BY SOY SOPHEA
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen promised Friday to improve national defenses, as
his troops prepare to begin joint patrols with Thai soldiers over the disputed border. With these measures in place, a repeat of last week’s fatal clashes should be avoided.
The Prime Minister has made the pledge at a cabinet meeting that included a moment of silence for the three Cambodian soldiers who died this week after gunfights with Thai
troops on disputed land.
“Today our cabinet, with the pride we received from protecting our territory, will discuss draft laws to put the national defense sector on top,” the Premier said, without elaborating
on specific steps.
The Premier made his remarks because Thai and Cambodian soldiers faced off along the border, awaiting joint patrols which senior military officials agreed to in a Thursday meeting. The agreement was aimed at preventing a repeat of Wednesday’s clashes on disputed land near the Preah Vihear temple, a UN heritage site on Cambodian territory and the focus of months of tensions.
Two Cambodian soldiers were killed and seven Thais injured by gun and rocket fire, and a third Cambodian soldier died Thursday of smoke inhalation from repeatedly firing his rocket-launcher.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Cambodia and Thailand Prepare for Border Talks on November 10-12
BY SOY SOPHEA AND REAKSMEY KONG KEA
The next round of border talks will be conducted over two days in Siem Reap province, according to Koy Kuong, Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. He said the meeting later in the week will hopefully produce a fruitful outcome as these are the intentions of the Cambodian delegates, headed by the optimistic Under Secretary of State and it is to be assumed, of his Thai counterparts.
The boundary negotiators from the both sides have fixed a two-day period for the meeting in Siem Reap, November 10 - 11 with a Foreign Ministerial meeting to be held on November 12 in Siem Reap in a bid to end a months-long military standoff, according to Koy Kuong.
Tea Ban, Deputy Prime Minister and Minster of National Defense, said that he is now holding a meeting with all members of the National Committee for the Resolution of Border Disputes (NCRBD) at the Ministry of National Defense in Phnom Penh.
“The meeting has been called to discuss technical aspects and solutions in detail among NCRBD members, prior to leaving for Siem Reap and the Cambodia-Thai Border Talks,” he told the Cambodia Weekly by telephone on November 7.
Shortly after a round of talks failed last month, troops from the two countries clashed in a border firefight on October 15 on disputed land near Cambodia's ancient Preah Vihear temple, at Veal Intry.
Cambodian Prime Ministers Hun Sen and his counterpart Somchai Wongsawat recently discussed the border issue and agreed in principle to a conceptual solution to the issue during bilateral talks that took place quietly on the sidelines of a 43-nation Asian-European submit in China’s capital, Beijing.
Two rounds of emergency talks after the October clashes made little progress, with both sides only agreeing not to fire on each other again, thus maintaining an uneasy truce.
The most recent tensions began in July when the 11th Century Preah Vihear was awarded United Nations World Heritage status, rekindling a long-running disagreement over ownership of the surrounding land.
The next round of border talks will be conducted over two days in Siem Reap province, according to Koy Kuong, Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. He said the meeting later in the week will hopefully produce a fruitful outcome as these are the intentions of the Cambodian delegates, headed by the optimistic Under Secretary of State and it is to be assumed, of his Thai counterparts.
The boundary negotiators from the both sides have fixed a two-day period for the meeting in Siem Reap, November 10 - 11 with a Foreign Ministerial meeting to be held on November 12 in Siem Reap in a bid to end a months-long military standoff, according to Koy Kuong.
Tea Ban, Deputy Prime Minister and Minster of National Defense, said that he is now holding a meeting with all members of the National Committee for the Resolution of Border Disputes (NCRBD) at the Ministry of National Defense in Phnom Penh.
“The meeting has been called to discuss technical aspects and solutions in detail among NCRBD members, prior to leaving for Siem Reap and the Cambodia-Thai Border Talks,” he told the Cambodia Weekly by telephone on November 7.
Shortly after a round of talks failed last month, troops from the two countries clashed in a border firefight on October 15 on disputed land near Cambodia's ancient Preah Vihear temple, at Veal Intry.
Cambodian Prime Ministers Hun Sen and his counterpart Somchai Wongsawat recently discussed the border issue and agreed in principle to a conceptual solution to the issue during bilateral talks that took place quietly on the sidelines of a 43-nation Asian-European submit in China’s capital, Beijing.
Two rounds of emergency talks after the October clashes made little progress, with both sides only agreeing not to fire on each other again, thus maintaining an uneasy truce.
The most recent tensions began in July when the 11th Century Preah Vihear was awarded United Nations World Heritage status, rekindling a long-running disagreement over ownership of the surrounding land.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
UN Calls for Harmonious City Development in Cambodia
By Soy Sophea
The UN agency for Habitat, based in Phnom Penh, has called for harmonious city development in Cambodia especially in Phnom Penh, home to many less well-to-do citizens. The call was made in the occasion of World Habitat Day October 6, with this year’s theme being “Harmonious Cities”.
Another significant threat to harmonious city development today, particularly within the Cambodian context is the concentration of development in Phnom Penh. This has been characterized by inequality of urban redevelopment, forced evictions, improper resettlement planning, insecurity of land tenure for urban poor communities and unhygienic living environments for urban poor communities. This has been the case both in central districts of Cambodia’s cities as well as in the suburban areas. The drive towards real estate development has been purchased at the expense of environmental and social considerations, according to the United Nations Human Settlements Program.
