KI Media: “Alay Khlin Bopha Prey Sre Khnom - "Reminiscing the scent of flower in my rice field": Poem in Khmer by Sy Salen” plus 24 more

KI Media: “Alay Khlin Bopha Prey Sre Khnom - "Reminiscing the scent of flower in my rice field": Poem in Khmer by Sy Salen” plus 24 more


Alay Khlin Bopha Prey Sre Khnom - "Reminiscing the scent of flower in my rice field": Poem in Khmer by Sy Salen

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 04:59 PM PDT

Overseas Cambodians' Thank You Letter to EU MP Cecilia Wikstrom

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 12:35 PM PDT

A look at the Thai election: the younger generation candidates

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 12:26 PM PDT



A day on the election campaign trail in Bangkok with first-time candidates Tankhun Jitt-itsara from the Democrats and Pheu Thai's Sunisa Lertpakawat. Video by Apichart Jinakul and Chanat Katanyu.

Civil Party Lawyer Says Tribunal Is Failing Victims

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 12:18 PM PDT

Sok Khemara, VOA Khmer
Washington, DC Wednesday, 01 June 2011
"Meanwhile, in the one case the court has prosecuted, that of prison chief Duch, the reparations it offered were inadequate."
The UN-backed Khmer Rouge tribunal has failed to satisfy the needs of the regime's victims, a civil party lawyer at the court said Tuesday.

Speaking on a special edition of "Hello VOA," Som Sokong, who is representing complainants in cases 002 and 003, said victims have not had enough time or information to properly file applications and complaints.

The court has so far failed to adequately provide the names of crime sites that would allow victims to detail their complaints the tribunal victims unit, a major requirement for the inclusion at the court, he said.

Meanwhile, in the one case the court has prosecuted, that of prison chief Duch, the reparations it offered were inadequate, he said.

The tribunal is moving toward trial for Case 002, for four leaders already in custody, but it has come under increased criticism for its handling of cases 003 and 004, which would require further indictments, something Prime Minister Hun Sen opposes.


Som Sokong said the court had not been transparent in the handling of Case 003, for which investigating judges issued a conclusion in April. That meant victims only had 15 days to request further investigation, without knowing the names of the two suspects.

Tribunal spokesman Dim Sovannarom defended the court's work, saying it has done its best to reach out to the public and educate people about court proceedings.

However, unlike Case 002, which saw more than 6,000 victim complainants, cases 003 and 004 so far only have 318.

Closing Order of Case 002 against Nuon Chea, Khieu Samphan, Ieng Sary, Ieng Thirith

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 12:16 PM PDT

In preparation for the start of trial hearings beginning on 27 June 2011 of Case 002 against the surviving Khmer Rouge senior leaders Nuon Chea, Khieu Samphan, Ieng Sary and Ieng Thirith, KI Media is starting a new series in posting installations of the public document of the Closing Order of Case 002.  The Closing Order of the Co-Investigating Judges forms the basic document from which all the parties (Co-Prosecutors, Co-Lead Lawyers for all civil parties, Defense Lawyers) will be making their arguments before the Trial Chamber judges (one Cambodian President, 2 Cambodian Judges, 2 UN judges).  Up until now, the hearings involving these four surviving senior Khmer Rouge leaders have been in the Pre-Trial Chamber over issues of pre-trial detention and jurisdictional issues.  Beginning in June 2011, the Trial Chamber will hear the substantive arguments over the criminal charges (e.g. genocide, crimes against humanity, penal code of 1956).  Available in Khmer and French.  Contact the ECCC for a free copy.

C. CPK CENTRE MILITARY ORGANS

Military Committee of the Central Committee

116.           The Military Committee,353 or High-Level Military Committee,354 was a CPK Central Committee organ set up since at least 1970 and the existence of which was reaffirmed at the Fourth Party Congress.355 In line with the original functions of the CPK's armed forces, combining security with purely military tasks, the Military Committee has also been described as the "Security Committee"356 or "Military and Security Committee".357 Also attached to the Central Committee were assistants with military responsibilities.358
120. The Military Committee acted as an organ of the Party Centre and thus ensured control of the RAK by the Party Centre.359 The Central Committee and Military Committee sometimes met in joint session to decide on military matters,360 effecting a unified strategic command over the armed forces.361
121. Ieng Sary claims that the Military and Security Committee was comprised of Pol Pot, Nuon Chea and Son Sen.362 Other members of the Military Committee included Sao Phim and Ta Mok,363 although they may have had less formal responsibility.364 Witnesses also name Vorn Vet365 and Ke Pork as members of the Military Committee.366 After 17 April 1975, Pol Pot continued to chair the Military Committee.367 Although Nuon Chea recognized that such an organ existed during the CPK era, he denies being a part of it.368 Several witnesses however, including Ieng Sary, mention him as a member of the Committee.369
122.           The Military and Security Committee decided on military and security matters, including "killing", "operation of S-21", "other secret locations", "secret agents", and "general matters". Ieng Sary states that this committee reported to the Standing Committee after receiving reports from the zones and that he personally heard reports on security.370
123.           Apparently in connection with their positions on the Military Committee,371 Pol Pot, Nuon Chea and Son Sen were in overall charge of S-21 and the security policy in general.372 Son Sen frequently met and coordinated with the other members of the Standing Committee, ensuring that the CPK leadership had constant knowledge and control over RAK activities.373
General Staff
124. The central body of the RAK was the General Staff. During a CPK Standing Committee meeting on 9 October 1975, Son Sen was designated as "Responsible for General Staff and Security"374 while Pol Pot was assigned the general responsibility over the military.375 Son Sen subsequently headed the General Staff; reports were submitted to him, and he issued orders.376
125. The General Staff was assigned with the command and administration of the armed forces. It centrally coordinated various tasks such as the setting up of divisions, organization matters, intelligence, military installations, policy, logistics, weapons, ammunitions, food supplies, uniforms, transport, and medicine,377 and issued movement orders to the divisions.378 The General Staff also removed secretaries and other cadre at Centre divisions,379 while appointments to leading positions in the Centre divisions were made in the name of the Central Committee or by Pol Pot, Nuon Chea, Ieng Sary and Son Sen.380 To implement the party's line and policy the General Staff organized study sessions for selected cadre,381 as well as regular meetings of the leaders of Centre Divisions and Independent Regiments for reporting and issuing orders on various matters.382

