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Boeung Kak residents requesting Hun Sen’s support
17-09-2008 By Nhim Sophal
Cambodge Soir Hebdo in English
Click here to read the article in English
While a court complaint was filed over the filling of the lake, the Boeung Kak residents have the intention to travel to the Prime Minister’s residence in Takmao on Wednesday morning, 17 September.
The residents intend to ask Hun Sen’s intervention in order to stop the lake filling operations already started by the Shukaku Inc. Company. Another important problem is the subject of compensations. This action is the result of the impossibility to reach an agreement between the residents and the local authorities. It ensues from a complaint over the filling of the lake, which the court has to examine before the 19th of September.
Moreover, the residents’ lawyer is studying the possibility of cancelling the contract signed between the company and the Phnom Penh authorities. The latter had granted a 99-year land lease to Shukaku Inc. However, for such a procedure the court requests an advance payment of 50 to 100% of the costs. The lawyer estimates this amount to reach 160 million riel (40,000 dollars), which will be difficult to find.
The residents intend to ask Hun Sen’s intervention in order to stop the lake filling operations already started by the Shukaku Inc. Company. Another important problem is the subject of compensations. This action is the result of the impossibility to reach an agreement between the residents and the local authorities. It ensues from a complaint over the filling of the lake, which the court has to examine before the 19th of September.
Moreover, the residents’ lawyer is studying the possibility of cancelling the contract signed between the company and the Phnom Penh authorities. The latter had granted a 99-year land lease to Shukaku Inc. However, for such a procedure the court requests an advance payment of 50 to 100% of the costs. The lawyer estimates this amount to reach 160 million riel (40,000 dollars), which will be difficult to find.
Blatant theft of Ta Krabey temple (aka Ta Kwai) by Thailand
Official protest handed to Cambodia
Wednesday September 17, 2008
THANIDA TANSUBHAPOL
Bangkok Post
Thailand yesterday denied a Cambodian accusation its troops had moved closer to Ta Kwai temple, saying that was unneeded as the ruins were inside Thai territory.
Bangkok also hit back at Phnom Penh, protesting through Cambodian ambassador Ung Sean that Cambodian troops had violated Thailand's sovereignty.
The Foreign Ministry said on its website that the temple, called Ta Krabey in Cambodia, is located in Phanom Dong Rek district of Surin province. It is 13km east of Ta Muen temple in the same district and 150km west of Preah Vihear.
The ministry's was responding to Cambodian government spokesman Khieu Kanharith, who claimed on Monday that Thai troops had moved into the area.
Instead, the ministry said, Phnom Penh sent ''a Cambodian armed unit'' into Ta Kwai on Saturday and it withdrew only after repeated calls by Thai authorities.
The ministry yesterday lodged an official protest with Cambodia.
Foreign affairs permanent secretary Virasakdi Futrakul handed the ambassador a letter saying: ''These acts constituted a violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Thailand,'' and urged the Cambodian government not to do it again.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to closely cooperate with Cambodia to end the border demarcation disputes.
Bangkok also hit back at Phnom Penh, protesting through Cambodian ambassador Ung Sean that Cambodian troops had violated Thailand's sovereignty.
The Foreign Ministry said on its website that the temple, called Ta Krabey in Cambodia, is located in Phanom Dong Rek district of Surin province. It is 13km east of Ta Muen temple in the same district and 150km west of Preah Vihear.
The ministry's was responding to Cambodian government spokesman Khieu Kanharith, who claimed on Monday that Thai troops had moved into the area.
Instead, the ministry said, Phnom Penh sent ''a Cambodian armed unit'' into Ta Kwai on Saturday and it withdrew only after repeated calls by Thai authorities.
The ministry yesterday lodged an official protest with Cambodia.
Foreign affairs permanent secretary Virasakdi Futrakul handed the ambassador a letter saying: ''These acts constituted a violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Thailand,'' and urged the Cambodian government not to do it again.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to closely cooperate with Cambodia to end the border demarcation disputes.
Judge hands down victory for embattled Cambodian Buddhist temple in Oakland
09/16/2008
By Paul T. Rosynsk
Oakland Tribune (California, USA)
OAKLAND — For the city's Cambodian Buddhists, the past three years have been filled with everything but love, joy and compassion.
Instead, about 600 refugees and immigrants have found themselves battling "outsiders" in court for control of an East Oakland temple they successfully argued was illegally taken from them.
The battle, which some described as a "civil war," began in March 2005 when a Massachusetts-based Cambodian Buddhist organization took control of the local temple and its assets in an election the local group said was illegal.
The local group argued in court that the International Community of Khmer Buddhist Monks Center — through intimidation and a smear campaign — gained control of the board of directors and then voted to transfer all assets, more than $400,000 worth of property and cash, to the Massachusetts nonprofit organization.
Once the transfer was complete, the International Community of Khmer Buddhist Monks Center locked the Oakland group out its own temple and refused to give it about $100,000 that the group had saved in hopes of building a new temple in the city.
Although the Oakland group won its court claim in January, it wasn't until last week that an Alameda County Superior Court Judge made a ruling that set guidelines on how the group could win back its temple and about $100,000 in cash.
"It has been a long struggle to get to where we are," said David Sternfeld, an attorney representing the Oakland Cambodian Buddhist Society Temple. "Our clients are, thankfully, very patient people. We are just hoping that by this point in time, we can get our temple back."
The three-year ordeal was caused, in part, by the Buddhists' lack of a central religious organization. Instead, various communities throughout the world create their own local "parishes" or temples.
The International Community of Khmer Buddhist Monks Center wanted to change that, and according to Sternfeld and court documents, began taking over local Buddhist temples throughout the United States.
The way in which the group tried to secure a national organization angered many local residents, Sternfeld and court documents said.
In Oakland, the group brought in outsiders and preyed on internal disputes between temple members to create climate in which temple members began to argue with each other over the future of the organization.
They posted notes on red paper or written in red ink, a threatening color in Cambodia, warning others not to argue against them, documents say. They also accused elder monks of inappropriate activities and eventually forced the election of a new board of directors. That board voted to merge the Oakland temple with the Massachusetts organization.
Now, Alameda County Superior Court Judge Jon Tigar has ruled that a new election must take place and be witnessed by a "special master."
Only members of the Oakland temple before it merged can vote in the new election, Tigar ruled.
The new board of directors will then decide who gets control of the assets.
Sternfeld said he is hopeful that the Massachusetts group will give up its fight for control of the local temple and return the property and money it took. However, he said, he thinks the group will argue that it already spent the cash.
If both sides are unable to agree on the selection of a special master and how the election will take place, each must submit competing plans to Tigar, who said he will demand a progress report next month.
G. Robert Woofin, an attorney representing the International Community of Khmer Buddhist Monks Center, did not return phone calls seeking comment.
Reach Paul T. Rosynsky at 510-208-6455 or prosynsky@bayareanewsgroup.com.
Instead, about 600 refugees and immigrants have found themselves battling "outsiders" in court for control of an East Oakland temple they successfully argued was illegally taken from them.
The battle, which some described as a "civil war," began in March 2005 when a Massachusetts-based Cambodian Buddhist organization took control of the local temple and its assets in an election the local group said was illegal.
The local group argued in court that the International Community of Khmer Buddhist Monks Center — through intimidation and a smear campaign — gained control of the board of directors and then voted to transfer all assets, more than $400,000 worth of property and cash, to the Massachusetts nonprofit organization.
Once the transfer was complete, the International Community of Khmer Buddhist Monks Center locked the Oakland group out its own temple and refused to give it about $100,000 that the group had saved in hopes of building a new temple in the city.
Although the Oakland group won its court claim in January, it wasn't until last week that an Alameda County Superior Court Judge made a ruling that set guidelines on how the group could win back its temple and about $100,000 in cash.
"It has been a long struggle to get to where we are," said David Sternfeld, an attorney representing the Oakland Cambodian Buddhist Society Temple. "Our clients are, thankfully, very patient people. We are just hoping that by this point in time, we can get our temple back."
The three-year ordeal was caused, in part, by the Buddhists' lack of a central religious organization. Instead, various communities throughout the world create their own local "parishes" or temples.
The International Community of Khmer Buddhist Monks Center wanted to change that, and according to Sternfeld and court documents, began taking over local Buddhist temples throughout the United States.
The way in which the group tried to secure a national organization angered many local residents, Sternfeld and court documents said.
In Oakland, the group brought in outsiders and preyed on internal disputes between temple members to create climate in which temple members began to argue with each other over the future of the organization.
They posted notes on red paper or written in red ink, a threatening color in Cambodia, warning others not to argue against them, documents say. They also accused elder monks of inappropriate activities and eventually forced the election of a new board of directors. That board voted to merge the Oakland temple with the Massachusetts organization.
Now, Alameda County Superior Court Judge Jon Tigar has ruled that a new election must take place and be witnessed by a "special master."
Only members of the Oakland temple before it merged can vote in the new election, Tigar ruled.
The new board of directors will then decide who gets control of the assets.
Sternfeld said he is hopeful that the Massachusetts group will give up its fight for control of the local temple and return the property and money it took. However, he said, he thinks the group will argue that it already spent the cash.
If both sides are unable to agree on the selection of a special master and how the election will take place, each must submit competing plans to Tigar, who said he will demand a progress report next month.
G. Robert Woofin, an attorney representing the International Community of Khmer Buddhist Monks Center, did not return phone calls seeking comment.
Reach Paul T. Rosynsky at 510-208-6455 or prosynsky@bayareanewsgroup.com.
French newspaper "Libération" reveals massive election fraud in Cambodia
Excerpts from/translation of an article from Paris-based newspaper Libération , September 12, 2008 .