According to preliminary data from the census of 2008, 19.5 percent of Cambodia’s population live in urban areas, with 1,325,700 or nearly 50 percent of them concentrated in Phnom Penh. The majority of national development projects are also concentrated in this city, with some related tourism development projects in Siem Reap and Sihanoukville.
However, the report makes clear that efforts to continue and encourage development and investment in other urban areas apart from Phnom Penh should be considered.
The UN agency said that the urban poor communities constitute around 30 percent of the current population of Phnom Penh. It added that whilst the thousands of migrant factory workers who are sharing tiny rented spaces with unhygienic living conditions around the industrial zone of Phnom Penh are not counted in such surveys. At the same time, there is an increase in the number of informal settlements and urban poor communities in some secondary towns such as Sihanoukville, Battambang, Siem Reap, Kandal, and Poipet. These have sprung up as a result of increased urban economic activity.
The UN Habitat program manager Din Somethearith said October 6 that the gap between the poor and the rich is widening. Given this fact, little heed is paid to the poor when development decisions are made.
He added that Cambodia “…understands the concept but it does not have the technical guidelines to turn the concept into reality.”
He said that his agency is a technical organization and his office is ready to give advice if the government wants to ensure that urban development is achieved without ignoring the needs of the poorer members of society.
Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka, executive director of UN-Habitat, said in a statement to welcome World Habitat Day “We mark World Habitat Day at a time when the majority of the world’s people are living in towns and cities.”
She explained that the theme “Harmonious cities” had been chosen because the process of urbanization is accelerating; this transformation has a direct bearing on the strategies that “we must adopt to attain the Millennium Development Goals. The other historic turning point came when the number of urban slum-dwellers worldwide broke the one billion mark, making it clear that the urbanization of poverty was arguably one of the biggest challenges facing development today.”
She continued, “We need to raise awareness of the problems of rapid urbanization, their impact on the environment and the consequences and challenges of spiraling urban poverty.”
Mann Chhoeurn, Phnom Penh Municipal deputy governor, told the Cambodia Weekly on October 6, 2008 that the Phnom Penh Municipality always pays attention to the poor communities although there is a boom of private investment in the capital. He said that the municipality has plans to develop the city.
“We have done a lot of things to develop our city, and we don’t leave the poor behind,” he said. “We take care of them.”
He was referring to thousands of homes for settlement of the urban poor and the facilities they enjoy within these housing developments.
//
The UN agency for Habitat, based in Phnom Penh, has called for harmonious city development in Cambodia especially in Phnom Penh, home to many less well-to-do citizens. The call was made in the occasion of World Habitat Day October 6, with this year’s theme being “Harmonious Cities”.
Another significant threat to harmonious city development today, particularly within the Cambodian context is the concentration of development in Phnom Penh. This has been characterized by inequality of urban redevelopment, forced evictions, improper resettlement planning, insecurity of land tenure for urban poor communities and unhygienic living environments for urban poor communities. This has been the case both in central districts of Cambodia’s cities as well as in the suburban areas. The drive towards real estate development has been purchased at the expense of environmental and social considerations, according to the United Nations Human Settlements Program.
According to preliminary data from the census of 2008, 19.5 percent of Cambodia’s population live in urban areas, with 1,325,700 or nearly 50 percent of them concentrated in Phnom Penh. The majority of national development projects are also concentrated in this city, with some related tourism development projects in Siem Reap and Sihanoukville.
However, the report makes clear that efforts to continue and encourage development and investment in other urban areas apart from Phnom Penh should be considered.
The UN agency said that the urban poor communities constitute around 30 percent of the current population of Phnom Penh. It added that whilst the thousands of migrant factory workers who are sharing tiny rented spaces with unhygienic living conditions around the industrial zone of Phnom Penh are not counted in such surveys. At the same time, there is an increase in the number of informal settlements and urban poor communities in some secondary towns such as Sihanoukville, Battambang, Siem Reap, Kandal, and Poipet. These have sprung up as a result of increased urban economic activity.
The UN Habitat program manager Din Somethearith said October 6 that the gap between the poor and the rich is widening. Given this fact, little heed is paid to the poor when development decisions are made.
He added that Cambodia “…understands the concept but it does not have the technical guidelines to turn the concept into reality.”
He said that his agency is a technical organization and his office is ready to give advice if the government wants to ensure that urban development is achieved without ignoring the needs of the poorer members of society.
Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka, executive director of UN-Habitat, said in a statement to welcome World Habitat Day “We mark World Habitat Day at a time when the majority of the world’s people are living in towns and cities.”
She explained that the theme “Harmonious cities” had been chosen because the process of urbanization is accelerating; this transformation has a direct bearing on the strategies that “we must adopt to attain the Millennium Development Goals. The other historic turning point came when the number of urban slum-dwellers worldwide broke the one billion mark, making it clear that the urbanization of poverty was arguably one of the biggest challenges facing development today.”
She continued, “We need to raise awareness of the problems of rapid urbanization, their impact on the environment and the consequences and challenges of spiraling urban poverty.”
Mann Chhoeurn, Phnom Penh Municipal deputy governor, told the Cambodia Weekly on October 6, 2008 that the Phnom Penh Municipality always pays attention to the poor communities although there is a boom of private investment in the capital. He said that the municipality has plans to develop the city.
