidates. Patheep lost 5:4 to Jumpol, the candidate proposed by outgoing police chief Patcharawat Wongsuwan.
Since Pol General Suthep Thammarak, one of the committees who voted against Patheep, has resigned from the board, it is likely Abhisit will call the new meeting without appointing anyone to replace Suthep.
"It is not necessary to wait for a new committee to be appointed. We can continue the meeting," Abhisit said. The premier said Suthep resigned because he often travels abroad.
However, it was still uncertain who would win the board's vote. Without Suthep, the board will have ten committees. Votes against Patheep will now be reduced from five to three, as outgoing police chief Patcharawat Wongsuwan is also out of the board. But Jumpol may receive one more vote from Noppadon Inna, who abstained from voting in the last meeting.
Abhisit would get one more vote from acting police chief Thanee Somboonsap, who replaced Patcharawat in the board.
But a source said it was likely permanent-secretary of the Justice Ministry, Kittipong Kitayarak, who earlier supported Patheep, had changed his mind and would vote for Jumpol. But Kittipong is now on an official trip abroad, so Chanchao Chaiyanukij, his deputy and acting permanent-secretary would attend the meeting on behalf of him. Chanchao is a classmate of Justice Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, who voted for Patheep.
If no one changes their mind it is likely Abhisit's nomination, Patheep, will win appointment as the new police chief.

The NAtion

Thailand-Govt to impose ISA today

2009-09-14T18:39:00.001-07:00

Suthep put in charge of security, though violent clashes not expected

The Cabinet will invoke the Internal Security Act (ISA) today to prepare for demonstrations the red shirts are planning to hold on Saturday to mark the third anniversary of the 2006 coup, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday.He said it was up to Cabinet to decide what time and area the law would be enforced.Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who is in charge of security affairs, will once again be overseeing the enforcement of the ISA, the premier said.Late last month, the red shirts cancelled a rally after the government invoked the ISA, which gives authorities the power to deploy troops, ban gatherings and impose a curfew. However, red-shirt leaders have said the Saturday rally would be held despite the imposition of the ISA.Abhisit said yesterday he believed the authorities would be able to keep the situation under control, and in response to rumours of a coup, he said he had not heard any convincing arguments for such a change at this time. "I am confident that most people in the country want peace to be maintained. Those who have different political views can express themselves by lawful means. If they exceed legal limits, law enforcers will have to step in," the PM said.Abhisit also said he would be kept updated about the situation while he is in the US attending the annual United Nations Assembly and the Group of 20 conference between September 20 and 26. Meanwhile, caretaker national police chief General Thanee Somboonsap yesterday called a meeting with senior police commanders to discuss preparations for the rally. Among the participants were Metropolitan Police commissioner Lt-General Wora- pong Chiewpreecha, his deputies and commanders of all Bangkok police divisions.After the meeting, Thanee told reporters he believed there would be no violent clashes during the protest. "There have been no indicators pointing in that direction," he said.The caretaker police chief said the Metropolitan Police commissioner would be solely in charge of dealing with the situation and that all police officers involved in the operation would have to follow his orders. Thanee explained that the goal was to avoid the mistakes made during the October 7 crackdown, which ended up with several senior police officers being indicted by the National Anti-Corruption Commission for malfeasance.In a related development, the National Human Rights Commission's sub-committee on civil and political rights yesterday suggested that the government only impose the ISA when necessary.NHRC member Dr Nirun Pitakwatchara told a press conference that the panel had reached this decision after considering a petition filed by Somyos Phruksakasemsuk, a representative of the Group of June 24.Nirun said government officials testifying with the subcommittee had failed to provide a satisfactory explanation as to why the ISA was imposed ahead of the red-shirt rally scheduled for August 30."The government should impose the law when the necessity arises. Imposing it beforehand is unnecessary, though it is not an offence if the government imposes the law without enforcing it," he said.Meanwhile, politicians associated with the red shirts said yesterday that they did not expect any violent clashes during the Saturday rally.Former Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, who has regularly been joining anti-government protests, called on the prime minister to dissolve the House and call a snap election, which he said would allow Abhisit to make a "graceful comeback" should his Democrat Party win the elections. Somchai noted that when his government was faced with the yellow-shirt rally last year, Abhisit had made similar demands.Chaturon Chaisang, a banned executive of the disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party, said he was not concerned about the rally but urged the government to prevent possible interference by "a third party" that could lead to violence.

The Nation

Cambodia PM lauds China's aid

2009-09-14T18:23:00.001-07:00

PHNOM PENH - CAMBODIA'S premier lauded China on Monday for providing billions of dollars of aid without imposing conditions, a subtle jibe at Western donors who seek curbs on human rights abuses and corruption.
'They are quiet, but at the same time they build bridges and roads, and there are no complicated conditions,' Prime Minister Hun Sen at a ceremony for the construction of a new bridge built with US$128 million (S$182.6 million) of Chinese aid.
Mr Hun Sen recently rejected World Bank aid intended for settling land disputes after the Washington-based institution and rights groups accused Cambodian authorities of forcibly evicting tens of thousands of people from their homes.
Speaking to about 1,000 villagers and China's ambassador in Prek Kdam, about 50 km (30 miles) north of the capital Phnom Phen, Mr Hun Sen said Beijing's aid had helped Cambodia become more independent while fostering social and economic development.
'China respects the political decisions of Cambodia,' he said. 'We have a mutual understanding and respect each other.' Cambodia's government has come under fire recently, accused of corruption and undermining the judiciary, although analysts say the investment environment is stable after decades of poverty, brutalilty and instability.
China is Cambodia's biggest aid donor, providing US$600 million in 2007 and about US$260 million in 2008. It also leads the country's foreign direct investment, with about US$1 billion spent in the war-scarred South-east Asian nation this year.
Mr Hun Sen added he also supported China's multimillion dollar investments in hydroelectric power. Western environmentalists have accused Cambodia of failing to provide adequate environmental safeguards for such projects. -- REUTERS

Cambodia joins rubber association

2009-09-14T18:21:00.000-07:00

PHNOM PENH (AFP) - – Cambodia has joined the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries in the hope of further developing the nation's rubber industry, a government official said Monday.
Ly Phalla, director-general of Cambodia's directorate of rubber, said the ascension to the inter-governmental organisation will bring its burgeoning industry new technology and help with production and marketing.
The Cambodian government had privatised some 41,600 hectares (102,800 acres) of state-owned rubber plantations in recent years, Ly Phalla said.
The country now has some 120,000 hectares of land under rubber cultivation and the government plans to expand this to 150,000 hectares by 2015, he added.
Cambodia is the 10th country to join the rubber association, which includes China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.
But while Cambodia hopes to boost its industry, researchers writing in the journal Science in May warned that the expansion of rubber plantations in southeast Asia could have a devastating environmental impact.
The researchers predicted land dedicated to rubber and other farming systems in the region could more than double or triple by 2050, resulting in the drying out of water systems and increased risk of landslides through erosion.

Source: Yahoo News

Cambodia KRouge court leaves victims disappointed

2009-09-13T23:02:00.000-07:00

PHNOM PENH (AFP) – Hav Sophea hoped for a sense of closure after telling Cambodia's UN-backed war crimes tribunal how her father was killed in the late 1970s at the Khmer Rouge's Tuol Sleng prison.
But after testifying at the ongoing trial of former prison chief Kaing Guek Eav, better known as Duch, she is worried she was not allowed to properly put her father's memory to rest.
"The court does not treat civil parties like me, who are victims of the Khmer Rouge regime, well enough. They don't give us enough privileges to speak up about our pain," the 33-year-old told AFP.
Hav Sophea is one of 93 regime victims known as civil parties participating in the unique initiative at Duch's trial in which they have brought parallel civil cases against him.
The process has allowed them the right to be represented by lawyers, be part of investigations, call witnesses and ask questions during trial proceedings.
Most observers, however, conclude the well-intentioned experiment in victim participation, once touted as a possible model for future international criminal proceedings, has gone very badly.
Duch began his trial in March by accepting responsibility and apologising for overseeing the torture and execution of more than than 15,000 people at the regime's main prison, Tuol Sleng.
But civil party lawyers have often bogged down the process, taking individual turns posing often repetitive and irrelevant questions.
Furthermore, the defence has sought to dismiss 24 out of the 93 civil parties from the case against Duch after a number of them were gave dubious testimony in court.
Youk Chhang, director of the Documentation Centre of Cambodia, which gathers details of Khmer Rouge crimes, said many victim applications had not been properly vetted because the initiative was understaffed and lacked funds.
"The affected civil parties have no doubt been traumatised to some extent by these events," he said.
A number of court observers have also raised concerns about the June appointment of the head of the victims unit, Helen Jarvis, for her lack of experience and for her membership of Australia's Leninist Party Faction (LPF).
Jarvis signed a 2006 LPF statement which proclaimed: "Against the bourgeoisie and their state agencies we don't respect their laws and their fake moral principles."
The court recognised many shortcomings in the process when it announced earlier this month it would streamline victim participation for its next case against four more senior Khmer Rouge leaders.
Former Khmer Rouge "Brother Number Two" Nuon Chea, ex-head of state Khieu Samphan, former foreign minister Ieng Sary and his wife Ieng Thirith, who was minister of social affairs, are also awaiting trial at the war crimes court.
Analysts say the victims unit will require an overhaul so it is not overwhelmed by applications in a country that lost a quarter of its population to overwork, starvation, execution and torture under the Khmer Rouge.
Yet while future proceedings could be smoother, judges' efforts to rein in the role of civil parties has stoked the emotions of many who were worst affected by Cambodia's tragedy.
Chum Mey, one of the handful who survived imprisonment at Tuol Sleng, boycotted with some two dozen other victims after civil party lawyers were not allowed to ask Duch questions about his character and personality.
"I am very disappointed and that's why I had boycotted the court. The court the decision was very unjust," the 79-year-old said.
"Since the very beginning, the court has allowed us to participate in every proceeding but as the trial nears its end the court banned us."
Many of the victims are also frustrated that they have not been granted financial compensation for their suffering, as civil claimants would be in a normal trial.
"For the accused person, he can now live well enough...(but) what about us victims? We have been left traumatised. Who should look after us?," said Neth Phally, 52, who testified that his brother was killed at Tuol Sleng.
Peter Maguire, historian of international justice and author of "Facing Death in Cambodia", says the civil parties have been a distracting social agenda when the court's main purpose ought to be weighing criminal evidence.
"Some new details have been revealed, but the salient facts remain the same," Maguire said. "There's nothing earth-shattering. We know who Duch is. We know what he did."

Source: Yahoo News

Thai foreign minister visits disputed area near Cambodia's temple

2009-09-13T23:01:00.000-07:00

PHNOM PENH, Sept. 13 (AP) - (Kyodo)—Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya visited a disputed border area near Cambodia's Preah Vihear Temple on Sunday and pledged his government would try its best to avoid further clashes there.
Gen. Chea Dara, the deputy commander-in-chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces who is based at Preah Vihear Temple, told Kyodo News by telephone that Kasit visited three places in the 4.6 square kilometer disputed area for about an hour.
One of the places was a Cambodian market that was burned down by Thai forces during the last border clash between the two countries' armed forces on April 3.
Cambodia and Thailand first came to blows along the border after Preah Vihear was inscribed as a World Heritage site in July last year.
Chea Dara said that during his brief meeting with Kasit, the Thai foreign minister pledged his government would try its best to avoid further clashes with Cambodia and agreed that the border issue should be resolved through peaceful means.

Source: AP

Army uneasy about PAD's Preah Vihear protest plan

2009-09-13T22:51:00.000-07:00

The Army yesterday urged restraint when the People's Alliance for Democracy demonstrates on Saturday at Preah Vihear Temple for the eviction of Cambodian troops and villagers occupying a disputed area near the ancient site.

"Shall we be careful about the protest since such an activity, despite good intentions, could affect operating strategy on the ground?" Army spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaeowkamnerd said.
People should be confident in the Army's ability to secure Thai sovereignty over the territory, he said.
The conflict should be solved peacefully through talks, not by force, he said, adding that it could be settled by the joint border commission.
The PAD led by Veera Somkwamkid plans to call a rally this week to demand the removal of Cambodian troops and communities from the area.
Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya inspected the overlapping zone adjacent to the temple.
He met Cambodian commander Cheat Dara and some Thai field commanders. He told the commanders that his government wants to maintain good relations with Cambodia and would employ peaceful means to resolve the claims over the area.
He also visited military and border police outposts in the area including Phu Ma Khua, where military skirmishes last October and in April killed seven soldiers on both sides.
Kasit, who is a former PAD member, also questioned the group's motives.
"I have explained several times via both the PAD's ASTV network and the national network of Channel 11 that the best way to solve the problem is through negotiation," Kasit said.
"We cannot use the military to take over the contested area," he said.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said his government would not do any thing that could concede sovereign rights over the territory.
"We will do our best for the national interest but we should prevent misunderstandings that could lead to clashes and losses," he said.

Source: The Nation

Thaksin planning violence to destroy govt: PAD

2009-09-13T22:50:00.000-07:00

Acting police chief 'reassures' PM there won't be trouble
The People's Alliance for Democracy yesterday warned that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra would resort to violence to try to destroy the government.