Full original article in French at http://tinyurl.com/6nnrcm
Cambodian legislative election was a big mess, Anything but a real election
[Original title in French: Le "grand n'importe quoi" des législatives cambodgiennes]
[Original title in French: Le "grand n'importe quoi" des législatives cambodgiennes]
Vote tallies show in detail the extent of fraud in a poll that gave a landslide victory to the Cambodian People's Party (CPP).
Reading vote tallies related to Cambodia 's July 27 legislative elections is breathtaking (…).
Grotesque. In a vote tally seen by Libération , one can notice, for instance, that there were 115 ballots cast at a polling station in the constituency of Prey Veng (in the south-eastern part of the country). But there is a little arithmetical problem: the document specifies that the CPP alone obtained 224 votes, versus 82 for the HRP and 72 for the SRP, which are the main opposition parties (Document # 1).
[All the documents, with English translation, mentioned in this article can be read by clicking at http://tinyurl.com/6pzfc5]
In even more grotesque proportions, the mistake repeats itself in the constituency of Kampong Speu (a province south-west of Phnom Penh ): a vote tally sheet shows a total of 526 ballots cast. But, before reaching this total, it is written that the CPP has grabbed as many as 1,139 votes (Document # 2).
Other vote tallies show how many votes each party has collected but without indicating the total number of valid votes cast at the corresponding polling stations (Document # 3), or they do not specify the number of registered voters at a specific polling station (Document # 4).
[Sometimes, even worse, there are no indications whatsoever for both the total number of votes actually cast and the number of registered voters at a specific polling station (Document # 5)].
Another frequent irregularity: a voter register lists twice [or even three times] the same name (Document # 6). Sometimes [in the same voter list for a given village or polling station], four voters are registered twice (Documents # 7 and # 8), etc.
[The CPP used names of ghost voters and names of persons who are registered more than once, to issue forged voter identification documents to illegitimate voters to inflate the CPP votes. See reports on "1018 Forms" at http://tinyurl.com/5eo33w and http://tinyurl.com/57vdu8].
[All the documents from # 1 to # 8, with English translation, mentioned in this article can be read by clicking at http://tinyurl.com/6pzfc5]
Reading vote tallies related to Cambodia 's July 27 legislative elections is breathtaking (…).
Grotesque. In a vote tally seen by Libération , one can notice, for instance, that there were 115 ballots cast at a polling station in the constituency of Prey Veng (in the south-eastern part of the country). But there is a little arithmetical problem: the document specifies that the CPP alone obtained 224 votes, versus 82 for the HRP and 72 for the SRP, which are the main opposition parties (Document # 1).
[All the documents, with English translation, mentioned in this article can be read by clicking at http://tinyurl.com/6pzfc5]
In even more grotesque proportions, the mistake repeats itself in the constituency of Kampong Speu (a province south-west of Phnom Penh ): a vote tally sheet shows a total of 526 ballots cast. But, before reaching this total, it is written that the CPP has grabbed as many as 1,139 votes (Document # 2).
Other vote tallies show how many votes each party has collected but without indicating the total number of valid votes cast at the corresponding polling stations (Document # 3), or they do not specify the number of registered voters at a specific polling station (Document # 4).
[Sometimes, even worse, there are no indications whatsoever for both the total number of votes actually cast and the number of registered voters at a specific polling station (Document # 5)].
Another frequent irregularity: a voter register lists twice [or even three times] the same name (Document # 6). Sometimes [in the same voter list for a given village or polling station], four voters are registered twice (Documents # 7 and # 8), etc.
[The CPP used names of ghost voters and names of persons who are registered more than once, to issue forged voter identification documents to illegitimate voters to inflate the CPP votes. See reports on "1018 Forms" at http://tinyurl.com/5eo33w and http://tinyurl.com/57vdu8].
[All the documents from # 1 to # 8, with English translation, mentioned in this article can be read by clicking at http://tinyurl.com/6pzfc5]
Opposition Dismisses Ruling Party 'Threats'
By Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
16 September 2008
Opposition leaders dismissed threats made by Prime Minister Hun Sen Monday to withhold salaries and National Assembly committee seats if 29 lawmakers boycott the new government's swearing-in ceremony later this month.
Hun Sen told reporters Monday that opposition lawmakers who fail to swear in on Sept. 24 will be denied their salaries and lose their positions on the National Assembly's nine committees.
Those positions will be given to Cambodian People's Party lawmakers, he said.
"I told [CPP Secretary-General] Say Chum if the opposition parties don't join the swearing-in ceremony, we cannot wait for the participation from the opposition," Hun Sen said. "I asked Say Chum to choose nine members for each committee from the CPP. When the opposition does not swear in, it will have no validity, so [lawmakers] cannot get their salary."
Opposition leaders Sam Rainsy and Kem Sokha said Tuesday they will not abandon their boycott stance.
"We aren't afraid of losing our positions and our salaries," Sam Rainsy said. "But we are afraid of losing justice, democracy and the will of the people, as well as the interest of the nation and the people."
In the previous National Assembly, the opposition Sam Rainsy Party held two chairs of National Assembly committees, Foreign Affairs, held by Son Chhay, and Defense, Interior and Inspection, held by Yim Sovann.
In the upcoming National Assembly, the CPP will hold all nine chairmanships, CPP lawmaker Cheam Yiep has said.
Kem Sokha, president of the Human Rights Party, which won three seats in July's election, said his lawmakers-elect were not afraid of "threats by the prime minister."
"The salaries and the positions do not belong to the prime minister, so Hun Sen cannot decide about this," he said. "The people have voted for us to get the posts and the salary from people's taxes."
Hun Sen told reporters Monday that opposition lawmakers who fail to swear in on Sept. 24 will be denied their salaries and lose their positions on the National Assembly's nine committees.
Those positions will be given to Cambodian People's Party lawmakers, he said.
"I told [CPP Secretary-General] Say Chum if the opposition parties don't join the swearing-in ceremony, we cannot wait for the participation from the opposition," Hun Sen said. "I asked Say Chum to choose nine members for each committee from the CPP. When the opposition does not swear in, it will have no validity, so [lawmakers] cannot get their salary."
Opposition leaders Sam Rainsy and Kem Sokha said Tuesday they will not abandon their boycott stance.
"We aren't afraid of losing our positions and our salaries," Sam Rainsy said. "But we are afraid of losing justice, democracy and the will of the people, as well as the interest of the nation and the people."
In the previous National Assembly, the opposition Sam Rainsy Party held two chairs of National Assembly committees, Foreign Affairs, held by Son Chhay, and Defense, Interior and Inspection, held by Yim Sovann.
In the upcoming National Assembly, the CPP will hold all nine chairmanships, CPP lawmaker Cheam Yiep has said.
Kem Sokha, president of the Human Rights Party, which won three seats in July's election, said his lawmakers-elect were not afraid of "threats by the prime minister."
"The salaries and the positions do not belong to the prime minister, so Hun Sen cannot decide about this," he said. "The people have voted for us to get the posts and the salary from people's taxes."
OK to badmouth the Siems, but don't badmouth my Yuon masters: Phnom Penh regime
Thai Criticism OK, Vietnam, No: Observer
By Sok Khemara, VOA Khmer
Original report from Washington
16 September 2008
Cambodian nationalism exists at the same level on border conflicts with either Thailand or Vietnam, but expression is "prohibited" when it comes to the eastern neighbor, even as it is allowed against the western, an observer said Thursday.
"Expression is prohibited when it is happening with Vietnam," said Sean Pengse, a member of the Cambodian Border Committee in France, as a guest on "Hello VOA."
"It's the same with Siam," he said, referring to Thailand by its traditional name, which was changed in 1949. "They allow speech, and with Vietnam they don't allow speech."
Cambodian and Thai nationalism were stoked in July by the inclusion of Preah Vihear temple on a Unesco World Heritage site, leading to an standoff between soldiers of both countries that continues today, in an area where both sides claim disputed border territory.
But in the months that have followed, Thailand has been plunged into a political crisis, with opposition activists calling for a change in government.
Sean Pengse said the current dispute comes from memoranda of understanding signed by the government, and not by sides ignoring treaties from 1904, 1907 and 1908.
Meanwhile, a government spokesman said ahead of "Hello VOA" Cambodia would pursue multilateral solutions to the border standoff, rather than bilateral talks that have so far failed.
"Cambodia will resubmit its case to the UN Security Council to seek an international solution, as the Thais keep defying one," said Phay Siphan, spokesman for the Council of Ministers.
"Expression is prohibited when it is happening with Vietnam," said Sean Pengse, a member of the Cambodian Border Committee in France, as a guest on "Hello VOA."
"It's the same with Siam," he said, referring to Thailand by its traditional name, which was changed in 1949. "They allow speech, and with Vietnam they don't allow speech."
Cambodian and Thai nationalism were stoked in July by the inclusion of Preah Vihear temple on a Unesco World Heritage site, leading to an standoff between soldiers of both countries that continues today, in an area where both sides claim disputed border territory.
But in the months that have followed, Thailand has been plunged into a political crisis, with opposition activists calling for a change in government.
Sean Pengse said the current dispute comes from memoranda of understanding signed by the government, and not by sides ignoring treaties from 1904, 1907 and 1908.
Meanwhile, a government spokesman said ahead of "Hello VOA" Cambodia would pursue multilateral solutions to the border standoff, rather than bilateral talks that have so far failed.
"Cambodia will resubmit its case to the UN Security Council to seek an international solution, as the Thais keep defying one," said Phay Siphan, spokesman for the Council of Ministers.