D. COMPOSITION OF THE RAK
            126. Article 19 of the Constitution of Democratic Kampuchea describes the three branches of the RAK - regular, regional, and guerrilla forces.383 All of the three categories were "under the absolute leadership monopoly of the Communist Party of Kampuchea".384 The Revolutionary Armed Forces included the "Regular Army of the Centre" and all local military units,385 which were all ultimately under the command of the Central Committee and its Military Committee.386 Similar to other state organs, the Revolutionary Army was described as "the pure dictatorial instrument of the Party".387
The Regular army
            127.  The "regular" army was composed of Divisions388 and Independent Regiments. Divisions were separated into Centre Divisions, reporting directly to the Centre,389 and Regional Divisions. In most cases, a division consisted of three regiments,390 each regiment of three battalions and each battalion of three companies.391
Centre Divisions
            128.  The Centre Divisions were commanded directly by the Centre, as were the Independent Regiments. They constituted the main military force of RAK and, as such, carried out the bulk of military operations against external enemies.
            129.  Centre Divisions were frequently re-designated, dissolved, or merged into each other during the CPK era. As of March 1977, the Centre forces included Divisions 801, 703, 310, 450, 170, 290, 502, 920 and 164, and Independent Regiments 152, 377 and 48 8.392
            130.  The RAK also established two combined field commands that each exercised command over several divisions. Both were established in the East Zone. The first of these field commands was located on Route 1 in Sector 23. It was commanded by Son Sen393 and comprised of Divisions 703, 340, 221, 460, and 805, 210, 230, 250 and 270.394 The second field command was located on Route 7, also in the East Zone. It included Division 207 (ex-Division 310), Division 603 (ex-Division 45 0),395 Division 2 8 0396 and Division 175,397 plus elements of Division 5 0 2398 and forces of the Central Zone (former North Zone).399 Originally, Route 7 field command was commanded by Sao Phim with Ke Pork as deputy; Sao Phim was replaced by Son Sen after the purge and suicide of Sao Phim.
            131.  Centre Divisions were severely purged, which lead to their subsequent re-designation or merging into other divisions. Notably Divisions 310, 450 and 920, were purged as part of the purges in the North Zone, from where these units originated. As a result of this purge process, Division 310 and Division 450 were re-designated Division 207400 and 603,401 respectively.
            132.  Reorganization of divisions also occurred due to the intensification of the armed conflict with Vietnam from late 1977,402 which was accompanied by the creation of a number of new Centre divisions formed out of an expansion and reorganization of units originating in the Southwest Zone. These included Divisions 340, 221, 440, 460, 210, 230, 250 and 270.403
Zone Armies
            133.  The second primary branch of RAK was the Zone Armies, usually organized as divisions.404 Despite being ultimately under the command of the Centre, they were integrated into the Zone administration.405 Their tasks were closely connected to their zone, including territorial defence as well as internal security. Zone armies of zones bordering Thailand and Vietnam were heavily involved in the fighting occurring at these borders.406 Below division level, districts also maintained local forces on battalion level.
Militia
            134.  The third pillar of the armed forces was the local militia, also referred to as the guerilla forces.
            135.  Militia troops lived among the people in the villages and performed duties related to local security.407 Among these duties were arrests408 and killings,409 but also more clearly military- related duties such as preparations for the defence of the villages and cooperatives.410 The militias directly reported to the village, subdistrict or district committees411 and were called on by the civil administration to perform security tasks. 412


Prey Lang: “Our Forest”

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 12:03 PM PDT

Prey Lang protesters (Photo:The Phnom Penh Post)
Destruction of Prey Lang (Photo: Uon Chhin, RFA)

Thursday, June 02, 2011
Op-Ed by MP

The fate of Prey Lang, perhaps, like much else in this tragic land that stands pure, born free out of nature's maternal womb, attains to a stage of recognisable, innocent beauty and form only to be snatched away to be robbed and raped off life and substance. Beauty, it is said, is present everywhere, yet not everyone perceives it. "Keep meditating, Bhikku, until you see beauty in every blade of grass!"

Of course, I made up the latter quote, but I hope spiritually awakened souls could see what I am getting at here.

It is encouraging that some people are calling for Prey Lang to be granted World Heritage status. In fact, it would be a good idea if all of Cambodia itself is listed as a World Heritage site so that it can be better protected from rapacious forces of greed and blind commercialism!

It is one thing to want to increase financial capital through foreign investment, but the current trend of wholesale destruction of forests and coastal regions (commercialised shrimp "farming", sand dredging etc) cannot be regarded as sustainable developments that yield benefits for present generation or dividends for future ones.

People in Cambodia have been experiencing some of the adverse effects of ecological imbalance such as marked changes in overall climatic condition: it's a lot hotter in a traditionally "humid" sub-tropical climate; rising flood water level which in many villages ruins or drowns crops and plants submerged too long in water, and in towns or cities like Phnom Penh with inadequate sewage systems, widespread ailments contracted through water contamination; monsoon storms and hurricanes ravage everything in their paths with no trees or forests to act as impact absorbents; top soil erosions caused by torrential rain and flooding in areas that have become exposed as a result of deforestations, and so forth. All of this directly damages rural as well as urban lives, but rural people maybe the most severely affected by such disasters, being obviously more exposed to the natural elements. They also constitute around 85 percent of Cambodia's population.


Until now there has been no concrete political will on the part of central authorities to reverse this depressing trend. Cambodia needs to learn from the mistakes and excesses committed by other developing countries before her rather than outdoing them in this regard. Forests like Prey Lang are vital for all peoples in the region, not only for the ethnic communities to whom the forests are their worlds and habitats. With human population set to expand over the next decades, these dwindling natural 'assets' cannot possibly offer the country as its inexhaustible source of revenue, and if (as some government figures might point out in their defence) civil servants' salaries have to be paid out of their continued exploitation, then there will come a point when the salaries will not be paid once the sources of revenue themselves will have been irretrievably decimated.

Is this not obvious? That the natural world is limited in scope and exploitable utility? If we do not have alternative sources of revenue - say oil or tourism - do we have to commit ecological and national suicide first before looking for viable means and alternatives?

With Cambodia becoming increasingly multi-racial (some would say worryingly multi-racial!) it's not just the ethnic Khmers who are or will likely be feeling the 'heat' of the ecological-environmental melt-down. The damaging impact that a hydraulic dam in Vietnam has upon the Sesan River in North-Eastern Cambodia shows just how extensive and far-reaching an environmental disaster can be in its capacity to afflict the environment and human population. The Yali Falls Dam, completed in 2000, is located 70-80 kilometres from the Cambodia - Vietnam border. The International Rivers Network's (IRN) briefing, based upon interviews with villagers, fishermen and district-level government officials in Cambodia reveals that:
  • at least 36 people have drowned due to erratic releases of water from the dam;
  • at least 55,000 people have been adversely affected; they have suffered millions of dollars in damages due to lost rice production, drowned livestock, lost fishing income, and damages to rice reserves, boats, fishing gear and houses;
  • changes in the Se San River's water levels and flow have caused a decline in fisheries and made fishing more difficult and hazardous. In addition, there has been an increase in river sedimentation and erosion, destroying riverbank vegetable gardens;
  • hundreds of people have suffered stomach ailments, eye infections and skin rashes, which they believe are related to changes in the river's water quality since the dam was built.
IRN notes that despite the unresolved issues, the government of Vietnam has embarked on an ambitious plan to build up to five more dams on the Sesan River.

Most likely, the majority of villagers living upstream by the same river in Vietnam are ethnic minorities like their cousins living downstream in Cambodia. If so, this may account for Vietnamese authorities' indifference towards the plight of these unfortunate communities. Just as they insist on having their cake and eat it with respect to land concessions in Cambodia, which have been granted at tragic expense of all Cambodians. Whatever the reasons maybe, both the Vietnamese authorities and their Cambodian counterparts will need to re-think their priorities and motives that fuel this senseless mismanagement of primary forests in Cambodia.

Pressure groups working with responsible personalities in and outside of government must keep this issue alive by lobbying relevant institutions and by raising public awareness through education and demonstrations. The preservation of these threatened pockets of green spaces could be, nay is, one of the keys to national revival and rehabilitation; no less critical to the process of rebuilding and development than the campaign against human rights abuses, for instance.

A secret telephone conversati​on between Mr. Hun Sen and Mr. Kem Sokha on 25th July 2007 about the creation of the HRP

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 11:56 AM PDT


Thursday, June 02, 2011
Op-Ed by P. Ma

This is my humble opinion on that conversation aspect of that political joint venture, HUN-KEM.