“We have done a lot of things to develop our city, and we don’t leave the poor behind,” he said. “We take care of them.”
He was referring to thousands of homes for settlement of the urban poor and the facilities they enjoy within these housing developments.
//
Prime Minister Calls for Improvements in Education
By Soy Sophea
The Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen appealed to all relevant sides to take action to improve education and recognize the dignity of teachers, during a speech to celebrate Teacher’s Day October 6.
The prime minister’s remarks were made in a statement dated October 1, 2008 to welcome the new study year 2008-2009. The Prime Minister stated, “To show the importance of the day, all schools and education intuitions need to join hands with parents and students to mark the day. Furthermore, students need to be made aware of the importance of Cambodian culture, mutual respect and understanding. They should also remember the work their teachers have done on their behalf and be grateful to them.”
He continued, “I call on education officials, teachers, all levels of authority, monks and national and international agencies, donor countries, the private sector and charitable concerns to keep supporting and developing the education sector.”
Teacher’s Day is an initiative of Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen, who introduced the celebrations back in 1997 to recognize the work that teachers do. Indeed, many students consider them to be their second mother and father. Prime Minister Hun Sen said that he wanted to see Teacher’s Day becoming a firm tradition in the country.
Hem Saly, director of Boeung Trabek High School, told the Cambodia Weekly on October 10 that he appreciated Teacher’s Day as it drew attention to teachers who devoted their time and skill to educate children.
“We [teachers] try our best to educate and advise students to study hard and work hard,” he said. “What we want is to see our students becoming good citizens able to make positive contributions to society.”
Sam Sementa, director of Kampong Speu’s Education, Youth and Sports Provincial Department, told the Cambodia Weekly that his department marked Teachers Day by conducting a welfare ceremony for nearly 100 retired teachers who had spent a lifetime in the education sector.
The Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen appealed to all relevant sides to take action to improve education and recognize the dignity of teachers, during a speech to celebrate Teacher’s Day October 6.
The prime minister’s remarks were made in a statement dated October 1, 2008 to welcome the new study year 2008-2009. The Prime Minister stated, “To show the importance of the day, all schools and education intuitions need to join hands with parents and students to mark the day. Furthermore, students need to be made aware of the importance of Cambodian culture, mutual respect and understanding. They should also remember the work their teachers have done on their behalf and be grateful to them.”
He continued, “I call on education officials, teachers, all levels of authority, monks and national and international agencies, donor countries, the private sector and charitable concerns to keep supporting and developing the education sector.”
Teacher’s Day is an initiative of Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen, who introduced the celebrations back in 1997 to recognize the work that teachers do. Indeed, many students consider them to be their second mother and father. Prime Minister Hun Sen said that he wanted to see Teacher’s Day becoming a firm tradition in the country.
Hem Saly, director of Boeung Trabek High School, told the Cambodia Weekly on October 10 that he appreciated Teacher’s Day as it drew attention to teachers who devoted their time and skill to educate children.
“We [teachers] try our best to educate and advise students to study hard and work hard,” he said. “What we want is to see our students becoming good citizens able to make positive contributions to society.”
Sam Sementa, director of Kampong Speu’s Education, Youth and Sports Provincial Department, told the Cambodia Weekly that his department marked Teachers Day by conducting a welfare ceremony for nearly 100 retired teachers who had spent a lifetime in the education sector.
King Sihamoni leaves for Francophone Conference in Canada
By Soy Sophea
The King of Cambodia, His Majesty Norodom Sihamoni has left His nation to join the 12th summit of Francophone nations. Heads of state from the world’s French speaking nations will join Him in Quebec, Canada.
The King will be absent from his country from the 15th to the 21st of October, according to the King’s message, published October 14 and dated October 11. With the absence of the King, who is the head of state of Cambodia, Senate President Chea Sim is automatically assigned His place as the head of state of Cambodia during His Majesty’s travels.
Cambodia is pleased to number herself among the other Francophone nations, given her history as a former French colony and the cordial links that exist between the two independent nations today.
The King of Cambodia, His Majesty Norodom Sihamoni has left His nation to join the 12th summit of Francophone nations. Heads of state from the world’s French speaking nations will join Him in Quebec, Canada.
The King will be absent from his country from the 15th to the 21st of October, according to the King’s message, published October 14 and dated October 11. With the absence of the King, who is the head of state of Cambodia, Senate President Chea Sim is automatically assigned His place as the head of state of Cambodia during His Majesty’s travels.
Cambodia is pleased to number herself among the other Francophone nations, given her history as a former French colony and the cordial links that exist between the two independent nations today.
Fourth Parliamentary Mandate Kicks off
By Soy Sophea
The newly-elected National Assembly members for the Fourth Parliamentary Mandate have started meeting on September 24, 2008 at the National Assembly. The first meeting was presided over by His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni, the king of Cambodia.
At the ceremony to mark the first official meeting, His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni delivered a royal speech to the 123 newly-elected parliamentarians though it was noted that four of them were absent.
The King said that the first meeting of the fourth mandate presented a new and historic opportunity for the nation’s legislative body.
His Majesty continued, “I strongly believe that all of you will work hard to serve the best interests of the nation by giving top priority to the development of national rather than personal advantage.”
