KI Media

SRP North America's condemnation of the lifting of Sam Rainsy's immunity ... Public demonstration planned for Nov. 28

noreply@blogger.com (KI Media) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:44:00 +0000

November 18, 2009

To: PRESS MEDIA AND KHMER PUBLICS
From: Office of the SRP North America Secretariat

The Sam Rainsy Party of North America wish to inform the press and the public of its condemnation, in the strongest term possible, of the Cambodian authority and its rubber-stamp National Assembly for removing the immunity of H.E. Sam Rainsy, elected member of the parliament. By such act, H.E. Sam Rainsy, duly elected representative of the people, has been deprived of his rights and duties to serve his constituencies.

Here once again, the Cambodian National Assembly, under the CPP’s majority, has irresponsibly and abusively violated the trust of the people. In this case, it has shown very little regard for concerns of its citizens whose lands have been lost due to border encroachment activities. It called into question whose interests this government and the National Assembly are representing?

The Sam Rainsy Party of North America requests that His Majesty the King and King Father, our Father of Independence, to intervene in calling for immediate re-instatement of immunity to H.E. Sam Rainsy. Furthermore, to come to the calls for help of their people by help ensuring justice, freedoms and our Cambodia’s territorial integrity.

A peaceful public demonstration will be held on November 28, 2009 in Washington, DC, USA and Ottawa, Canada. Detail planning is process and will be sent out later shortly.

We urge all Khmer compatriots to take part in support of our territorial integrity and to show our concerns to all victims of land losses.
Thank you,

The Secretariat, SRP-NA

Khmer Rouge prison chief readies for final arguments

noreply@blogger.com (KI Media) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:39:00 +0000

22 November 2009
AFP

PHNOM PENH: Cambodia's war crimes court this week hears final arguments in the trial of the Khmer Rouge prison chief, with Duch expected to apologise for the regime's horrors in a bid to lessen his sentence.

Duch, 67, has repeatedly used the UN-backed court since hearings started in February to publicly ask forgiveness for overseeing the murders of around 15,000 people at the Tuol Sleng torture centre three decades ago.

The former maths teacher is one of five leaders of the brutal communist movement who have been detained by the court but is the only one to have admitted any guilt on charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes.

A verdict in the trial, the first by the tribunal, is not expected until early 2010. Duch - whose real name is Kaing Guek Eav - faces a life sentence in prison because the court cannot impose the death penalty.

"This will be a very meaningful and significant week for the people of Cambodia and the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime who lost their loved ones," tribunal spokesman Reach Sambath told AFP.

"They have waited for so long. Finally peace will be coming close to them."

The Khmer Rouge, led by "Brother Number One" Pol Pot, emptied Cambodia's cities during its 1975-1979 rule, exiling millions to vast collective farms in a bid to take society back to "Year Zero" and forge a Marxist utopia.

Up to two million people were executed in the notorious "Killing Fields" or died from starvation and overwork before a Vietnamese-backed force toppled the regime. Pol Pot died in 1998.

The Khmer Rouge court was established in 2006 after nearly a decade of negotiations between the government and UN, and many more years of civil war in Cambodia following the fall of the regime.

Arguments this week are expected to be shown live on television across Cambodia, and the court said that thousands of people have inquired about coming to the tribunal to watch from behind bullet-proof glass.

Prosecutors have tried to portray Duch, who was captured in 1999, as a meticulous executioner who built up a huge archive of photos, confessions and other evidence documenting inmates' final terrible months.

But the trial's format has allowed Duch to comment on all testimony and repeatedly give his own version, portraying himself as a terrified bureaucrat who performed his duty out of fear leaders would kill him and his family.

"I tried to survive on a daily basis, and that's what happened. And yes, you can say I am a cowardly person," Duch told the court in September.

Duch, a born-again Christian, has rejected several allegations he personally tortured and executed prisoners, and also denied prosecution assertions he played a key role in the Khmer Rouge leadership.

"The civil law system gave Duch far more time speaking out loud in the court than any other player. That gave him a huge advantage over any of the other parties," said Heather Ryan, who monitors the court for the Open Society Justice Initiative.

His defence has indicated it hopes his contrite testimony will earn him a reduced sentence, pointing to a similar defence used by Hitler's main architect, Albert Speer, at the Nuremberg trials after World War II.

The tribunal itself has meanwhile faced continued controversy during the trial.

There have been claims that Cambodian staff paid kickbacks for their jobs, while Prime Minister Hun Sen has opposed pursuing more suspects on the grounds that it could destabilise the country.

The court has also been hit by the early departure of prosecutor Robert Petit, who cited family reasons for resigning in July, and claims investigating judge Marcel Lemonde prefers evidence biased against accused leaders.

The other Khmer Rouge members awaiting trial are "Brother Number Two" Nuon Chea, former head of state Khieu Samphan, ex-foreign minister Ieng Sary and his wife Ieng Thirith, who was the minister of social affairs.

Most Cambodians have welcomed the idea that Duch at least partially confessed in the court, which is seen as the last hope to deal with Khmer Rouge crimes - but few are ready to forgive his past.

"Duch is like a piece of white paper - when it is stained with black ink, it cannot be totally cleaned," said Bou Meng, who is one of the handful who survived Tuol Sleng because his artistic skill was deemed useful to the regime.

The opposition points to the East

noreply@blogger.com (KI Media) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:30:00 +0000

By Pen Bona
Cambodge Soir Hebdo
Translated from French by Luc Sâr

Sam Rainsy lost his parliamentary immunity on Monday 16 November for inciting Svay Rieng villagers to uproot demarcation stakes along the Vietnamese border. His message was clear: Hanoi stole Cambodian lands.

“It’s not because we have border disputes with Thailand along the west that we should forget our eastern border with Vietnam.” That was the message that the opposition leader sent to his compatriots at a time when all the news media are focused on the border dispute in the Preah Vihear area. To Sam Rainsy, Cambodia “lost a portion of its territory to the benefit of Vietnam,” however, according to him, the government did not react with the same tenacity it did against the Thai government.

On 25 October, during a Kathen procession he led to Wat Ang Romdenh Pagoda, located in Svay Rieng province, Sam Rainsy travelled to a village neighboring with Vietnam. With the help of a small group of villagers, he uprooted demarcation stakes. To Sam Rainsy, these stakes are located “inside Cambodian territory” and they encroach on rice fields belonging to local villagers.

However, for the government and the provincial authorities, Sam Rainsy’s initiative seriously compromised the work performed by [Var Kim Hong’s] committee in charge of border dispute resolution with Hanoi and the latter did not take long to react. Nguyen Tan Dung, the Viet PM, asked that measures be taken against Sam Rainsy so that such initiative will never take place in the future, and that the relationship between the two countries would not suffer from it.

Meanwhile, the Svay Rieng authorities sued the opposition leader at the provincial court, accusing him of “destroying public properties.” On Monday 16 November, Sam Rainsy who is currently in France, saw his parliamentary immunity lifted in order to allow the court to consider his lawsuit case.