Without any reservation, doubt or whatsoever, Mr. Kem Sokha did it in a way he believed in his gut that by destroying Sam Rainsy Party, his beloved country would be best served by both his political party and Hun Sen, a new alliance for the future. Since Sam Rainsy can not be bought, intimidated or what else, and by his rapid gain in seats and popularity it would be an end to Mr. Kem's long term dream of ever becoming a future prime minister or at least be a second leading man, a position he is now desperately trying to fight for. While the country was facing with so many pressing issues, democracy, human rights, land evictions, corruptions of the court system, influx of Vietnamese immigrants so on and so forth, that was not his priority, but to do as he told Hun Sen on the phone, to fight against what he perceived as a danger to Hun Sen's current policy or regime.

I am deeply amazed how decent, somewhat educated Khmers could not see further than their nose, prefer to watch the country and their people bleeding everyday under the current regime. I understood their compassion for the love of the country, but where is common sense? Accusing us as a divider when their leader, himself, starting out with such conviction and aspiration to ensure Hun Sen's victory so a new partnership can be formed, profits can be shared, play along to the tune of nationalists while doing their utmost to defend and protect the interests of Vietnam. The Khmer rouge were able to bring people to the slaughter house from France because of nationalism without question or reasoning. Look at where the country and our people are being lead into once again, by both, well trained communists, to do what? Destroying a well-educated, dedicated French-Khmer economist who refused to sell his conscience, gave up successful luxurious life style in Paris, but to be condemned by his own patriots who could not understood a need for the country to survive first, democratically or to have a real system of check-and-balance, and independent justice system that is not just. Mr. Kem Sokha said it himself that he did not believe in the court of the country. By all mean, he went out of his way to ensure that court system is where it is today. Priority of the country is all fucked up under this sickening mentality, short-sighted. There is a phrase,"Better to have one smart friend than a whole lots of dumb ones." I am sure he is intelligent enough to know what kind of mess the country was in, and the need to keep Hun Sen in check to improve people's life, defending their claims or interests as they were being threatened every day, villages and towns. He should be smart enough to understand there illegal influx of immigrants from the east subsidized and encouraged d in large part by both governments will eventually threaten the existence of Khmer, a colour of the skin he himself seem to share. I don't want to come across as a racist,no. I just wanted to have in place, in time to protect what constitute Cambodia, with Khmer remains the majority of its own land. We need to institute and implement immigration policy, education that will ensure Khmer learning, not Vietnamese, the same way Quebec has done so far. There are issues that we care, but, we prefer to waste our moment of opportunity to divide, and now turning around and pretend to be a uniter while insisting on ill-intended conditions hoping to gain at the expense of SRP, once again. God has eyes, you know.

I don't see how any decent nationalists could accept this kind of deception, deceiving to them. Sure, many will not even care reading line by line what the meaning of each phrase of the conversation while continue to follow blindly in Mr. Kem's leadership. But, there will be a big price to pay because Mr. Kem is right, people are enough intelligence to see how his process of party creation, his flip-flop character and decision has cost the country and the people of Cambodia up until now. The country lost one of the finest opportunities to have a balance of power, ensure justice, listening and effectively coming to the aid of the victims across the country as their land and villages are being gobbled up in day light. Yes, corruption law would have been better drafted before getting into law, better economic policies would probably have been better designed to serve the people of the entire country, not just the rich and the corrupted ones. All of those opportunity lost are due mainly to the patriotism of Mr. Kem in his joint collaboration with Mr. Hun Sen.

I think it would be a decent thing to do for Mr. Kem to resign from his position before respectable, decent loving people are either defecting or forcing him out. He should accept his short-sighteness and his colossal miscalculation of the master of divider, Hun Sen. It was then a mutual benefit of the two, but not anymore. Hun Sen has decided to bring him to the slaughter house. Old communist strategy and it has been an effective one up until now. If people really want SRP and HRP to merge, removing Mr. Kem Sokha as leadership now, will certainly make that a true possibility. Until then, we will never allow Mr. Kem to divide us from within as happened to other political parties in the past. He has lost all credibility to negotiate or even claimed to be a patriot, at least, not on my account.

Good luck to all of those who continue to follow that man. However, if you are looking for an opportunity to unite and win one for your country do take the opportunity to clean your house and that should begin from the top, starting with Mr. Kem Sokha. He had no intention of merging and all of those talking are more or less cosmetic. There are good people who really wanted to see the two parties merge, including SRP supporters, but Mr. Kem Sokha was the ultimate opponent to that possibility. The truth speaks for itself, and that conversation did played out exactly the way we saw it from the beginning of his party inception. Where is your priority? Your country or yourself? He chose his over the nation. Now come not a sweeten reward, but a final ax to his ultimate ambitious political career. I guess it's always time for us to get another job. Politics is suck and being a politician, I can't see it pay my bills. At least, not in my case. That's alright, I'll get by with my daily ration.

Opposition Leader Sam Rainsy Visit Richmond, VA

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 11:45 AM PDT

May 28, 2011: Opposition Leader Sam Rainsy Visit Richmond, VA
CLICK HERE TO VIEW SRP-PA FACEBOOK  PHOTO FROM RICHMOND, VA ON MAY 28, 2011
May 27, 2011: Opposition Leader Sam Rainsy Visit Philadelphia, PA
CLICK HERE TO VIEW SRP-PA FACEBOOK PHOTOS FROM PHILADELPHIA, PA ON MAY 27, 2011

Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) - in celebration of International Children's Day

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 08:43 AM PDT

Convention on the Rights of the Child
Ratified by UNGA in Nov. 1989, entered into force 1990

Cambodia ratified this Convention on October 15, 1992

Background

UNICEF's mission is to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. UNICEF is guided in doing this by the provisions and principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Built on varied legal systems and cultural traditions, the Convention is a universally agreed set of non-negotiable standards and obligations. These basic standards—also called human rights—set minimum entitlements and freedoms that should be respected by governments. They are founded on respect for the dignity and worth of each individual, regardless of race, colour, gender, language, religion, opinions, origins, wealth, birth status or ability and therefore apply to every human being everywhere. With these rights comes the obligation on both governments and individuals not to infringe on the parallel rights of others. These standards are both interdependent and indivisible; we cannot ensure some rights withoutor at the expense ofother rights.

A legally binding instrument

The Convention on the Rights of the Child is the first legally binding international instrument to incorporate the full range of human rightscivil, cultural, economic, political and social rights. In 1989, world leaders decided that children needed a special convention just for them because people under 18 years old often need special care and protection that adults do not. The leaders also wanted to make sure that the world recognized that children have human rights too.

The Convention sets out these rights in 54 articles and two Optional Protocols. It spells out the basic human rights that children everywhere have: the right to survival; to develop to the fullest; to protection from harmful influences, abuse and exploitation; and to participate fully in family, cultural and social life. The four core principles of the Convention are non-discrimination; devotion to the best interests of the child; the right to life, survival and development; and respect for the views of the child. Every right spelled out in the Convention is inherent to the human dignity and harmonious development of every child. The Convention protects children's rights by setting standards in health care; education; and legal, civil and social services.

By agreeing to undertake the obligations of the Convention (by ratifying or acceding to it), national governments have committed themselves to protecting and ensuring children's rights and they have agreed to hold themselves accountable for this commitment before the international community. States parties to the Convention are obliged to develop and undertake all actions and policies in the light of the best interests of the child.