“All laws adopted by parliamentarians are used as a shining guide to help the government take action in developing and defending the nation. We also want to enhance the quality of Cambodian life, making it more prosperous, peaceful and stable; where liberty and respect for human rights are recognized as the source of all authority in the nation,” the King added.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen told reporters after the meeting that the event was a historical landmark for Cambodians as all except four parliamentarians came to join the first event of the fourth parliamentary mandate under the royal presidency of the Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni.
“Today is an auspicious day and I thank King Norodom Sihamoni for His Majesty’s presence at the first meeting of the new parliamentary mandate,” Samdech Techo said. “This [the National Assembly Building] can be considered as a new location for our activities, and the new King’s first official opening of a meeting for the fourth mandate.”
The 123 newly elected members received their mandates following the National Elections held on July 27, 2008. As a result, the ruling Cambodian People’s Party won 90 seats, the Sam Rainsy Party claimed 26 seats, the Human Rights Party three seats, the Norodom Ranariddh Party two seats, and Funcinpec Party two seats.
Following the first meeting of the fourth mandate of the National Assembly of September 24, King Norodom Sihamoni issued a Royal Decree to appoint Samdech Techo Hun Sen the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
The newly-elected National Assembly members for the Fourth Parliamentary Mandate have started meeting on September 24, 2008 at the National Assembly. The first meeting was presided over by His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni, the king of Cambodia.
At the ceremony to mark the first official meeting, His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni delivered a royal speech to the 123 newly-elected parliamentarians though it was noted that four of them were absent.
The King said that the first meeting of the fourth mandate presented a new and historic opportunity for the nation’s legislative body.
His Majesty continued, “I strongly believe that all of you will work hard to serve the best interests of the nation by giving top priority to the development of national rather than personal advantage.”
“All laws adopted by parliamentarians are used as a shining guide to help the government take action in developing and defending the nation. We also want to enhance the quality of Cambodian life, making it more prosperous, peaceful and stable; where liberty and respect for human rights are recognized as the source of all authority in the nation,” the King added.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen told reporters after the meeting that the event was a historical landmark for Cambodians as all except four parliamentarians came to join the first event of the fourth parliamentary mandate under the royal presidency of the Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni.
“Today is an auspicious day and I thank King Norodom Sihamoni for His Majesty’s presence at the first meeting of the new parliamentary mandate,” Samdech Techo said. “This [the National Assembly Building] can be considered as a new location for our activities, and the new King’s first official opening of a meeting for the fourth mandate.”
The 123 newly elected members received their mandates following the National Elections held on July 27, 2008. As a result, the ruling Cambodian People’s Party won 90 seats, the Sam Rainsy Party claimed 26 seats, the Human Rights Party three seats, the Norodom Ranariddh Party two seats, and Funcinpec Party two seats.
Following the first meeting of the fourth mandate of the National Assembly of September 24, King Norodom Sihamoni issued a Royal Decree to appoint Samdech Techo Hun Sen the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
Australia Pledges to Give US $3.3 Million to ECCC
BY SOY SOPHEA
The Australian government has announced its intentions to contribute over $AUS 5 million (about US $3.3 million) to the international side of Khmer Rough Tribunal. The official announcement was made by Stephen Smith MP, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, and obtained by the Cambodia Weekly on October 21.
“I am pleased to announce a further $AUS 5 million for the United Nations (UN) to be used by the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), also known as the Khmer Rouge Tribunal,” said Smith.
He said that the Australian government has been a long-term supporter of Cambodia’s efforts to bring Khmer Rouge leaders to justice.”This new funding will support the United Nations’ contribution to the work of the ECCC over the next two years. Australia has previously provided over $4 million towards the ECCC’s operations,” he mentioned in his statement.According to an agreement between the United Nations and the Royal Government of Cambodia, the ECCC will conduct trials of former Khmer Rouge leaders charged with crimes against humanity during the period of 1975-1979, in which it is estimated that up to three million people perished.In 1997 the then newly formed Cambodian Government requested UN assistance in establishing a trial process to prosecute the senior leaders of the Khmer Rouge. The Cambodian National Assembly in 2001 passed a law to create a Court to try serious crimes committed during the Khmer Rouge regime.However, Australia also urged Cambodia and the international community to intensify their cooperative efforts to ensure that the trials are completed in a timely manner and according to internationally acceptable standards of justice, fairness and due legal process.
Reach Sambath, Press Officer of Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), welcomed the Australian government’s donation to the UN side.
“We are happy to see Australia’s strong commitment as part of the UN family to support the court,” he said. “This generosity will help us find justice for Khmer Rouge victims.”
Former S-21 prison survivor Van Nath welcomed the donation. However, he doubted the amount would make much headway against the ECCC’s financial crisis when he realized that the $ 56.3 million spent so far had proved insufficient.
“My hope was extinguished when the money started running out.” he said. “Time has passed, I am 62 years old and I am not sure when I can expect to see justice.”
While the court was created by the Cambodian Government and UN, the ECCC is an independent body and will provide a new model for court operations in Cambodia.There has been significant progress since the ECCC began its work, with five individuals charged and held in provisional detention awaiting trial. The ECCC provides an historic opportunity to achieve justice for the victims of the brutal Khmer Rouge regime.
The Australian government has announced its intentions to contribute over $AUS 5 million (about US $3.3 million) to the international side of Khmer Rough Tribunal. The official announcement was made by Stephen Smith MP, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, and obtained by the Cambodia Weekly on October 21.