Unconditional reaction

On the same day, about 100 opposition activists gathered in front of the National Assembly to protest the decision by the parliament which is dominated by the CPP MPs. “Sam Rainsy did not commit any mistake. He only protected the country’s interests,” a 50-year-old woman shouted. “We are sad and ashamed to see our National Assembly making such a decision,” Yim Sovann, SRP MP and SRP spokesman, indicated. “This is the proof that our institution is not protecting the territorial integrity of Cambodia,” he added.

In a joint communiqué, 26 SRP MPs firmly protested the lifting of their leader’s immunity. “This action violates our country’s Constitution and it shows that the Cambodian government is only putting in application the orders issued by the Vietnamese government,” the MPs said.

The SRP MPs took the opportunity to remind the elected officials the oath they took when they started their duty: “Each elected official swears in front of the King and the representatives of the monks to protect the country’s territorial integrity,” they underscored. “Under this context, Sam Rainsy, as a MP, is only showing his solidarity with the farmers who were victims of land-grabbing by the Vietnamese authorities.”

Furthermore, Chan Savet, an investigator for the Adhoc human rights group, deplored the fact that the National Assembly made its decision without prior investigation. “The lifting of a MP’s parliamentary immunity is a serious issue and it cannot be decided in such an abrupt manner. Furthermore, the MPs have other issues more important that this to resolve,” Chan Savet said.

As for Sam Rasinsy, he issued a communiqué in which he presented himself as “a messenger and spokesman for the people” that the government intends to destroy.

Unacceptable provocation

During a press conference organized on Monday 16 November at the Council of Ministers office, Var Kim Hong, chairman of the committee in charge of border dispute resolution, called Sam Rainsy’s initiative as being “serious and unacceptable provocation.” “He uprooted posts installed by experts from both countries, before taking them to Phnom Penh. It is an act that is against the law,” he told reporters.

An upset Var Kim Hong added that Sam Rainsy’s initiative could legitimize the border demands made by Abhisit Vejjajiva, Thailand’s PM, in the Preah Vihear area. “Sam Rainsy’s actions through his contest against the eastern border agreements, are comparable to the claims made by Abhisit in the west,” Var Kim Hong barked.

According to Var Kim Hong, border delimitation with Vietnam is a long process. “At the start, we projected to complete this work within 2009, but for now, we are more leaning toward 2012,” he explained while stressing that, as Khmer, he tried as best to protect the Kingdom’s territorial integrity.

Lack of information

Border issues remain a sensitive topic for Cambodians. For more than one year, the government never ceases to react with virulence to the territorial protests made by Bangkok. Most of the time, Cambodians support their leaders on this issue, but the Phnom Penh regime remains tight-lip when it comes to the border with Vietnam. Committees from both countries worked for several years to jointly install border posts, but some experts are doubting their work. “I wrote to Samdach Heng Samrin, the president of the National Assembly, to set up a joint committee of experts to check on the spot the installation of border posts with Thailand and Vietnam. But, I never receive any reply to that,” Phnom Penh SRP MP Son Chhay deplored.

On his end, Var Kim Hong denied that he is hiding information. According to the latter, the opposition MPs can follow up on the work under the reservation that they respect the agreed upon procedures. “I already spent 4 hours in front of the MPs to tell them about the current negotiations with Vietnam,” Var Kim Hong claimed. Nevertheless, to independent observers, a better communication between the government and the opposition should help ease the tension.

The eternal confrontation

noreply@blogger.com (KI Media) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:27:00 +0000

By Pen Bona
Cambodge Soir Hebdo
Editorial
Translated from French by Luc Sâr

Thrice upon a time … Sam Rainsy again lost his parliamentary immunity. Such a misfortune befell upon him twice earlier already since he earned his seat at the National Assembly. On Monday 16 November, 87 CPP, NRP and Funcinpec voted for the lifting of his parliamentary immunity. The reason for this lifting: the Svay Rieng authorities blamed the opposition leader of uprooting six posts representing the new border posts between Cambodia and Vietnam. Sam Rainsy acted in this manner because he believed that this new delimitation was perpetrated to the detriment of Cambodia. He was thus obliged to uproot these posts so that Cambodia would not lose a piece of its territory.

On the other hand, the CPP is of a different opinion on the event. For the ruling party, the SRP chief had once again showed that his activism only resulted in damages.

The border issue is sensitive, as well as complicated for Cambodia. Going from the Angkorian splendor to a tiny kingdom that it is right now can explain the suspicion that the Cambodian people have on this issue, and thereby Sam Rainsy’s attitude.

Nevertheless, this chapter shows once more the complete absence of dialogue between the CPP and the opposition party. The two camps are not making any effort to understand one another, nor are they finding a middle ground. The SRP does not give much credit to the government for resolving the border issues with Vietnam to the best interest of Cambodia. As a Cambodian saying goes: “Pure gold fears no fire,” literally, this means that if the government works appropriately on this issue, it has nothing to hide. If the parliament minority were to be convinced of the efficiency of the ruling party, then most likely, Sam Rainsy would not have to uproot these stakes in Svay Rieng.

The perpetual misunderstanding between the CPP and the SRP explains the fact that the former is doing whatever it wants because of its prevailing position, whereas the latter can only resort to provocation to make itself heard. The confrontation is thus unavoidable and the law of the strongest prevails. The way things work does not lead to anything good and it only contributes to hurt the public image of the politicians in the eyes of the voters, as well as in the eyes of the international community.

Cambodia at the brink of self-suicide

khmeryoung@gmail.com (Khmer Young) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 06:10:00 +0000

Look, both Sam Rainsy and people in Kompong Thom are experiencing the same thing: Hun Sen government has cornered them, but when they are trying to escape they are tried by that fake judiciary. Sam Rainsy has been bullied by the majority of assembly, as well as those 7 handicap farmers who are jailed now.

So, it makes sense that both Sam Rainsy and those handicap farmers have to accept to what CPP government imposed them to do. Whenever they try to wake up and fight, they will be judged and jailed by "a very ridiculous court". Both Sam Rainsy and those handicap farmers are fighting against the interests of Vietnamese people. Note, I am saying this I might be also accused of racism, destroying public asset and perpetrating national security by Chheam Yeab, Kannaridh, Var Kimhong or Phay Siphan etc.

Op-Ed: Khmer Young

Today, after listened the "public forum" of Radio Free Asia, I can see that H.E.Var Kimhong is strongly standing in his point indicated the crisis war between the "technical work" and "the Cambodian farmers". According to H.E. Var Kimhong, the map showed that Cambodian farmers have encroached Vietnam's territorial land.

Look at the responding letter of Cambodia's three elites: Chea Sim, Heng Samrin and Hun Sen, the explanation is the same to what H.E.Var Kimhong has fought with call-in Cambodians in the radio forum.