Experts See Trauma Transferred to Youth [-Youth forbidden to talk politics by their parents]
By Pich Samnang, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
16 September 2008
Kim Sru is a vendor at Olympic Market in Phnom Penh. In the 1970s, she was in a Khmer Rouge mobile youth unit in Battambang province. The 49-year-old vendor survived the regime because she never expressed her opinion, nor asked nor complained of orders or principles of any kind. She was afraid she would be killed if she did.
"Those who dared to complain or talk politics were killed by the Khmer Rouge," she said in a recent interview.
In Pol Pot's era, officially called Democratic Kampuchea, Cambodians were deprived of their rights to free expression or constructive criticism. If anyone spoke out or complained about anything a cadre did not like, he or she would be executed as an enemy of the Angkar, the Organization.
Experts say that even now, with the Angkar long gone, its effects linger on, in victims who suffered trauma, and in the next generation, who suffer as well.
Kim Sru's experience under the Khmer Rouge has had an effect on her two sons. She has banned them from talking politics or expressing their opinions on the rich and powerful, or any leaders of the country.
"I advise them not to talk about politics as so doing is dangerous," she said.
"If I just chat with friends [about politics], that's ok. But, if I speak out in public places, she does not allow me to do so," said Sok Sambo, one of her sons. "I think she does not let me talk about the leaders or the powerful maybe because of her fear left behind by the Khmer Rouge regime."
Dr. Mony Sothara, head of the psychiatric department of Phnom Penh's Preah Kossamak Hospital, said most survivors of the Khmer Rouge suffered years of trauma as they experienced torture and threats and witnessed violence and murder.
This trauma is being passed to their children, experts say.
"In my study, I found that parents who were traumatized by the Khmer Rouge regime tend to be too protective of their children," said Om Chariya, a psychology assistant at the Center for Social Development, who recently interviewed 200 high school students in Phnom Penh for her study on the transmission of trauma to the second generation.
"Being too protective causes their children to suffer from depression and anxiety," she said.
Psychiatrist Ke Chhum, of the Cambodia-Soviet Friendship Hospital, said for the past few years about half of his trauma patients have been young people. He said they may have mental problems because of their parents' trauma together with social problems facing youth today.
That has caused a shift in the types of patients he receives, from those 40 and up in the 1990s, to a younger generation now.
"About 40 percent of the population are young people between 15 and 20," said Dr. Chhim Sotheara, manager of the Transcultural Psychosocial Organization. "So just imagine in the next 20 years how they will lead their lives, when they become parents themselves, if now they are brought up by their traumatized parents."
"Those who dared to complain or talk politics were killed by the Khmer Rouge," she said in a recent interview.
In Pol Pot's era, officially called Democratic Kampuchea, Cambodians were deprived of their rights to free expression or constructive criticism. If anyone spoke out or complained about anything a cadre did not like, he or she would be executed as an enemy of the Angkar, the Organization.
Experts say that even now, with the Angkar long gone, its effects linger on, in victims who suffered trauma, and in the next generation, who suffer as well.
Kim Sru's experience under the Khmer Rouge has had an effect on her two sons. She has banned them from talking politics or expressing their opinions on the rich and powerful, or any leaders of the country.
"I advise them not to talk about politics as so doing is dangerous," she said.
"If I just chat with friends [about politics], that's ok. But, if I speak out in public places, she does not allow me to do so," said Sok Sambo, one of her sons. "I think she does not let me talk about the leaders or the powerful maybe because of her fear left behind by the Khmer Rouge regime."
Dr. Mony Sothara, head of the psychiatric department of Phnom Penh's Preah Kossamak Hospital, said most survivors of the Khmer Rouge suffered years of trauma as they experienced torture and threats and witnessed violence and murder.
This trauma is being passed to their children, experts say.
"In my study, I found that parents who were traumatized by the Khmer Rouge regime tend to be too protective of their children," said Om Chariya, a psychology assistant at the Center for Social Development, who recently interviewed 200 high school students in Phnom Penh for her study on the transmission of trauma to the second generation.
"Being too protective causes their children to suffer from depression and anxiety," she said.
Psychiatrist Ke Chhum, of the Cambodia-Soviet Friendship Hospital, said for the past few years about half of his trauma patients have been young people. He said they may have mental problems because of their parents' trauma together with social problems facing youth today.
That has caused a shift in the types of patients he receives, from those 40 and up in the 1990s, to a younger generation now.
"About 40 percent of the population are young people between 15 and 20," said Dr. Chhim Sotheara, manager of the Transcultural Psychosocial Organization. "So just imagine in the next 20 years how they will lead their lives, when they become parents themselves, if now they are brought up by their traumatized parents."
US Offers $1.8 Million in Tribunal Funding
US Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte tours Tuol Sleng prison Tuesday with Youk Chhang, director of the Documentation Center of Cambodia.By Heng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
16 September 2008
The US is ready to commit $1.8 million to the UN side of the Khmer Rouge tribunal, a top US official said Tuesday, but he warned that the courts will have to continue to tackle corruption issues that have plagued them from the beginning.
The money would be US's first direct contribution to the tribunal, and the announcement came after a day of talks between the Cambodian government and US Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte, who holds the second-highest position in the State Department.
"We expect to be active among donors to the tribunal to ensure that it continues to improve its management and address the issue of corruption," Negroponte said, adding that the US would have a voice in the proceedings and would "spare no effort" to ensure money was spent properly.
The US played an active role in the negotiating the hybrid tribunal with Cambodia and the United Nations, but officials had said until Tuesday they would not fund a substandard tribunal.
The tribunal has detained five former leaders of the Khmer Rouge regime, and is set for the first trial of any leader in 30 years, Tuol Sleng prison chief Duch.
But the tribunal has been hounded by allegations of mismanagement and corruption, and the Cambodian side has seen at least $300,000 in donor funding frozen, following fresh allegations of kickbacks in June.
Negroponte acknowledged there had been mismanagement in the courts, "but not to the level that justified withholding any contribution."
"I think there's generally a consensus that this is a good time to move forward," he said.
Tribunal spokesman Reach Sambath welcomed the US contribution, saying that a US donation to the UN side will be the second from international donors, following a $750,000 contribution from the French earlier this year.
The tribunal needs $50 million added to its entire budget by the end of 2009 to continue its operations. Of that, the Cambodian side will need $10 million.
The money would be US's first direct contribution to the tribunal, and the announcement came after a day of talks between the Cambodian government and US Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte, who holds the second-highest position in the State Department.
"We expect to be active among donors to the tribunal to ensure that it continues to improve its management and address the issue of corruption," Negroponte said, adding that the US would have a voice in the proceedings and would "spare no effort" to ensure money was spent properly.
The US played an active role in the negotiating the hybrid tribunal with Cambodia and the United Nations, but officials had said until Tuesday they would not fund a substandard tribunal.
The tribunal has detained five former leaders of the Khmer Rouge regime, and is set for the first trial of any leader in 30 years, Tuol Sleng prison chief Duch.
But the tribunal has been hounded by allegations of mismanagement and corruption, and the Cambodian side has seen at least $300,000 in donor funding frozen, following fresh allegations of kickbacks in June.
Negroponte acknowledged there had been mismanagement in the courts, "but not to the level that justified withholding any contribution."
"I think there's generally a consensus that this is a good time to move forward," he said.
Tribunal spokesman Reach Sambath welcomed the US contribution, saying that a US donation to the UN side will be the second from international donors, following a $750,000 contribution from the French earlier this year.
The tribunal needs $50 million added to its entire budget by the end of 2009 to continue its operations. Of that, the Cambodian side will need $10 million.
Human rights, development should be balanced
September 17, 2008A. Gaffar Peang-Meth
The Pacific Daily News (Guam)
Cambodia under Hun Sen is definitely better than Cambodia under Pol Pot, whose loyalists killed an estimated two million of their countrymen. Premier at age 33, Sen has been credited for Cambodia's economic growth of more than 10 percent a year since 2000. It's in vogue to describe Cambodia today as "a lot better" than before.
The Economist.com of London says Sen "looks as strong as ever" following his victory in the July national election, and "looks set to continue comfortably unchallenged for the foreseeable future."
Foreign officials and diplomats applaud Cambodia's economic "progress" and "decline" in politically motivated violence.
Last month, in "Giving up freedoms to settle for 'peace'" in this space, I wrote that economic development and rights and freedom of men are not mutually exclusive. In a free society, they should be in balance.
Cambodia's physical appearance has changed. "A decade ago, Phnom Penh lacked even a single traffic light," wrote Business Week. "Today ... all over (Phnom Penh), shanty towns and old villas are being sold and razed to make way for high-rise apartments, office buildings, shopping malls, and new villas."
But the head of the Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights stated, "You have a GDP increase, but look at the gap between rich and poor. More than 40 percent (of the total population of 14 million) live below the standard income."
Britain's The Guardian's 11-page "Country far Sale" (April 26) reported "Almost half of Cambodia has been sold to foreign speculators in the past 18 months -- and hundreds of thousands who fled the Khmer Rouge are homeless again." It described "foreigners" buying up a series of Cambodia's islands and public beaches since 2006, and engaged in "outright" purchase of land and real estate.
If lands are bought, residents have to be forcibly removed, all in the name of economic development.
Abhorrent violations of the rights of the Cambodian poor, through forced evictions from homes and land were the catalyst for the "End Land Grabbing in Cambodia" petition in June initiated by the Hong Kong-based Asian Human Rights Commission.
In August, Amnesty International USA and the Center on Housing Rights and Evictions called on the Cambodian authorities to stop filling Boeung Kak Lake as between 3,000 and 4,000 families may be affected.