“I am pleased to announce a further $AUS 5 million for the United Nations (UN) to be used by the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), also known as the Khmer Rouge Tribunal,” said Smith.
He said that the Australian government has been a long-term supporter of Cambodia’s efforts to bring Khmer Rouge leaders to justice.”This new funding will support the United Nations’ contribution to the work of the ECCC over the next two years. Australia has previously provided over $4 million towards the ECCC’s operations,” he mentioned in his statement.According to an agreement between the United Nations and the Royal Government of Cambodia, the ECCC will conduct trials of former Khmer Rouge leaders charged with crimes against humanity during the period of 1975-1979, in which it is estimated that up to three million people perished.In 1997 the then newly formed Cambodian Government requested UN assistance in establishing a trial process to prosecute the senior leaders of the Khmer Rouge. The Cambodian National Assembly in 2001 passed a law to create a Court to try serious crimes committed during the Khmer Rouge regime.However, Australia also urged Cambodia and the international community to intensify their cooperative efforts to ensure that the trials are completed in a timely manner and according to internationally acceptable standards of justice, fairness and due legal process.
Reach Sambath, Press Officer of Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), welcomed the Australian government’s donation to the UN side.
“We are happy to see Australia’s strong commitment as part of the UN family to support the court,” he said. “This generosity will help us find justice for Khmer Rouge victims.”
Former S-21 prison survivor Van Nath welcomed the donation. However, he doubted the amount would make much headway against the ECCC’s financial crisis when he realized that the $ 56.3 million spent so far had proved insufficient.
“My hope was extinguished when the money started running out.” he said. “Time has passed, I am 62 years old and I am not sure when I can expect to see justice.”
While the court was created by the Cambodian Government and UN, the ECCC is an independent body and will provide a new model for court operations in Cambodia.There has been significant progress since the ECCC began its work, with five individuals charged and held in provisional detention awaiting trial. The ECCC provides an historic opportunity to achieve justice for the victims of the brutal Khmer Rouge regime.
Cambodia Wants Peace Not War: Hor Namhong
By Soy Sophea
The Royal Government of Cambodia really wants a peaceful resolution to the border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand but warns that Cambodia will not hesitate to respond to hostile actions made by Thailand. This statement was made during a press conference on October 15, by Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
“We want to create a peaceful deal to solve this matter. The Cambodian Government wishes to reiterate its firm commitment to exercising the utmost restraint and to negotiating and working closely with the Thai side to avoid large-scale armed hostilities between the two countries," the Deputy Prime Minister said after Cambodian and Thai soldiers exchanged gunfire during a 2-hour skirmish earlier in the week.
The Deputy Prime Minister claimed, "Thai troops fired first and Cambodia has
the right to defend for Her own territory. I am pleased to report however that the situation on the border appears to have returned to normal.”
Meanwhile, during the clash, Cambodian forces detained 10 Thai soldiers and have provided them with food and shelter, on the orders of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, the minister said.
"We will return the detainees to Thailand, when the Thai government asks us to do so," he added.
A Cambodian commander said on Thursday that 13 Thai soldiers who surrendered during a deadly border shoot-out had been returned to their units, although Thailand denies they were ever in custody.
Major General Srey Deok, commander of Cambodian troop operations in the disputed border area, was quoted as saying they had agreed to release the Thai soldiers after talks on Thursday with senior Thai military officials."We have already handed their weapons back to them," Srey Deok said, adding that the troops had been released and allowed to walk around the disputed area.
However, Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon of the United Nations on Wednesday expressed his deep concern about the exchange of gunfire along the Cambodia-Thailand border and urged the neighbors to exercise "utmost restraint." "The secretary-general is deeply concerned about the exchange of gunfire today along the Cambodia-Thailand boarder and the reported casualties," Ban's spokeswoman Michele Montas was quoted as saying.
Tensions flared July 15 after UNESCO, the U.N. agency, approved Cambodia's bid to have the Preah Vihear temple named a World Heritage Site. Cambodia deployed about 800 troops to the border, and Thailand sent some 400 soldiers.
Two Thai soldiers lost legs earlier this month after stepping on land mines, three days after a brief gunfight broke out between soldiers from the two sides. One Cambodian and two Thai soldiers were wounded. Both sides claimed the other fired first and blamed each other for being on the wrong side of the border.
At a meeting with his visiting Thai counterpart Sompong Amornwiwat, Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation requested Thailand convene an immediate meeting of both nations’ Task Forces to discuss redeployment of the remaining troops from Keo Sikha Kiri Svara pagoda, the withdrawal of Thai troops from TAMONE TOUCH and TAMONE THOM and make the site of TA KRABEY temple a demilitarized zone.
Hor Namhong also proposed meetings for representatives on 21-24 October 2008 in Siem Reap. He called for a meeting of the Cambodian-Thai Joint Commission on Demarcation of Land Boundaries (JBC) between 3-7 November 2008 in Cambodia and a further meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Cambodia and Thailand between 19-20 November in Thailand.
The aim of all these meetings is to push for an early settlement of the overall border problem; however, the Cambodian proposals cannot be confirmed until the Thai National Assembly provides its gives a green light in advance.