Suriyasai Katasila, secretary-general of the PAD's New Politics Party, said Thaksin was expected to mobilise all of his men, including those in uniform, to try to topple the government not long after the red shirts start their rally on Saturday, the third anniversary of the coup that ousted Thaksin.
Security agencies would also need to monitor the situation outside the rally ground, as Thaksin would use his network to stage a disturbance near the rally so that the violence could escalate until the government collapses.
The pro-Thaksin movement is expected to gather at the Royal Plaza, Government House and possibly the residence of Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda, he said.
Thaksin apparently realises that Saturday's rally would be his last chance to overthrow the government, he said.
If Thaksin fails this time, it will be harder to force out the Democrat-led government and it might complete its term. Thaksin could be convicted in other cases and his network could eventually disintegrate, he said.
Thaksin would have to use his network to carry out underground operations to try to oust the government because it is expected that the people joining the rally would not be enough to depose the government, he said.
The rifts among the red-shirt leaders would result in a low turnout, he said.
The red shirts were divided into two groups - the three buddies or Veera Musigapong, Natthawut Saikua and Jatuporn Prompan on one side, and Jakrapob Penkair and his allies on the other, he said.
The three buddies want to take revenge for Thaksin while Jakrapob is seeking change to the ruling system, he said.
Thaksin is now a fugitive in exile.
Senator Prasarn Marukhapithak expressed confidence that no coup would happen because of the rally on Saturday.
He said there would be no justification for a putsch as the government could control the situation and no violence would arise.
Thaksin could not manoeuvre much abroad because his host countries, including the United Arab Emirates, would restrict his political movements, he said.
No more than 20,000 people would join the rally in front of Prem's house and they would disperse peacefully, he said.
The rally would be held just to try to extend the life of the red-shirt movement, he said.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said it was weird that coup speculation sprang up.
"Actually, nobody should have talked about a coup again because they have been calling for democracy. Now, why has it changed into a call for a change through a coup?" he said.
On Saturday, former supreme commander General Chaisit Shinawatra, a cousin of Thaksin, said he supported a coup if it would improve the country's situation. If one does take place, politics would have to start anew so that the conflicts in the country could end, he said.
Abhisit said he had talked to acting police chief Thanee Sombunsap, who reassured him that there should be no violence on Saturday, as most people want to protest peacefully.
But the government would try to prevent any untoward incident, the prime minister said.

Source: The Nation

Cambodian PM asks U.S. to cancel Cambodian debts

2009-09-07T18:15:00.000-07:00

PHNOM PENH, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Monday asked the United States to remit Cambodia's debts which the country has owed since 1970s by Lon Nol's regime.
"The U.S. should cancel the debts for Cambodia because the U.S. dropped large amount of bombs on Cambodia and many people suffered from it," he said at a ceremony of releasing final result of 2008 Population census at Chuktumok Theater Hall in Phnom Penh.
Hun Sen put forwards the requirement directly to Carol A. Rodley, U.S. ambassador to Cambodia who also attended the ceremony.
"The U.S. should pay compensation for Cambodians but the U.S. side has always asked us to pay debt back," he said.
Cheam Yeap, a lawmaker and chairman of the committee of finance, banking, economy and audition of Cambodian National Assembly, said that "we have been urging U.S. side to cancel debts for several times but they said they need decision from top level."
He added that Cambodia has owed the United State in a total of over 300 million U.S. dollars by Lon Nol regime.

Source: China View

Cambodia seeks to attract more foreign investments

2009-09-07T18:13:00.000-07:00

PHNOM PENH: Cambodia is open for business, despite global economic uncertainty and a negative growth forecast. For foreign investors in the country, the downturn could be a moment of opportunity. Cambodia has not been spared by the economic crisis - exports have dropped by 23 per cent and the construction industry has slowed almost to a standstill. But it will take another quarter to determine any negative long-term economic effects. The country's Commerce Minister, Cham Prasidh, is confident that demand will pick up again, especially in the hard-hit garment sector. He explained why the country is a perfect springboard to foreign markets. "Cambodia is a less developed country. We enjoy market preferences larger than our neighbouring countries which are developing countries. It means that products that you can produce in Cambodia go to Europe duty free and quota free," he said. Fund manager Doug Clayton dispels some common misperceptions regarding investing in Cambodia. He said: "Many investors think Cambodia's an unstable place, but personally I think it's one of the most stable countries in Southeast Asia because it has had the same government for over two decades and is unlikely to change over the next ten years." A 15 per cent corporate tax rate and various government incentives have made CEOs like Johnny Ong of Singapore's HLH confident of its success. The company is expected to invest US$40 million into its corn agribusiness over the next few years. HLH said it can import expensive farm equipment and seed stock from abroad tax free. Local labour is easily available and there is plenty of land to lease – 7 million hectares over the whole country.

Source: Channelnewsasia

Hundreds of Cambodian police deployed against robbery in Phnom Penh

2009-09-03T23:21:00.001-07:00

PHNOM PENH, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian police authorities has deployed hundreds of police troops to seek the robbers and prevent any cases of robberies, DAP News reported on its website Thursday.
The action was taken after several cases of jewelry and property robberies occurred in past few weeks in Phnom Penh and which have caused some concern among the public, it said.
"We has been deploying our police troops to prevent any cases of robbery and provided safety for people especially jewelry sellers in the city after robbery cases occurred in the past two weeks," Khmer language DAP News quoted Touch Naroth, Phnom Penh police commander, as saying.
"We are also seeking to arrest the robbers and suspected people," he added.
It added that in the past two weeks, there were six cases of gold and other jewelry robberies in the city, and two gold sellers were shot to death. Meanwhile, the robberies caused thousands of U.S. dollars losses for the sellers.
"Our authority have to provide security for people, especially during the Khmer traditional Pchum Ben festival "ancestor guardian spirit ceremony" which will last from Sept. 5 to 19," Phnom Penh governor Ke Chuptema said.
"We have sent our spies and plain clothes police to seek robbers for punishment by law and take actions against it quickly," said Ya Kim Ie, Phnom Penh military chief.

Vietnam Trade Fair opens in Cambodia

2009-09-03T19:29:00.000-07:00

The Vietnam Trade Fair 2009 “Friendship, Cooperation and Development”, the second of its kind, opened at the Mondial National Exhibition Centre in Phnom Penh on September 2.Attending the opening ceremony, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Trade Minister Cham Prasit described the event as a great effort on the part of the Vietnamese Government to boost trade ties between the two countries toward the goal of raising two-way trade to US$2 billion in 2010, as set by Prime Ministers Nguyen Tan Dung and Hun Sen.Deputy PM Cham Prasit said that through trade fairs, trade turnover between the two countries has consistently increased in recent years from US$935 million in 2006 to almost US$1.7 billion in 2008 and is expected to be higher this year.He took this occasion to call on businesses from both countries to accelerate trade and investment for the benefit of the two peoples and nations.As many as 125 Vietnamese businesses are displaying their wares, including industrial products, commodities, foodstuff, cosmetics and garments.During fair, seminars on business and investment opportunities between enterprises of the two countries will also be held.
The fair will run through September 6. (VNA)

The Cars Thieves Love Most

2009-09-03T19:24:00.000-07:00

Just because your Honda is a clunker doesn't mean it's safe to leave it unlocked while you make a coffee run.
Approximately 1 million vehicles are stolen nationwide every year, but the 1994 Honda Accord is the most stolen car, according to an Aug. 24 report by the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Last year, more than 55,000 Accords were stolen in the U.S. Needless to say, the thieves aren't after style, just substance.
Older vehicles like the 15-year-old Accord are pinched so often because their lack of theft-deterrent technology makes them easy to access and their parts--headlights, tires, catalytic converters and anything containing copper--are valuable on the black market. It also comes down to pure numbers, says Frank Scafidi, a spokesman for the National Insurance Crime Bureau: "Hondas and Toyotas, they sell millions of these things, so there are more targets, obviously."
Most neighborhood hooligans wouldn't know how to steal a Lamborghini, but when it comes to more mundane rides they are equal-opportunity snatchers, Scafidi says. The vehicles most likely to get nabbed range from the tiny Honda Civic, ranked second on our list, to the fifth-ranked Dodge Ram pickup. Even minivans aren't immune--the 2000 Dodge Caravan is a hot target as well.
Behind the Numbers
To find out which cars are the most likely to be stolen, we consulted data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, a nonprofit group in Des Plaines, Ill., devoted to preventing insurance fraud and vehicle theft. Its Hot Wheels 2009 study determined the vehicle make, model and year for every car reported stolen to the National Crime Information Center, a division of the FBI.
The results are a preliminary quantity--the NCIC will release the final crime report later this month--but 2008 is on track to become the fifth consecutive year of declining auto thefts in the U.S. If the figures hold, total thefts will be less than 1 million vehicles--the lowest annual total in at least 20 years.
That's good news in a tough economy, because crime is expensive. According to FBI data, between $7 billion and $8 billion is lost every year due to auto theft. In 2007, the most recent year with complete data, authorities recovered only 58% of stolen vehicles. Read more.................

Court Landbasted For Droping Acid Attack Case

2009-09-02T19:19:00.000-07:00

The victim of a 2008 acid attack victim jointed local human rights groups on Wednesday in decrying a court decision to drop charges against a former military police woman and her subordinates.Ya Soknim, 39, told reporters at Licadho’s office Wednesday she suffered for injustice, and worried for her safety and revenge after they were freed from charges.“For people without money, it is not necessary to complain,” she said. The court “sees the poor and vulnerable people and lets them live in misfortune.”Ya Soknim was assaulted in May 2008, after her niece, In Soklyda, a former beauty queen, had an allegedly forced love affair with Chea Ratha, a former military police deputy chief of staff.Chea Ratha was not available for comment.In Soklyda told reporters Wednesday she would have “remorse my whole life,” seeing the scars of her aunt’s acid attack. She claims Chea Ratha “told me she loved me and forced me to live with her for more than two years…after I refused to love her.”“When I open my eyes, I see my aunt’s scar from the acid attack,” she said.“How can I live, if the court has no trial, dropped the charge and there’s no justice because of no evidence?” she said. “In fact we have evidence. My family cannot live in this country if the offenders go free.”Naly Pilorge, director of the rights group Licadho, called the court’s decision “yet another blatant display of Cambodia’s rampant impunity and culture of brutal violence.”“What is so shocking in the case is the judges’ apparent total disregard of the evidence against Chea Ratha and her alleged accomplices,” she said. “Court rulings like this only ensure that acid attacks will continue, because the perpetrators are not brought to justice.”Ou Virak, executive director of the Cambodian Center for Human Rights, said the court had shown a lack of independence in prosecuting high-ranking officials.“As long as the courts operate at the direction of the Cambodian government, rule of law will remain an empty slogan at donor conferences,” he said.

Source: VOA

Politics, confusion stall temple solution

2009-09-01T18:45:00.000-07:00

The dispute with Cambodia over Preah Vihear Temple will not end easily since political forces in Thailand are keen only on presenting more problems, rather than pushing for a constructive solution.

The unnecessary conflict with Cambodia broke out more than 13 months ago when the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and the Democrat Party, then in opposition, forced the Thai government to object to Cambodia's proposal to list the 11th century Khmer sanctuary as a world heritage site.
Since the Thai attempt to block the World Heritage Committee's decision to grant the status failed, the fight should now be over. Two border skirmishes in October last year and April this year, which claimed seven soldiers on both sides and injured many others, should have been a high enough price for Thai jealousy.
People in the border province of Si Sa Ket were supposed to have resumed their businesses, earning income from the attractive world heritage listed site. Closure of the tourism site for more than a year is not good for anybody.
Thousands of troops from both sides, deployed to the disputed area adjacent to the Hindu temple more than a year ago, should have a chance to relax and rejoin their families. There's no point in having troops confront each other, since the two countries have no real intention of waging a war.
Thai and Cambodian commanders have no desire for conflict. They have talked several times and agreed again and again to solve the problem peacefully.
In the latest development, the Cambodian army has cut 50 per cent of its troops at the disputed area and withdrawn to their barracks in the southwest Kampot province - the outcome of a meeting last week between Thai Supreme Commander General Songkitti Jaggabatra and his Cambodian counterpart, General Pol Saroeun. Nevertheless, a significant number of troops remain and the Preah Vihear stays closed.
Foreign ministries from the two countries have made it clear they should sit together for talks and end the conflict diplomatically. They began their work late last year when the Thai-Cambodian Joint Commission on Demarcation for Land Boundary (JBC) met in November in Siem Reap, the first ever after the Preah Vihear new riff. The JBC met twice this year in February and April to lay out plans for boundary demarcation and provisional arrangements.
However, further discussion could not be pursued since the Thai Constitution's article 190 requires the Foreign Ministry to bring minutes of the three meetings back for Parliament's consideration.
It is widely misunderstood among some academics and senators that the JBC has set the provisional arrangements, causing a loss of Thai sovereignty over the disputed area of 4.6 square kilometres. Some senators threatened to reject the committee reports during a session on Wednesday, blocking further talk of the JBC.
In fact, what the JBC has done regarding the provisional arrangement for the disputed area has been to reach an agreement to name security units there as 'temporary military monitoring'. The real arrangement has yet to be done.
The provisional arrangement is needed for both sides to jointly run the disputed area as long as the demarcation remains unfinished. It includes a plan for troop redeployment in the disputed area.
It remained unclear whether it is purely the PAD-backed senators' misunderstanding or political motivation driving their objection to the JBC report.
The opposition Pheu Thai Party, supposedly experts on the matter since their experience in government last year, managed to delay the Parliament session on Monday, cornering Defence Minister Pravit Wongsuwan over Cambodia's road construction in the disputed area.
They know very well that the road problem can be solved only through the JBC, but intend to delay JBC talks by derailing the Parliament session to discredit and gain revenge on the Democrat-led government.
As Parliament has opened a session for Preah Vihear debate again today, all politicians should not delay it again but encourage the JBC to work to bring peace into the border area.

Source: The Nation

Japan dolls debut in Cambodia

2009-09-01T18:37:00.000-07:00

PHNOM PENH (Kyodo) Japanese dolls were introduced for the first time to Cambodia on Tuesday as part of activities to mark Mekong-Japan Exchange Year 2009.

At the launch of the Japanese Dolls Exhibition in Phnom Penh, Kazuo Chujo, a councilor at the Japanese Embassy, said he hopes many Cambodians view the traditional, beautiful Japanese dolls that will be exhibited until Sept. 21.

"Traditional appreciation for dolls has resulted in a belief that dolls are not only children's toys but also works of art to be displayed and admired," he said.

He said Japan enjoys a rich culture of dolls, each with its own distinct meaning and purpose deeply connected to daily life.

According to Chujo, Japanese dolls are characterized by serene and delicate facial expressions and beautiful colors that show the richness of ancient costumes and pageantry.

The exhibition features about 70 dolls depicting Japanese traditions such as the Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival) and noh and kabuki dramas.

Yan Ny, director of Santhormuk Primary School, one of the largest schools in Phnom Penh, said at the exhibition he was impressed by the Japanese dolls as they are completely different from Cambodian ones in terms of character and style.

For Mekong-Japan Exchange Year 2009, various cultural events, including academic forums and youth programs, are being held in Japan and Mekong-region countries Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar.

Source: The Japan Times

KRouge's prison head has no mental problems, say experts

2009-09-01T03:28:00.000-07:00

PHNOM PENH: Mental health experts told Cambodia's UN-backed war crimes court on Monday that the Khmer Rouge's main prison chief has no mental disorders despite having overseen the killing of thousands of people.