Yes, if I am not intoxicated, the recent moves of Hun Sen government is to honor and offer some special gift/dowry to Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet. Mr.Triet's present in Cambodia is coinciding of:

Main opposition leaders was shamelessly bullied by the majority of Cambodian assembly to torment him of his brave to defend Cambodian farmers at the border.
Cambodia took a wrong step to expectedly use Thaksin to fight against Abhisit or we can say to worsen relationship between Cambodia and Thailand, so that Vietnam can pursue free ride over Cambodia.
The proposal of former King Norodom Sihanouk to the government elites to physically check the dispute land, particularly, the Cambodian farmers lamentation, has been twisted and dragged into political conflict between CPP and SRP by those three key leaders.
Mr. Triet has been enjoying win-win game over Cambodia by using Cambodians to bang Cambodians, and he is expecting to compromise in order to show to Cambodian people that Vietnam is so kind in mediating and solving all conflicts in Cambodia including saving lives from Pol Pot regime. Very interesting right!!
Cambodian amputees at Kompong Thom are fighting against giant of CPP now. Those amputee farmers will not loss only their farm lands, but they are facing with judicial mechanism of CPP government.
This judiciary tool has been used very effective by Vietnam to lure Chea Sim, Heng Samrin and Hun Sen via many unequal treaties. Now, Hun Sen government is using this judicial system to try Cambodian people who are being cornered. They have no choice to fight back the injustice, only one way they can choose is to express their outrage burst. But their outraging become a good chance for Hun Sen government to jail them...Very interesting right!!

Watch Video of Cambodian farmers in Kompong Thom who are fighting against powerful giant:

Look, both Sam Rainsy and people in Kompong Thom are experiencing the same thing: Hun Sen government has cornered them, but when they are trying to escape they are tried by that fake judiciary. Sam Rainsy has been bullied by the majority of parliament, as well as more than 7 handicap farmers are jailed now.

So, it makes sense that both Sam Rainsy and those handicap farmers have to accept to what CPP government imposed them to do. Whenever they try to wake up and fight, they will be judged and jailed by "a very ridiculous court". Both Sam Rainsy and those handicap farmers are fighting against the interests of Vietnamese people. Note, I am saying this I might be also accused of racism, destroying public asset and perpetrating national security by Chheam Yeab, Kannaridh, Var Kimhong or Phay Siphan etc.

However, I would like to bring your attention to this very important trick that: first Vietnam cornered Chea Sim, Heng Samrin and Hun Sen to sign treaties. Later, Vietnam has transformed those treaties into action by imposing them to sign supplemental border treaty in 2005. This supplemental border treaty is not about to request Vietnam to give Khmer the actual international water boundary like Var Kimhong claimed, but the key purpose behind is to put Chea Sim, Heng Samrin and Hun Sen into a very effective judicial court.

Watch vedio clip while Sam Rainsy defended the interests of Cambodian farmers:

But it is joyful for Chea Sim, Heng Samrin and Hun Sen who are not moving like Sam Rainsy and those handicap farmers in Kompong Thom.

King Sihamuni highly values the relationship between Cambodia and Vietnam by neglecting the cry of Cambodian farmers at the border
Key leaders: Chea Sim, Heng Samrin and Hun Sen cordially condemns Sam Rainsy of provoking situation for political benefits by neglecting the actual situation of Cambodian farmers at the border.
Mr.Nuyen Tan Dong didn't want Sam Rainsy presenting in Cambodia during the visit of Mr.Triat.

Sam Rainsy is facing no policy choice in handling with Vietnam and political monopolization of Hun Sen. His minor assembly members and lacking resources have imposed him to draw media attention and population awakening. But how media attention and population awakening can be lasted, if the core policy and action plan for future goal of SRP has not been innovated and effectively implemented?

Again, government under Hun Sen leadership has been ready to fight against with all Khmers any time according to their blind in wealth, power, arrogance, stubbornness, ignorance, entitlement, and drunkard of womanization, alcohol and gambling etc.

The current situation shows that Cambodia is not different from Khmer Rouge regime who are good only in fighting, jailing and killing with Cambodians. The destiny of Cambodia possibly heads to demise under current arrogant policy of CPP:

Using biased media to instill fear, ignorance and political popularization
Intoxicating Cambodian people with such unproductive mass media. Note: politics is about media, if you don't have media is like you work without having hands
Using majority of assembly to bully and amputate opponent without focusing on building the nation
Using politically motivated judicial system to favour the powerful, the rich, the elites and the tycoons etc
Constantly operating the politics of division and taming our own race but value foreigner by jailing or threatening anyone who dare criticize Vietnam
Creating the political climate of distrust among Cambodian people towards their higher authority of the government. People of Cambodia have gradually distrusted the judicial system of Cambodia. For instance, what is happening of the people in Kampong Thom go to the forest and carry guns to fight against the authority and that fake court?

Hun Sen government, SRP and Cambodian people need to envision the right view and right understanding now!!!

KY

Feng Shui expert foretold Thailand faces turmoil in the "Year of Tiger"

khmerization@gmail.com (Khmerization) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:42:00 +0000

By Khmerization

A Thai Feng Shui expert has foretold that in the Year of Tiger (2010) Thailand will face political turmoil and Prime Minister Abhisit will be toppled from powers while luck and fortunes will come on the way of fugitive ex-Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra, reports Koh Santepheap.

A week ago, Mr. Soraccha Mulyu, another Thai famous fortune-teller, predicted that in 2010 Thailand will face misfortunes. Cambodia and Thailand will fight a bloody battle where many Thais will be killed by Cambodian soldiers.

The Feng Shui expert also foretold that Mr. Thaksin will face danger in the first three months of the Year of Tiger if he is not careful. He said Mr. Thaksin's zodiac sign is good that makes it possible for his return to Thailand or setting up his base along the Khmer-Thai borders such as in Koh Kong becaase in the Year of Tiger Cambodia will become more powerful and influential which can order Mr. Thaksin to cause choas and turmoil in Thailand like 60 years ago.

The Feng Shui expert predicted that February, June and October (2010) the political turmoil in Thailand will reach boiling point that will lead to a big change. The government will not be able to sustain the turmoil and two important persons in the government (Abhisit and Kasit?) will be toppled from powers in the middle of the year.

The expert predicted that the government can only survive the turmoil if it moves the central government administration and offices to a new place, preferably Phitsanoulok (Chiangmai), because it has a good Feng Shui. In the past Mr. Thaksin and Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda (king's chief advisor) have used Phitsanoulok as their headquarters because the present government office building has a U-shape which, according to Chinese Feng Shui, looks like a person with their hands being handcuffed behind their back. The other two government office buildings location is a bit isolated from the main building and their isolation, according to Feng Shui, makes government's powers unsecured and untenable. As such, the government must move its headquarters and administration offices to a new place.