The Royal Government of Cambodia really wants a peaceful resolution to the border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand but warns that Cambodia will not hesitate to respond to hostile actions made by Thailand. This statement was made during a press conference on October 15, by Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
“We want to create a peaceful deal to solve this matter. The Cambodian Government wishes to reiterate its firm commitment to exercising the utmost restraint and to negotiating and working closely with the Thai side to avoid large-scale armed hostilities between the two countries," the Deputy Prime Minister said after Cambodian and Thai soldiers exchanged gunfire during a 2-hour skirmish earlier in the week.
The Deputy Prime Minister claimed, "Thai troops fired first and Cambodia has
the right to defend for Her own territory. I am pleased to report however that the situation on the border appears to have returned to normal.”Meanwhile, during the clash, Cambodian forces detained 10 Thai soldiers and have provided them with food and shelter, on the orders of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, the minister said.
"We will return the detainees to Thailand, when the Thai government asks us to do so," he added.
A Cambodian commander said on Thursday that 13 Thai soldiers who surrendered during a deadly border shoot-out had been returned to their units, although Thailand denies they were ever in custody.
Major General Srey Deok, commander of Cambodian troop operations in the disputed border area, was quoted as saying they had agreed to release the Thai soldiers after talks on Thursday with senior Thai military officials."We have already handed their weapons back to them," Srey Deok said, adding that the troops had been released and allowed to walk around the disputed area.
However, Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon of the United Nations on Wednesday expressed his deep concern about the exchange of gunfire along the Cambodia-Thailand border and urged the neighbors to exercise "utmost restraint." "The secretary-general is deeply concerned about the exchange of gunfire today along the Cambodia-Thailand boarder and the reported casualties," Ban's spokeswoman Michele Montas was quoted as saying.
Tensions flared July 15 after UNESCO, the U.N. agency, approved Cambodia's bid to have the Preah Vihear temple named a World Heritage Site. Cambodia deployed about 800 troops to the border, and Thailand sent some 400 soldiers.
Two Thai soldiers lost legs earlier this month after stepping on land mines, three days after a brief gunfight broke out between soldiers from the two sides. One Cambodian and two Thai soldiers were wounded. Both sides claimed the other fired first and blamed each other for being on the wrong side of the border.
At a meeting with his visiting Thai counterpart Sompong Amornwiwat, Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation requested Thailand convene an immediate meeting of both nations’ Task Forces to discuss redeployment of the remaining troops from Keo Sikha Kiri Svara pagoda, the withdrawal of Thai troops from TAMONE TOUCH and TAMONE THOM and make the site of TA KRABEY temple a demilitarized zone.
Hor Namhong also proposed meetings for representatives on 21-24 October 2008 in Siem Reap. He called for a meeting of the Cambodian-Thai Joint Commission on Demarcation of Land Boundaries (JBC) between 3-7 November 2008 in Cambodia and a further meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Cambodia and Thailand between 19-20 November in Thailand.
The aim of all these meetings is to push for an early settlement of the overall border problem; however, the Cambodian proposals cannot be confirmed until the Thai National Assembly provides its gives a green light in advance.
American Natural Fertilizer Introduced to Cambodian Farmers
By Soy Sophea
It takes nearly three months for Chung Say to test a new liquid fertilizer on his three hectares of land devoted to rice farming. Chung Say, 45, a farmer living in Samrong district, Takeo province, said that he was curious to use the new natural fertilizer in order to revitalize his farmland. After eight years of chemical fertilizers is plot is not as bountiful as it once was.
Say said that until now, he had no choice but to dig chemicals into his land as these were all that were available. “I have used chemical fertilizers to the extent that the yield is no longer sufficient to provide a living,” he said. “The time is now right to switch to an organic alternative.”
He said that since he had used Bio One, an American fertilizer, his rice crop had increased to more satisfactory levels. It also made good financial sense as this product costs less than chemical fertilizer.
“I am very happy when I see my farming land improve, especially when this is achieved at a lower price than before,” he said. “I spent only US $33 per hectare on this product compared to the $100 I am used to spending on chemicals.”
The fertilizer is a revolutionary solution to some of the most pressing concerns of world agriculture, is kind to the environment and is economical said Yung Samrok, general manager for Bio One Co. Ltd.
Samrok said that the fertilizer revitalizes farmlands by promoting deep root penetration through improved soil structure. He added that it provides the right environment to nurtures corps, which are healthier and more resilient to environmental elements such insects and drought.
He asserted that Bio One fertilizer is 100 percent natural, concentrated liquid microbial biomass, and it contains a wide variety of free living and naturally occurring soil microbes and their nutrient media. It also has the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, making nitrate available to plants.
He said that each one liter bottle of Bio One is enough to cover one hectare of land using a simple method: one liter of Bio One is mixed with 1,000 liters of water. To this, one kilo of local sugar palm is added and the liquid left to rest for 48 hours. The product has been available in Cambodia since May 2008.
The product has been approved by the Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MoAFF). 160 field tests have also been carried out in Cambodia. These tests have mostly concentrated on provinces where farmlands have been damaged by many years of chemical fertilizer use.
These tests have so far demonstrated that Bio One is the right fertilizer to revitalize and improve Cambodia’s farmland, and increase resistance to disease, insects, and drought. More importantly, Bio One fertilizer makes farming more economical by keeping fertilizer costs down.