Next, the Preamble...

http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/crc.htm



Negotiating History of ECCC's Personal Jurisdiction by Prof. David Scheffer

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 08:39 AM PDT

My hope is that the Co-Investigating Judges will undertake the investigative tasks reasonably set forth by Cayley and stop issuing foolish orders that only reveal their own insecurity over past performance. Either the Co-Investigating Judges or, if an appeal can be successfully lodged before them, the Pre-Trial Chamber eventually must demonstrate enough integrity to set the ECCC on its original course of a limited but reasonable number of suspects falling within one of two categories: those who constituted the senior leadership of the Khmer Rouge and those who were most responsible for the crimes and serious violations set forth in Article 1 of the ECCC Law. The resources must be available for that challenge as well. The world is watching, very closely, and history will be the final judge.

- Professor David Scheffer
1st U.S. Ambassador at Large for War Crimes Issues (1997-2001)

The Negotiating History of the ECCC's Personal Jurisdiction




My Rights, My Responsibility (Constitution) Series

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 08:37 AM PDT

Cambodian Constitution (Sept. 1993)


CHAPTER XV: EFFECTS, REVISIONS AND AMENDMENTS OF THE CONSTITUTION

Article 150- New (Previously Article 131)

This Constitution shall be the Supreme law of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

Laws and decisions by the State institutions shall have to be in strict conformity with the Constitution.



Thai-Cambodia dispute seeks ICJ resolution, sidelines ASEAN

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 08:26 AM PDT

June 01 2011
By Joshua Brown in Kuala Lumpur
Global Times

Thai and Cambodian officials appeared before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Monday to argue their cases, seeking a final resolution to the dispute over an 11-century temple.

In the opening address of the 25th Asia Pacific Roundtable in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia Muhyiddin Yassin praised parties on both sides for seeking peaceful resolution at the ICJ.

Peaceful resolution is the bedrock of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Yassin said. "Even when it may seem expedient to use force, ASEAN members have taken the laborious path to peace and upholding the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC). We must remain vigilant and reaffirm our commitment to this tradition."


However, neither nation has acted entirely peacefully. Fighting between them has claimed 29 lives and sent thousands more fleeing since 2008.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said during the first day of roundtable discussions that what was important was that the parties involved would solve the matter peacefully rather than resulting to violence. He added that this should not be seen as a failure of the ASEAN community and, "this doesn't mean the diplomatic process has failed."

However, referring the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia to the ICJ may have unexpected consequences for ASEAN's role in regional dispute resolution. While the conflict is unlikely to impact regional security as a whole, it does not bode well for ASEAN and its capacity to attain its goal of creating an ASEAN Security Community "free from any manner of interference by outside powers."

While the ASEAN community has finally located means of peaceful solution, it has failed to resolve the issue internally.

It might have a real impact on the legitimacy of the High Council as the main mechanism of ASEAN dispute settlement, said Hasjim Dialal, director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies. "Perhaps because it is perceived to be for political solutions rather than for this legal solutions."

"We do not understand why we have to come here when there is already an existing mechanism" for negotiating a border, Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya told reporters leaving the ICJ courtroom Monday.

Japan's Nidec Corp to invest in IT device manufacturing plant in Cambodia

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 08:10 AM PDT

June 01, 2011
Xinhua

The Tokyo-based Nidec Corporation is going to invest in an IT hardware manufacturing factory in Cambodia, the firm's chairman said here on Tuesday.

During a meeting with the prime minister Hun Sen, Shigenobu Nagamori, Chairman of the Board, President & Chief Executive Officer of Nidec Corporation, said that the Nidec Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer of the tiny electric motors that power hard disk drives on personal computers and other digital electronics.


He did not disclose the investment amount the company planned for Cambodia.

Nidec has presence in 28 countries, employing 130,000 workers. Last year's total revenues was 8.5 billion U.S. dollars, he said.

The company has successfully invested 100 million U.S. dollars in Thailand and 40 million U.S. dollars in Vietnam for IT device manufacturing factories.

Meanwhile, the premier expressed his support for the company's desire to invest in Cambodia and recommended the company to work with the Council for the Development of Cambodia in order to learn about investment procedures and incentives.

Cambodian exchange to kick off in July

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 08:08 AM PDT

Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Rasmei Kampuchea

Cambodia Securities Exchange (CSX) will be officially launched on July 11, said the Ministry of Economy and Finance last week.

CSX will be launched in line with the first securities trading which is scheduled to begin by the end of this year, said the ministry in its press release issued last week.

CSX, whose head office is located at the Canadia Tower in Phnom Penh, is a securities market operator, a securities clearing and settlement facility operator, and a depository operator.


The Securities and Exchange Commission of Cambodia has decided to license 15 stock exchange firms to take part in the operation of stock market in Cambodia.

Three public enterprises - Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, Telecom Cambodia and Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority - will be listed in the CSX.

Villagers pen letter to UN

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 08:03 AM PDT

Wednesday, 01 June 2011
Khouth Sophak Chakrya and Mary Kozlovski
The Phnom Penh Post

Residents facing eviction from the Boeung Kak lakeside have accused the international community of failing to hold the Cambodian government to account for rights abuses and have requested the intervention of a United Nations envoy.

In a letter sent yesterday to Surya Subedi, the UN's special rapporteur on human rights in Cambodia, the villagers said donor countries have taken "no steps to punish this [Cambodian] Government".

"On behalf of the victims who are affected by forced eviction and housing rights violation, I would like to request your attention to raise this serious concern to the government or the UN," said the letter, which was signed by community representatives Tep Vanny and Ly Mom.

Subedi, who is on an official visit to the Kingdom this week, said yesterday that he would continue to raise the plight of Boeung Kak residents in his meetings with government officials. "I am doing all I can to help them," he said. "Boeung Kak and a number of other sites have been quite high on my agenda … [with] senior members of the government."


The violence used against Boeung Kak residents at a demonstration on April 21 was "regrettable", he added.

"I hope the [municipal] governor will go as far as possible to make sure that in the future no violence is used against peaceful demonstrators."

Ly Mom said residents want Subedi to ask Prime Minister Hun Sen to have city officials halt the eviction and "speed up" a resolution to the dispute.

On Friday, residents rejected a proposal for on-site relocation in 7x7.5-metre flats in six-story buildings that was introduced by City Hall and Shukaku Inc, a company run by ruling party senator Lao Meng Khin that is developing the 133-hectare site with Chinese developer Erdos Hung Jun Investment Co. Villagers submitted a request to City Hall in April for 4x16-metre houses for residents with "small" plots of land and two or more such houses for residents with "large" plots.

Residents agreed yesterday to delay resubmission of their proposal to City Hall until next Monday because of disagreements between villagers about the suggested allocation of land, Tep Vanny said. Koet Chhe, deputy chief of administration at Phnom Penh Municipal Hall, declined to comment.

"You nasty dog KI"

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 08:00 AM PDT

From an anonymous reader:

You nasty dog KI. You dont need to do that with Lok Kem Sokha even you considered him as rival of your party - He is not your enemy even committed some mistake - Even all these things against him but there is nothing to prove that Lok Kem Sokha had betrayed his nation nor had sold his national conscience to yuons - Say why cpp/yuons denounced him now if he is cpp/yuon puppet? - Till now he still did good thing for Khmer nation for demouncing yuon crimes in Cambodia - Let wait and see untill contrary proofs....

Yuons/cpp are your real enemies, you hear !!!