French psychologist Francoise Sironi-Guilbaud and Cambodian psychiatrist Kar Sunbaunat were testifying at the trial of Duch, who is accused of overseeing the torture and execution of some 15,000 people at Tuol Sleng prison.

"Is Duch suffering from a mental disorder? No, we have detected no mental disorder in the accused," Sironi-Guilbaud told the tribunal.

The expert went on to say that Duch, who worked as a maths teacher before the late 1970s Khmer Rouge regime, lived with disappointment but lacked sympathy for others.

"Duch (was) a man with one single idea, with one single thought at that time," she said.

Kar Sunbaunat added that the assessment, which stretched back to Duch's childhood and family life, revealed no signs that Duch had suffered from psychological problems.

Monday's hearing was boycotted by 28 of the 93 civil parties in the case, who are angry with judges after a ruling last week banning them from questioning Duch about his personality.

Chum Mey, 79, a survivor of Tuol Sleng prison, said the group would no longer attend the trial unless they were granted the right to ask the defendant questions.

Duch, whose real name is Kaing Guek Eav, has repeatedly accepted responsibility for his role governing the jail under the regime and begged for forgiveness from the families of the victims.

Led by Pol Pot, who died in 1998, the Khmer Rouge emptied Cambodia's cities in a bid to forge a communist utopia, resulting in the deaths of up to two million people from starvation, overwork and torture.

Source: AFP

PHNOM PENH: Mental health experts told Cambodia's UN-backed war crimes court on Monday that the Khmer Rouge's main prison chief has no mental disorders despite having overseen the killing of thousands of people.

French psychologist Francoise Sironi-Guilbaud and Cambodian psychiatrist Kar Sunbaunat were testifying at the trial of Duch, who is accused of overseeing the torture and execution of some 15,000 people at Tuol Sleng prison.

"Is Duch suffering from a mental disorder? No, we have detected no mental disorder in the accused," Sironi-Guilbaud told the tribunal.

The expert went on to say that Duch, who worked as a maths teacher before the late 1970s Khmer Rouge regime, lived with disappointment but lacked sympathy for others.

"Duch (was) a man with one single idea, with one single thought at that time," she said.

Kar Sunbaunat added that the assessment, which stretched back to Duch's childhood and family life, revealed no signs that Duch had suffered from psychological problems.

Monday's hearing was boycotted by 28 of the 93 civil parties in the case, who are angry with judges after a ruling last week banning them from questioning Duch about his personality.

Chum Mey, 79, a survivor of Tuol Sleng prison, said the group would no longer attend the trial unless they were granted the right to ask the defendant questions.

Duch, whose real name is Kaing Guek Eav, has repeatedly accepted responsibility for his role governing the jail under the regime and begged for forgiveness from the families of the victims.

Led by Pol Pot, who died in 1998, the Khmer Rouge emptied Cambodia's cities in a bid to forge a communist utopia, resulting in the deaths of up to two million people from starvation, overwork and torture.

Source - AFP

Khmer Rouge victims boycott tribunal in Cambodia

2009-08-31T18:31:00.000-07:00

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – Lawyers representing victims of Cambodia's murderous Khmer Rouge regime boycotted a tribunal trying its leaders after being barred Monday from questioning a defendant about his personality and state of mind.
The move by the victims' attorneys — who were granted courtroom rights similar to those held by the defense and prosecution — came after judges overseeing the U.N.-assisted tribunal said they could not question former Khmer Rouge prison chief Kaing Guek Eav about his character.
Kaing Guek Eav — better known as Duch — headed the Khmer Rouge's notorious S-21 prison, where up to 16,000 people were tortured and later taken away to be killed. Duch is charged with crimes against humanity and other offenses.
The tribunal is seeking justice for the estimated 1.7 million people who died in Cambodia from execution, overwork, disease and malnutrition as a result of the communist regime's radical policies while in power from 1975-79.
In court Monday, French psychologist Francoise Sironi-Guilbaud testified that Duch was not suffering any mental problems.
Victims' lawyers were later barred from questioning Duch about his mental health. It was unclear why the judges made the decision.
Chhum Mey, one of a handful of survivors of S-21 prison, said he was disappointed with the ban.
"As long as the tribunal is not allowing me or my lawyer to have the right to ask Duch about his personality and character, I will not attend the court," the 79-year-old told reporters, crying as he spoke. "Can we get full justice from this court?"
The tribunal is the first of its kind to integrate victims into legal proceedings. While introducing a human element, the inclusion of the "civil parties" has also complicated and slowed the trial.
Duch (pronounced DOIK), 66, is the first of five senior Khmer Rouge figures to face trial, and the only one to acknowledge responsibility for his actions. Duch faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Cambodia has no death penalty.
Also Monday, Australian William Smith was appointed acting international co-prosecutor of the tribunal. His appointment was an interim measure pending a decision on a permanent replacement for international prosecutor Robert Petit, whose resignation takes effect Tuesday. Smith had been a deputy co-prosecutor.
Petit announced his resignation in June, citing family reasons.

Source: AP

Khmer Rouge victims boycott tribunal in Cambodia

2009-08-31T18:28:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 31 -- Three Americans accused of traveling to Cambodia to have sex with children are expected to be charged in federal court here, officials said Monday, marking the first prosecutions under a new international initiative intended to combat child-sex tourism.
The initiative, Operation Twisted Traveler, targets Americans who exploit children for sex in Cambodia, which experts describe as a top destination for child predators. U.S. and Cambodian authorities, as well as nongovernmental organizations, were involved in the effort.
"This level of cooperation is unprecedented," said Virginia Kice, a spokeswoman for U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, which coordinated the initiative with the Justice Department.
Before arriving in Los Angeles on Monday, the suspects -- Ronald Boyajian, 49, Erik Peeters, 41, and Jack Sporich, 75 -- were arrested by Cambodian authorities on charges related to child sexual exploitation. They are expected to make their initial appearances in federal court Tuesday afternoon.
The three men are current or former California residents, and all are registered sex offenders, authorities said. An attorney for Boyajian did not respond to a call to comment. The other two men do not yet have attorneys.
Child-sex tourism -- whereby minors are sold for sex through brothels or solicited off the street -- has long been part of the landscape in Cambodia. Like most countries where the crime occurs, such as Thailand and Mexico, Cambodia is a poor nation, with a $600 annual per capita income, according to the World Bank. In desperation to pay for food or health care, some families sell their children to foreign pedophiles or sex houses.
It is difficult to know how pervasive child-sex tourism is in Cambodia, or in any other country, because of the illicit nature of the crime. Undercover investigators, working with human rights activists, continue to find many brothel owners and traffickers selling minors for sex in Cambodia.
There are increasing reports of men traveling there to have sex with underage girls for as much as $4,000, according to the State Department's Trafficking in Persons Report of 2009. The report designated the Southeast Asian country as among those that should receive special scrutiny because it has not made enough progress in eliminating the problem.
Cambodia has made some efforts. Over the past year, after enacting laws with anti-trafficking provisions, the government convicted a dozen offenders and prosecuted nearly 70. U.S. legislation, including the PROTECT Act of 2003, has also targeted trafficking. The legislation bolstered federal laws targeting predatory crimes against children outside the United States by expanding the range of crimes and increasing penalties.
Officials say Twisted Traveler, launched in October, will help enforce existing laws. Under the initiative, the FBI and ICE trained the Cambodian National Police and local police in Phnom Penh, the nation's capital.
"Some part of what we're trying to do here is change attitudes and change acceptance of child-sex tourism as something that's always been around or can't be changed," Carol A. Rodley, the U.S. ambassador to Cambodia, said in a telephone interview. "And I think that's very much true of the Cambodian police -- that their attitudes about the issue have changed in part because of the collaboration."
Authorities in both countries relied on information provided by Action Pour Les Enfants, a nonprofit group, and the International Justice Mission, a human rights agency. Their involvement, Rodley said, marked a breakthrough for Cambodia, which historically has had an uneasy relationship with such organizations because of their criticism of the government.
In a statement announcing the latest allegations, officials said Boyajian, of Menlo Park, Calif., is accused of having sex with a 10-year-old Vietnamese girl. Peeters, of Norwalk, Calif., is accused of engaging in sexual activity with at least three underage Cambodian boys, paying them $5 to $10. Sporich, of Sedona, Ariz., is accused of sexually abusing at least one Cambodian boy, and of driving through city streets on his motorbike, dropping money as a way to attract children.
If convicted, the men face sentences of up to 30 years for each victim.
Officials said they hope the arrests will deter would-be sex tourists. Over the past six years, ICE has arrested more than 70 suspects nationwide on charges of child-sex tourism.
"The appeal of a place like this is that it's very far away, and pedophiles feel like they can come here and be anonymous and be outside the reach of U.S. law enforcement," Rodley said. "I hope the message that it sends is one of deterrence."

Source: The Washinton Post

Cambodia halves border troops

2009-08-30T18:55:00.000-07:00

PHNOM PENH - CAMBODIA has halved the number of troops around an ancient border temple that has been the scene of bloody clashes with Thailand, the defence ministry said on Sunday.
There have been several skirmishes between the two countries on the disputed frontier around the 11th century Preah Vihear temple in Cambodia since the ruins were granted UN World Heritage status in July 2008.
'We have pulled out 50 per cent of the troops from Preah Vihear temple,' said Chhum Socheat, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defence.
'This shows that the situation at the border is really getting better, and that both countries have a mutual understanding of peace,' he added.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen last week said Thailand had just 30 soldiers on the border, meaning that Cambodia could stand some troops down and send them back to their provincial bases.
'We still have enough troops remaining to protect our territory,' said General Chea Dara, deputy commander of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.
He said if Thailand 'shows a softer manner' they could cut the numbers further. 'However, if anything happened, our troop mobility would be very swift,' he told AFP.
Thailand in June reignited the row over the temple when it asked world heritage body UNESCO to reconsider its decision to formally list the temple in Cambodia.
Cambodia and Thailand have been at loggerheads over the land around the Preah Vihear temple for decades. Although the World Court ruled in 1962 that it belonged to Cambodia, the most accessible entrance to the ancient Khmer temple with its crumbling stone staircases and elegant carvings is in northeastern Thailand.
The last gunbattle in the temple area in April left three people dead while clashes there in 2008 killed another four people. The border between the two countries has never been fully demarcated, in part because it is littered with landmines left over from decades of war in Cambodia. -- AFP

PREAH VIHEAR TEMPLE -Cambodia cuts troops at temple

2009-08-30T18:51:00.000-07:00

Fifty per cent of soldiers withdrawn from controversial temple

Cambodia has cut back its military presence at Preah Vihear Temple - a trigger point in the past year - while Thailand's Parliament is expected to allow the two countries to move ahead with boundary demarcation in the overlapping area.
"We have pulled out 50 per cent of the troops from Preah Vihear Temple," Chhum Socheat, spokesman for Cambodia's National Defence Ministry, said yesterday.
"This shows that the situation at the border is really getting better, and that both countries have a mutual understanding of peace," he said.
Thailand and Cambodia have been at loggerheads over the controversial Hindu temple since last year when Thailand opposed Phnom Penh's move to inscribe the Khmer sanctuary on Unesco's list of world heritage sites.
After the UN World Heritage Committee granted the coveted status in July 2008, both countries boosted their military forces in the area, with clashes following twice in October and April, leaving seven soldiers of both sides dead.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen last week said Thailand had just 30 soldiers stationed on the border, meaning Cambodia could stand some troops down and send them back to their provincial bases.
"We still have enough troops remaining to protect our territory," said General Chea Dara, deputy commander of Cambodia's armed forces.
If Thailand "shows a softer manner" they could cut the numbers further. "However, if anything happened, our troop mobility would be very swift," he said.
The Thai government in June re-ignited the row over the temple when it asked Unesco to reconsider its decision to list the temple located in Cambodia.
However, Unesco did not take the Thai request into consideration. The foreign ministries of the two neighbours maintained peaceful means to resolve the dispute through the Joint Commission on Demarcation for Land Boundary (JBC).
The JBC met last November, February and April to set a framework on boundary demarcation and provisional arrangements for the disputed area near Preah Vihear.
The results of the three meetings need approval from Parliament so further discussions on the details can be held.
Parliament is set to meet today to consider the minutes submitted by the Foreign Ministry, after the motion was postponed from last week since the Lower House was busy with the marathon debate on the budget bill.
Some senators, however, said they would reject the JBC minutes and demanded the government take a tough position to evict a Cambodian community from the contested area that they considered was under Thai sovereignty.

Suicidal planet seems on death spiral into star

2009-08-27T21:47:00.001-07:00

WASHINGTON – Astronomers have found what appears to be a gigantic suicidal planet.
The odd, fiery planet is so close to its star and so large that it is triggering tremendous plasma tides on the star. Those powerful tides are in turn warping the planet's zippy less-than-a-day orbit around its star.
The result: an ever-closer tango of death, with the planet eventually spiraling into the star.
It's a slow death. The planet WASP-18b has maybe a million years to live, said planet discoverer Coel Hellier, a professor of astrophysics at the Keele University in England. Hellier's report on the suicidal planet is in Thursday's issue of the journal Nature.
"It's causing its own destruction by creating these tides," Hellier said.
The star is called WASP-18 and the planet is WASP-18b because of the Wide Angle Search for Planets team that found them.
The planet circles a star that is in the constellation Phoenix and is about 325 light-years away from Earth, which means it is in our galactic neighborhood. A light-year is about 5.8 trillion miles.
The planet is 1.9 million miles from its star, 1/50th of the distance between Earth and the sun, our star. And because of that the temperature is about 3,800 degrees.
Its size — 10 times bigger than Jupiter — and its proximity to its star make it likely to die, Hellier said.
Think of how the distant moon pulls Earth's oceans to form twice-daily tides. The effect the odd planet has on its star is thousands of times stronger, Hellier said. The star's tidal bulge of plasma may extend hundreds of miles, he said.
Like most planets outside our solar system, this planet was not seen directly by a telescope. Astronomers found it by seeing dips in light from the star every time the planet came between the star and Earth.
So far astronomers have found more than 370 planets outside the solar system. This one is "yet another weird one in the exoplanet menagerie," said planet specialist Alan Boss of the Carnegie Institution of Washington.
It's so unusual to find a suicidal planet that University of Maryland astronomer Douglas Hamilton questioned whether there was another explanation. While it is likely that this is a suicidal planet, Hamilton said it is also possible that some basic physics calculations that all astronomers rely on could be dead wrong.
The answer will become apparent in less than a decade if the planet seems to be further in a death spiral, he said.