In its press release, Amnesty's Brittis Edman declared, "the filling of the lake should be immediately halted. Otherwise, this may be the beginning of the biggest forced eviction in post-war Cambodia."
The Sept. 3 "Stop the Illegal Filling of Boeung Kak" petition (www.petitionspot. com/petitions/SaveBoeungKakLake) appears to be picking up momentum. Having signed the AHRC petition to stop land grabbing in Cambodia, I also signed the petition to stop the "illegal filling" of the Boeung Kak Lake.
Today, somebody else's families are evicted from homes and land. Tomorrow misfortune may hit my relatives and friends.
Amnesty's press release indicates "development plans for Boeung Kak Lake emerged in 2007." A 99-year lease agreement between the Municipality of Phnom Penh and "a private developer, Shukaku Ltd," included the "handing over management of 133 hectares of land, including 90 percent of the lake," and Shukaku will transform the area into "pleasant, trade, and services places for domestic and international tourists."
Amnesty cited Cambodia's "2001 Land Law" that should make Boeung Kak Lake "inalienable state land (so-called state public property), so its ownership cannot be transferred for longer than 15 years."
AHRC's Lao Mong Hay's Sept. 10 "U.N. mandate necessary in Cambodia" in United Press International Asia Online quoted United Nations special representative Professor Yash Ghai's observation: "State authorities, as well as companies and politically well-connected individuals, show scant respect for the rule of law," and that Cambodia's courts and the legal profession "have failed the people of Cambodia woefully."
Mong Hay also cited Ghai's observation of Cambodians who risk forced evictions from their homes and land for development or city beautification, as living in "fear of the state, fear of political and economic saboteurs, fear of greedy individuals and corporations, fear of the police and the courts."
Of course the Sen government wanted Ghai fired, but the U.N. refused; so the government in turn refused to cooperate with Ghai and threatened to close down the U.N. field office.
The problem is, as the Aug. 6 London Economist.com puts it, "Foreign governments moan about (Sen's) government's corruption, ineptitude and abuses, but he knows they are itching to spend their aid budgets and they lack the guts to turn their tough words into action. With ... China and Vietnam keen to invest in Cambodia, and Western ones like America and France keen to maintain their presence, Mr. Hun Sen can cheerfully play them off against each other, while collecting goodies from all."
A. Gaffar Peang-Meth, Ph.D., is retired from the University of Guam, where he taught political science for 13 years.
The Economist.com of London says Sen "looks as strong as ever" following his victory in the July national election, and "looks set to continue comfortably unchallenged for the foreseeable future."
Foreign officials and diplomats applaud Cambodia's economic "progress" and "decline" in politically motivated violence.
Last month, in "Giving up freedoms to settle for 'peace'" in this space, I wrote that economic development and rights and freedom of men are not mutually exclusive. In a free society, they should be in balance.
Cambodia's physical appearance has changed. "A decade ago, Phnom Penh lacked even a single traffic light," wrote Business Week. "Today ... all over (Phnom Penh), shanty towns and old villas are being sold and razed to make way for high-rise apartments, office buildings, shopping malls, and new villas."
But the head of the Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights stated, "You have a GDP increase, but look at the gap between rich and poor. More than 40 percent (of the total population of 14 million) live below the standard income."
Britain's The Guardian's 11-page "Country far Sale" (April 26) reported "Almost half of Cambodia has been sold to foreign speculators in the past 18 months -- and hundreds of thousands who fled the Khmer Rouge are homeless again." It described "foreigners" buying up a series of Cambodia's islands and public beaches since 2006, and engaged in "outright" purchase of land and real estate.
If lands are bought, residents have to be forcibly removed, all in the name of economic development.
Abhorrent violations of the rights of the Cambodian poor, through forced evictions from homes and land were the catalyst for the "End Land Grabbing in Cambodia" petition in June initiated by the Hong Kong-based Asian Human Rights Commission.
In August, Amnesty International USA and the Center on Housing Rights and Evictions called on the Cambodian authorities to stop filling Boeung Kak Lake as between 3,000 and 4,000 families may be affected.
In its press release, Amnesty's Brittis Edman declared, "the filling of the lake should be immediately halted. Otherwise, this may be the beginning of the biggest forced eviction in post-war Cambodia."
The Sept. 3 "Stop the Illegal Filling of Boeung Kak" petition (www.petitionspot. com/petitions/SaveBoeungKakLake) appears to be picking up momentum. Having signed the AHRC petition to stop land grabbing in Cambodia, I also signed the petition to stop the "illegal filling" of the Boeung Kak Lake.
Today, somebody else's families are evicted from homes and land. Tomorrow misfortune may hit my relatives and friends.
Amnesty's press release indicates "development plans for Boeung Kak Lake emerged in 2007." A 99-year lease agreement between the Municipality of Phnom Penh and "a private developer, Shukaku Ltd," included the "handing over management of 133 hectares of land, including 90 percent of the lake," and Shukaku will transform the area into "pleasant, trade, and services places for domestic and international tourists."
Amnesty cited Cambodia's "2001 Land Law" that should make Boeung Kak Lake "inalienable state land (so-called state public property), so its ownership cannot be transferred for longer than 15 years."
AHRC's Lao Mong Hay's Sept. 10 "U.N. mandate necessary in Cambodia" in United Press International Asia Online quoted United Nations special representative Professor Yash Ghai's observation: "State authorities, as well as companies and politically well-connected individuals, show scant respect for the rule of law," and that Cambodia's courts and the legal profession "have failed the people of Cambodia woefully."
Mong Hay also cited Ghai's observation of Cambodians who risk forced evictions from their homes and land for development or city beautification, as living in "fear of the state, fear of political and economic saboteurs, fear of greedy individuals and corporations, fear of the police and the courts."
Of course the Sen government wanted Ghai fired, but the U.N. refused; so the government in turn refused to cooperate with Ghai and threatened to close down the U.N. field office.
The problem is, as the Aug. 6 London Economist.com puts it, "Foreign governments moan about (Sen's) government's corruption, ineptitude and abuses, but he knows they are itching to spend their aid budgets and they lack the guts to turn their tough words into action. With ... China and Vietnam keen to invest in Cambodia, and Western ones like America and France keen to maintain their presence, Mr. Hun Sen can cheerfully play them off against each other, while collecting goodies from all."
A. Gaffar Peang-Meth, Ph.D., is retired from the University of Guam, where he taught political science for 13 years.
The Nation's insult: "Hun Sen has perhaps forgotten the bad old days when Cambodia was not allowed to join Burma and Laos as new members of Asean"
Thailand prepared to lead Asean, despite barbs
EDITORIAL
September 17, 2008
The Nation
"As host, Thailand will accept valid criticism. After all, we live in an open society with a free press. We should be sporting if Hun Sen made his comments in good faith. But it would be better if Hun Sen paid more attention to domestic development in his country and makes sure that the overall standard of living of the Cambodian people is improved. Certainly, Thailand is imperfect. Our democracy is in a mess and it is there for the world to see. But we do not pretend to be better than any other country."Cambodian PM makes unwarranted comments on Thai ability to chair regional summit meetings
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen knows how to hit where it hurts the most when it comes to his western neighbour. Unwittingly, he suggested that Thailand should give up the current Asean chair to either Singapore or Vietnam. Singapore was the previous chair and Vietnam will take over in 2010. Hun Sen said the Thai political situation is uncertain, therefore the country is not fit to host a series of Asean meetings. His comment is somewhat vicious and can be compared with those of former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, who said Burma should be kicked out of Asean.
Hun Sen was probably thinking of a similar situation involving Burma. In 2005, during the Asean ministerial meeting in Vientiane, the Burmese delegation proposed giving up its upcoming chairmanship because the country was not ready for the responsibility due to the domestic situation. Certainly, nobody should blame Hun Sen for thinking aloud that the current situation in Thailand is anything but normal. But he should know that the ongoing political certainty will in no way affect the host's ability to chair the grouping. Over the weekend, the lifting of the emergency returned some sense of normalcy to the country. Tourists are returning to Thailand.
Southeast Asia's longest-serving prime minister wants to embarrass Thailand further, following the border dispute over the Preah Vihear Temple. The countries almost went to war when their troops confronted each other, but tension eased after a series of talks. Bilateral dialogue and negotiations will continue and the two countries should be able to eventually settle their long-standing differences without resorting to force.
Somehow, Hun Sen believes that the political situation in Thailand should be further exploited because it will boost his own popularity at home ahead of the implementation of the Asean Charter. Hun Sen has perhaps forgotten the bad old days when Cambodia was not allowed to join Burma and Laos as new members of Asean. He fumed and vowed not to join the grouping. Of course, he changed his mind.
It was Hun Sen and the leader of his rival political party, represented by foreign minister Ung Huot, who requested Asean assistance a decade ago. Without Asean's help then, who knows what would have happened in Cambodia. A new election was held in mid-1998 and when the situation in Cambodia returned to normal, the country was admitted to Asean a year later. No Asean members belittled Cambodia when it was at its nadir; there was only a genuine desire to help.
Thailand has affirmed time and again that it is ready and well-prepared to discharge its Asean responsibility. As a founding member of Asean, Thailand takes special pride in its role of chair this time. It is the second time that Thailand will host the Asean summit, and the current Asean secretary-general is Dr Surin Pitsuwan, a former foreign minister.
At the Asean senior officials' meeting earlier this month, the permanent secretary for foreign affairs reiterated Thailand's readiness to chair and host the Asean summits. The meeting expressed confidence in the host, and senior officials proceeded to jointly prepare topics for discussion during the upcoming summit. In fact, they all appreciated Thailand's determination to be a good host. If the Cambodian delegates shared the same sentiment as Hun Sen, they indeed concealed their feelings well. That would be a new standard in Asean as far as hypocrisy is concerned.