However, Sok Chamroeurn, chairman of Cambodian Farmer’s Association, told the Cambodia Weekly that the chemical versus natural fertilizer controversy was a matter of indifference to him. He said that the Mekong River covers his 4,000 hectares of farming land. “I don’t much care about fertilizers because every rainy season the Mekong River gives me the prefect mix of nutrients.”
Chamroeurn added that he would prefer it if the US were to help Cambodia build irrigation systems, rather than exporting fertilizer to Cambodia.
Lim Saody, chief of the Agriculture Marketing Office at the Department of Planning and Statistics at MoAFF, said that even though there were many new chemical and natural fertilizers imported into Cambodia, the price remained high and some Cambodian farmers were unable to afford them.
He said that according to his statistics, the average price of fertilizers in January 2008 was 131,000 riel per 50 kilos. However, in September 2008 the price increased to 215,300 riel per 50 kilos.
It takes nearly three months for Chung Say to test a new liquid fertilizer on his three hectares of land devoted to rice farming. Chung Say, 45, a farmer living in Samrong district, Takeo province, said that he was curious to use the new natural fertilizer in order to revitalize his farmland. After eight years of chemical fertilizers is plot is not as bountiful as it once was.
Say said that until now, he had no choice but to dig chemicals into his land as these were all that were available. “I have used chemical fertilizers to the extent that the yield is no longer sufficient to provide a living,” he said. “The time is now right to switch to an organic alternative.”
He said that since he had used Bio One, an American fertilizer, his rice crop had increased to more satisfactory levels. It also made good financial sense as this product costs less than chemical fertilizer.
“I am very happy when I see my farming land improve, especially when this is achieved at a lower price than before,” he said. “I spent only US $33 per hectare on this product compared to the $100 I am used to spending on chemicals.”
The fertilizer is a revolutionary solution to some of the most pressing concerns of world agriculture, is kind to the environment and is economical said Yung Samrok, general manager for Bio One Co. Ltd.
Samrok said that the fertilizer revitalizes farmlands by promoting deep root penetration through improved soil structure. He added that it provides the right environment to nurtures corps, which are healthier and more resilient to environmental elements such insects and drought.
He asserted that Bio One fertilizer is 100 percent natural, concentrated liquid microbial biomass, and it contains a wide variety of free living and naturally occurring soil microbes and their nutrient media. It also has the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, making nitrate available to plants.
He said that each one liter bottle of Bio One is enough to cover one hectare of land using a simple method: one liter of Bio One is mixed with 1,000 liters of water. To this, one kilo of local sugar palm is added and the liquid left to rest for 48 hours. The product has been available in Cambodia since May 2008.
The product has been approved by the Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MoAFF). 160 field tests have also been carried out in Cambodia. These tests have mostly concentrated on provinces where farmlands have been damaged by many years of chemical fertilizer use.
These tests have so far demonstrated that Bio One is the right fertilizer to revitalize and improve Cambodia’s farmland, and increase resistance to disease, insects, and drought. More importantly, Bio One fertilizer makes farming more economical by keeping fertilizer costs down.
However, Sok Chamroeurn, chairman of Cambodian Farmer’s Association, told the Cambodia Weekly that the chemical versus natural fertilizer controversy was a matter of indifference to him. He said that the Mekong River covers his 4,000 hectares of farming land. “I don’t much care about fertilizers because every rainy season the Mekong River gives me the prefect mix of nutrients.”
Chamroeurn added that he would prefer it if the US were to help Cambodia build irrigation systems, rather than exporting fertilizer to Cambodia.
Lim Saody, chief of the Agriculture Marketing Office at the Department of Planning and Statistics at MoAFF, said that even though there were many new chemical and natural fertilizers imported into Cambodia, the price remained high and some Cambodian farmers were unable to afford them.
He said that according to his statistics, the average price of fertilizers in January 2008 was 131,000 riel per 50 kilos. However, in September 2008 the price increased to 215,300 riel per 50 kilos.
Friday, October 31, 2008
IFC Pledges More Help for Cambodian Microfinance Projects
BY SOY SOPHEA
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has announced pledges to provide more support for microfinance projects in Cambodia. This will help local institutions expand their business in remote areas. The pledge was made at a signing ceremony between IFC and Angkor Microfinance Kampuchea (AMK) on October 21 in Phnom Penh.
Given the global financial crisis, this news is of particular interest to Cambodia where more than one third of the population lives under the poverty line and where more than 80 percent of population resides in rural areas where unemployment remains a problem.
Lars Thunell, Executive Vice President and CEO of IFC, said that AMK is Cambodia’s largest microfinance institution. He said that with this agreement, the IFC would also be able to offer advice on new strategies and the development of new financial products and services.
“Microfinance institutions have an important role to play in Cambodia, and as various institutions merge together, this roll will become more important. AMK will help extend much-needed services to parts of the country where the need is at its greatest,” he said.
Thunell also said that the IFC has pledged to double its global support for microfinance to over $1.2 billion over the next three years.
Paul Luchetenburg, CEO of AMK, said that the reputation and experience of IFC will be of great support to AMK as it strives to meet the goal of making affordable finance available to as many poor families as possible in Cambodia.
“Cambodia’s registered microfinance institutions are cheaper and more reliable than unregulated money lenders and pawn brokers who charge very high interest rates. We are also accountable to the government and shareholders, ensuring high standards of service, governance, and transparency,” said Luchetenburg.