Source: Yahoo News

Cambodia to crack down young gangsters

2009-08-27T19:36:00.000-07:00

With an aim to keep good social order in the Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh Municipality has advised relevant authorities to crack down and trace both male and female Cambodian gangsters including those are under 16 years of age.
Touch Narouth, chief of Phnom Penh Police said on Thursday that until recently, his authorities had arrested more than 200 young Cambodian gangsters and they were educated before being released.
In a meeting held Wednesday, the Governor Kep Chutema, advised all local competent authorities including the police and the court in Phnom Penh to help curb with gangsters so as to reduce the social disorder and to avoid their disturbance to all residents in the capital.
He said Phnom Penh must be a safe and clean place for both local and foreigners as it is the heart of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
Among the new orders, he also stressed that young girl who is under 16 years old must be banned from entering into night clubs, karoke, bars, guest houses or hotels after 8 p.m., especially to those who are not accompanied by their parents.
According to Kep Chutema, most of the young Cambodian gangsters are the children of the powerful and rich people.
In June this year, Prime Minister Hun Sen issued a directive asking his relevant authorities across the nation to warm up their efforts and prevention against the juvenile groups who are involved in public disturbances and drug use.
Keat Chantharith, spokesman of the National Police said the police has recorded the name list of about 7,000 delinquents around the country and each or in group of the individuals are being targeted. 　

Source: Xinhua

Cambodia pulls back troops from disputed temple

2009-08-27T19:34:00.000-07:00

Cambodia began a partial withdrawal of troops from its disputed border with Thailand on Thursday, a move likely to ease tensions between the two over a 900-year-old Hindu temple.
"This shows the positive position of Cambodia, that we want to live in peace, and is something the two nations will benefit from," said General Chea Dara, deputy commander in chief of Cambodia's armed forces.
"At the same time, we still have enough troops to defend our own territory," he told Reuters by telephone from the border.
The regional commander on the Thai side of the border said there were no plans to follow suit.
"There will be no withdrawal from this side," Major-General Chawalit Chunprasan told Reuters.
The Preah Vihear temple, which is perched on an escarpment that forms a natural border between the two Southeast Asian neighbours, has for decades been a source of tension and nationalist fervour.
The two countries have been embroiled in a series of standoffs over the temple in the past year, resulting in border skirmishes that claimed the lives of seven troops.
Thailand is challenging a United Nations decision to make the temple a world heritage site under Cambodia's sole jurisdiction.
Cambodia was awarded Preah Vihear in a 1962 international court ruling, but the court did not determine the ownership of 1.8 square miles (4.6 sq km) of scrub next to the ruins.
Thailand wants joint development and supervision of the temple, which could one day become a lucrative tourist site.
The two countries are also in dispute over parts of the Gulf of Thailand, where oil and gas deposits have been found.
Military representatives from both sides agreed on Monday to exercise restraint at the border. The Cambodian pull-back is due to end on Sunday.

Source: Reuters

Cambodia withdraws tanks from frontier with Thailand

2009-08-27T00:03:00.000-07:00

Cambodia has withdrawn several tanks from the frontier with Thailand, the local media reported Thursday
"The withdrawal of the military tanks was ordered by Prime Minister Hun Sen last Sunday and those tanks have to go back to their strongholds," Chea Dara, deputy commander-in-chief of Royal Cambodian Armed Forces quoted by the Khmer language newspaper Rasmei Kampuchea as saying.
"We want to see border with full security, safety, good development without arm confrontation with neighboring countries," he added.
"We withdrew our tanks starting on August 26," he said, adding that "those tanks moved back to their headquarters but if the situation is changed, we still enable to mobilize as quickly as possible to the border."
Cambodian and Thai troops have confronted with heavy weapons at the border particularly at areas near 11th century khmer Preah Viheat temple since July 15, 2008 and it caused casualties on both sides when armed clashes occurred.
After negotiations including top level meeting of Prime Ministers, Foreign ministers and commanders at regions, they agreed to reduce troops and withdrew subsequently to pave the way for the joint border committees from both sides to measure the land at the areas and plant the border markers.

Source: Xinhua

Japan to provide Cambodia over $ 10 mln for building sea fish reproduction center

2009-08-27T00:02:00.000-07:00

Japan has promised the Cambodian government over 10 million U.S. dollars for the creation of a sea fish reproduction center in Preah Sihanouk province, DAP News reported on its website on Wednesday.
The planned fish center will be in the Tom Nop Rolok region, DAP News quoted the Fishery Administrative Officer of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) Nauv Sam as saying.
"The Center for Development of Sea-Fishing Water Research will be the first such facility in Cambodia and will help support the nascent aquaculture and well-established sea fishing industry," Nauv Sam said in a national seminar on Cambodian Fishing For Food Security on Tuesday.
Those involved said they hope the project will help provide fish and shrimp for the local market and eventually for export.
"It is a chance for Cambodia to become self-reliant, no need to go to Thailand or other anywhere else to buy fish," Nauv Sam added.
Cambodians eat over 50 kg of fish each year, though most are fresh water.

Source: Xinhua

Thailand-Tough measures await red shirts

2009-08-25T19:49:00.000-07:00

Internal Security Act invoked to pre-empt violence: PM

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva plans to impose stringent measures under the Internal Security Act from Saturday to Tuesday in order to safeguard se-curity within Bangkok following the red-shirt protesters' threat to stage a rally to bring down the government.
Abhisit said he would appoint Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban to be in charge of the enforcement of the internal-security law.
The core leaders of the red shirts have vowed to stage an anti-government rally on Sunday at the Royal Plaza. The government has estimated several tens of thousands will likely participate.
Abhisit said unlike an emer-gency decree, the enforcement of the Internal Security Act was aimed at pre-empting any violence. An emergency decree is normally invoked after violence has taken place.
The enforcement of this law, in which the police and the military authorities as well as top policy-makers from the government will work as a team, will be limited to Dusit district, where the rally is expected to take place.
"Although the protesters have said the rally will not be violent like during Songkran, we cannot remain complacent. A 'third party' might step in to take advantage of the situation. Accidents can happen," said Abhisit.
He insisted the government respected the right to stage a demonstration, but it also had a duty to ensure law and order.
TURMOIL FEARS
Abhisit is afraid the red shirts' rally, staged in support of ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his return to Thailand, might damage confidence at a time when the economy is improving and expected to register positive growth in the fourth quarter.
PM's Office Minister Satit Wongnongtaey said the rally was aimed at creating political turmoil leading to a sudden change in government.
"Some members of the red shirts do not want the same kind of violence as in April to happen again. But other members would like to resort to violence to bring about a sudden change in government," he said.
Satit said while the red shirts had the right to stage a demonstration and exercise free speech, if they were to shut down traffic or create violence, that would be a different matter.
"They [some elements of the anti-government movement] want to create violence and then lay the blame on the government, so that it loses its legitimacy to continue to run the country," said Panithan Wattanayagorn, acting government spokesman.
During yesterday's Cabinet discussion of the Internal Security Act, Chumpol Silapa-archa, the tourism and sports minister, asked the prime minister whether en-forcing this tough law would af-fect confidence in the tourism industry.
"I don't know, because I do not belong to the red-shirt group. But if there is a threat of an unusual situation, we must step in to manage things," Abhisit replied.
Chumpol also asked whether the government planned to invoke the Internal Security Act but not actually enforce it.
Abhisit replied: "Once we have declared the Internal Security Act, we have to implement it."

Source: The Nation

Flu vaccine testing makes ready for new pandemic

2009-08-25T19:48:00.000-07:00

The Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO) has its first samples of typeA (H1N1) influenza nasal spray vaccine and has begun tests with animals to study its safety and toxicity, GPO director Dr Vitthit Attavejchakul said yesterday.

We have made the decision to step forward and produce the new vaccine. Nothing has changed the of vaccine's production procedure," he insisted.
The move comes after GPO scientists succeeded in culturing the virus in specific pathogen free eggs imported from Germany.
The German eggs have produced low yields of the vaccine but,Vitthit said,World Health Organisation experts had suggested GPO continue testing the vaccine in animals for 10 days to check safety and toxicity before trying it out on volunteers.
The GPO has already inoculated the virus seed vaccine into 1,500 specific pathogen free eggs and the results will be released soon. "I hope we'll have good news on this Friday," he said.
Because the German eggs had produced a low yield of the new flu vaccine, GPO decided to turn to other countries and placed orders for the same type of eggs from the Charles River company, a US supplier in Massachusetts.
But the first batch of these US eggs was damaged during transportation, resulting in a further delay to the vaccine testing process in Thailand. The next shipment of US eggs will arrive here on September 15, Vitthit said.
The eggs will be cultured for seven days, then another seven days are needed to test the vaccines in animals before being given to humans.
Based on the GPO's schedule, the first 20 million vaccine doses should be available in December when a second wave of the flu pandemic is likely in Thailand.
To date, only Silpakorn University's Faculty of Pharmacy is contracted to produce 10 million doses of the newflu vaccine, so the GPO is negotiating with other parties to supply the remaining volume.
Dr Thirawat Hemajutha of Chulalongkorn University cited a report from Mahidol University's Faculty of Science which has decoded the virus gene and found that the virus seed vaccine GPO imported from Russia has changed slightly and might have mutated.
" I was surprised when I read this report. The virus might be stronger than its current strain," he said. "If GPO still uses this virus seed to produce vaccine it might cause errors," he added.
He said he did not intend to panic the public over his warning but he wanted people to be aware of a likely second pandemic wave.
He said pregnant women should be the first group to receive the new flu virus vaccine as their risk of mortality is fourtimes higher than of other people. Medical workers will be the second group, followed by those people who are in the high risk categories.
To meet a second pandemic, he suggested pregnant women stay at home, while educational agencies should tell students to send addresses and contact numbers to their institutions in case they fall ill.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Higher Education Commission's secretarygeneral Sumeth Yamnun has urged schools upcountry to prepare measures to fight the pandemic expected in two or three months.

Source: The Nation

Psychiatrist says Khmer Rouge trial can help heal

2009-08-25T19:38:00.000-07:00

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia - A psychiatrist testified Tuesday that prosecuting the former leaders of Cambodia's Khmer Rouge can help ease the mental trauma of hundreds of thousands of victims who suffered under the brutal communist regime three decades ago.

Dr. Chhim Sotheara of the Transcultural Psychosocial Organization _ which promotes community mental health programs _ testified at the trial of Kaing Guek Eav, also known as Duch, who commanded a Khmer Rouge torture center when the group was in power from 1975-79.
A U.N.-assisted genocide tribunal is seeking justice for the estimated 1.7 million people who died in Cambodia from execution, overwork, disease and malnutrition as a result of the regime's radical policies.
Chhim Sotheara said according to his research, 14 percent of Cambodians, or about 800,000 people, suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder related to the Khmer Rouge's rule. The destruction of families and communities deprived people of their traditional pillars of psychological support, he said.
"The trial of the former Khmer Rouge leaders is an opportunity for the victims who had suffered and who have been traumatized for many years to overcome their trauma through justice," Chhim Sotheara told the tribunal.
He said the government should also hold public reconciliation forums to help heal the victims' pain.
Asked for comment by the judges, Duch (pronounced DOIK) agreed that people's psychological damage remained a problem.
"The consequences are tremendous and extensive and long-lasting. Even at this time, the consequences are still ongoing," Duch told the tribunal.
Duch is the first of five senior Khmer Rouge figures scheduled to face long-delayed trials and the only one to acknowledge responsibility for his actions. His trial, which started in March, is expected to finish before the end of the year.
He could face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Cambodia has no death penalty.

Source: AP

Promoting Vietnamese goods at the Cambodian border

2009-08-25T19:36:00.000-07:00

Now that demand from Western customers is depressed by the global economic crisis, Vietnamese businesses have been eyeing Cambodia, a neighbouring market to which they have paid little attention in the past.

Fifty Vietnamese businesses joined an ‘export-on-the-spot’ fair on August 23 at the newly-opened Tinh Bien Border Economic Zone (BEZ). The new facility is at a border crossing between Vietnam’s delta province of An Giang and Cambodia’s Takeo province, south of the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh.

The export fair was jointly organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the An Giang province People’s Committee.

Boosting export through bonded zone

A bonded zone has been established, to which businesses can bring goods and contact many prospective buyers from Cambodia, from petty merchants to big distributors. The Vietnamese businesses will not have to pay taxes (VAT and export tariff) on their sales, and they can take advantage of simplified export procedures. Meanwhile, Cambodian distributors will be able to take ownership of goods right on the other side of the border.

Many businesses have expressed their interest in this model of selling goods. Vu Quoc Dung, representing the footware maker, Bita, said that the company had sent 100,000 sample pairs of shoes to distributors in Cambodia a month earlier, and now he had come to Tinh Bien to make direct contacts with partners. Phu An Sinh Company is striving to sell frozen and processed food to Cambodia, while Kem Nghia Company aims to sell low-priced beauticians’ tools.

Many enterprises have successfully contacted Cambodian distributors, while Sacombank has helped businesses in payment procedures.

Setting up direct distribution systems

To boost exports to Cambodia, My Hao Cosmetics Company has decided to recruit a Cambodian sales director. My Hao General Director Luong Van Vinh said that because Cambodian people’s income remains low, they are interested in low cost products. This has prompted My Hao to make products suitable to that market.

The Duy Tan Plastics Company has concluded that Vietnam-made household plasticwares can compete well with Thai products in the Cambodian market, said a representative of that firm. The company’s sales in Cambodia have increased steadily. Vinamit, a farm products processor, has also decided to set up a direct distribution network in Cambodia to boost sales instead of selling goods though agents. Nutifo od said that dairy products for old people and for children will be its key products in Cambodian market.

Exports to Cambodia have been increasing so smoothly that export revenues of HCMC businesses to Cambodia in the first seven months of 2009 increased by 44 percent over the same period of 2008, even though the city’s export revenues in general decreased by 13.9 percent. Medicines, fertilizer, steel, construction materials, cosmetics, fruit, seafood and apparel are in particularly high demand.