As host, Thailand will accept valid criticism. After all, we live in an open society with a free press. We should be sporting if Hun Sen made his comments in good faith. But it would be better if Hun Sen paid more attention to domestic development in his country and makes sure that the overall standard of living of the Cambodian people is improved. Certainly, Thailand is imperfect. Our democracy is in a mess and it is there for the world to see. But we do not pretend to be better than any other country.
Mu Sochua: "We [will still] boycott and we are not concerned about the threat"
SRP will lose legislative seats: PM
Wednesday, 17 September 2008
Written by Cheang Sokha and Vong Sokheng The Phnom Penh Post
Hun Sen warns opposition not to boycott swearing-in of parliament
PRIME Minister Hun Sen issued a stern warning to opposition parties Monday, saying that if they go ahead with a planned boycott of the swearing-in of the National Assembly their salaries will be cut off and they will lose their positions in the legislative body.
"If they ignore the swearing in, then they will not get paid," Hun Sen told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after a meeting with US Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte.
"In Cambodia the winning party cannot be held hostage by the losing party. If they join the swearing-in or not it is up to them, but the ruling party will go ahead."
Hun Sen said he was unsure why the opposition had decided not to recognise the results of the July 27 polls and emphasised that he did not want them to throw their parliamentary seats away. He added that his Cambodian People's Party is actively seeking replacement candidates to take the opposition's slots in the Assembly's nine commissions.
"They cannot order the King to [hold a separate ceremony for them ... the National Assembly has never been sworn in twice," Hun Sen said.
Sam Rainsy Party Deputy Secretary General Mu Sochua said the opposition was not concerned by Hun Sen's warning.
"We [will still] boycott and we are not concerned about the threat," Mu Sochua told the Post.
"If the CPP's aim is to take our seats then, please, take control of 116 of the total 123 seats in the National Assembly [and] it will be the CPP's National Assembly," she said, referring to the number of seats the CPP would hold if it confiscated the SRP's 26.
On Friday, Sam Rainsy Party lawmakers wrote to King Norodom Sihamoni requesting a separate swearing- in ceremony.
PRIME Minister Hun Sen issued a stern warning to opposition parties Monday, saying that if they go ahead with a planned boycott of the swearing-in of the National Assembly their salaries will be cut off and they will lose their positions in the legislative body.
"If they ignore the swearing in, then they will not get paid," Hun Sen told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after a meeting with US Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte.
"In Cambodia the winning party cannot be held hostage by the losing party. If they join the swearing-in or not it is up to them, but the ruling party will go ahead."
Hun Sen said he was unsure why the opposition had decided not to recognise the results of the July 27 polls and emphasised that he did not want them to throw their parliamentary seats away. He added that his Cambodian People's Party is actively seeking replacement candidates to take the opposition's slots in the Assembly's nine commissions.
"They cannot order the King to [hold a separate ceremony for them ... the National Assembly has never been sworn in twice," Hun Sen said.
Sam Rainsy Party Deputy Secretary General Mu Sochua said the opposition was not concerned by Hun Sen's warning.
"We [will still] boycott and we are not concerned about the threat," Mu Sochua told the Post.
"If the CPP's aim is to take our seats then, please, take control of 116 of the total 123 seats in the National Assembly [and] it will be the CPP's National Assembly," she said, referring to the number of seats the CPP would hold if it confiscated the SRP's 26.
On Friday, Sam Rainsy Party lawmakers wrote to King Norodom Sihamoni requesting a separate swearing- in ceremony.
Thais Say Asean Summit Is On Schedule
September 16, 2008
By D. Arul Rajoo
BANGKOK, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- Thailand Tuesday gave its assurance to other Asean member countries that the Asean Summit would be held in the capital in December as scheduled, despite the ongoing political turmoil.
Government spokesman Wichienchote Sukchoterat said the issue was discussed at today's weekly Cabinet meeting chaired by Acting Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.
"This is an internal problem... not an Asean problem. The Cabinet is confident that no matter who becomes the prime minister or who takes over the government, the Asean meeting will be held as scheduled," he told reporters here Tuesday.
The issue of Thailand's ability to hold onto its chairmanship of Asean and hosting the Summit was raised by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, who said the Kingdom should hand over the chair to either Singapore or Vietnam due to the turbulent internal political problems.
Thailand is facing leadership crisis after Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej was disqualified by the Constitution Court for violating the Constitution by hosting the "Tasting and Grumbling" and "All Set at 6am" cooking programmes while still in office.
The country is also without a foreign minister after Tej Bunnag quit after just 40 days in office.
Monday, Sahat Bunditkul, a deputy prime minister and acting foreign minister, stepped down citing health reasons.
Parliament is due to meet Wednesday to vote Samak's successor, and Somchai is the front-runner.
Thailand has been in political turmoil since Aug 26 when thousands of anti-government protesters under the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) seized the Prime Minister's Office at the Government House, and continue to remain there.
The country assumed the Asean chair in July, and would hold that responsibility for one and a half years.
During the December summit, the country would also hold simultaneously, the Asean Summit with Japan, China and South Korea, as well as the Fourth East Asia Summit (EAS), which involves leaders from Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand and Korea.
The summit this year will focus on issues such as food and energy security, global financial situation and disaster relief cooperation and management.
Government spokesman Wichienchote Sukchoterat said the issue was discussed at today's weekly Cabinet meeting chaired by Acting Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.
"This is an internal problem... not an Asean problem. The Cabinet is confident that no matter who becomes the prime minister or who takes over the government, the Asean meeting will be held as scheduled," he told reporters here Tuesday.
The issue of Thailand's ability to hold onto its chairmanship of Asean and hosting the Summit was raised by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, who said the Kingdom should hand over the chair to either Singapore or Vietnam due to the turbulent internal political problems.
Thailand is facing leadership crisis after Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej was disqualified by the Constitution Court for violating the Constitution by hosting the "Tasting and Grumbling" and "All Set at 6am" cooking programmes while still in office.
The country is also without a foreign minister after Tej Bunnag quit after just 40 days in office.
Monday, Sahat Bunditkul, a deputy prime minister and acting foreign minister, stepped down citing health reasons.
Parliament is due to meet Wednesday to vote Samak's successor, and Somchai is the front-runner.
Thailand has been in political turmoil since Aug 26 when thousands of anti-government protesters under the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) seized the Prime Minister's Office at the Government House, and continue to remain there.
The country assumed the Asean chair in July, and would hold that responsibility for one and a half years.
During the December summit, the country would also hold simultaneously, the Asean Summit with Japan, China and South Korea, as well as the Fourth East Asia Summit (EAS), which involves leaders from Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand and Korea.
The summit this year will focus on issues such as food and energy security, global financial situation and disaster relief cooperation and management.
The temple thief protests against the rightful owner
Thailand protest Cambodia over troop intrusion
Tue, September 16, 2008
By Supalak Ganjanakhundee
The Nation
Thailand protested to Cambodia on Tuesday over an intrusion of troops into the border area at the temple of Ta Kwai in Surin province.
It was the third Khmer sanctuary since July to create conflict between the two neighbours after the disputes over the Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom temples.
The Foreign Ministry's permanent secretary Virasakdi Futrakul summoned Cambodia's ambassador Ung Sean to take an aide-memoire at the ministry on Tuesday.
The memoire said some 70 Cambodian armed forces had intruded into the temple on September 6.
It was the second intrusion since some 30 Cambodian troops were seen earlier at the temple between August 3 and 6.
"These acts constituted a violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Thailand," the memoire said.
Thailand asked Cambodia to do its utmost to avoid a recurrence of the incident in the future, it said. Ung Sean did not talk to reporters after the meeting with Virasakdi at the ministry.
The ministry's acting spokesman Thani Thongphakdi said there was no longer a military stand off in the area since both sides had redeployed their respective armed forces elsewhere.
The withdrawal of Cambodian troops from the site and vicinity came only after repeated protests from local Thai authorities.
Cambodia's government spokesman Khieu Kanharith said earlier that Thai troops had moved into an area close to the temple also known in Cambodian as Ta Krabey. Cambodia was preparing to appeal to a "third international party" to intervene, he said.
Thani said the dispute could be solved bilaterally. Thailand is committed to cooperation with Cambodia within the framework of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission on Demarcation for Land Boundary (JBC) with a view to resolving the boundary issue in a just and peaceful manner, he said.
The issue might be discussed when Thai and Cambodian delegations meet in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly later this month, he said.
In a separate issue, Thailand has dismissed Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's doubts over its ability to host the upcoming Asean summit due to the ongoing political crisis.
The Foreign Ministry's acting spokesman Thani Thongphakdi said Thailand, as the chair of the group, is ready for the summit. Preparation for the Asean summit and other endeavours by Thailand are on track, he said.
"Recent political developments in Thailand have not in any way affected the preparations which are in line with the announced timelines," he said.
To show its commitment, the Thai Senate yesterday approved the bill on protection for the operation of the Asean, enabling Thailand to ratify the Asean charter, he said.
It was the third Khmer sanctuary since July to create conflict between the two neighbours after the disputes over the Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom temples.
The Foreign Ministry's permanent secretary Virasakdi Futrakul summoned Cambodia's ambassador Ung Sean to take an aide-memoire at the ministry on Tuesday.
The memoire said some 70 Cambodian armed forces had intruded into the temple on September 6.
It was the second intrusion since some 30 Cambodian troops were seen earlier at the temple between August 3 and 6.
"These acts constituted a violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Thailand," the memoire said.