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter in Cambodia ... under the watchful eyes of Sok An and Annie Sok An?

noreply@blogger.com (KI Media) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:39:00 +0000

Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter cuts a ribbon next to his wife Rosalynn Carter (2nd R) as Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Council of Ministers Sok An (L) and his wife Annie Sok An (R) look on during the inauguration of the New Life Community at Oudong village in Kandal province, 50 km (31 miles) north of Phnom Penh, November 21, 2009. Sok An and the former U.S. president on Saturday officially opened the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project in Kandal province where 21 houses were built for poor Cambodians. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter applauds after cutting a ribbon next to his wife Rosalynn Carter (2nd R) as Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Council of Ministers Sok An (L) and his wife Annie Sok An (R) look on during the inauguration of the New Life Community at Oudong village in Kandal province, 50 km (31 miles) north of Phnom Penh, November 21, 2009. Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister Sok An and the former U.S. president on Saturday officially opened the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project in Kandal province where 21 houses were built for the poor Cambodians. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter waves while talking with volunteers at Oudong village in Kandal province, 50 km (31 miles) north of Phnom Penh, November 21, 2009. Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister Sok An and the former U.S. president on Saturday officially opened the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project in Kandal province where 21 houses were built for poor Cambodians. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter speaks at the inauguration of the New Life Community at Oudong village in Kandal province 50 km (31 miles) north of Phnom Penh, November 21, 2009. Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister Sok An and the former U.S. president on Saturday officially opened the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project in Kandal province where 21 houses were built for the poor Cambodians. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

Government challenges Sam Rainsy to show maps to find the truth

khmerization@gmail.com (Khmerization) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:38:00 +0000

By Khmerization

The Cambodian government has challenged opposition leader Sam Rainsy to show maps of Vietnmam's encroachments on Cambodian borders, after he accused the government of allowing Cambodia's neighbour (Vietnam) to encroach on significant portions of Cambodian territories in the last 30 years, report Khmer Sthapana.

On 19th of November, Mr. Rainsy had released a statement accusing the Cambodian government of failing to protect Khmer territories."Vietnam has been, over the last 30 years, grabbing thousands of square kilometres of Khmer territories in Kep, Kampot, Takeo, Kandal, Prey Veng, Svay Rieng, Kampong Cham, Kratie, Mondolkiri and Ratanakiri provinces. This is an ongoing painful process that Mr. Hun Sen does not want us to look at. But we can’t help seeing the tears and hearing the cries of countless Khmer farmers who are losing their rice fields and other farmland to Vietnam as I have recently witnessed in Svay Rieng province", the statement said.

However, government spokesman Khieu Kanharith (pictured) flatly rejected Mr. Rainsy's accusations and challenged him to show on the maps where the encroachments had occurred.

Duch trial brings justice?

noreply@blogger.com (KI Media) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:34:00 +0000

Nov 22, 2009
AFP

PHNOM PENH - THE trial helped them confront their Khmer Rouge jailer, but as final arguments take place this week at Cambodia's war crimes court, survivors of Tuol Sleng prison are unsure it will bring justice.

Since proceedings began in February against the former prison chief Duch, he has repeatedly expressed 'regret and heartfelt sorrow' for overseeing the torture and execution of some 15,000 people during the late 1970s regime.

Duch, whose real name is Kaing Guek Eav, also apologised directly in court to the few inmates whose lives he spared. But those survivors told AFP they remain anxious about the result in the UN-backed tribunal's first case.

'I cannot say we have succeeded emotionally yet,' said Vann Nath, whose life was spared when he was put to work painting portraits of regime leader Pol Pot. 'I am waiting to see what level of justice the court will render to us,' said the 65-year-old renowned artist.

Duch, 67, was arrested a decade ago when he was discovered working at a Christian aid agency in western Cambodia. He has said he would accept stoning as punishment. But the maximum sentence that can be imposed is life in prison.

Under the court, which is using both international and national law, Duch has not entered a formal plea on specific charges. The court will rule early next year which charges he is guilty of and sentence him, for example war crimes or crimes against humanity.

"Machoreach" a Poem in Khmer by Son Samrach

noreply@blogger.com (Visam) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:04:00 +0000

Khmer Rouge Tribunal Asked to Define Victim Reparation

noreply@blogger.com (Socheata) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 03:39:00 +0000

By Kong Sothanarith, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
20 November 2009

The Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee (CHRAC) and a London-based rights group, Redress, urged the Khmer Rouge Tribunal on Friday to show respect for the principle of reparation and make funds available for the regime’s survivors.

The groups insist on having victims participate in the discussions about reparations with the court, and that judges should issue an order about reparations and explain ways to find funds for it.

“We want to know clearly from the Khmer Rouge tribunal regarding the reparation,” said Hang Chhaya, director of Khmer Institute for Democracy and coordinator of the CHRAC.

But Reach Sambath, head of public affairs of UN-backed court, said the court is not yet in a position to thoroughly review the issue of reparation.

“The court is now working on Duch’s case,” he said, referring to case 001 against a notorious former Khmer Rouge prison chief. “And that issue has not been discussed in details yet.”

"Kom Tha Tor Tov Teat!" Op-Ed by Angkor Borei News

noreply@blogger.com (Visam) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:04:00 +0000

" Up to now, not a single Cambodian farmer had lost their rice field yet" (sic!): Shameful and obscene lies by the 3 Hanoi stooges

noreply@blogger.com (Socheata) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:19:00 +0000

Hanoi stooges (from left to right): Heng Xamrin, Chea Xim and Hun Xen (Photo: AP)

Click on the letter in Khmer to zoom in

Unofficial translation from Khmer by Socheata

Kingdom of Cambodia
Nation – Religion – King

To His Majesty King Norodom Sihanouk
Hero-King and Father of Khmer Independence, Territorial Integrity and National Unity

Revered Majesty,

We already received your letter dated 10 November 2009 as well as the attachment letter by H.E. Sam Rainsy dated 07 November 2009.

We praise you and deeply thank you for your patriotism and your love for the people who are your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Regarding the letter by H.E. Sam Rainsy, we ask your highest authorization to report the following:

As your Majesty is already informed, the land border between the kingdom of Cambodia and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam have been agreed upon by both countries through the 1985 treaty and the 2005 Supplemental Border treaty, and the two countries have already ratified the above treaties. Only the border area in Dak Dam-Dak Hout located in Mondulkiri province has been agreed by both countries to be resolved in the future.

The remaining work is the installation of border posts and border delimitation on the actual ground, and the joint technical group from both countries is currently conducting this operation. The two sides are determined to complete the border delimitation and border post installation works by the end of 2012.

The border post installation and border delimitation are truly technical work. This is contrary to the untruthful and baseless claim made by Mr. Sam Rainsy in his letter, both the Cambodian and Vietnamese border committees and technical groups consist of equal number of members. Furthermore, this work is very difficult as each side does not allow the other side to gain land through alarming technical violation at all. That is why this work requires lengthy time and uses large amount of material, technique and perseverance.