From KI-Media team:
What can we say, it's a dog eats dog world out there: Some dogs caught, some dogs get the blame. Other dogs justify their action by claiming that they do "good thing for Khmer nation for denouncing Yuon crimes in Cambodia", never mind that they work with the same regime that was installed by Vietnam.


Electricity [from Sesan dam] for [Big-brother] Vietnam

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 07:44 AM PDT

People navigate a boat down the Sesan river, past Kbal Romea village, in Stung Treng province's Sesan district last month. (Photo by: Adam Miller)

Kith Meng's company stealing Khmer resources to sell to Vietnam?

Wednesday, 01 June 2011
Adam Miller and Phak Seangly
The Phnom Penh Post
"This is not about electricity for Cambodia. It is not about reducing the cost of electricity in Cambodia," Baird said. "They are trying to maximise their profit. It's not for the benefit of the country – these are private companies."
An official from the Ministry of Environment admitted yesterday that electricity generated from the controversial Lower Sesan 2 Dam, a project touted as ensuring cheaper energy prices in Cambodia, would be exported to Vietnam.

The admission, made at an NGO-led workshop held with indigenous community representatives in Phnom Penh, came after a United States-based fisheries expert and consultant for conservation group International Rivers estimated that only about 1 percent of the dam's capacity would be used locally, with the rest being sold to Cambodia's eastern neighbour.

The proposed US$816 million, 400-megawatt dam is set to begin construction later this year in Stung Treng province by the Cambodia-Vietnam Hydropower Company, a joint venture that is 51-percent owned by the EVNI Joint Stock Company of Vietnam and 49-percent owned by local conglomerate the Royal Group.

Prach Sun, a secretary of state for the Ministry of Environment, initially said yesterday that the potential of the Lower Sesan 2 Dam to fulfill local energy needs outweighed the environmental and social damage it may inflict on indigenous communities.


"The development of the Lower Sesan 2 Dam will have some effects on natural resources, but electricity is the most important resource for the country and we must ensure the development of hydroelectric dams will be achieved," he said at the event, which was attended by over 60 villager representatives from Rattanakiri and Stung Treng who say they will be affected by the project.

"The relocation of people and the price of electricity decreasing will contribute to the development of the country," Prach Sun said.

Danh Serey, deputy director of the Environment Impact Assessment department at the Ministry of Environment, echoed these comments, stressing the need for increased energy supplies in Cambodia.

"Cambodia needs electricity, we need to develop electric areas, and hydropower is much better than other sources – this is why the Lower Sesan 2 Dam is so important," he said.

Yet the forum took an unexpected turn when fisheries expert and NGO consultant Ian Baird said that there was no evidence to support the claims that the electricity generated would be used in Cambodia.
"The plan of the company is to export all of this electricity to Vietnam," he said.

"So I don't know why we are talking about this [electricity] as being used in Cambodia," he said, adding that Cambodia will be unable to even make use of the 400MW of power from the project without a national electrical grid. "This is not about electricity for Cambodia. It is not about reducing the cost of electricity in Cambodia," Baird said. "They are trying to maximise their profit. It's not for the benefit of the country – these are private companies."

The comments prompted one representative from the Ministry of Environment to quickly change his stance.

Danh Serey later claimed that exporting the electricity to Vietnam was the second step of the process, after the energy needs of local communities in northeast Cambodia had been met.

"The Ministry of Environment has observed the situation closely. Only the left-over electricity from the use of local people will be sold to Vietnam," he said following the event.

Baird said only a miniscule amount of the energy generated would be used locally.

"Maybe a very small amount of electricity they might use around Stung Treng, but it would be less than 1 percent," he said, adding that the province could likely all be powered off of only 1MW of energy. 

"It's obvious the power is not for Cambodia because there is too much and there is no way to distribute it," he said.

"The question is, what benefit is Cambodia getting? What is the Cambodian government getting in terms of taxes or concession fees?" he continued.

Royal Group Chairman Kith Meng declined to comment, referring questions to the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy. Royal Group chief financial officer Mark Hanna could not be reached for comment yesterday.

In a statement released in April, Kith Meng said that the project "will contribute greatly to the continued economic development of Cambodia, ensuring a reliable, moderately-priced supply of electricity".

Cambodian PM urges "high attention" to children

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 07:33 AM PDT

A child evicted from Dey Krahorm: is this Hun Xen's idea of assisting basic needs of children?
June 01, 2011
Xinhua

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen called for "high attention" to children on the occasion of the 62th anniversary of International Children's Day.

In his message to mark the day on June 1, the premier said: "I' d like to appeal to all national institutions, communities and all Cambodian people to pay particular attention to children as they are the backbone of the country in the future generations."

He added that the government has vowed to increase interventions in social affairs through the increase of the national budget expenditures on education, health and children welfare improvement programs in order to meet the basic needs of children.

"On behalf of the government, I fully support all activities aiming at assisting basic needs of children," he said.


In a related event on Wednesday, a well-known local right group Licadho also marked the event by distributing food and materials to children and pregnant women in 14 of Cambodia.

The government reports showed that some 730 juvenile prisoners have been incarcerated in Cambodia's 25 prisons as of April.

Also, Cambodia's prisons are home to approximately 14 pregnant women and nearly 40 children who live with their incarcerated mothers.

Thailand's verbal presentation for ICJ on Preah Vihear case [-Deny! Deny! Deny!]

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 07:26 AM PDT

By www.mfa.go.th

Full text of Thailand's verbal presentation before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Hague, Netherlands on May 30, the fist day of the hearing.

Thailand points out Cambodia accepted its compliance with ICJ Judgment of 1962; boundary line of whole stretch remains to be demarcated through negotiations

On 30 May 2011 from 16.00-18.00 hrs., the Thai legal team pleaded before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague on the first day of the oral hearings on Cambodia's request submitted on 28 April 2011 for indication of provisional measures, pending the Court's consideration of the request for the interpretation of its 1962 judgment in the case concerning the Temple of Phra Viharn.

Thailand points out Cambodia accepted its compliance with ICJ Judgment of 1962; boundary line of whole stretch remains to be demarcated through negotiations.

On May 30, 2011 from 4pm to 6pm, the Thai legal team pleaded before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague on the first day of the oral hearings on Cambodia's request submitted on April 28 for indication of provisional measures, pending the Court's consideration of the request for the interpretation of its 1962 judgment in the case concerning the Temple of Phra Viharn.


The presentation began with H.E. Mr. Virachai Plasai, Thailand's Ambassador to the Netherlands in his capacity as Agent of the Kingdom of Thailand, providing an overview of Thailand's policy and position as well as the political context pertaining to the Thai-Cambodian relations.

His presentation was followed by Thailand's three legal counsels, namely:

(1) Professor Alain Pellet, who pointed out that the Temple case of 1962 was not related to the issue of the boundary line, and that since Thailand had duly complied with the ICJ judgment, there would be no issue requiring interpretation;

(2) Professor James Crawford, who discussed the issue of jurisdiction of the Court and observed that Cambodia's requests for interpretation and for indication of provisional measures falls outside the scope of the Court's jurisdiction;

and (3) Professor Donald M. McRae, who examined why Cambodia's request for indication of provisional measures does not satisfy the Court's criteria, having no urgency or imminence to justify, pointing out also that Cambodia's request was unbalanced and highlighted progress made on the ground, including on the issue of dispatch of Indonesian Observers Team to the Thai side of the border.