Thailand asked Cambodia to do its utmost to avoid a recurrence of the incident in the future, it said. Ung Sean did not talk to reporters after the meeting with Virasakdi at the ministry.
The ministry's acting spokesman Thani Thongphakdi said there was no longer a military stand off in the area since both sides had redeployed their respective armed forces elsewhere.
The withdrawal of Cambodian troops from the site and vicinity came only after repeated protests from local Thai authorities.
Cambodia's government spokesman Khieu Kanharith said earlier that Thai troops had moved into an area close to the temple also known in Cambodian as Ta Krabey. Cambodia was preparing to appeal to a "third international party" to intervene, he said.
Thani said the dispute could be solved bilaterally. Thailand is committed to cooperation with Cambodia within the framework of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission on Demarcation for Land Boundary (JBC) with a view to resolving the boundary issue in a just and peaceful manner, he said.
The issue might be discussed when Thai and Cambodian delegations meet in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly later this month, he said.
In a separate issue, Thailand has dismissed Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's doubts over its ability to host the upcoming Asean summit due to the ongoing political crisis.
The Foreign Ministry's acting spokesman Thani Thongphakdi said Thailand, as the chair of the group, is ready for the summit. Preparation for the Asean summit and other endeavours by Thailand are on track, he said.
"Recent political developments in Thailand have not in any way affected the preparations which are in line with the announced timelines," he said.
To show its commitment, the Thai Senate yesterday approved the bill on protection for the operation of the Asean, enabling Thailand to ratify the Asean charter, he said.
Cambodia needs 1.14 bln USD to develop 7 hydropower projects
PHNOM PENH, Sep 16, 2008 (Xinhua) - Cambodia needs 1.14 billion U. S. dollars to develop seven priority hydropower projects out of the 29-hydropower-project master plan, according to a report released on Tuesday.
The location of the hydropower sites will be in the northeastern and southwestern of Cambodia, according to the report from a joint study by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Cambodian Ministry of Industry, Mine and Energy (MIME).
"We have to discuss them in details to implement the priority hydropower projects," said Ith Prang, Secretary of State for MIME.
"When we have electricity from hydropower, it will provide electricity supply of cheap price and help reduce poverty in the country," he added.
The report said that Cambodia has two existing hydropower stations, including Kirirom I and O Chum with the capacity of 12 and one megawatts respectively, which are already operated by Electricity Authority of Cambodia.
The hydropower master plan is a part of generation expansion in Cambodia, the report said, adding that the target is 100 percent of village electrification, including battery lighting by 2020 and 70 percent level of household electrification with grid quality by 2030.
The location of the hydropower sites will be in the northeastern and southwestern of Cambodia, according to the report from a joint study by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Cambodian Ministry of Industry, Mine and Energy (MIME).
"We have to discuss them in details to implement the priority hydropower projects," said Ith Prang, Secretary of State for MIME.
"When we have electricity from hydropower, it will provide electricity supply of cheap price and help reduce poverty in the country," he added.
The report said that Cambodia has two existing hydropower stations, including Kirirom I and O Chum with the capacity of 12 and one megawatts respectively, which are already operated by Electricity Authority of Cambodia.
The hydropower master plan is a part of generation expansion in Cambodia, the report said, adding that the target is 100 percent of village electrification, including battery lighting by 2020 and 70 percent level of household electrification with grid quality by 2030.
ADB inflation forecast for Cambodia in 2008: 25%
ADB increased inflation forecast 2008 on Azerbaijan up to 16%
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
ABC.AZ (Azerbaijan)
Baku, Fineko/abc.az. According to the renewed report Asian Development Outlook (ADO) for 2008, Asian Development Bank expects leadership of the Central Asia region on consumer inflation rate.
The Bank informs that inflation forecast for 2008 on the region of ADB operations was increased from 5.1% up to 7.8% and for 2009 from 4.6% up to 6% versus 4.3% in 2007. Inflation forecast on the Central Asia region (including Azerbaijan) was raised from 14.4% up to 15.4% for 2008 and from 10.2% up to 11.4% for 2009 versus 11.6% in 2007.
“In Azerbaijan, where following last year inflation made 16.7%, its forecast for this year was increased from 13% up to 16% and for 2009 wa kept at the level of 12%,” the Bank informed.
Under the renewed report, in 2008/9 the inflation leaders in the ADB region will be Vietnam (25% in 2008 and 17.5% in 2009), Sri Lanka (24% and 18% respectively), Kazakhstan (17.4% and 10.7%), and Tajikistan (18.5% and 10.5%).
Inflation forecasts for 2008 on Mongolia was increased from 10.5 up to 25%, on Afghanistan from 10.2% up to 24%, Cambodia from 5.5% up to 25%, on Marshall Islands from 3.4% up to 22.8%.
ADB projects double digit inflation for Cambodia this year
Asia growth to slow this year: ADB
2008-09-16
Commodity Online
MANILA : Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Tuesday warned that turbulence on global markets fans inflation and that would slow Asian growth this year.
Governments in the region will need to address inflation even if it means slower economic growth, the Manila-based lender said in an update to its 2008 Development Outlook report.
The report was written before a weekend of financial market turmoil in the United States that has already had global repercussions, after Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy and Merrill Lynch was only saved with a takeover by Bank of America.
In its report the ADB said the past eight months of turmoil in the markets had "exploded the myth of uncoupling" and showed economies in Asia were still heavily reliant on industrial countries, notably the United States, for their exports.
Around 85 per cent of footwear imported by the United States and a third of its clothing comes from developing Asia, the bank said.
The ADB sharply increased its inflation forecast for Asia for 2008 from the 5.1 per cent predicted in April to 7.8 per cent, and to 6.0 per cent in 2009.
Economic growth in 2008 is expected to drop from the 7.6 per cent that was forecast in April to 7.5 per cent, and slow further to 7.2 per cent next year.
The ADB said it expected food prices would remain high, and that oil would remain "well above" US$100 a barrel - although New York's main contract, light sweet crude for October delivery, was at just below US$93 Tuesday.
China's economic growth will remain unchanged at 10 per cent this year, the ADB forecast, but it revised down slightly its 2009 forecast to 9.5 per cent on the expectation of a reduced trade surplus and slower investment growth.
The ADB said that while some central banks had started to tighten monetary policy, "some may have let the inflation genie out of the bottle by doing too little, too late, since interest rates in most countries are still lower than inflation."
"Containing inflation will take time as monetary policy works with a lag," the bank said.
The ADB projected double-digit inflation this year for Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, and Vietnam.
"Curbing inflation is the crucial macroeconomic challenge facing most Southeast Asian countries," the bank said.
The ADB also warned that the high prices of food worldwide are not likely to fall any time soon, and that there are no quick solutions to the problem.
"Scarcity is back, hunger is growing, and rapid economic growth is threatened. These are difficult times," the Manila-based lender said in the update of its annual Asian Development Outlook.
"In view of these difficulties, it seems unlikely that basic food prices will return to their real long-run downward trend."
The regional lender did note that food prices were "substantially below the peaks of the previous world food crisis in 1973-74."
But it said this time, price increases had been "sharp and disruptive," affecting the poorest people and food-importing countries the most, increasing inflationary pressure and threatening economic growth.
Studies blamed the high prices on various causes including population growth, a slowdown in agricultural production, the depreciation of the US dollar, high oil prices and the increased demand for biofuels, the ADB said.
Short-term speculation had also fed the price increases, it said.
The bank said even when the panic and speculation subsides, the ew "equilibrium price" for rice is likely to be 50-60 per cent higher than it was in 2007.
"Other basic food commodities are likely to exhibit similar patterns," the ADB added.
To make matters worse, the cost of inputs like fuel and fertilizer are now higher and rising rapidly, the ADB said.
The Asian financial group went on to warn regional governments not to become complacent after recent record increases in crude oil prices, saying the days of cheap oil were over.
Oil prices have fallen more than a third in value from their record levels of above US$147 in July.
Despite that, the Manila-based bank said in its update to its 2008 Asian Development Outlook that high oil prices were here to stay along with periods where the price would be volatile.
It said it expected the world would have to adjust to the price of oil at US$100 or more a barrel.
Governments in the region will need to address inflation even if it means slower economic growth, the Manila-based lender said in an update to its 2008 Development Outlook report.
The report was written before a weekend of financial market turmoil in the United States that has already had global repercussions, after Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy and Merrill Lynch was only saved with a takeover by Bank of America.
In its report the ADB said the past eight months of turmoil in the markets had "exploded the myth of uncoupling" and showed economies in Asia were still heavily reliant on industrial countries, notably the United States, for their exports.
Around 85 per cent of footwear imported by the United States and a third of its clothing comes from developing Asia, the bank said.
The ADB sharply increased its inflation forecast for Asia for 2008 from the 5.1 per cent predicted in April to 7.8 per cent, and to 6.0 per cent in 2009.
Economic growth in 2008 is expected to drop from the 7.6 per cent that was forecast in April to 7.5 per cent, and slow further to 7.2 per cent next year.
The ADB said it expected food prices would remain high, and that oil would remain "well above" US$100 a barrel - although New York's main contract, light sweet crude for October delivery, was at just below US$93 Tuesday.
China's economic growth will remain unchanged at 10 per cent this year, the ADB forecast, but it revised down slightly its 2009 forecast to 9.5 per cent on the expectation of a reduced trade surplus and slower investment growth.
The ADB said that while some central banks had started to tighten monetary policy, "some may have let the inflation genie out of the bottle by doing too little, too late, since interest rates in most countries are still lower than inflation."
"Containing inflation will take time as monetary policy works with a lag," the bank said.
The ADB projected double-digit inflation this year for Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, and Vietnam.