He added that to date, AMK has served more than 180,000 clients. Much of this service provision has been in remote and rural areas not covered by other MFIs. He said that next year his agency will offer the opportunity for customers to open savings accounts. These will help customers keep track of their hard earned cash, and provide access to cash to lend to other borrowers.
He added that microfinance can improve living standards and it gives micro borrowers the opportunity to use their greater earning potential to pay for better housing, transportation, and more years of schooling for their children.
Tal Nay Im, Director General of the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), said the partnership reflects the commitment of both organizations to reach the deserving people in remote areas. She said that in just ten years, countless families have made the transition from donor dependence to independence. They have served more than 767,015 borrowers with loans amounting to 1,057 billion riel (about USD 257 million).
“We at NBC are very proud of our contribution to the success of Cambodian microfinance,” she said in her speech. “By developing the legal framework for micro finance, we have ensured that MFIs meet the highest accounting and reporting standards.”
The Director stated that with IFC assistance, her agency is developing regulations to allow the establishment of private credit bureaus. This will serve both the banking sector and MFIs enabling them to better assess the risk in lending. She promised that these private credit bureaus, which are expected to be operational for the stock market launches in late 2009, will give banks and MFIs comprehensive information on potential borrowers.
She added, “NBC will continue to enhance the regulatory environment to support a vibrant and diverse microfinance industry. This may include helping MFIs to substantially broaden product offerings so they can better meet the needs of their clientele. At the same time, a key concern of NBC will be ensuring sector sustainability, as we encourage MFIs to remain within the dictates of rational economies of scale.”
In Cambodia, the IFC has made direct investments as well as attracting international capital to the microfinance sector. A good example is IFC’s partnership with ACLEDA which has transformed itself from an NGO into one of the largest commercial banks in the country.
The IFC’s other contributions include providing advisory services and training through the Cambodia Institute of Banking and helping establish and support the Cambodian Microfinance Association. It is also working on important regulatory reform that will allow the sale of micro insurance.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has announced pledges to provide more support for microfinance projects in Cambodia. This will help local institutions expand their business in remote areas. The pledge was made at a signing ceremony between IFC and Angkor Microfinance Kampuchea (AMK) on October 21 in Phnom Penh.
Given the global financial crisis, this news is of particular interest to Cambodia where more than one third of the population lives under the poverty line and where more than 80 percent of population resides in rural areas where unemployment remains a problem.
Lars Thunell, Executive Vice President and CEO of IFC, said that AMK is Cambodia’s largest microfinance institution. He said that with this agreement, the IFC would also be able to offer advice on new strategies and the development of new financial products and services.
“Microfinance institutions have an important role to play in Cambodia, and as various institutions merge together, this roll will become more important. AMK will help extend much-needed services to parts of the country where the need is at its greatest,” he said.
Thunell also said that the IFC has pledged to double its global support for microfinance to over $1.2 billion over the next three years.
Paul Luchetenburg, CEO of AMK, said that the reputation and experience of IFC will be of great support to AMK as it strives to meet the goal of making affordable finance available to as many poor families as possible in Cambodia.
“Cambodia’s registered microfinance institutions are cheaper and more reliable than unregulated money lenders and pawn brokers who charge very high interest rates. We are also accountable to the government and shareholders, ensuring high standards of service, governance, and transparency,” said Luchetenburg.
He added that to date, AMK has served more than 180,000 clients. Much of this service provision has been in remote and rural areas not covered by other MFIs. He said that next year his agency will offer the opportunity for customers to open savings accounts. These will help customers keep track of their hard earned cash, and provide access to cash to lend to other borrowers.
He added that microfinance can improve living standards and it gives micro borrowers the opportunity to use their greater earning potential to pay for better housing, transportation, and more years of schooling for their children.
Tal Nay Im, Director General of the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), said the partnership reflects the commitment of both organizations to reach the deserving people in remote areas. She said that in just ten years, countless families have made the transition from donor dependence to independence. They have served more than 767,015 borrowers with loans amounting to 1,057 billion riel (about USD 257 million).
“We at NBC are very proud of our contribution to the success of Cambodian microfinance,” she said in her speech. “By developing the legal framework for micro finance, we have ensured that MFIs meet the highest accounting and reporting standards.”
The Director stated that with IFC assistance, her agency is developing regulations to allow the establishment of private credit bureaus. This will serve both the banking sector and MFIs enabling them to better assess the risk in lending. She promised that these private credit bureaus, which are expected to be operational for the stock market launches in late 2009, will give banks and MFIs comprehensive information on potential borrowers.
She added, “NBC will continue to enhance the regulatory environment to support a vibrant and diverse microfinance industry. This may include helping MFIs to substantially broaden product offerings so they can better meet the needs of their clientele. At the same time, a key concern of NBC will be ensuring sector sustainability, as we encourage MFIs to remain within the dictates of rational economies of scale.”
In Cambodia, the IFC has made direct investments as well as attracting international capital to the microfinance sector. A good example is IFC’s partnership with ACLEDA which has transformed itself from an NGO into one of the largest commercial banks in the country.
The IFC’s other contributions include providing advisory services and training through the Cambodia Institute of Banking and helping establish and support the Cambodian Microfinance Association. It is also working on important regulatory reform that will allow the sale of micro insurance.
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