In his opening address, the Thai Ambassador to the Netherlands made the following key points:

1. Thailand, as a good member of the United Nations, has accepted and duly complied with the ICJ judgment in the case concerning the Temple of Phra Viharn since 1962, despite its disagreement and the traumatic and controversial nature of the said judgment in Thai society.

2. The ICJ judgment of 1962 was about territorial sovereignty over the Temple, not the boundary line. Over the years, Cambodia has accepted the line showing the limit of the vicinity of the Temple in accordance with the Thai Cabinet decision of 10 July 1962 to implement the Court's judgment. No protest from Cambodia had been registered for over 40 years.

It was only very recently that Cambodia has begun to challenge this limit when it started moving to have the Temple inscribed on the World Heritage List. Furthermore, Cambodia has previously accepted that the boundary between the two countries must be jointly determined through bilateral negotiations, as the two countries signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Survey and Demarcation for Land Boundary on 14 June 2000 with a view to demarcating the entire stretch of the common land boundary, including the area of the Temple of Phra Viharn.

3. Thailand has always wished to live in peace with Cambodia and has made every effort to maintain good relations on the basis of cooperation and trust. It has no reason to wage war with Cambodia. Over the years, especially since the 1962 judgment, Thailand has played an active role in promoting peace in Cambodia, culminating in the Paris Peace Agreement of 1991. It also supported Cambodia's admission into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1999 and has been promoting integration of Cambodia, as a new member, into the Association. It has developed cooperation with Cambodia in various bilateral and sub-regional frameworks, including the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) ad the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS). Even after anti-Thai riots in Phnom Penh in January 2003, which resulted in the burning of the Royal Thai Embassy and looting of Thai companies in Phnom Penh, Thailand's cooperation with and investment in Cambodia have continued to expand.

At the same time, Thailand has all along maintained a foreign policy seeking to resolve disputes peacefully through diplomatic means. It was one of the first countries to join the League of Nations in 1920 and the United Nations in 1946, and has also participated in peacekeeping operations in 21 countries, including in Cambodia between 1991 and 1993. Thailand, therefore, has no reason to break with its long held principle.

4. Thailand did not initiate any of the clashes - neither those which took place on 4-6 February 2011 in the area around the Temple of Phra Viharn, or those on 22 April to 3 May 2011 in the area near the Ta Muen and Ta Kwai Temples. Rather, Thailand was unprovokedly attacked by Cambodia and had to respond by exercising its legitimate right of self defence to defend its sovereignty and protect its civilians who had become targets by Cambodian forces. Its response has been with restraint and proportionality in accordance with international law.

Regarding the incidents around the Temple of Phra Viharn, Cambodia conducted military operations and carried out attacks from the Temple. This was in violation of the Hague Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict of 1954, to which Cambodia is a State Party. An examination of the chronology of events shows that these armed incidents in February and April-May by Cambodia were premeditated and synchronized with a well prepared political, diplomatic and media campaign.

5. Cambodia desperately needs this part of the Thai territory to serve as a "buffer zone" required for the management of the Temple and hence completion of the inscription of the Temple as World Heritage Site. Earlier in 2003, both governments agreed to set up a joint ministerial committee to jointly develop the site of the Temple of Phra Viharn. The committee met once to discuss the possibility of a joint nomination of the Temple. However, in 2004, Cambodia unilaterally nominated the Temple to be listed on the World Heritage List, without consulting the Thai side. Cambodia also promulgated a Royal Decree in 2006 to define the scope of the Temple area with zoning encroaching into Thai territory. Meanwhile, on the ground, Cambodia has moved to encroach into Thai territory by constructing a road, a pagoda and a community. This has not only violated Thailand's sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also the MOU of 2000 between the two countries. Thailand had made several attempts at negotiation to resolve these problems with no success. Thailand has lodged formal protests against such acts by Cambodia.

The Temple of Phra Viharn was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2008. The inscription is limited to the Temple proper and Cambodia is under the obligation to submit a management plan for the World Heritage Committee's consideration. Over the past two years, Cambodia has been unsuccessful in obtaining the Committee's approval of the plan because Thailand cannot accept a management plan encroaching into its territorial integrity. The part of Thai territory claimed by Cambodia is indispensable for the successful and complete inscription of the Temple - a fact well known to both countries. This is why Thailand has proposed, on a number of occasions, joint nomination of the Temple - the offer which has been rejected by Cambodia.

Summaries of the addresses made by other members of the Thai legal team will be released shortly.

Thailand set to present case to International Court: PM [-Abhisit is dreaming: how can Cambodia accept border that was not completed yet?]

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 07:21 AM PDT

BANGKOK, May 30 (MCOT online news) -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Monday affirmed that Thailand is ready to present its case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) following Cambodia's request that the court interpret its 1962 ruling on Preah Vihear Temple, including its request for indication of provisional measures.

Mr Abhisit said the Thai legal team said they were ready, the team has made due preparation for the case, in terms of written documents, photographs, videos, and statements to clarify the issue.

He said Thailand's main argument would focus on Cambodia had earlier accepted that demarcation of its boundary with Thailand had not been settled. Cambodia had signed a memorandum of understanding in 2000 to establish a joint boundary committee to resolve the boundary dispute.

"Thailand regards the MoU in 2000 as evidence that Cambodia accepted that the border demarcation was not yet completed," he said.


He said the government assures the public that it will do its best to protect Thai national interests and must be present at the IJC. Otherwise the world might hear only a one-sided story, so Thailand must defend its national interest with information.

In 1962, the court ruled that Preah Vihear temple is situated in Cambodia. Thailand complied with the ruling but argued that the verdict covered only the sandstone ruins while the area around it belonged to Thailand. Cambodia recently asked the ICJ to interpret its 1962 judgment to establish if the land in the temple's vicinity also belonged to it.

The International Court, based at The Hague in the Netherlands, begins a two-day hearing on Monday.

Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya left Thailand for the Hague on Saturday.

He earlier said the ministry has sent officials to research and find information from various sources, including the United Nations and the national archives of Thailand and other countries.

The Ministry has also been in frequent consultation with its international legal advisors on the case. In conclusion, the foreign minister reaffirmed that Thailand had complied in full with the ICJ judgment on the temple case.

The result of hearing is expected within one to three weeks.

Muslims In Cambodia Hail Malaysians' Contribution To Rebuilding Their Lives

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 07:18 AM PDT

KAMPUNG CHAM (Cambodia), June 1 (Bernama) -- The Muslim community in Cambodia recognises the contribution of Malaysians in terms of development and education to help rebuild their lives after a period of suffering under the brutal Pol Pot regime.

Kampung Cham deputy governor Sobri Kassim said since the government of Prime Minister Hun Sen ruled the country, the Muslims in Cambodia, however, had been given the flexibility to develop their economy and education, and to observe their religious practices.

"From that early stage, Malaysians have been coming here to help us," Sobri told participants of the Jejak Warisan Jawi II (JWJ2), an expedition to explore Southeast Asia and China to trace the Malay heritage, while on a stop in Kampung Jumnik, here, Wednesday.


The group also presented Malay cultural performances like the marhaban, berkompang and silat for the Malay community here.

Sobri described the JWJ2 expedition as a significant contribution to the Malays in Cambodia because much of the Malay culture and heritage had been lost after the reign of Pol Pot.

"I heard about the silat from my grandmother but did not expect to see it today," he said in fluent Malay.

Sobri said that what had been brought by JWJ2 to the people here would remind them of the Malay cultural heritage that never existed before.

Kampung Cham deputy mufti, Yusof Said, also thanked Malaysians who he said, had given a lot of encouragement to developing the lot of the Muslims in Cambodia.