Furthermore, the installation of border posts and border delimitation are conducted based on maps that your Majesty has deposed at the United Nations in 1964. In spite of the highly technical method used, the border delimitation according to the map and the actual land occupation are not the same, this is why in some areas, the border line is moved into an area occupied by the other side, and this leads to problems for the border committees from both countries to agree with each other.

Up to now, not a single Cambodian farmer had lost their rice field yet because the joint technical group is still working on planting the border posts only and they have not delimited the border yet. Both sides did not prevent farmers on both sides to stop their farming work.

What Mr. Sam Rainsy raised as border problem between Cambodia and Thailand, which had been resolved at the base level already, is not only an invention to create a problem to cheat the public and attract popularity for himself and his party, but also a desire to annoy the Royal Government and all our population who are involved in resolving another difficult problem consisting of the Siamese aggression along the western border.

May your Majesty accept our highest respect.

May Buddha, the angels protecting the king and the magic objects in the world eternally protect King-Father and Queen-Mother.

Done in Phnom Penh 16 November 2009

From us,

(Signed) Chea Sim, Hun Sen, Heng Samrin

Land dispute against the Yuon Tinh Bien company in Kampong Thom

noreply@blogger.com (Socheata) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:34:00 +0000

We live like in jail: Kampong Thom villagers

Treaty Signed Under The Guns

noreply@blogger.com (Socheata) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:27:00 +0000

Vietnamese occupation troops in Cambodia

Friday, November 20, 2009
Op-Ed by Anonymous

I listened to His Excellency Var Kim Hong's explanation on the border issue with keen interest. What got me thinking most was the way he based his committee's works around the signed treaty of 1985, between a Vietnamese installed regime, signed under barrels of the guns and only to be re-signed again in 2005. Here right away, one should understand that we start this process from negative - some lands along the border had already been initially signed away to Vietnam since that 1985 deal.

The Cambodian people must demand that treaty of 1985 be trashed. This particular treaty is not legit since it was signed under occupation of 275,000 Vietnamese troops. This government at the time was not legitimate, or ever recognized by the United Nations. Therefore, the treaty is a one-sided story. Unfortunately, as a result of such illegal act, Cambodians along the border areas have already lost much of their productive land to Vietnam. Case in point, just listening to the actual people and victims of land loss who called in to point out areas and villages that ceeded to Vietnam since January 7, 1979. For example, Mr. Sothea from Kompong Cham called in to point out to His Excellency Var that there were land losses at sruk Meh Muth in Phum Che Kech, Prek Sla and Chrok Kreng due to Vietnam encroachment policy. In this recent event in Chantrea district, the government still continues to deny the facts even when poles were planted deep inside the land of our farmers. You can hear the pleas and testimonies on RFA from the victims themselves, but not in the eyes and ears of this highly pro-Vietnam government. What more do Mr. Var needs to hear or see in order to know that Cambodian farmers along the border are being subjected to Vietnamese aggressive policy of land's confiscation?

When asked about old map, old treaty of independence, Mr. Var Kim Hong pointed out that there are some issues with map selections in applying to his works. He questioned to a certain extend the validity and viability of the French maps recorded during and after Cambodia's independence of 1953. He refused to work with a Cambodian expert on border issue, Mr. Seng Peang Se, because Mr. Seng is not part of the government agency. Given the knowledge and expertise of Mr. Seng on the issue, one has to wonder why the government is keeping Mr. Seng out of the process. One because, I am sure Mr. Seng would have pointed out or insisted on where the borderline should be properly marked based on his own past records and understanding. Now, one has to wonder why Mr. Var Kim Hong and his CPP-lead government do not want a Cambodian expert on border issue to be a part of the committee? It seems rather odd for a responsible government to not seek advice of a highly respectable expert and scholar on this issue. The more His Excellency laid out his case in defense of his works, he gave me the impression that we can not trust the French map, but Vietnam's redrawing one. One caller asked, Mr. Poeu Pheap, "Why poles were always allowed to plant deep inside Cambodian territory?"

On the question of the Paris Peace Accord 1991, the government gave very little significance to the signed documents concerning territorial integrty of which Vietnam was one of the signatories. It was just not something can be referred to on this particular matter. The Cambodian government does not want to refer to the 1953's map because in its view that it's not doable since it could create some problems with our neighbors. So, it prefers to continue its appeasement policy while Cambodian farmers along the Eastern frontier continue to face their future of uncertainties as a result of on-going land confiscation.

As I say again and again with conviction and understanding that, when it comes to defending the interests of Cambodians and our nation, Sam Rainsy Party is there. But, when it comes to defending Vietnam's interests and its territorial expansionism policy, you know who or what I am talking about.

One thing that we have be clear is that we do not have any qualms or whatsoever with the people of Vietnam. We do, however, have certained issues related to Vietnam's hegemonic policy as evidently shown in this case of recent land encroachment activities in Chantrea.

Take due measure to deal with Sam Rainsy´s act of sabotage: Yuon PM Nguyen Tan Dung

noreply@blogger.com (Socheata) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:04:00 +0000

Nguyen Tan Dung

Saturday, November 21, 2009
By Sokheoun Pang
Originally posted at: http://sokheounpang.wordpress.com

Nhan Dan News [recently reported] about Yuon PM Dung´s reaction to MP Sam Rainsy:

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

The Son of the Empire: What do you mean by fine relation? You mean by invading Cambodia?

PM Dung, you should know that in March 1964, Cambodia established diplomatic relations with North Vietnam and it recognized Cambodian border existence, but concerning the Cambodian border with the South Vietnam, the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam (NFLSVN), Cambodia should negotiate a border settlement directly with it. Then NFLSVN´s Central Committee’s Declaration dated on 13 May 1967 , confirmed by Letter dated on 6 June 1967 of Mr Nguyen Huu Tho, the President of the Presidium of the Central Committee, officially recognized Cambodian border which in its declaration also recognized the so-called 1939 Brevie Line as maritime border of the two states.

But why now your government refuse to accept the Brevie Line and demand for the equidistance principle? And why do you keep demanding Cambodia to accept the unequal treaties as a negotiation tool like the treaties of 1979, 1982, 1983, and 1985, which signed during your occupation in Cambodia?

In fact, the two countries don´t need those international law violated treaties because the two countries have already had enough treaties, decrees, and conventions added to the 1964 and 1987 Vietnmese declarations to solve the border disputes as long as Vietnam want to be a good neighbors, respect the law, but not a continuing invader. We have like the Boundary Decision dated on 9 July 1870, Convention dated on 15 July 1873, Decree on the Creation Can-Le District dated on 26 July 1893, the Royal Ordinance Regarding Boundary Changes between Cambodia and Vietnam dated on 12 March 1914, Decree Governing the Boundary Between Vietnam and Cambodia dated on 31 July 1914, Decree Reinstating the Province of Darlac in Annam, dated on 30 April 1929, and Decree dated 1935. All of them still have the binding effect today.