"Curbing inflation is the crucial macroeconomic challenge facing most Southeast Asian countries," the bank said.
The ADB also warned that the high prices of food worldwide are not likely to fall any time soon, and that there are no quick solutions to the problem.
"Scarcity is back, hunger is growing, and rapid economic growth is threatened. These are difficult times," the Manila-based lender said in the update of its annual Asian Development Outlook.
"In view of these difficulties, it seems unlikely that basic food prices will return to their real long-run downward trend."
The regional lender did note that food prices were "substantially below the peaks of the previous world food crisis in 1973-74."
But it said this time, price increases had been "sharp and disruptive," affecting the poorest people and food-importing countries the most, increasing inflationary pressure and threatening economic growth.
Studies blamed the high prices on various causes including population growth, a slowdown in agricultural production, the depreciation of the US dollar, high oil prices and the increased demand for biofuels, the ADB said.
Short-term speculation had also fed the price increases, it said.
The bank said even when the panic and speculation subsides, the ew "equilibrium price" for rice is likely to be 50-60 per cent higher than it was in 2007.
"Other basic food commodities are likely to exhibit similar patterns," the ADB added.
To make matters worse, the cost of inputs like fuel and fertilizer are now higher and rising rapidly, the ADB said.
The Asian financial group went on to warn regional governments not to become complacent after recent record increases in crude oil prices, saying the days of cheap oil were over.
Oil prices have fallen more than a third in value from their record levels of above US$147 in July.
Despite that, the Manila-based bank said in its update to its 2008 Asian Development Outlook that high oil prices were here to stay along with periods where the price would be volatile.
It said it expected the world would have to adjust to the price of oil at US$100 or more a barrel.
US urges bilateral solution to Cambodia-Thai border dispute
Sep 16, 2008
DPA
Phnom Penh - The United States advocated a bilateral solution to the ongoing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, US Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte said Tuesday.
Wrapping up a three-day official visit during which he met Foreign Minister Hor Namhong and Prime Minister Hun Sen, Negroponte said the US hoped to see a peaceful end to the dispute between the two neighbours.
'We think this is a dispute the differences of which should be resolved peacefully ... and preferably bilaterally,' he said. 'It is important the use of force and coercion be avoided at all costs.'
Thai troops moved into territory around the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple on the Thai-Cambodian border in July, just one week after UNESCO awarded the temple World Heritage listing over Thai objections. Thailand says the territory is disputed land while Cambodia claims it as sovereign territory.
The Ta Moan temple complex, 150 kilometres to the west, was also occupied by Thai soldiers, Cambodia said, as was Ta Krabey, a third temple, earlier this month.
Thailand called those claims baseless and noted it has always had troops stationed near the two sites.
But Prime Minister Hun Sen let his anger over the spread of the dispute to Ta Krabey be known in statements to local media through his cabinet.
He ordered authorities to get their documents in order and be ready to go to the UN Security Council or other international bodies for third-party mediation, government spokesman Khieu Kanharith said Monday.
Wrapping up a three-day official visit during which he met Foreign Minister Hor Namhong and Prime Minister Hun Sen, Negroponte said the US hoped to see a peaceful end to the dispute between the two neighbours.
'We think this is a dispute the differences of which should be resolved peacefully ... and preferably bilaterally,' he said. 'It is important the use of force and coercion be avoided at all costs.'
Thai troops moved into territory around the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple on the Thai-Cambodian border in July, just one week after UNESCO awarded the temple World Heritage listing over Thai objections. Thailand says the territory is disputed land while Cambodia claims it as sovereign territory.
The Ta Moan temple complex, 150 kilometres to the west, was also occupied by Thai soldiers, Cambodia said, as was Ta Krabey, a third temple, earlier this month.
Thailand called those claims baseless and noted it has always had troops stationed near the two sites.
But Prime Minister Hun Sen let his anger over the spread of the dispute to Ta Krabey be known in statements to local media through his cabinet.
He ordered authorities to get their documents in order and be ready to go to the UN Security Council or other international bodies for third-party mediation, government spokesman Khieu Kanharith said Monday.
Cambodia: US Pledges US$1.8 Million For Cambodian Tribunal
2008-09-16
By KER MUNTHIT AP
PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA: The United States will give US$1.8 million to Cambodia's genocide tribunal to aid its work in trying former Khmer Rouge leaders for their alleged crimes against humanity, a top U.S. official said Tuesday (16 Sept).
Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte said the U.S. government believes "the conditions are both appropriate and opportune to make this contribution."
The U.N.-assisted tribunal has detained five former Khmer Rouge leaders on charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes. The trial of the first suspect is planned for later this year.
"We want to help this tribunal succeed, and we think it definitely has a chance to succeed," Negroponte said at a press conference at the end of a three-day visit to Cambodia.
The money will be given to the tribunal's U.N. side, which is staffed by international personnel. The tribunal, which is seeking justice for atrocities committed in the 1970s under the Khmer Rouge's rule, is jointly run by Cambodian and U.N. officials under a pact both sides signed in 2003.
The radical policies of the ultra-communist Cambodian group, which ruled from 1975 to 1979, caused the death of some 1.9 million people from starvation, diseases, overwork and execution.
Negroponte also toured the S-21 prison, the largest Khmer Rouge torture center in Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh, to see what he called "a reminder of the holocaust."
It is now known as Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and holds exhibits of prisoner's mug shots, skulls, and other traces of the crimes committed during the Khmer Rouge's brutal rule.
"It's a very moving experience to see this museum, to see the reminiscence of the holocaust," Negroponte told The Associated Press after touring the museum early Tuesday morning.
He said the site is "a reminder of the holocaust that took place, and I think it's important to document it."
Up to 16,000 men, women and children were held at the prison before being taken out for execution before the Khmer Rouge's regime was ousted from power by a Vietnam-led invasion in 1979.
Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte said the U.S. government believes "the conditions are both appropriate and opportune to make this contribution."
The U.N.-assisted tribunal has detained five former Khmer Rouge leaders on charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes. The trial of the first suspect is planned for later this year.
"We want to help this tribunal succeed, and we think it definitely has a chance to succeed," Negroponte said at a press conference at the end of a three-day visit to Cambodia.
The money will be given to the tribunal's U.N. side, which is staffed by international personnel. The tribunal, which is seeking justice for atrocities committed in the 1970s under the Khmer Rouge's rule, is jointly run by Cambodian and U.N. officials under a pact both sides signed in 2003.
The radical policies of the ultra-communist Cambodian group, which ruled from 1975 to 1979, caused the death of some 1.9 million people from starvation, diseases, overwork and execution.
Negroponte also toured the S-21 prison, the largest Khmer Rouge torture center in Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh, to see what he called "a reminder of the holocaust."
It is now known as Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and holds exhibits of prisoner's mug shots, skulls, and other traces of the crimes committed during the Khmer Rouge's brutal rule.
"It's a very moving experience to see this museum, to see the reminiscence of the holocaust," Negroponte told The Associated Press after touring the museum early Tuesday morning.
He said the site is "a reminder of the holocaust that took place, and I think it's important to document it."
Up to 16,000 men, women and children were held at the prison before being taken out for execution before the Khmer Rouge's regime was ousted from power by a Vietnam-led invasion in 1979.
Pchum Ben, the authorities are calling for respect for Buddhism
(Photo: Pring Samrang, Cambodge Soir Hebdo)16-09-2008
Cambodge Soir Hebdo in English
Click here to read the article in French
The Cambodians are celebrating the festival of the death from the 15th until the 30th of September. On this occasion, Mob Sarin, Deputy Governor of Phnom Penh, is asking the officials to cooperate in order to avoid tumult.
The National Festival Committee wants peaceful celebrations. On the occasion of the festival of the death, many problems indeed regularly affect the peaceful development of the ceremonies. This year, Mob Sarin hopes to see a better cooperation between the officials from the Ministry of Cults and the local authorities in order to avoid those events which are contrary to the Buddhist wisdom.
These recommendations concern the last day in particular, called Pchum Ben (the gathering of rice grains). After the 14 days of the Kan Ben period, Pchum Ben starts at four in the morning. The Buddhists go to the nearest pagoda in order to sprinkle the stupas with rice grains, with the collaboration of monks. For the beggars, this is the occasion to test the generosity of the people. But others take advantage of this celebration to cause trouble, alas a common practise these last years.
Besides calling for vigilance, Mob Sarin recommends that people take advantage of the event to pay tribute to the victims of the Pol Pot regime.
The National Festival Committee wants peaceful celebrations. On the occasion of the festival of the death, many problems indeed regularly affect the peaceful development of the ceremonies. This year, Mob Sarin hopes to see a better cooperation between the officials from the Ministry of Cults and the local authorities in order to avoid those events which are contrary to the Buddhist wisdom.
These recommendations concern the last day in particular, called Pchum Ben (the gathering of rice grains). After the 14 days of the Kan Ben period, Pchum Ben starts at four in the morning. The Buddhists go to the nearest pagoda in order to sprinkle the stupas with rice grains, with the collaboration of monks. For the beggars, this is the occasion to test the generosity of the people. But others take advantage of this celebration to cause trouble, alas a common practise these last years.
Besides calling for vigilance, Mob Sarin recommends that people take advantage of the event to pay tribute to the victims of the Pol Pot regime.
[Hun Sen's elite] Brigade 31 seizing land: villagers
The Centre for Development of Disabled Soldiers in Kampot province. (PHOTO SUPPLIED)Tuesday, 16 September 2008
Written by Cheang Sokha
The Phnom Penh Post
On the fringes of Bokor, a dispute is raging between Brigade 31 soldiers, who say they're redistributing land to the poor, and local villagers who say they're losing their homes
A VILLAGE in Kampot province's Bokor National Park remains the focus of a land dispute that villagers say has resulted in members of Prime Minister Hun Sen's elite Brigade 31 evicting residents and preparing the land for sale to a private company.