"They (Malaysians) have been with us from the beginning until now," he said.

Apart from Malaysians' contributions in cash and kind, Yusof said the religious schools in Cambodia were also using the Yayasan Islam Kelantan's religious secondary school (SMU) syllabus.

He hoped for more offers of scholarships to the religious school students here to continue their education to obtain the Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM) in Malaysia as the religious secondary school level here is only up to Form Four.

"More than 200 students completed the SMU each year in Cambodia, but only 15 to 20 students were offered to further their studies in Malaysia," Yusof said.

The JWJ2 expedition, organised by Majma' Budaya and Warisan Jawi as well as 1Malaysia Putera Club, is supported by the Information Communication and Culture Ministry.

It takes the participants through seven countries - Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam - on the 12,000km journey.

ICJ asked [by Thailand] to dismiss Cambodia's petition Tuesday

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 07:10 AM PDT

Wednesday, June 01, 2011
The Nation

Thailand on Tuesday asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to "remove" the Cambodia's petition which called for an immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all Thai forces from areas near Phreah Vihear temple, said ICJ's statement.

The request was made by Virachai Plasai, chief negotiation of the Thai team on the last day of the ICJ's verbal hearing at the Hague, Netherlands on Tuesday.

"In accordance with Article 60 of the Rules of Court and having regard to the Request for the indication of provisional measures of the Kingdom of Cambodia and its oral pleadings, the Kingdom of Thailand respectfully requests the Court to remove the case introduced by the Kingdom of Cambodia on 28 April 2011 from the General List," Virachai said.


The hearing was held at the request of Cambodia who filed the petition to the World Court, asking it to issue injunction for the withdrawal of the Thai soldiers from areas near the Preah Vihear temple.

Cambodia's Foreign Minister Hor Nam Hong, chief of the Cambodian legal team, asked the court to order unconditional withdrawal of all Thai forces from those parts of Cambodian territory in in the area of the Preah Vihear temple, ban on all military activity by Thailand in the area of the temple.

Thailand should be ordered to refrain from any act or action which could interfere with the rightsof Cambodia or aggravate the dispute in the principal proceedings, Hor Nam Hong said.

The court's decision will be delivered at a public sitting, the date of which will be announced in due course.

Opposition Leader Sam Rainsy's Interview on RFA

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 03:07 AM PDT


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iJGzV2JDl0&feature=player_embedded

New Appointments at The ECCC's Public Affairs Section

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 01:35 AM PDT



1 June 2011

PRESS RELEASE
NEW APPOINTMENTS IN THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS SECTION

The Office of Administration of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) would like to announce some changes made to fill vacancies and to strengthen the Public Affairs Section of the ECCC.

Mr. DIM Sovannarom, who until recently served as Press Officer, will be Officer in Charge of the Public Affairs Section.

In an effort to further strengthen the public information, media and outreach work of the ECCC Mr. HUY Vannak has been appointed to a new position as Public Affairs Officer within the Public Affairs Section. Mr. HUY joins the ECCC after having most recently served as News Director of Cambodian Television Network (CTN). Prior to this, he served as Field Editor and Reporter for Radio Free Asia. Having worked as a researcher and author for the Documentation Center of Cambodia, Mr. Huy also has in-depth knowledge of the history of Democratic Kampuchea. He holds a Master of Science in Global Affairs from Rutgers University, New Jersey, USA.

Mr. NETH Pheaktra has been appointed as Press Officer within the Public Affairs Section. Mr. NETH has mot recently served as Managing Director of the Phnom Penh Post Khmer Edition. He brings with him 9 years of journalism experience from the Phnom Penh Post, Radio France International, TVK National Television of Cambodia, CTN, the Mekong Times and the Somne Thmey newspaper. He holds a Bachelor degree with majors in journalism and French teaching from the Institute of Foreign Languages, Royal University of Phnom Penh.

Kem Sokha: Let lightning strikes me if I am a CPP puppet

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 01:25 AM PDT


01 June 2011
Free Press Magazine Online
Translated from Khmer by Soch
Click here to read the original article in Khmer

Following the revelation of the taped conversation between Kem Sokha, HRP president, and Hun Xen which led the public to believe that the HRP was formed by the ruling CPP party, Kem Sokha confirmed that he is clean man and that he is willing to take an oath so that lightning would strike him if he is indeed a CPP puppet.

Kem Sokha declared in front of national news media that he and the HRP are not CPP puppets, and the HRP was not formed to serve the CPP or Hun Xen. "If we are superstitious, let lightning strike me and destroy me if I am bad person as I am accused. Let lightning strike me."

Kem Sokha said that the leak of the taped conversation between him and Hun Xen was done by the CPP to break the democratic voice.

Nevertheless, yesterday, the SRP office issued a statement condemning Kem Sokha's betrayal, and the SRP stated that Hun Xen and Kem Sokha showed their common goal of destroying the SRP.

15 Responses so far.

  1. thidaneng says:

    A bathroom of sensation and sentimentality

    Delivered by trustworthy construction in Cambodia construction materials, designer Taras Wolf has introduced his own in-house bathroom design and collection that brings about a sensational feeling when using.
    He stated: "A bathroom is a space you normally feel with your feet and hands. I was very conscious of the surface textures and their respective temperatures. The timber is smooth and warm, and is contrasted by a flamed, brushed Bedonia sandstone in the display cubicles. The cantilevered Mimosa vanity is a very smooth material that is not cold to touch. In fact the scoop of the vanity is seductive and encourages you to run your hands along the whole length."
    "Having a mirror below the vanity increases the feeling of spaciousness, and allows you to see yourself from the bathtub opposite." added Wolf.


  2. Overly Modern Additional House

    This house is designed to make a substantial and overly modern addition recede behind the rebuilt cottage that addressed the street, according to furniture in Phnom Penh
    construction materials said.
    By this way the contrasts between the structures were aesthetic and materials with the new addition being constructed from concrete such as glazed black brick work and steel.
    One more thing the drama and hardness of the concrete as well as brick, steel, and glass found in the main living and entertaining spaces, which softens considerably upstairs where the private spaces play up the warmth of limed oak and more playful colors that take part in children’s rooms.

  3. Unknown says:

    Mico Bathrooms at your service

    Delivered by trustworthy construction in Cambodia construction materials, the New Zealand national sanitaryware brand, Mico Bathrooms, has offered home owners a wide range of bathroom fittings and facilities with contemporary and high quality products.
    "It's important to consider reputable brands. Because a bathroom literally has water running through it, there is the potential for leakage which can put your whole house at risk." Stated Christine Rivers, Mico product manager.
    Thus, the manager boasted about the bathroomware brand in affording the best bathroom solution to clients: "By visiting international exhibitions and working closely with the design community, we are able to lead the way."


  4. Unknown says:

    The Cleanness, Chilly and Laconism House

    Here is a house is built with the main aims such as cleanness, chilly and laconism, according to furniture shop in Cambodia
    construction materials
    said.
    One more thing this house has two levels, and then it has a living room has been combined with a kitchen and a dining room, a hall, and several bedrooms.
    By this way the living room is divided into two areas as well as the group formed by two sofas and a coffee table and the reading area, which is consisted of plastic chairs and lamps. Moreover the living room is painted in white and black colors.
    In addition this house has a staircase leading to the upper floor as a double leveled house, where there are a number of colorful chairs making contrast to the laconic decoration of the lower part of the living room.