So please tell us, PM Dung the invader, is that your fine relationship with Cambodia? Or do you mean your continuing invasion on Cambodian territorial integrity without repecting for her boundary existence which your previous government as well as UN have recognized as a fine relation?

And clearly the border post installation in Chantrea district uprooted by MP Sam Rainsy were completely imposed by Vietnam basing on the illegal 1985 treaty.

With this regard, MP Sam Rainsy doesn’t sabotage the fine relation of the two countries, insteadd his action if you and Hun Sen take it into consideration will be able to stop the already broken fine relations of the two countries that you and Hun Sen have already sabotaged which will continue to affect for the long term until the nex next generation that we the peace lovers reciprocally, reasonably and respectfully don´t want to see it happen.

Now we would like to warn you that such a fine relation that you have claimed and imposed will not be sustainable for a long run, because Hun Sen´s government, your puppet, will not last forever, and we the new generation of Cambodia will surely nullify all those illegal treaties and then we will propose the co-President of the 1991 Paris Conference – France and Indonesia, to create the ad hoc committee in charge of the control and application of the provision of the article 5, subparagraph 1,2,3 and 4 of the Paris Agreement on the protecting the land and the maritime integrity of Cambodia and as the last resort the UN Security Council.

Reminder: PM Dung as a neighbor and in this 21th century you should honour this slogan raised against the war in your country, “Make love not war.”

Cambodia does lose land to Vietnam: Confirmed traitorous sVar Kim Hong

noreply@blogger.com (Socheata) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:50:00 +0000

Saturday, November 21, 2009
By Sokheoun Pang
Originally posted at: http://sokheounpang.wordpress.com

After the his immunity lift, MP Sam Rainsy, released a statement Thursday which stated that Cambodia has lost over 1,000 square kilometers to Vietnam within the past 30 years negatively received a strong reaction from sVar Kim Hong, head of the government Border Committee, who said that the accusation was baseless and exaggerated.

“I wonder where Sam Rainsy got this information from. Cambodia never loses such a whole lot of land to Vietnam,” he said.

However, sVar Kim Hong does recognize that Cambodia, if compared to the colonial Service Geographique de l’Indochine scale map 1/100,000 and the 1985 delimitation treaty, will loses 9,000 hectares; and compared to U.S Army Mapping Service scale map 1/50,000 with the 1985 Treaty, would lose about 7,900 hectares to Vietnam. This statement was confirmed by sVar Kim Hong to Mr. Touch Bora Esq through a telephone conversation on 30 August 2002 at 4:30 p.m. (Sydney time), which Mr. Touch Bora Esq wrote in his letter dated on 9 September 2002 sent to Sam Dach Ta Noroudom Sihanouk concerning over border affairs.

In fact, the loss is absolutely more than the 1000 square kilometers stated by MP Sam Rainsy in his statement, if we add the size of the historical water of 30000 square kilometers awarded to Vietnam under the 1982 Agreement which has been into affect and now already become under the full control of Vietnam. And this would not be the last if the equidistance principle be used to delimit the maritime boundary. Cambodia will lose an additional area of sea and seabed measuring at least 860 square nautical miles from the Brevie Line to the north, analyzed by Mr. Touch Bora Esq or another 10000 square kilometers confirmed by Mr. Sean Pengse, the President of the Cambodian Border Committee Worldwide, which exclusively include another Koh Poula Wai to Vietnam added to the previous invaded islands- Koh Tral (Dao Phu Quoc) and Koh Poulo Panjang (Dao Thu Chu).

Please click here or the map above to view the animation of Historical Water (CBC)

This is why sVar Kim Hong said in front of us, Students´s Movement for Democracy (SMD), and Sam Dach Ta Norodom Sihanouk on 22 Janaury 2000 during our audience with him concerning the border resolution with Vietnam that; “If we want peace, we must sacrifice our flesh to the tiger.” The truth is discovered now that “Sacrifice the flesh to tiger actually means cutting our land to the Viet.” This word was clearly spoken out from his mouth and there were Sam Dach Ta as witness and 31 members of SMD attended where I was also present at the event.

We must condemn this sVar KimHong for his role in helping the traitorous regime of Hun Sen.

Thaksin will never love Cambodia more than his own motherland: Somchai Wongsawat, Thaksin's brother-in-law

noreply@blogger.com (Socheata) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:29:00 +0000

The trio: Hun Xen, Thaksin and Somchai Wongsawat

Somchai: P. Thai will win at next polls

21/11/2009
Bangkok Post

Puea Thai Party would win the forthcoming general elections and become a government again, former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat said on Saturday.

He was making the remark while chairing the opening ceremony of the main opposition party’s coordinating center in Pitsanulok’s Prompiram district.

Mr Somchai said after returning to power, Puea Thai party will pay most attention to settle the poverty problem of Thai people.

He said many countries welcomed and wanted ousted from prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to help them by taking a job as an economic advisor. He did not understand why the appointment of Thaksin as an economic advisor by the Cambodian government created problem between Thailand and Cambodia.

The ex-premier was confident that Thaksin will never love Cambodia more than his own motherland.

“Thaksin wants to help Cambodia as it will also help Thailand at the same time”, Mr Somchai, who is also a brother-in-law of Thaksin, said.

Mrs Yaowapa, Mr Somchai’s wife, said if Puea Thai Party wins at the upcoming polls and becomes a government, her elder brother will definitely be able to return home.

Cambodian PM's daughter to take over CATS

noreply@blogger.com (Socheata) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:25:00 +0000

All in the hands of a family

BANGKOK, Nov 21 (TNA) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen’s daughter plans to hold shares in Thai-owned Cambodia Traffic Air Services (CATS) after the Cambodian government has temporarily taken over management of the firm, according to Dr Panitan Wattanayakorn, deputy secretary-general to the Thai prime minister.

Dr Panitan, also acting government spokesman, confirmed the news report that Cambodian leader's daughter is planning to hold shares in CATS.

The plan followed confirmation by the Cambodian government of its temporarily assuming control of the management of the country's air traffic control company following the arrest of CATS employee Siwarak Chutipong on charges of espionage.

Tekreth Samrach, a deputy minister of Cambodia’s Council of Ministers, said in Phnom Penh Friday that his government acted against CATS for the sake of national security and for flight safety. Nine other Thai employees of the company were also banned from the workplace.

Meanwhile, Chawanon Intarakomalsut, the Thai Foreign Minister’s secretary, said in Bangkok that CATS is registered in Hong Kong and it was not possible to determine the identity of its shareholders.

He said, however, it would be difficult for any individual to take over the company, but his ministry would try to assist CATS. So far the company has not requested help.

He said the Thai foreign ministry is studying whether CATS is included in the Thai Cambodian Investment Protection Act as it is registered in Hong Kong.

Dr Panithan said that he did not know whether the company could be protected as other companies registered in Cambodia.