The HCM City Trade and Investment Promotion Centre has been tasked with coordination of the export offensive. Four big corporations are expected to support the plan’s implementation: the Saigon Trade Corporation, Saigon Co-op, the Saigon Industry Corporation and Saigon Agricultural Corporation. Another large scale Vietnamese products fair is planned to be held soon in the western Cambodian city of Battambang.

Source: Vietnam Net

Civic Group Opposes House Discussion on Preah Vihear Temple

2009-08-25T03:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday a civic group observing the dispute on Preah Vihear Temple between Thailand and Cambodia petitioned to halt the discussion about a settlement with Cambodia, scheduled for a Parliament meeting this Friday .The civic group who follows the dispute on Preah Vihear temple, led by Mom Luang Valwipa Jaroonroj์, Thepmontri Limpapayom and Veera Somkwamkid, submitted a petition calling for a postponement of the house discussion about a temporary agreement between Thai and Cambodia over the disputed ruins and land.The group urged the House to call off the discussion until a transparent public hearing on this issue was held. They feel that the temporary bilateral settlement will eventually lead to the listing of the Preah Vihear temple as a Cambodian World Heritage site with Thai endorsement. If it happens, the groupsays Thailand will lose its sovereignty in the 4.6 square kilometer overlapping border area. Today at the Parliament, there will be a seminar about the overlapping border area with a presentation of evidence that shows the Foreign Affairs Ministry supporting the listing of Preah Vihear Temple as Cambodia's World Heritage.On the other issues at the upper House meeting yesterday, the Senate resolved yesterday to extend the discussion about the borrowing act that would enable the Finance Ministry to pull in 400 billion baht for another thirty days after the Senate earlier endorsed its draft. The senators also grilled the Prime Minister over the relocation of operations at Don Muang Airport to Suvarnabhumi Airports, tax collection, management of funds generated from the government bond issuance, political reform and the decentralization of power to local administrative bodies.

Source: Thai Asean News Network

Cambodian man spends four years awaiting trial for petty theft

2009-08-25T03:10:00.000-07:00

Phnom Penh - A 31-year-old man has spent nearly four years in a Cambodia prison awaiting trial on charges of stealing a mobile phone worth 15 dollars, national media reported. Roeun Moeun was arrested in October 2005 along with three other men on suspicion of committing the crime, the Cambodia Daily newspaper reported on Tuesday. The other men have since been convicted or released by the provincial court in Kandal outside Phnom Penh.
His defence attorney said when the judge ruled on the original case last year, he omitted Roeun Moeun's name from the ruling. For that reason he was not released.
"It is a serious violation of the rights of the accused," the lawyer said. "Why couldn't he receive justice from the court?"
The case appears to have been forgotten in the country's chaotic and inefficient court system. Court officials responsible for investigating the case over the years have been transferred to other provinces, with the result that Roeun Moeun's case was ignored.
Judge Leang Sour, who issued the original ruling last year, told the newspaper that he had been unable to release Roeun Moeun since he did not appear to be facing any charges.
"I returned his case to the prosecutor for further investigation and I never heard about it again," he said.
In recent months several cases have emerged where suspects have been held for years before facing trial. In August a suspected drug smuggler was sentenced to 38 months in prison after she had spent all but five days of that time awaiting trial.
In response the government's human rights committee is reviewing the number of detainees in pre-trial detention in the nation's 25 prisons.
Under Cambodian law, pre-trial detention is limited to four months in the case of a misdemeanour if the potential sentence carries a term of more than a year.

Source: The Earth Times

Cambodian Network Looking for New Investors

2009-08-24T19:33:00.000-07:00

Cambodia based CDMA operator, GT-Tell says that it is seeking an investor to fund its nationwide network expansion. Currently GT-Tell, operating under "Excell" brandname offers services both voice and data, including EVDO (3G) Mobile Broadband services in Phnom Penh and surrounding province.
Commercial operations of the company started last July and has signed up some 40,000 subscribers.
Japan's DoCoMo recently expressed an interest in buying a stake in a Cambodian mobile network without specifying any details. Millicom International recently existed the country by selling its 58.4% stake in CamGSM and associated companies for US$346 million.
Figures from the Mobile World notes that the country ended Q1 '09 with an estimated 4.4 million mobile phone users - representing a population penetration level of 30%. The country has eight mobile networks.
On the web: Excell - Mobile World

Source: Cellular-news

Top army leaders of Cambodia, Thailand meet in Phnom Penh

2009-08-24T19:15:00.000-07:00

The top army leaders of Cambodia and Thailand met in Cambodia's capital of Phnom Penh on Monday to reiterate their good cooperation and to strengthen their relationship. Cambodia's military sources said during the meeting Gen. Pol Saroeun, commander-in-chief of Cambodian Royal Armed Forces, and Songkitti Jaggabatara, supreme commander of the Thai army, reiterated their statements of making good cooperation and relations, especially, between the armies of the two nations. Both Pol Saroeun and Songkitti affirmed that good cooperation and relations are of common interest for both nations, the sourcessaid. The two sides, however, did not talk on redeployment of troops stationed near khmer Preak Vihear temple, saying the issue shall be left for decision by the two countries' regional commanders there. It is the first time for Gen. Songkitti Jaggabatara to make a visit to Cambodia and it is also the first time to hold such top army leaders' meeting. But since the border dispute between the two countries occurred last year that resulted in the deaths of a number of soldiers, and several others injured, many round of talks at different levels were held including prime ministers, defense and foreign ministerial level down to regional commanders. Songkitti Jaggabatara who arrived in Cambodia late Monday will return to Thailand on Tuesday after a planned brief sightseeing visit to Angkor Wat in Siem Reap province.

Source: Xinhua

Thaksin picks up the tab

2009-08-24T18:59:00.000-07:00

Former PM announces launch of his radio station over lunch in Bangkok

Thaksin Shinawatra chatted with his supporters over lunch in Bangkok yesterday. The fugitive former PM treated 200 of his fans, most of them wearing red, to a meal at T Phochana Dong Moon Lek Noodle restaurant on Rama VII road, where he spoke to them via a video link.

Tweets directed Twitter users who couldn't make it to the live broadcast at www.ustream.tv/channel/thaksinlive.

Supporters also talked to their host on mobile phones provided by red-shirt staff.

Thaksin organised the lunch date to promote his Internet radio station, scheduled for launch on September 1, saying he would use it to broadcast hope to Thais and talk about his experience and recipe for success.

Life saving's frozen

"If the government is not biased, it might see [my words] as food for thought," he said.

He also explained that his travel for business meant he would be phoning in his talks for the station's programmes. His recent trips to Africa, he said, were forced on him because his life's savings had been frozen. He complained that allegations of corruption against him suggested he had taken the government's money, while in fact the government had taken his money, adding that he was waiting for justice to take its course.

"Some of us were born to struggle. Sometimes karma means you have to fight. But [I] believe everything will be brighter soon. After this period I foresee paths to happiness," he said through the video link.

"Time to enjoy lunch," he continued. "If I keep talking, things will turn sad. Please enjoy your noodles and satay pork. Eat up! Jae Ta [shop owner], please fill everyone's plates!"

Twitter hacked

A few hours after the virtual get-together with his supporters, Thaksin announced a temporary halt to his posts on Twitter, claiming his account had been hacked.

"Somebody tried to get into my login," he said, responding to a comment posted under his user name, @thaksinlive, that read "@sugree has reached a stage of madness". The comment was later deleted. Twitter guru Sugree Phatanapherom denies all knowledge of the posting.

Source: The Nation

RALLY ON SUNDAY -Govt may have to invoke security law

2009-08-24T18:55:00.000-07:00

Suthep, Abhisit fear red shirts plan to blockade Govt House, incite unrest
The government had no choice but to invoke the Internal Security Act to maintain peace during the red-shirt rally on Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said yesterday.
Cabinet is expected to debate the move today and approve enforcement of the draconian security measure under which the military plays a key role in crowd control.
"I have spoken to the prime minister about security concerns and measures to prevent riots because I don't think society will tolerate any more mayhem," Suthep said, following a meeting with PM Abhisit Vejjajiva.
He said he wanted every contingency measure to be put in place to handle unruly crowds.
Judging by remarks made by certain red-shirt leaders, he said, the protests were being organised as a pretext to cause disturbances instead of making genuine demands.
So far, the government had not ignored any demands, and yet the red shirts were determined to carry on protesting, he added. Suthep also voiced suspicion that the red shirts might try to repeat a blockade of Government House because they planned to gather at the Royal Plaza nearby.
He said he did not wish to cast doubts by saying the red shirts sought to incite riots, but it was his job to brace for all eventualities.
With regard to ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra's attempt to bring the red shirts together for a beef-noodle lunch, which he meant to host via a video linkup, Suthep said all Thais wanted to see unity in society.
Abhisit, meanwhile, said he was concerned about the upcoming rally because certain red shirts were determined to instigate violence.
He said he had instructed Suthep and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan to have measures ready to rein-in disruptive crowds.
Though the PM would not go into details about security measures, he said his bottom line was that the protesters should in no way be allowed to disrupt work at Government House. The government would not impose a deadline on how long the protest could last, but a repeat of the mayhem in April would not be allowed, he said.
He reminded red-shirt rally organisers that a number of them were obligated to abide by their bail conditions.
Senate Speaker Prasobsook Boondech said the government should not invoke security measures ahead of the rally because it would become a pre-condition for the red shirts to mobilise mobs.
However, the government should be ready to invoke the security law should violence erupt, he said.
He said rival camps should have learnt a lesson from the Songkran mayhem. He did not expect the red shirts to provoke another riot.

Source: The Nation

Venezuela repeats at Miss Universe contest

2009-08-24T02:25:00.000-07:00

NASSAU, Bahamas – Miss Venezuela was the fairest of them all once again, winning the 2009 Miss Universe crown for the second year straight and the sixth time since the pageant's creation.
Dressed in a flowing red gown, 18-year-old Stefania Fernandez hugged the runner-up from the Dominican Republic and danced in joy as her victory was announced Sunday.
The crown briefly fell to the floor as it passed from one Venezuelan beauty to the next.
But Fernandez said there was time for outgoing Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza to whisper in her ear that she must have worked hard for Venezuela to win consecutive crowns.
"What do we Venezuelans have?" Fernandez, an international relations student, told reporters after the pageant. "That we are ourselves." Read more...............

Vietnamese firm to build fertilizer plant in Cambodia

2009-08-23T23:55:00.000-07:00

The Vietnam Five Star International Group on Friday said it will start work on a joint-venture fertilizer plant in Cambodia later this year.
The group will put up 90 percent of the chartered capital in a joint venture with the Investment and Development Joint Stock Company of Cambodia (IDCC) holding the remaining 10 percent.
Construction of the plant, located in Kean Svay District’s Somrongthom Commune, is expected to be completed within 20 months.
Once completed, the US$65-million plant will produce 350,000 tons of fertilizer a year.

Reported by Quang Thuan

Border trade zone draws thousands

2009-08-23T23:52:00.000-07:00

AN GIANG — The official opening of the Tinh Bien Commercial Zone in An Giang Province today coincides with a festival to promote high quality Vietnamese goods in the Tinh Bien area that borders Cambodia.
The 10ha commercial zone with duty-free businesses attract 1,500 visitors every day.
Forty-three companies have registered to conduct business in the zone, representing a total of more than VND350 billion (US$19.5 million) in registered capital. Twenty-four of them have begun operations.
Domestic and international tourists are allowed to buy imported products at the supermarket in the Tinh Bien Commercial Zone, and are exempt from import taxes, value-added tax and special consumption taxes for the first VND500,000 of purchases.
The two-day festival of Vietnamese goods attracted 60 Vietnamese businesses to display high quality goods, including textiles and garments, footwear, handicrafts, chemicals, foodstuff and construction materials.
The festival is part of Viet Nam’s efforts to enhance exports and duty-free sales to Cambodia, according to organisers.
Participating enterprises could take the opportunity to promote trade and explore distribution channels, said the An Giang People’s Committee chairman, Lam Minh Chieu.
Cambodian distributors can also sign import deals at the event.
Nguyen Minh Tri, head of the zone’s management board, said the fair played a significant role in the export of Vietnamese goods to Cambodia.
During the fair, Hau Giang Pharmaceutical Joint-Stock Company and An Giang Province’s General Hospital will provide free health check-ups for 400 poor residents living in Cambodia’s border area.
The organisers will also take preventive measures against swine flu during the event.
An Giang, sharing a 94-km-long frontier with Cambodia, is home to five international and national border gates, including Tinh Bien, Vinh Xuong, Khanh Binh, Bac Dai and Vinh Hoi Dong.
The province said total export turnover of commodities transported via the five border gates in the first eight months of 2009 was US$438 million.

Source: VNS

Over 100,000 pills of drug substances destroyed in Cambodia

2009-08-20T21:22:00.001-07:00

Phnom Penh Municipality on Thursday destroyed 107,958 pills of mixed drug substances including 21,499 grams of cocaine, 601 grams of heroin, over 80,000 pills of methamphetamines and amphetamines and other drugs substances, as well as some materials of drug lab. "Drug substances and drug materials for labs that we burned off today were confiscated from criminals," Kep Chutema, Phnom Penh governor said in the ceremony of destroying at the outskirt of Phnom Penh. "Drug trafficking cases have decreased after the authorities have cracked down on drug distribution places and drug using places," he said. However, he added that cases of crimes have increased in Phnom Penh and it has occurred among young people. "So far this year, our authorities in Phnom Penh has cracked down 36 drug cases and arrested 80 criminals, and also seized some drug substances," he noted. "We have strengthened the law enforcement and our law enforcement officials have raised their law enforcement ability." "We will establish a new drug-rehabilitation center for women in Phnom Penh and we considered drug users as drug victims without discrimination," he said. "We have helped 2,143 people to get rid of drugs through the rehabilitation center, and other 215 people are in process of drug rehabilitation," Kep Chutema said, adding that "after they left this center, they will have jobs and skills for helping themselves and family." Cambodia became the one of places of drug transmit, according to the governor. "Criminals used our country to distribute drugs to other countries and produce drug, even we destroyed it regularly," he said, "We must get together to stop the drug trafficking and fight against it to live with harmony at the local community."