The Centre for Development of Disabled Soldiers was begun in June this year, nominally to provide housing for veterans with disabilities at Kbal Damrei, located in the park.
But local residents say the military has used the pretense of the centre to expel them from their homes and sell the land for profit.
"We have been told that soldiers are preparing the land for sale to a private company," said Nhek Chanthol, who lives in Kbal Damrei.
Nhek Chanthol said about 1,000 families live on the land but that nearly 500 of them have been displaced and their crops destroyed by soldiers bulldozing the area.
Brigade 31 commander Sun Saroeun denied the claim and said his troops are only dividing the land with the villagers for the benefit of veterans.
"I don't have the right to sell any of this land," Sun Saroeun told the Post Sunday.
"The agreement to divide land into smaller plots was signed by the head of our government."
Sun Saroeun said those spreading the rumours of a private sale are themselves outsiders who purchased plots illegally from current residents and lost them when authorities redistributed the plots.
"We are trying to provide land for landless people," Sun Saroeun said.
Land redistribution
The dispute began on June 23, when Brigade 31 soldiers posted land redistribution signs throughout the village.
Residents responded by pulling them up. A later protest saw the arrest of four residents, including Nhek Chanthol's mother - all of whom remain in Kampot provincial prison on charges of robbery and destroying property.
Chin Lida, a lawyer from the human rights group Licadho who is defending the four prisoners, said the court is in the process of investigating the case and a trial is expected to start soon.
One resident, who gave her name as Thim, said the land the soldiers had allotted to villagers is being repossessed, according to a press release from the human rights group Adhoc.
"They let people onto new areas of land. Once it is cleared, they repossess it," she was quoted as saying.
A VILLAGE in Kampot province's Bokor National Park remains the focus of a land dispute that villagers say has resulted in members of Prime Minister Hun Sen's elite Brigade 31 evicting residents and preparing the land for sale to a private company.
The Centre for Development of Disabled Soldiers was begun in June this year, nominally to provide housing for veterans with disabilities at Kbal Damrei, located in the park.
But local residents say the military has used the pretense of the centre to expel them from their homes and sell the land for profit.
"We have been told that soldiers are preparing the land for sale to a private company," said Nhek Chanthol, who lives in Kbal Damrei.
Nhek Chanthol said about 1,000 families live on the land but that nearly 500 of them have been displaced and their crops destroyed by soldiers bulldozing the area.
Brigade 31 commander Sun Saroeun denied the claim and said his troops are only dividing the land with the villagers for the benefit of veterans.
"I don't have the right to sell any of this land," Sun Saroeun told the Post Sunday.
"The agreement to divide land into smaller plots was signed by the head of our government."
Sun Saroeun said those spreading the rumours of a private sale are themselves outsiders who purchased plots illegally from current residents and lost them when authorities redistributed the plots.
"We are trying to provide land for landless people," Sun Saroeun said.
Land redistribution
The dispute began on June 23, when Brigade 31 soldiers posted land redistribution signs throughout the village.
Residents responded by pulling them up. A later protest saw the arrest of four residents, including Nhek Chanthol's mother - all of whom remain in Kampot provincial prison on charges of robbery and destroying property.
Chin Lida, a lawyer from the human rights group Licadho who is defending the four prisoners, said the court is in the process of investigating the case and a trial is expected to start soon.
One resident, who gave her name as Thim, said the land the soldiers had allotted to villagers is being repossessed, according to a press release from the human rights group Adhoc.
"They let people onto new areas of land. Once it is cleared, they repossess it," she was quoted as saying.
Cambodian orphans visit 'email' foster parents, receive free eye exams
Visiting Cambodian orphans at the office of Tyrie Jenkins, M.D. Eye Care (Courtesy Tyrie Jenkins, M.D. Eye Care)Monday, September 15, 2008
Honolulu Advertiser (Hawaii, USA)
Twenty-eight Cambodian orphans arrived in Honolulu on September 3 to meet and stay with their "email foster parents" for the first time. The children are staying two weeks under the auspices of Email Foster Parents International. Some of them and their Hawaii foster families have been corresponding via the Internet for as long as three years.
On Saturday, September 6, many of them enjoyed another first—the staff at Tyrie Jenkins, M.D. Eye Care gave the Cambodian youngsters, ages 14-18, free eye exams, providing them with prescriptions as needed and identifying any undetected eye ailments. Optometrists Dr. Loretta Ng and Dr. Jon Sakuda donated their time.
The organizer and champion of this unique project is Rob Hail. The children are from the Future Light Orphanage near Phnom Penh. All are trained Khmer classical dancers as well, and performed at the Mamiya Theatre on September 13 in a fundraiser for the orphanage to support and educate more young children.
Sacrava's Political Cartoon: The Warrior-King?
Cartoons by Sacrava (on the web at http://sacrava.blogspot.com)
First day of Pchum Ben Festival in Cambodia
A woman lights incense during the first day of the "Pchum Ben" festival, also known as "Festival of the Dead", at a temple in Phnom Penh, September 15, 2008. Cambodians throughout the country visit temples during the 15-day festival to offer prayers to loved ones who have passed away. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Women light incense during the first day of the "Pchum Ben" festival, also known as "Festival of the Dead", at a temple in Phnom Penh, September 15, 2008. Cambodians throughout the country visit temples during the 15-day festival to offer prayers to loved ones who have passed away. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Buddhists monks look on as people offer rice during the first day of the "Pchum Ben" festival, also known as "Festival of the Dead", at a temple in Phnom Penh, September 15, 2008. Cambodians throughout the country visit temples during the 15-day festival to offer prayers to loved ones who have passed away. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Women light incense during the first day of the "Pchum Ben" festival, also known as "Festival of the Dead", at a temple in Phnom Penh, September 15, 2008. Cambodians throughout the country visit temples during the 15-day festival to offer prayers to loved ones who have passed away. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
A woman prays during the first day of the "Pchum Ben" festival, also known as "Festival of the Dead", at a temple in Phnom Penh, September 15, 2008. Cambodians throughout the country visit temples during the 15-day festival to offer prayers to loved ones who have passed away. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Hun Sen insulting Thailand: AP
Monday, September 15, 2008Excerpt from DPA
Meanwhile, the Associated Press reported from Phnom Penh that Hun Sen was far more insulting to Thailand than first reported. It quoted the Cambodian premier as saying:
"I am wondering whether we can have the [ASEAN] summit there since there is no government in Thailand yet. Where else in the world has a government building (Government House) been occupied by protesters like this? Only in Thailand. It is quite weird... [This affects] not just the Thai image exclusively, but Asean's image as well."
"I am wondering whether we can have the [ASEAN] summit there since there is no government in Thailand yet. Where else in the world has a government building (Government House) been occupied by protesters like this? Only in Thailand. It is quite weird... [This affects] not just the Thai image exclusively, but Asean's image as well."
From a vocal critics to a praiser of good relations with the Hun Sen regime: Washington's domino-theory revival?
US to help fund Cambodia's Khmer Rouge trial
September 16, 2008
ABC Radio Australia
The United States is to make its first donation to Cambodia's UN-backed Khmer Rouge genocide tribunal.
Prime Minister Hun Sen says the US deputy secretary of state John Negroponte informed him of the donation when they met on Monday.
The pair have been discussing ways of improving relations between their countries.
Hun Sen says the donation will be officially declared today.
The cash-strapped Khmer Rouge court is expected to begin trials in October.
Five top Khmer Rouge leaders are facing charges before the tribunal for crimes committed by the regime.
The US embassy says the United States will also provide $US24 million to fund economic growth projects in Cambodia.
The US recently lifted a decade-old ban on direct funding to Cambodia's government and re-established military ties between the countries, with the promise oflimited military aid.
Since then, at least three senior US military commanders have visited Cambodia.
Mr Negroponte's visit, which comes amid rising concern over China's influence in the region, reverses Washington's restrictive funding policies put in place after Hun Sen seized total control of the government in a 1997 coup.
Hun Sen says that bilateral relations had improved markedly.
"I can say that we never have enjoyed such good relations as we have now and at the same time we have looked into other things that we are able to improve," he said.
Washington has been one of the Cambodian government's most vocal critics in a number of areas, including corruption and human rights abuses.
But the US has praised Cambodia for its anti-terrorism efforts following the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York and Washington.
Prime Minister Hun Sen says the US deputy secretary of state John Negroponte informed him of the donation when they met on Monday.
The pair have been discussing ways of improving relations between their countries.
Hun Sen says the donation will be officially declared today.
The cash-strapped Khmer Rouge court is expected to begin trials in October.
Five top Khmer Rouge leaders are facing charges before the tribunal for crimes committed by the regime.
The US embassy says the United States will also provide $US24 million to fund economic growth projects in Cambodia.
The US recently lifted a decade-old ban on direct funding to Cambodia's government and re-established military ties between the countries, with the promise oflimited military aid.
Since then, at least three senior US military commanders have visited Cambodia.
Mr Negroponte's visit, which comes amid rising concern over China's influence in the region, reverses Washington's restrictive funding policies put in place after Hun Sen seized total control of the government in a 1997 coup.
Hun Sen says that bilateral relations had improved markedly.
"I can say that we never have enjoyed such good relations as we have now and at the same time we have looked into other things that we are able to improve," he said.
Washington has been one of the Cambodian government's most vocal critics in a number of areas, including corruption and human rights abuses.
But the US has praised Cambodia for its anti-terrorism efforts following the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York and Washington.
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