It is up to the company to file a request for the Cambodian government to consider, said Mr Panithan, adding that the firm’s lawyer and Mr Siwarak’s lawyer are different persons.

Referring to the bail request for detained Siwarak, Mr Chawanon said he expected that the process could be completed next week.

Mr Siwarak’s mother could also probably visit her son next week, Mr Chawanon added.

Relations between the two neighbouring countries have been strained after Phnom Penh rejected a formal request from Thailand to extradite Mr Thaksin during his five-day stay in Cambodia, beginning November 10.

The situation deteriorated when ambassadors of the two countries were recalled. Mr Siwarak was apprehended in Phnom Penh on spying charges on November 12 when he was seen releasing flight information on the fugitive former Thai prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra’s, to a Thai embassy official.

Meet the [Thai] go-to guy on Cambodia

noreply@blogger.com (Socheata) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:16:00 +0000

November 22, 2009
By SUPALAK GANJANAKHUNDEE
THE NATION

The Thai news media's go-to guy for information about the current row with Cambodia isn't a career diplomat but one of those rare politicos who most people feel they can trust.

Chavanond Intarakomalyasut accepts all reporters' phone calls, whether the questions are about the perils of Phnom Penh or any other issue involving the government or opposition.

He's secretary to Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, and speaks on his behalf and sometimes for the ministry itself in the absence of the customary spokesman, Information Department Director General Wimon Kidchob, a civil servant.

Chavanond is a political appointee of the ruling Democrats, who have him assisting the minister in running foreign affairs.

The assistance takes many forms. Chavanond both helps organise routine programmes and serves as a buffer against opposition attacks on the minister.

Kasit is outspoken in his own right, and as such a ready target. Chavanond takes some of the political bullets so that Kasit can get on with more important work.

"As secretary and spokesman, it's my duty to defend him," he says. "And when the ministry's civil-servant spokesman is not in a position to speak, it becomes my job."

Chavanond was never trained in political communications. He earned a BA in business management at Mahidol University, then attended Yale to extend his master's degree in economics and environmental-resource management.

Originally a planner at the National Economic and Social Development Board, Chavanond handled the think tank's agriculture policy for six years before trying to jump into politics.

He says he learned much at the agency about the country's development and realised he could help more as a politician.

It wasn't unfamiliar territory. His grandfather, Yos Intarakomalyasut, represented Nakhon Ratchasima province in Parliament more than half a century ago, and in 1986 his father Manasak was elected to the post.

"I chose the Democrats," Chavanond says, "because I have faith in the party and admire Abhisit Vejjajiva. He's really my inspiration."

In 2004, at age 30, he contested Bangkok's Chatuchak constituency, but Thaksin Shinawatra's Thai Rak Thai Party was then at the peak of its power.

Defeated at the polls, Chavanond returned to the civil service, this time at the Ministry of Natural Resources, and put his college education to good use.

At the same time he worked part-time for the party, and when Abhisit led the Democrats to power a year ago, he selected staff members to fill political positions at the ministries.

Chavanond became Kasit's secretary at the Foreign Ministry, initially assigned - because of his dual education in economics and the environment - to handle foreign policy on climate change.

He helped the minister prepare papers and a political stance on the issue for presentation at international forums.

Then came Preah Vihear.

Kasit tasked Chavanond with overseeing the complicated dispute over the old Hindu temple on the Cambodian border after the Democrats and People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) objected to Phnom Penh's plan to list it as a World Heritage site.

The PAD demanded that the government take harsh action against Cambodia. It fell to Chavanond to explain the ministry's view and cool things down. He spent a great deal of time researching the temple's history, the vicissitudes of the boundary demarcation and Thailand's relations with its Khmer neighbour.

Cambodia hasn't stopped being a source of grievances since, and Chavanond has kept on top of them all.

Thai reporters have found that the government's spokespeople are the first to speak but often the last to know exactly what's going on. Chavanond is different.

As a secretary to the minister, Chavanond is part of the inner circle, allowed to sit in on the decision-making process at the ministry. He has access to all the pertinent information before he speaks out in public.

And he offers a guarantee: what he tells the public is always based on fact.

Thai engineer case will end soon: Chavalit

noreply@blogger.com (Socheata) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:14:00 +0000

Chavalit advises PM to be careful

21/11/2009
Bangkok Post

Puea Thai Party chairman Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh said on Saturday that he did not believe there was a plot to assassinate Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva as reported by the media, but the premier should not be indiscretion while visiting Chiang Mai.

Asked about the planned mass anti-government demonstrations from Nov 28 to Dec 2 by the United front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), Gen Chavalit said there should be no violence.

“UDD had staged demonstration for several times and learned that using violent maens makes no good to any parties”, Gen Chavalit said.

He confirmed that the mother of the detained Thai engineer, Sivarak Chutiphong, had asked for help from him but he recommended her to directly contact Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban instead.

Gen Chavalit said he had talked with senior persons of Cambodia and believes the Thai engineer case will end soon.

The opposition party chairman insisted that he had no idea about the secret audio clip of Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya ordering a Thai official in Phnom Penh to obtain the flight schedule of ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, as claimed by his party MP.

Thai official confirms Hun Sen's daughter to take over CATS

noreply@blogger.com (Socheata) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:30:00 +0000

BANGKOK, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's daughter plans to hold shares in Cambodia Traffic Air Services (CATS) after the Cambodian government has temporarily taken over management of the firm, a Thai senior official confirmed Saturday.

Panitan Wattanayakorn, Thai acting government spokesman confirmed the news report that Hun Sen's daughter is planning to hold shares in CATS.

Having controlled CATS by the Cambodia government occurs after Siwarak Chothipong, a 31-year-old-Thai man, who worked as engineer at CATS, has been arrested from Nov. 11, according to the arrest warrant of prosecutor of Phnom Penh Municipality Court.

Cambodia has charged Siwarak of having had confidential information affecting Cambodia's national security, a senior Thai official said Wednesday.

According to a news report by the Khmer language newspaper Rasmei Kampuchea, Siwarak spied through copying the letters of flights of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Cambodia and Hun Sen from CATS which has duties to control all flights in country and he sent those reports to Thailand.

Siwarak has been detained in a prison in Phnom Penh since last week as the Thai government is now in the process of seeking a release for him.

Chawanon Intarakomalsut, Thai Foreign Minister's secretary said he expected that the process could be completed next week and the engineer's mother could probably visit her son next week.

He also said it would be difficult for any individual to take over the company, but his ministry would try to assist CATS. So far the company has not requested help.

Panithan said that he did not know whether the company could be protected as other companies registered in Cambodia, and it's up to the company to file a request for the Cambodian government to consider.

Thailand and Cambodia have downgraded their diplomatic relations due to conflict over an appointment of Thaksin as an economic advisor to Cambodia's government and Hun Sen on Nov. 4.

A day after the appointment of Thaksin, the Cambodian government announced recall of its ambassador to Thailand in a move to respond to the Thai government's recall of its ambassador to Cambodia.