Source:Xinhua

Cambodia mourns 'holy cow'

2009-08-20T21:21:00.001-07:00

Hundreds of Cambodians on Thursday began a ceremony for the death of a "holy cow" whose spit could supposedly cure several illnesses, local officials said.
The mystical calf, which reportedly had unusual skin that looked like crocodile hide, was born on Tuesday and died earlier onThursday in northern Pursat province, village chief Sok Mim said.
He said around 100 villagers gathered at the house of the cow's owner for a three-day memorial ceremony.
"A lot of people have flocked to the ceremony. They offered money and lit incense sticks before the cow to pray for it to be reborn and live a longer life," said Sok Mim.
"The cow looked strange. Its legs have signs like carved arts, and its skin is like a crocodile's skin. Old people believe that the cow is holy," Sok Mim said.
"Some people used the spit from the cow's mouth to cure their toothache and other illness. They said they recovered from aches afterwards," Sok Mim added.
A local police official said villagers believed the cow had mystical powers because there had been a lot of rain in the drought-hit village after its birth.
Cambodians are highly superstitious, particularly in the countryside where people continue to meld animist practices with Buddhism.

Cambodia hosts meeting to discuss microfinance amid global financial crisis

2009-08-19T18:40:00.000-07:00

With the helps from the International Financial Corporation (IFC) and the European Union (EU), Cambodia is hosting a conference to talk on how microfinance can boost country's economy, promote financial inclusion and enhance customer protection.

The IFC which is a member of the World Bank Group is helping Cambodian microfinance institutions to strengthen their contribution to the country's socio-economic development, and expand financial services to the rural population amid the global financial crisis.

The two-day meeting, which began Wednesday, participated by representatives from the Cambodia Microfinance Association, senior microfinanciers, bankers, regulators, and local authorities.

"The microfinance sector in Cambodia has grown fast and significantly contributed to improving access to financial services for the rural population," said Chea Chanto, governor of the National Bank of Cambodia.

"The success of the sector is vital to ensuring quick financial inclusion. We have adopted legislation that enables microfinance institutions to mobilize public deposits to help them access cheaper sources of funds while allowing rural populations to safely save their hard-earned cash," he said.

Participants also shared their views and experiences on how to respond to the global financial crisis, addressing credit culture, risk and nonperforming loan management, ethical debt collection practices, financial education, and consumer protection.

"The microfinance sector, which has loans of more than 280 million U.S. dollars outstanding to about one million clients in rural areas, already has felt the impact of the global financial crisis as no performing loans have increased from under one percent one year ago to 3.8 percent as of June 2009," said Huot Ieng Tong, president of Cambodia Microfinance Association.

IFC also works with individual microfinance institutions to help them diversify and focus their strategies, expanding their product range and improving their risk management capabilities.

"While the crisis has adversely affected microfinance institutions and their borrowers, it also brings opportunities for them to review their lending practices and risk and nonperforming loan management systems so they become more resilient to future crises," said Russell Muir, IFC Acting Head of Advisory Services for East Asia and Pacific.

Source:Xinhua

Cambodia: Appointment Of Judges

2009-08-16T21:32:00.000-07:00

Cambodia: Appointment Of Judges And Prosecutors Is Unconstitutional

Lately there has been a hectic time within the Cambodian judiciary with the actual and planned retirement and appointments of many judges and prosecutors. The government has retired and replaced half of the members, two ex-officio and two appointed, of the Supreme Council of the Magistracy (SCM), the supreme judicial body responsible for the nomination and discipline of judges and prosecutors. A further 27 are also to be retired. In the meantime, some 32 judges and prosecutors, including four who are the de facto age of retirement of 60, have been appointed to new positions.

In a statement dated 7 August 2009 (see CAMBODIA: Law on the statute of judges, not their retirement, is the right end from which to tackle judicial reform), the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has already pointed out the unconstitutionality of the government’s infringement upon the jurisdiction and independence of the SCM when it had bypassed it and retired and replaced those four SCM members. According to the country’s Constitution, the nomination, including appointment, retirement and transfer, as well as the discipline of judges and prosecutors are the responsibility of the SCM, and not that of the government. The SCM is the supreme body of the judiciary which is chaired by the country’s king and which also has the responsibility of ensuring judicial independence.
The AHRC has also urged the Cambodian government to enact two long-overdue laws which the country has specifically stipulated (Art.135 of the Constitution) and which would provide the legal background and framework for the judiciary as required under Art.14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights on the right to a fair trial by an independent, competent and impartial tribunal established by law. With the law on the statute of judges and prosecutors, the age of retirement would be officially fixed and known, and actual retirement could be set without arousing any suspicion of favouritism for those who wish to remain in active service.
The AHRC has further noticed that the appointment of judges and prosecutors, as shown in the king’s successive appointment decrees, has not respected the principle of separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary as enshrined the country’s Constitutions (Arts 51 and 128). In these appointments, the Minister of Justice, a cabinet member and also a member of the SCM, has made nomination proposals, received the approval of the SCM and submitted them to the king for signing. For some appointments, the SCM has been bypassed altogether and the proposals directly submitted to the king for signature.
This practice contravenes Art 134 of the country’s Constitution which says, among other things, that “The Supreme Council of the Magistracy shall make proposals to the King on the appointment of judges and prosecutors to all courts.” It should be declared unconstitutional when, according Art. 150 of the same Constitution, “Laws and decisions by the State institutions shall have to be in strict conformity with the Constitution.”
The Cambodian government and its ministry of justice in particular seem to have exploited the absence of the constitutional review or any other forms of judicial review of their decisions and have tried to rule by decree, at least in appointment and retirement of judges and prosecutors. The constitutional review of laws seems clear cut when a specific number of public figures and even ordinary citizens may request for it. However, there is almost a complete silence over the constitutional review of decisions of state institutions, the government and its ministries included. Only a litigant who feels his or her rights are affected by such a decision could raise the issue of its unconstitutionality with the Constitutional Council through the Supreme Court. Unlike in the case of promulgated laws, neither any public figure mentioned above nor any concerned citizen may request for the constitutional review of decisions of state institutions. Nor is the Constitutional Council habilitated to do this constitutional
The AHRC strongly urges the Minister of Justice to respect the principle of separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary and the SCM, refrain from infringing upon the jurisdiction of the SCM, and let this supreme judicial body fully exercise its full constitutional authority over the nomination and discipline of judges and prosecutors. The Minister of Justice should relinquish its control of the SCM Secretariat and transfer it back where it belongs, that is, to the SCM. It should instead secure for the SCM adequate resources to enable it to fulfill its constitutional duties in the nomination and discipline of judges and prosecutors, and in the independence of the judiciary.
AHRC further urges that all decisions of state institutions, including those of the government and the Ministry of Justice regarding the nomination and discipline of judges and prosecutors as well as the independence of the judiciary, should be in strict conformity with the Constitution as specifically stipulated under its Art 150. The Law on the Organization and Functioning of the Constitutional Council should therefore be amended in order to subject such decisions to the same constitutional review as all laws.
About AHRC: The Asian Human Rights Commission is a regional non-governmental organisation monitoring and lobbying human rights issues in Asia. The Hong Kong-based group was founded in 1984.

Holiday Villa to open 2 more hotels in Cambodia, China

2009-08-16T21:31:00.000-07:00

HAVING made its presence felt in eight countries, Holiday Villa Hotels & Resorts, one of the leading hotel chains in Malaysia, expects to open two more properties in Cambodia and China by the end of the year.In a statement made available to Business Times, Holiday Villa, a member the public-listed Advance Synergy group, said two more properties were in the pipeline, namely in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, and Kaifeng in Henan, China.Holiday Villa opened its door to guests in Doha, Qatar, with the soft launch of the Holiday Villa Hotel and Residence City Centre on July 20.With the launch, Holiday Villa now operates 18 quality hotels and resorts with a total of 4,000 rooms and suites.
Besides Malaysia and Qatar, Holiday Villa Hotels and Resorts are located in the UK, Indonesia, Australia, Sudan, Cambodia, Vietnam and China. Early this year, the hotel group expanded to Halong Bay in Vietnam and Shenzhen in China.On its property in Doha, Holiday Villa said the hotel is strategically located at Al-Muntazah Signal, opposite the Muntazah Park.

Source: Business Times

A further 160 families in Cambodia face forced eviction

2009-08-13T22:14:00.000-07:00

13 August 2009
A further 160 families in Cambodia are to be forcibly evicted from their homes without being given adequate alternative housing or just compensation.Two lakeside villages in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh received an official notice on Monday, giving them seven days to dismantle their houses. A private company is due to redevelop the site for tourism and commercial use.Around 4,200 families living on or around Boeung Kak Lake in central Phnom Penh are affected by this re-development, which is the outcome of an agreement reached in 2007 between the Municipality of Phnom Penh and the private company. The company started filling the lake with sand in August 2008, in preparation for building.The agreement was made without any prior consultation with the affected families, who since learning about the deal have repeatedly protested and voiced concern about the plans. At least two villagers have been arrested for their peaceful protests.Company workers and security forces have intimidated and harassed many others, while the rising water levels caused by the filling of the lake, have flooded and destroyed many homes around its shore, forcing people to move.The inhabitants of Village 2 and Village 4 were offered three options by the notice signed by the Daun Penh district governor: compensation of 8,000 USD plus an additional two million riel (approx 500 USD) to cover the cost of dismantling the houses; a flat at a resettlement site some 20 kilometres away plus two million riel; or new housing on-site but with temporary relocation.The resettlement site at Damnak Trayoeung has no adequate shelter, water, electricity, sanitation, sewerage, health care or job opportunities.The offer of on-site development is welcome as it demonstrates that the authorities are exploring alternatives other than eviction. This is also the option favoured by most of the 160 families.However, according to the notice, they still have to dismantle their homes within seven days and accept relocation to a site far away from their work places and schools for an undetermined period, with no formal assurances that they will be able to return to secure tenure at Boeung Kak. Last month, security forces forcibly evicted 60 low-income families from their homes in an area of central Phnom Penh called Group 78. The families in Group 78 had been living under the threat of forced evictions for three years, with the Cambodian authorities following none of the safeguards required under international law.The Cambodian Government has consistently failed to guarantee the right to adequate housing and to protect its population against forced evictions. In 2008 alone, Amnesty International received reports about 27 forced evictions, affecting an estimated 23,000 people.Amnesty International is reiterating its calls on the government to end forced evictions and introduce a moratorium on all mass evictions until there is a legal framework in place which protects human rights.Amnesty International has urged the Cambodian authorities to halt immediately any plans to forcibly evict the families living in Villages 2 and 4 in Boeung Kak.The organization also urged them to reconsider the plan to move the community to the resettlement site at Damnak Trayoeung and called on the authorities to hold genuine consultations about the onsite development plans, including clarifying the time frame for temporary relocation and a guarantee of security of tenure at Boeung Kak.Moreover, Amnesty International is demanding that the authorities uphold Cambodia's obligations under international human rights treaties prohibiting forced eviction and related human rights violations.

Source: Amnesty International

Cambodia joins microloan clean-up

2009-08-13T22:12:00.000-07:00

Cambodia joins microloan clean-upBy Stephen Kurczy PHNOM PENH - Impoverished Cambodia has emerged as a global microfinance leader, becoming the first Asian nation to hold lenders accountable to their original mission of poverty reduction. If a new global initiative aimed at promoting greater transparency over microfinance institutions (MFIs) recently launched here gains traction, the multi-billion dollar industry could be set for a shake-out. It has long been assumed that microfinance ventures, launched in the 1970s as non-profit enterprises to bring cheap credit to the poor, prioritize alleviating poverty over maximizing profits. In recent years, celebrities such Robert Duvall, Natalie Portman and Yeardley Smith, (the voice of Lisa in animated television series The Simpsons), became official spokespeople for different MFIs such as Pro Mujer (Pro Women), Finca International, and the Grameen Foundation.