  5. thidaneng says:

    Neutral transition by Judith King

    Delivered by trustworthy construction in Cambodia
    construction materials, owner-designer Judith King decided to renovate his own house and the featured bathroom with a subtle elegance as well as a little sense of nautical-ness.
    "While the bathroom enjoys privacy, its placement was dictated by the plumbing configuration throughout the tower. Even the location of the tub was inhibited by the existing piping – we set the tub on a small pedestal to conceal waterworks beneath."
    "I chose a custom soft beige-green paint for the entire condominium, including in the bathroom," said King. "I have also used this color in previous homes. It offers a neutral backdrop for the art collection and is always pleasing to the eye."
    "We selected bamboo cabinetry fronts to provide variety and textural interest," stated King. "They play off the Quartzite countertops and sleek glass wall surfaces."
    "I like to keep a few reminders of that exotic place with me – hence the starfish, shells, the tropical fern and mother-of-pearl tissue case." The designer added.

  6. The Modern and Intriguing Living Room

    This is an intriguing living room has been designed by Eduard Căliman, according to furniture shop in Phnom Penh construction materials
    provided.
    One more thing, its luxurious interior has been envisaged as having an open layout with a generously-sized sofa that located in the middle and it separate the lounge area from the dining space.
    In addition the large crystal chandeliers seem to spice up the room and it is adding a touch of royal elegance.
    Anyway the elements for this design come from Visionnaire Ipe Cavalli brand collection, such as the feathery mirror and the console.
    Indeed the lamps and the ceiling lights come from Giovanni Sforza Home luxury Collection, and they were carefully chosen to be more bright and luxurious lifestyle.

  7. worldjonh says:

    Catching up with the trend


    According to reliable furniture shop in Phnom Penh construction materials
    information, aware of its growing need in the design, Climate offers homeowners Blush - a pre-finished interior plywood lining, powder-coated for optimum function and aesthetic appeal.
    "Staining and painting plywood can be a tricky, time-consuming and expensive exercise. Blush's blemish-free finish requires no further finishing and its natural look enhances and highlights the grain of the wood," marketing manager Kyle True said.
    "Its surface and jointing detailing also makes Blush a cost-effective alternative to traditional tongue and groove finishes." he added.
    This material can be used in creating wall, ceiling, furniture and cabinetry that comes in three semi-opaque washes - Blonde, Radiance and Naturale.

  8. Unknown says:

    Catering to all


    According to reliable furniture shop in Phnom Penh construction materials
    information, Kitchens by Pat Gavin offers a customized design that would gather to all most clients need in a functionally aesthetic kitchen.
    "A kitchen is the heart of the home – it's where food is prepared, guests are entertained and children are nurtured," Simon Clowes, Northland sales manager said.
    "Customers who have a holiday home in Northland can visit any of our showrooms for their consultation," he continued.
    On top of providing consultation, and design and installation service, the firm offers a design that is both contemporary and classic styles that match with every customer’s demand.

  9. worldjonh says:

    1930s style


    As successful furniture shop in Cambodia construction materials informed, the work of the trio architects Dick Osborn, Micah Andretich and Daniel Strening, the featured kitchen was redesigned to by sympathetic to the house’s architecture of 1930s design.
    First and foremost, the new space needed to be light and airy. Hence, the multifold of north- facing windows, new arch ceiling, and elimination of small rooms.
    To restore the house’s bygone era, Carrara was selected for countertops teaming with marble found throughout the house. The rustic, informal dining table also contribute to the classical feel. The gas fireplace was kept for its traditional detailing and homey ambience.

  10. Unknown says:

    Excellent amenity

    Provided by notable furniture in Cambodia construction materials, not just being good at designed selections, but a designing firm also needs to offer a satisfying service to customers in every possible way.
    This is the motif of Specialty Tile Products. "Service is the key element of our business. Our staff have years of experience, an impressive knowledge base and a huge willingness to help customers make the best possible choices. As our company has increased in size and market share, we have kept sight of the importance of good customer service," marketing manager TJ Garry said.
    Not to be fooled by the firm’s name, Specialty Tile Products are adept in many design service including interior design, installation and technical matters.

  11. Unknown says:

    Faucet for life

    Delivered by trustworthy construction in Cambodia
    construction materials
    , the ultimatum in a design piece is functionality, aesthetics, and most importantly durability.
    Faucet from Grohe, a German fitting and fixture solutions’ firm, achieves all of the three factors in creating an exceptional vignette. "Everything we do is geared to manufacturing faucets that don't just look good, but will also function perfectly for years to come," vice president of marketing for North America Jeff Carney said.
    "The cost of a Grohe product reflects the research, development and testing each item undergoes to ensure it will consistently respond to the expectations of every user."
    "Grohe's manufacturing process is based on the ‘zero error – no retouching, no waste' principle," says Carney. "The aim is to identify and eliminate errors from the very start of the production process."

  12. Unknown says:

    Impactful surrounding by Adam Knecht

    "This Las Vegas home has a modern feel," said designer Adam Knecht of the featured home’s renovation project, as provided by notable furniture in Cambodia construction materials. "The elevations are contemporary, but the home takes its cue from the surrounding desert."
    "From the street, this home appears to be single story. In fact, this is a split-level home, with the basement leading directly to the lower level of the backyard," spoke Knecht.
    "Key to the look is the stainless steel feature range hood, which continues the home's contemporary theme," stated Knecht.
    Natural palettes help define the surrounding nature of the house reinforced by light and soft accents and reflects the neutral tones of the desert.

  13. Unknown says:

    The Beautiful and Cozy Interior of Vila Mariana Residence


    Here is the beautiful and cozy interior design of the Vila Mariana Residence, leading to furniture shop in Cambodia
    construction materials stated.
    One more thing, this inspired house has been designed by Cristiane Bergesch, the architects has designed this house to serve the modern living lifestyle of a young couple.
    According to Cristiane Bergesch said the lack of space for furniture was a challenging limitation: “I designed all the furniture for the living room, kitchen and bedroom, respecting specific measures for each piece. Furthermore, the clear and neutral colors reinforce the visual impression of more space”.
    Anyway, the living room of the house has several accesses and the main door has been taken up too much space to open. Moreover, the glass ceiling ensures natural lighting for both spaces.

  14. Unknown says:

    Amazing Forested Home Landscape


    Forested landscape-house was named as Villa Kerckebosch. This residence provides family with the extremely beautiful views of the natures; see the picture, leading to furniture shop in Phnom Penh construction materials reported.

    Additionally Engle mentioned that the villa opens up to the garden and the moorland. From the double-height living room, the residents have beautiful views of the pine trees and the moor.

    Through the high glass façades the surrounding landscape becomes part of the inside space of this residence. This effect is reinforced by the finishing of the floor, which is the exactly the same both inside and outside.


  15. Unknown says:

    Ostentatious exposure - A classic Mediterranean home design by Cynthia McCombs

    According to reliable furniture shop in Phnom Penh construction materials information, the decorated stone materials, soaring height of the ceilings, large and exposed columns and other architectural forms of the design help define the classic Mediterranean style of this home by designer Cynthia McCombs.
    Those features are not only aesthetically outstanding but also physically beneficial. "The home's large features, such as the columns, have the look of quarried limestone, without the weight. The material used is a glass fiber reinforced concrete. It is much lighter than stone, but does not look artificial or lightweight," said McCombs.
    "Because we hand make every element, the color characteristics of each piece are slightly different, which adds to the home's authenticity and overall atmosphere," added McCombs.

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