Thaksin was ousted by the military coup in September 2006, in accusation of corruption, and has been kept in exile since then. He returned to Thailand in February 2008 to face corruption charges, but he later fled into exile again and was convicted in absentia.

Cham Muslims Homeless After Fire

noreply@blogger.com (Socheata) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:30:00 +0000

Firefighters race to put out flames in the Reussey Keo district of Phnom Penh, Nov. 19, 2009. (RFA)

A fire in Cambodia's capital leaves hundreds of ethnic Muslims homeless.

2009-11-20
Radio Free Asia

PHNOM PENH—Hundreds of ethnic Cham Muslims are now homeless after a fire razed their crowded section of the Cambodian capital.

The blaze erupted early on Nov. 19 in an area dominated by the city's Muslim Cham minority, local police chief Som Bunny said.

Some 300 houses were destroyed in Reussey Keo district, Ly Rossamy, deputy district chief, said.

It lasted from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., she said, adding that an explosion of a cooking gas or electricity in the area may start the fire.

"No one was killed or injured. They all were evacuated," she said. An investigation into the cause is under way.

"Some removed their belongings and went by boat to the other side of the river. Some others moved to the main road."

Although large neighborhood fires are increasingly rare in Phnom Penh, a series of suspicious blazes several years ago destroyed a number of slum areas, forcing tens of thousands to flee.

"Each of us has [lost] hundreds of thousands of dollars," one resident said.

"We lost everything... The firefighters didn't even try to stop it."

Under Secretary of State for Vocational Training Okgna Ousman Hassan, who was at the scene, said fire trucks didn't have sufficient road access to put out the blaze.

Some 240,000 Cham Muslims live in Cambodia, making them about 1.6 percent of the population in the predominantly Buddhist country, according to a recent survey by the U.S.-based Pew Research Center.

Original reporting by Sek Bandith for RFA's Khmer service. Khmer service director: Sos Kem. Executive producer: Susan Lavery. Written for the Web in English by Sarah Jackson-Han.

Thai businesses fear closure of border

noreply@blogger.com (Socheata) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:24:00 +0000

21/11/2009
Bangkok Post

As the Thai-Cambodian media skirmish continues, Thai executives are starting to fear their operations will suffer.

Gamblers are staying away from casinos in Koh Kong and Poipet, while tourist numbers are on the slide. Kasikorn Research Center said the escalating tensions could affect businesses and populations on both sides of the border.

The conflict between the Thai and Cambodian governments recently reached a new and alarming level when both countries withdrew their ambassadors after Cambodia named fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as an economic adviser and refused to extradite him when he visited the country.

But the Thai-Cambodian border remains open so the border trade, which accounts for as much as 80% of bilateral trade, continues as usual.

If the conflict is quickly resolved without either side resorting to force, trade will not be disrupted, said K-Research.

Even a temporary border closure, similar to that caused by the earlier Preah Vihear temple dispute, would only have a limited impact, the researchers said. But a prolonged closure would inevitably damage trade, causing Thai exporters to lose their share in Cambodia's market.

Thai exports to Cambodia last year were worth 67 billion baht, while imports from Cambodia were only 3 billion baht.

Thailand's trade surplus reflects Cambodia's inability to supply its market's demand, while Cambodian consumers are accustomed to imported Thai products such as sugar, beverages, cosmetics, soaps and related products. The Cambodian business sector also relies on imported processed oil and cement.

Thailand is currently the largest exporter to Cambodia, supplying 23% of its imports, followed by Vietnam with 17% and China with 15%.

Like Thailand, Vietnam benefits from close proximity with Cambodia, with significant border trade. Vietnam's exports to Cambodia have soared from US$178 million in 2002 to $1.43 billion last year. The country is now competing directly with Thailand in oil, sugar and cement.

Chinese goods, currently in third place, also have good opportunities for growth due to the strength of the Chinese economy and the development of the logistics system linking China and Asean.

But Cambodia would also face losses from this scenario. Materials and intermediate goods from other countries for its production sector would likely have higher prices due to the logistics costs. Similarly, Cambodian consumers would likely have higher living costs.

Navy chief warns govt on MoU

noreply@blogger.com (Socheata) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:49:00 +0000

21/11/2009
By Wassana Nanuam
Bangkok Post

Navy chief Kamthorn Pumhirun has warned the government to tread carefully with its plan to revoke a memorandum of understanding on the overlapping maritime boundary with Cambodia.

Adm Kamthorn said even though the cabinet has decided to scrap the MoU, the decision will not take effect until it is approved by parliament. The government is seeking parliamentary approval to annul the MoU.

Adm Kamthorn urged all parties concerned to weigh the pros and cons of terminating the MoU carefully.

However, he was confident the Foreign Ministry and three House committees responsible for deliberating the matter will handle it in a professional manner.

"I believe they are professionals and will put the country's interests first. They should know what the advantages and disadvantages are for the country," he said.

The government's move to scrap the MoU is in response to Cambodia's appointment of fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as its economic adviser.

The document was signed in 2001 when Thaksin was prime minister. Its main goal is for the two countries to demarcate territorial waters and jointly explore natural gas and oil reserves in the overlapping area.

Adm Kamthorn said the navy has continued to look after Thai territorial waters and to make sure the disputed maritime area is not violated.

The navy chief said relations between the navies of the two countries have remained healthy. There had been no Cambodian military movements nor any Cambodian navy presence in the waterways, he said.

Defence Ministry spokesman Thanathip Sawangsaeng said the Thai-Cambodia General Border Committee (GBC) will hold its meeting to discuss border issues in Pattaya next Thursday and Friday.

Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon and his Cambodian counterpart Tea Banh will jointly chair the meeting.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said he believed relations between Thailand and Cambodia will return to normal shortly. However, he said the government will not send Thai envoys to Phnom Penh until the Cambodian government reviews its position.

The prime minister said the government is stepping up its efforts to arrange for Simarak na Nakhon Phanom to visit her son Sivarak Chutipong, a Cambodia Air Traffic Services engineer who is being held in a Cambodian prison on charges of spying.

Deputy permanent secretary for justice Thawee Sodsong said he and Suvana Suwannajuta, the director-general of the Liberties and Rights Protection Department, will travel to Cambodia on Monday to visit Mr Sivarak.

Mr Thawee said he will arrange for Mr Sivarak's family members to visit him.

Acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said it will take 10 days for Cambodia to consider whether to grant him bail.

Meanwhile, Democrat Party deputy leader Kraisak Choonhavan has said executives of the English Premier League soccer club Manchester City are planning to expose the failings of Thaksin, its former owner.

Mr Kraisak said the football club had been unhappy with Thaksin's style of running the club, including superstitious practices he brought to the club and his efforts to meddle with the management of the football team. Thaksin bought City in July 2007, 10 months after he was ousted in a military coup. He sold the club to an investment group from the United Arab Emirates in September 2008.