The United Nations Capital Development Fund has in recent years channeled millions of dollars in donor funds into MFIs. The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private lending arm of the World Bank, says it has given more than US$600 million to more than 100 MFIs worldwide and maintains a commitment to double that investment to $1.2 billion by 2010, making IFC the largest investor in an industry servicing more than 80 million people around the world. But so-called barefoot banking has come under growing criticism as MFIs reap huge profits. Reports have shown that many misrepresent their underlying loan fees, with some charging annual interest rates in excess of 100%. For instance, Mexico's Banco Compartamos, originally a non-profit institution, generated $458 million in an April 2008 initial public offering. Private investors piled into the offering because the bank charges its 1.4 million poor borrowers up to 128% annual interest. Chuck Waterfield, a microfinance expert and Columbia University professor, has found that many MFIs, including Compartamos, advertise as pro-poor enterprises with 4% monthly interest rates but when additional hidden fees were added those rates often topped 10% per month. Waterfield recently devised a platform for borrowers and international donors - who underwrite and provide cheap capital for many microcredit banks to on-lend - to view more clearly individual MFIs' true underlying interest rates. "Compartamos was a watershed for the industry. It takes a crisis to make you do what you should have done 10 years ago," Waterfield told Asia Times Online. In mid-2008, he launched MicroFinance Transparency, a database of interest rates charged by individual microlenders that aims through publicity to refocus microfinance on poverty alleviation. The goal, he says, is to collect loan information from all microcredit lenders worldwide and publish their real annual percentage rates at his website, mftransparency.org. "The organizations with the highest interest rates have the glossiest annual reports, with pictures of mothers with babies, and they talk about how they're helping those mothers while making boatloads of profits," Waterfield said on August 7 at a launch event in Phnom Penh. "So we put the prices up there and say, 'Nice annual report but you're charging twice the interest rate as anyone else to those mothers with babies'." Waterfield hopes that all MFIs will openly join the initiative and prove they have nothing to hide. He first introduced the project in March in Peru, then in Bosnia in April, and this month in Cambodia before heading to another launch in Bangladesh. He acknowledges that he can't force microcredit lenders, many of whom bury hidden costs in the small print of their loan forms, to sign up to the initiative. "We've got to build credibility and Cambodia helps us build credibility because it's a willing participant. The next country we go to will be a little less willing. And next year we'll go into the countries that are really reluctant to have us show up." People over profitsWhile Cambodia is renowned for its endemic corruption and is often rated among the world's least transparent countries, Waterfield said he chose the country as the first Asian nation for his initiative because its registered MFIs rank among the world's top in terms of social performance, consumer protection and ethical practices. Of the 12 Asian MFIs that have signed on to a social performance indicators program launched by the Washington DC-based Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX), a provider of MFI business information and data services, half hailed from Cambodia. Five Cambodian banks are also included in MIX's ranking of the world's top 100 MFIs; only India, with six, claims more. In June, Angkor Microfinance Kampuchea was one of three MFIs worldwide to receive the first gold award for social performance reporting from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and Consultative Group to Assist the Poor. "Cambodian MFIs have been at the forefront of industry reporting for many years," MIX's chief operating officer Blaine Stephens wrote in an e-mail in response to Asia Times Online questions. "My guess is that they will demonstrate as much commitment to reporting social performance as they have to reporting financial performance in an open and transparent manner." Cambodian MFIs charge interest based on 30- or 31-day months. This may sound intuitive, but in Mexico and other developing countries most MFIs charge interest rates based on a four-week month, which effectively allows them to charge the borrower for an extra month every calendar year, Waterfield said. The annual interest rates charged by MFIs in Cambodia are among the lowest worldwide at between 24% and 36%. While higher than normal rates on commercial consumer loans, microloans are inherently more expensive because the lender receives less return while incurring overheads and transaction costs similar to those for larger loans. "Here in Cambodia, we are committed to making sure that the financial services provided to the poor come as tools for their empowerment rather than shackles for their exploitation," Cambodian National Bank director general Tal Nay Im said on August 7. The National Bank has recently issued a legally binding sub-decree for MFIs to advertise their real effective interest rates. Cambodia is the only country to outlaw flat interest rate loans, a credit structure where monthly interest is paid on the total loan amount even as the borrower pays down the principal - which means the borrower is effectively paying interest on money already paid back. In comparison, every MFI in Mexico charges a flat rate and only one microcredit bank in impoverished Bangladesh, the Grameen Bank, charges borrowers a declining rate where they pay less and less interest as the outstanding amount owed is paid down. The Grameen Bank was founded in the 1970s by Muhammad Yunus, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 and the US Presidential Medal for Freedom this week for his efforts to provide low interest loans to the poor. While many microcredit institutions claim to take inspiration from his example, Yunus has publicly lamented the industry trend towards profit maximization over uplift of the poor. He, for one, has strongly endorsed Waterfield's new Microfinance Transparency initiative. "Microfinance emerged as a struggle against loan sharks, so we don't want to see new loan sharks created in the name of microcredit," Yunus told BusinessWeek at the time of the project's launch. While Cambodia's 18 MFIs have agreed to submit their loan data to MicroFinance Transparency, the Bangladeshi government is drafting a law that will require all their MFIs to submit data to the initiative. In Bangladesh, banks do not at present advertise their true interest rates, Waterfield said, and there is the risk of a consumer backlash if published interest rates suddenly appear to double overnight. Leaky lendingNot all MFIs are equally excited about Waterfield's transparency initiative, particularly those whose reputation would take a hit through greater disclosure. One of mftransparency.org's features will show, in graphical form, the relationship between loan size and interest rates charged. That presentation will show more clearly where MFIs' priorities lie. Many MFIs had been so profitable that hedge funds, venture capital firms, and other big private equity investors have sought ways to enter the business. In Cambodia, private equity fund Leopard Capital announced in March that "we are currently evaluating several options to invest in the sector, including participating in any pre-IPO [initial public offering, or sale of shares to the public] capital raising by a leading MFI, acquiring an existing MFI or merging an existing MFI with a smaller commercial bank." Despite Cambodia's lead on MFI transparency, the sector has been facing financial troubles wrought by the global economic crisis. The industry-wide at-risk portfolio for the nation's 1 million microloan borrowers rose from 0.5% in mid-2008 to 3.39% in mid-2009. That's exposed flaws in previous client screening. Mai Yop, a 55-year-old salt farmer in southern Cambodia's Kampot province, admits to having lied to get a $1,000 loan three years ago from microfinance bank Acleda. While microloans are extended solely for business purposes, such as the provision of new cattle or farming tools, Mai Yop says she used the money to pay for her husband's stomach surgery. "I had to lie, or I wouldn't get any money," said Mai Yop, who now lives on a budget of $5 a day. In order to pay back her first loan, she took loans from two other microlenders, and finally from a high-interest charging informal moneylender who eventually seized her farmland due to non-payment. Some borrowers say they'd be in a better situation today if they'd never taken on a microloan. "We are poorer than ever," said Oum Siv, a 50-year-old grocery vendor in Kampot. Earlier this year, she said she owed $10,000 to a private moneylender after taking out a series of microcredit loans for her husband's construction business, which failed to get off the ground amid the economic slowdown. Cambodia's MFIs say they have since adopted more rigorous screening processes for potential borrowers. But the toll from years of lax screening has only now become apparent. The situation is similar in several Cambodian provinces, with tens of thousands of Cambodians unable to repay their microloans and now at risk of losing their homes and farmland. Despite these challenges, Waterfield said that Cambodia remains a relative microcredit success story. Elsewhere, when it comes to openness and transparency, "some of these [lenders] say, 'We've been lying for 20 years for some legitimate reasons, so it's not so easy to start telling the truth.' Here, it was like, 'sure, what do you need, we'll give it to you.' There was no resistance, no nervousness. We'll never see that again ... anywhere we go."

Source: Asia Times

Cambodia: A land up for sale?

2009-08-12T22:30:00.000-07:00

Romam Fil is moving rapidly through a dense patch of forest. Every few metres he pauses and points to edible plants and roots that the Jarai people of north eastern Cambodia have relied on for generations.
Then suddenly the trees come to an end. In front of us is a vast clearing, the red earth churned up and dotted with tree stumps.
Beyond that, stretching as far as we can see is a rubber plantation, the young trees are still thin and spindly and sway gently in the breeze.
This is the scene of a battle the Jarai people of Kong Yu village have been fighting, and losing for the past five years.
It started when local officials called a meeting and said they needed some of the forest.
"They told us they wanted to give part of our land to disabled soldiers," said Mr Fil.
"They said if you don't give us the land, we'll take it. So we agreed to give them a small area, just 50 hectares."

The villagers say they were then invited to a party and when many of them were drunk they were asked to put their thumbprints on documents.
"Most of us don't know how to read or write, and the chiefs did not explain what the thumbprints were for," said Mr Fil.
The villagers later found they had signed away more than 400 hectares - and the land was not for disabled soldiers, but a private company who began making way for the rubber plantation.
"They cleared areas where our people had their farms, and they destroyed our burial ground," said Mr Fil.
Political connections?
Lawyers for the owner of the plantation company, a powerful businesswoman called Keat Kolney, insist she bought the land legally.

But groups advocating for local land rights in Cambodia say part of the reason she was able to acquire the land is because she is married to a senior official in the ministry of land management.
It is not the only case where those closely connected to senior government figures are alleged to have taken land from poor Cambodians.
Five years ago, in north-western Pursat province a large grazing area was turned into an economic land concession - land the government grants to private firms for investment in large-scale agriculture.
It was allocated to a politically well-connected company called Pheapimex.
"They just came one day with their bulldozers and started clearing the land straight away," said Chamran, a farmer in the area.
"So we organised a demonstration but then a grenade was thrown among us - we don't know who by. Nine people were injured. The military police pointed a gun in my stomach and said if you hold another demonstration we will kill you."
Transparent process
Under the law, land concessions granted by the government should not exceed 10,000 hectares but the Pheapimex concession, although much of it is so far inactive, covers 300,000 hectares.
Global Witness, an environmental pressure group, estimates Pheapimex now controls 7% of Cambodia's land area.

The organisation says the company's owners, a prominent senator and his wife, have strong links to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.
Pheapimex did not reply to requests for a response to these allegations, but the Cambodian government maintains that the process by which private companies acquire land is both transparent and legal.
"The requirement is not to be close to the prime minister," said Phay Siphan, spokesman for Cambodia's Council of Ministers.
"The requirement is that you have enough capital, you have the technology to develop the land."
'Kleptocratic state'
It is not just in rural areas that people complain of losing land.
Cambodia's recent stability, following decades of violence, has attracted a rapid boom in tourism and a race among foreign and local entrepreneurs for prime real estate on which to build new resorts.

Many of the country's beaches have already been bought up.
And rights groups estimate that 30,000 people have been forcibly evicted from their homes in the capital Phnom Penh over the past five years to make way for new developments.
The roots of the problem date back to the 1970s when the brutal Khmer Rouge regime abolished private property and destroyed many title documents.
A land law passed in 2001 recognises the rights of people who have lived on land without dispute for five years or more, but in many cases it is not being implemented.
The UN estimates hundreds of thousands of Cambodians are now affected by land disputes.

But land is not the only state asset being sold at an alarming rate.
Beginning in the 1990s, large swathes of the country's rich forests were bought up by logging companies.
Now sizeable mining and gas concessions are also being granted to private enterprises.
Eleanor Nichol of Global Witness believes individual members of the Cambodian government, right up to the highest levels, are benefiting.
"Essentially what we're dealing with here is a kleptocratic state which is using the country and its assets as their own personal slush fund," she said.
The Cambodian government rejects these allegations.
"They could accuse [the government of] anything they like. Cambodia operates under a modernised state of law. Everyone is together under one law,” said Phay Siphan.
Back in Kong Yu village, the Jarai people are waiting to hear the result of suit filed in a local court to try to get their land back.
"If the company gets the land, many of our people will starve," says Mr Fil.
"If we lose the land, we have lost everything.”

Assignment is broadcast on BBC World Service on Thursday at 0906 GMT and repeated at 1406 GMT, 1906 GMT, 2306 GMT and on Saturday at 1106 GMT.

Former chief of Khmer Rouge torture centre in Cambodia asks for 'harshest punishment'

2009-08-12T22:29:00.000-07:00

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia - The former chief of the Khmer Rouge's main torture centre, being tried by a U.N.-backed tribunal on genocide charges, asked the Cambodian people Wednesday to give him "the harshest punishment."
The statement from Kaing Guek Eav, who headed the notorious S-21 prison in Phnom Penh, came as a widow wept before the court, demanding justice for the death of her husband and four children during the communist regime's reign of terror.
"I accept the regret, the sorrow and the suffering of the million Cambodian people who lost their husbands and wives," the defendant told the tribunal. "I would like the Cambodian people to condemn me to the harshest punishment."
Kaing Guek Eav - better known as Duch - is being tried for crimes against humanity, war crimes, murder and torture. Up to 16,000 people were tortured under his command and later killed during the Khmer Rouge's 1975-1979 rule. Only a handful survived.
Duch (pronounced DOIK) later became an evangelical Christian and worked for international aid organizations after the ouster of the Khmer Rouge.
He noted Wednesday that Jesus Christ was stoned before his death by crucifixion.
"If Cambodians followed this traditional punishment, they could do that to me. I would accept it," he said.
Duch is the first of five senior Khmer Rouge figures scheduled to face long-delayed trials and the only one to acknowledge responsibility for his actions. His trial, which started in March, is expected to finish by the end of the year.
He could face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Cambodia has no death penalty.
During Wednesday's court session, Bou Thon, 64, said her husband was a driver at the Khmer Rouge's Industry Ministry when he was accused of being a traitor and sent to S-21. She was assigned as a cook.
Her husband and four children vanished, and Bou Thon said she believed all were killed at Choeung Ek, better known as the Killing Fields, outside Phnom Penh where S-21 prisoners were dispatched for execution.
With tears in her eyes, Bou Thon said she tried to forgive and forget but could not.
Duch, asked by the judge to speak about the Khmer Rouge killings, said they were "like the death of an elephant which no one can hide with only two tamarind tree leaves."

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Millicom to sell Cambodian operations

2009-08-11T18:26:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK – Luxembourg-based wireless service provider Millicom International Cellular SA said Tuesday it agreed to sell its Cambodian operations to the Royal Group, its partner in Cambodia, for $346 million.
This transaction comprises Millicom's 58.4 percent holdings in CamGSM, Royal Telecam International and Cambodia Broadcasting Services, the company said.
The deal is expected to close before the end of the year.
Millicom provides cell phone service in developing regions in Asia, Africa and Latin America that have limited wireline infrastructure.

Hundreds hand in petitions to protest Cambodia land grabs - Summary

2009-08-11T18:25:00.000-07:00

Phnom Penh - About 300 Cambodians handed in petitions to government ministries and organizations in Phnom Penh Tuesday to protest the growing national problem of land grabs and forced evictions. Organizers of the group action warned that landlessness is deepening poverty, and demanded an immediate end to intimidation and court action against people trying to protect their land.
Seng Sokheng, a spokesman for the community groups involved, said the petitions represent the concerns of 15,000 villagers in 19 of the kingdom's 24 provinces and municipalities.
He said the petitions were submitted to the National Assembly, the cabinet of Prime Minister Hun Sen, the Council of Ministers, the National Authority on Land Disputes and three government ministries.
"Some ministries were happy to receive the petition, and others were not," Seng Sokheng said of the reaction the villagers had received.
Organizers said 200,000 hectares of petitioners' land are at risk in this predominantly rural society, where more than 80 per cent of the population live in the countryside. The petitions contained more than 15,000 thumbprints, a standard way of signing in Cambodia, where literacy rates are low.
A government spokesman said he could not comment on the issue until he had discussed the petitioners' concerns with other government departments.
The land seizures are carried out by foreign firms, companies with government connections, or by politicians and the military. Development is the standard reason the government gives for granting mining or land concessions.
The community group gave the example of one military official who took communal farmland in Battambang province, western Cambodia. The group said the official then used the courts to threaten 37 villagers with theft of property for trying to farm the land.
"There are food shortages. People take loans and cannot pay [them] back," the group said of the affected villagers. "Food shortages lead to sickness, and people cannot pay for medical treatment."
The group warned that the litany of forced evictions, displacement and landlessness is reaching "crisis proportions."
"Evictions and land confiscation continue in Cambodia, despite calls by the World Bank, the ADB [the Asian Development Bank], the UN and Cambodia's donors for the government to enact a moratorium on forced evictions and land confiscation until it establishes effective conflict resolution mechanisms and relocation procedures meeting international standards," they wrote.
The organizers said communities are being driven into poverty, and their efforts to find peaceful solutions are met with intimidation, court action and even violence from the police and military.
"When we try to protect our legal rights, we receive intimidation," villager Pol Cheoun from Battambang province said in the statement. "We want the government and the donors to know what is happening. We are losing our land, forest and fisheries we depend on. We are getting poorer and poorer, and the rich are getting richer."
A community activist from the northern province of Oddar Meanchey told the Cambodia Daily newspaper that he is in favour of development, "but I don't want to see development lead people to tears."
Amnesty International wrote last year that 150,000 Cambodians are at risk of losing their land.

Source: DAP

Thai man arrested for drawing Angkor Wat on bathroom floor

2009-08-11T01:44:00.000-07:00

A Thai man was arrested for living illegally in Cambodia for more than ten years and for drawing an image of Angkor Wat on his bathroom floor, national media reported.

Police arrested Salavout Khamsan, 35, in Poipet in western Cambodia after neighbours saw the drawing of Cambodia's famous temple and told the authorities.
Poipet police chief Nuth Ly said the man had "desecrated the precious temple which is a World Heritage site."
The provincial police chief, Hun Hean, said the explanation given by the man - that he drew the image out of affection for the temple, and not to demean it - was not good enough.
"It is just an excuse, because he could have drawn it on paper and posted it on a wall," he said.
"Or he could buy a painting or a postcard with an image of Angkor, not draw it in front of a toilet and step on it."
Salavout Khamsan, a construction worker who entered Cambodia in 1998 through the Poipet checkpoint, faces up to six months in jail for visa violations.
Hun Hean said it is not clear which law will be used for punishing the alleged crime of drawing Angkor Wat on the bathroom floor.

Burma Court sentences Aung San Suu Kyi to 3 years

2009-08-11T01:43:00.000-07:00

Rangoon - A Burmese court Tuesday sentenced opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to three years in prison and hard labour.

The verdict however was immediately commuted to 18 months under house detention by the country's military supremo.
A special court set up in Insein Prison found Suu Kyi, 64, guilty of breaking the terms of her detention by allowing a US national to swim into her lakeside compound-cum-prison on May 3.
Burma's junta leader, Senior General Than Shwe, immediately reduced the court's three-year sentence in prison to one year and six months under house arrest.

Source: The Nation

TYPE A(H1N1) -Vaccine proves to be safe for human trial

2009-08-11T01:41:00.001-07:00

GPO to launch FluMist tomorrow; victims on the rise

The Government Pharmaceuti-cal Organisation will next month start undertaking human trials on the live-attenuated vaccine against the type-A (H1N1) virus now that laboratories in the Netherlands and Russia have confirmed the virus-seed vaccine proved to be safe on animals, GPO's board chairperson Dr Wichai Chotewiwat said yesterday.Meanwhile, he added, that tomorrow the GPO would be coming up with the first few doses of FluMist, a nasal spray live-attenuated vaccine. The Public Health Ministry announced last week that the number of swine-flu victims had risen to 81 after 16 more patients succumbed to the virus. The ministry said it is suspected more than 500,000 people have been infected, and that the death toll was closer to 100 people.In a bid to tackle the outbreak, the Public Health Ministry and Mahidol University's ethics committees have, in principle, given the university's Faculty of Tropical Medicine the green light to research the vaccine.Citing a recent e-mail from laboratories in the Netherlands and Russia, Wichai said so far the virus-seed vaccine had been tested for safety and toxicity on mice and ferrets, and that a human trial would be launched in Thailand next month."The e-mails say that the virus-seed vaccine proved to be safe on animals and that there were no toxins or mutation," he said.The GPO will also be incubating the virus to make sure it is free from contamination before it is tested on some 400 volunteers from September 4. So far, about 100 people have volunteered for the trial, he said.In a bid to ensure safety of the volunteers, Wichai said the ministry's Ethical Committee would also set up a data and safety monitoring board. The World Health Organisation's regional office, based in India, will send a representative to help the ministry set up this board, while WHO staff members will work along with Thai researchers to monitor the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. The panel, which is still closely studying details of the project, has until today to decide on whether or not to allow the vaccine to be tested on humans.A recent report from the Ramathi- bhodi Hospital says that samples collected from a patient, who has already recovered, show that the type-A (H1N1) virus is resistant to the oseltamirvir antiviral drug.However, the ministry's advisory committee, chaired by leading virologist Prasert Thongcharoen, insisted that the evidence was not enough to confirm the virus is resistant to the drug, because the study was only done on the change to the virus gene's genetic position. He added that research had not been done on enough samples to confirm the virus was resistant."More samples need to be tested before we can confirm the virus is resistant," he said.However, Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai said just to be safe, he would reserve up to 100,000 courses of the second drug zanamivir.

Source: The Nation

Investment in Cambodian tourism reaches $354 mln in half year

2009-08-11T01:34:00.002-07:00

The investment in Cambodia's tourism reached to about 354 million U.S. dollars in the first six months of this year and is a leading field that got the most investment, the local media said on Tuesday.
"Council for Development of Cambodia (CDC) approved about 1.22 billion U.S. dollars investment projects totally from private companies and 354 million U.S. dollars of the total is on tourism investment project," the khmer language newspaper Rasmei Kampuchea quoted the document from CDC as saying.
Agricultural field stands second row after tourism with 323 million U.S. dollars and next field is industry with 303 million U.S. dollars.
In total, Cambodia received 53 investment projects for the first half year and tourism field attracted seven projects, while agri-industry has 12 projects, garment industry with 14 projects and three in energy projects.
If we consider on the projects for the first six month of this year, it increases four projects but the investment capital went down about 3.2 billion U.S. dollars compared with the same period of last year, it said, adding that for first six month of last year, Cambodia yielded with 49 investment projects with about 4.43billion U.S. dollar.

Source: Xinhua

Cambodia, Vietnam to strengthen bilateral co-op between ruling parties

2009-08-11T01:34:00.001-07:00

Cambodian People's Party (CPP) and Vietnamese Communist Party will continue to enhance their bilateral cooperation, a Cambodian official said Monday. Both sides agreed to enhance human resources development and share experience, Ieng Sophalet, assistant to Prime Minister Hun Sen told reporters after the talk between Hun Sen and Houng Binh Quan, member of Central Politburo of Vietnamese Communist Party and chairman of the Central Committee of International Relation Affairs of the Vietnamese Communist Party. Both sides will also exchange the visits of party delegations regularly to enhance the cooperation, he said, adding that Prime Minister Hun Sen requested both parties to promote bilateral cooperation in economy and trade amid the global economic and financial crisis. Houng Binh Quan and his delegation arrived here on Sunday for athree-day visit. He will also meet with Cambodia's Senate President Chea Sim and the National Assembly President Heng Samrimon Tuesday.

Source: Xinhua

Cambodia: Law On The Statute Of Judges

2009-08-09T21:11:00.000-07:00

Sunday, 9 August 2009, 11:47 pmPress Release: Asian Human Rights Commission
Cambodia: Law On The Statute Of Judges, Not Their Retirement, Is The Right End From Which To Tackle Judicial Reform
Last June the Cambodian government ignored the jurisdiction of the nomination and discipline of judges and prosecutors of the Supreme Council of the Magistracy (SCM) when it bypassed the court and got the King, who is chairman of this supreme judicial council, to retire and replace half of the eight SCM members. The retired members were Ouk Vithun, Prosecutor General of the Supreme Court, 62, an ex-officio member; Henrot Raken, 68, Prosecutor General of the Appeal Court, another ex-officio member; Khieu Sameth, 62, President of Kandal Provincial Court, an appointed member; and Sin Dim, 66, President of Preah Sihanouk Provincial Court, another appointed member.

The government’s infringement upon the SMC’s jurisdiction is unconstitutional as it violated the independence of the judiciary of which the SCM is an integral part. Apparently the government was not happy with the lack of the SMC’s swift disciplinary action against a provincial prosecutor whose alleged faults had been widely reported in the press.
Perhaps more importantly, the government was not happy with the SCM when the latter had not retired the judges and prosecutors it had proposed. The SCM had its own reasons for not heeding the government’s proposal. It wanted to uphold its independence and exercise its authority over the nomination and discipline of judges and prosecutors.
Even more importantly, there was no law on the statute of judges and prosecutors which should set the retirement age for them. The government has not yet enacted this long overdue law and also the law on the organization of the judiciary when the country‘s Constitution has specifically stipulated the need to enact both laws since 1993. Like the law on the statute of civil servants and the law on the statute of members of the armed forces, which have not been specifically stipulated in the Constitution and which had both been enacted in the mid-1990s, this law on the statute of judges and prosecutors would determine, among other things, the age of retirement for judges and prosecutors. Without this law, the SCM would have no legal basis to retire judges and prosecutors.
The SCM did not comply with a government decree (not a law) which has been echoed by subsequent government circular letters and which fixes the retirement age of 60 for judges and prosecutors when this decree was based on no law on the statute of judges and prosecutors. This inaction has led the government to accuse the SCM of defending certain members of the judiciary who have wished to remain in active service.
Now with a new composition more amenable to the government’s wishes, the SCM sets out to retire some 27 elder judges and prosecutors, retirement which some have seen as part of the long overdue judicial reform.
However, the retirement of the four members of the SCM in June and the planned retirement of a big batch of judges and prosecutors are but palliatives to defuse mounting pressure for judicial reform. These measures have tackled this reform at the wrong end and have in no way come to address the real issue of the legal foundation of Cambodia’s entire judiciary. They have further violated the constitutional principle of the separation of powers, judicial independence and consolidated the executive control of the judiciary.
If the government is not happy with the functioning of the SCM, the Prime Minister should raise the issue with the King who is its chairman when he has an audience with him twice a month (Art.20 of the Constitution). The government should not delay any further the enactment of the law on the statute of judges and prosecutors and the law on the organization of the judiciary so that judges and prosecutors, who belong to the same body of magistrates, would have proper legal status, which they don’t have at the moment, and all courts of law would be duly established by law, which they are not at the moment. Everyone would thus be entitled to be tried by an independent, competent and impartial tribunal established by law, a right which is specifically stipulated under Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Cambodia is a party.
The government cannot apply the law on the nomination of judges and on the functioning of courts of law enacted in the communist days, prior to the promulgation of the current Constitution, and any decree enacted thereof when they are not among the “Laws and standard documents in Cambodia that safeguard State properties, rights, freedom and legal private properties and in conformity with the national interests, (which) shall continue to be effective until altered or abrogated by new texts” under the transitional article 158 of the current Constitution.
The absence of the law on the statute of judges and prosecutors poses a big problem of legitimacy for the composition of the SCM itself whose three judge members should be elected by their peers, an election which has been held up for 16 years, which is too long. The lack of the legitimacy of the composition of the SCM in turn questions the legitimacy of the composition of the country’s Constitutional Council which is a sort of a constitutional court, whose three members are appointed by the SCM.
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) urges the Cambodian government to prioritise the building of the legal foundation and framework of the country’s entire judiciary, its organization and the status of judges and prosecutors by enacting the law on their statute, including their retirement age, in tandem with the law on the organisation of the judiciary, two of the important laws that are specifically stipulated in the country’s constitution. This is the right end from which it should tackle judicial reform in Cambodia. About AHRC: The Asian Human Rights Commission is a regional non-governmental organisation monitoring and lobbying human rights issues in Asia. The Hong Kong-based group was founded in 1984.
ENDS
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Rob Hamill heading to Cambodia to testify against Khmer Rouge

2009-08-09T21:09:00.000-07:00

Trans-Atlantic rower Rob Hamill is about to head to Cambodia to testify against the Khmer Rouge prison boss accused of torturing and murdering his brother.

Kerry Hamill was 27 when his yacht strayed into Cambodian waters back in the late 1970s.

A fellow crewman was shot dead while he and a passenger ended up at the notorious Tuol Sleng prison, where both were tortured and murdered.

Mr Hamill has been furiously collecting evidence since he found out he could testify about his brother's killing.

He will testify before the tribunal next week.

Downturn pushes exporters to eye Cambodia

2009-08-07T20:08:00.000-07:00

As the wheels of Vietnam’s export machine to the U.S. and Europe begin to slow, local shippers are turning their attention to the often overlooked neighboring market of Cambodia.

Nguyen Thi Hong, deputy chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City’s People’s Committee, told Sai Gon Giai Phong (Sai Gon Liberated) newspaper, the city’s total export turnover last month fell by 13.9 percent from the same period last year.
But it was a very different story in impoverished Cambodia. During the same stretch, exports from Vietnam soared 44 percent over July last year, she said.
Cambodia, home to 14 million people and one of Southeast Asia’s poorest countries recorded average economic growth of ten percent from 2004 to 2008. Much of that progress can be tracked back to the UN-backed Paris Peace Accord between the government and Khmer Rouge in 1994.
The country has opened up a great deal since then and today the free market is king.
Between Vietnam and Cambodia - which have often had a turbulent relationship - two-way trade has risen on average by 40 percent annually over the past few years, from US$935 million in 2006 to $1.2 billion in 2007 and nearly $1.7 billion in 2008.
Made-in-Vietnam goods have also gained a foothold in Cambodia through fairs and trade events held in the country.
About three years ago, Vietnam was the third largest exporter to Cambodia after China and Thailand. At present, Vietnamese exporters are offering a wide range of products in Cambodia, from construction materials to consumer goods and household appliances.
Tran Huu Duc, public relations director of Vietnamese food producer Dong Tam Nutrition Food Joint-stock Co. (Nutifood), said his company’s dairy products for the elderly are hugely popular in the country.
But in a possible case of the chickens coming home to roost, most Vietnamese exporters are still unable to gain a better foothold in the market as distribution networks in the country are firmly in the hands of Cambodian firms.
Red tape and fierce competition from Chinese and Thai imports are also among the obstacles for Vietnamese businesses to further explore the neighboring market.
Ho Chi Minh City-based multi-service Saigon Trading Group (SATRA) is working on a plan to build a duty free supermarket chain at the Moc Bai and Tinh Bien border gates between the two countries, Hong said.
A number of warehouses designed for Vietnamese goods will also be set up at Vietnam-Cambodia border gates to help Vietnamese exporters save transportation costs.
Satra is also teaming up with Cambodian business conglomerate Sokimex Group to build a supermarket for Vietnamese products in the country and provide Cambodian language courses for Vietnamese businessmen.

source: Sai Gon Giai Phong Newspaper