KI Media: “Mass collapse at garment factory” plus 24 more |
- Mass collapse at garment factory
- Vietnam inflation reaches 23% in August
- Banking crisis - a word of caution [from Down Under]
- Politiktoons No. 174 : Seif Al-Islam Gadhafi
- Additional proof of farmland illegally leased to Vietnamese citizens in Bavet Leu village, Sangkat Bavet, Svay Rieng province
- Clarification to an Anonymous Reader of KI-Media
- ‘Free and Fair’ Criteria Elude Elections: Monitor
- Thai-Cambodian regional border meeting begins
- Please help support our Cambodian National Baseball Team to Compete in the 26th SEA Games
- Sam Rainsy Party: New NGO law puts constitutional rights at serious risk
- Ex-Thai FM Supports Government Plan To Improve Cambodia Ties
- Genocide Trial of Khmer Rouge Leaders Likely Delayed Until 2012
- WHO confirms another bird flu death in Cambodia
- [Vietcong] Metfone’s major fibre expansion
- Flames of protest ignite [-Lake of WRATH?]
- Do not sit on rotten wood (Do not associate with fools) - Op-Ed by Ven. Maha Phirum
- Templemews' Statement regarding Ven. Loun Savath
- Hochimonk clergy chases Ven. Loun Savath out of pagodas [-Persecution of Ven. Loun Savath by Hochimonks]
- Soy Sopheap interviews Hun Xen (Cont'd)
- Civic Groups Warned to ‘Readjust’ Their Work
- Draft Prison Law Unclear, Rights Groups Say
- Tribunal Prosecution Appeal To Be Made Public
- Dung urges expanded choking coop with Nambodia
- Thailand, Cambodia begin border meeting
- Landmine survivor touched by local mine removal efforts
| Mass collapse at garment factory Posted: 24 Aug 2011 06:02 PM PDT
Wednesday, 24 August 2011 Mom Kunthear The Phnom Penh Post Another mass fainting incident struck a garment factory yesterday, this time in the provincial capital of Kampong Chhnang where more than 100 workers at M&V factory collapsed, company and union representatives said yesterday. Staff began falling to the factory floor at about 9:00am, said Noun Chhenghour, president of Cambodia Union Workers, adding that more than 80 of them were taken to hospital. "We don't know why they fainted. The relevant officials went down to check the factory, but they did not conclude their investigation," she said. Company representative Un Chhan Teak said there was no connection between the mass fainting and working conditions, and that the fainting was a result of shock. After one or two women collapsed, the others panicked and followed suit, he explained. "We will allow them to stop working for two days. They will return to work on Thursday," Un Chhan Teak said. Two mass fainting incidents earlier this month at a Phnom Penh garment factory drew a joint inspection from officials at the ministries of environment, health and labour. They attributed the incidents to fright and lack of sleep, saying they found nothing abnormal at Zhen Tai Garment's factory. A factory supplying sportswear giant Puma was hit by fainting twice this year: at the end of last month and in April. The second incident prompted Puma to release a statement saying it was taking the incident "very seriously" and that it would introduce an "improvement plan". Union leaders have said garment workers are cutting back on food and working longer hours to make ends meet. Garment workers earn US$61 a month for 48 hours a week of work at factories that have licences to export. Kampong Chhnang Provincial Hospital director Sou Rin Ravuthy said doctors believed the women fainted from a variety of factors: fatigue, insufficient food and shock from seeing colleagues drop unconscious. He said some workers recovered quickly and left for home after receiving serum and medicine. "We checked their blood pressure and oxygen, and they were normal," he said. "It was not caused by a bad factory environment or chemical sprays," Sou Rin Ravuthy said. Noun Chhenghour said it was the fourth time workers had fainted in the factory, and that about 100 workers had fainted on the same date last year. Pov Sitha, director of the provincial labour department, could not be reached for comment.  | ||||||
| Vietnam inflation reaches 23% in August Posted: 24 Aug 2011 05:59 PM PDT
AFP HANOI — Vietnam's inflation reached an annual rate of 23 percent this month, official estimates said Wednesday, adding to a year-long price spiral that has hurt businesses and consumers alike. It is the 12th straight month of increases in the consumer price index, the General Statistics Office (GSO) said. Food costs were the main driver, soaring 34 percent. The United Nations in May said communist Vietnam has one of the world's five highest inflation rates. However, it remains below a recent peak of 28.3 percent seen in August 2008, and far from the triple-digit figures of the 1980s. Inflation was reported at 22 percent year-on-year in July. Long focused on growth, the government this year shifted towards economic stabilisation of numerous imbalances that include a large trade deficit, weak currency, and inefficient state spending as well as inflation. It raised key interest rates, vowed to cut state spending, and ordered that growth in credit, or loans, stays below 20 percent. Authorities are also trying to control the gold trade and reduce the prevalence of US dollars in the economy. But a Vietnamese banker expressed doubt the efforts are succeeding. "I have the impression that our economic situation is getting worse," the official from a major private bank said, refusing to be named. On Monday the government announced that minimum wages would rise by up to almost half in its major cities from October 1 in a bid to help workers cope with rising prices. Businesses in Hanoi and the southern economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City will have to pay their employees at least two million dong ($95) a month. But there are doubts about whether the higher wages will be enough to help workers cope, while businesses complain that increased salary costs will add to their burden. The government aims to keep inflation at about 15 percent this year. "For the time being it is necessary to concentrate on efforts to see through firmly and effectively the task of controlling inflation," and reducing difficulties for low-income earners, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said in a speech at his swearing-in for a second term early this month. Vietnam's economic growth eased slightly to 5.6 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2011, a little below the country's year-end target of around six percent.  | ||||||
| Banking crisis - a word of caution [from Down Under] Posted: 24 Aug 2011 03:56 PM PDT Wednesday, 24 August 2011 If the global crisis continues at the present rate, by the end of this year only two banks will be left operational ..... The Blood Bank and the Sperm Bank! And before you know it, these two will merge, and the whole place will be full of bloody wankers.  | ||||||
| Politiktoons No. 174 : Seif Al-Islam Gadhafi Posted: 24 Aug 2011 03:53 PM PDT
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| Posted: 24 Aug 2011 03:44 PM PDT 25 August 2011 KI-Media We are presenting below additional proof to the illegal leasing of farmland near the border to Vietnamese citizens. Map 1 shows the general location of the land leased with respect to a Google Earth map of Svay Rieng province.
Map 2 shows a closed-up view to the illegal leased land. Based on Google Earth map, the contentious area is located about 4.5-kilometer from the border. According to the 2010 Cambodian law on foreign ownership, Cambodian citizens are not allowed to lease or rent out land to foreign nationals within 30 kilometer from the border.
Map 3 shows locations and activities currently taking place at these illegally leased farmlands.
According to the villagers, they rent out their 100+ hectares to a Cambodian man from Prasat commune who serves as a "front-man" for a Vietnamese company in Tay Ninh. The rent rate is set at $100 per hectare, of which the land owners receive $75 per hectare and government officials (municipal and commune officials) receive $25 per hectare for "giving an official nod" to the illegal renting arrangement. Below is a leasing contract signed between Mao Sok, a Cambodian citizen, and Truong Minh Tung, a Vietnamese citizen. Mao Sok whose name appears in the contract does not own the 29-hectare of farmland, he is merely a real estate broker. In this case, the contract was signed with a local government "official nod" but without the official stamp and seal. Latest update: Local activists who revealed this illegal leasing scheme have been summoned to appear at the Bavet city hall "to answer questions on personal issues." It appears that both the Svay Rieng provincial authority and the Bavet authority are putting pressure on these local activists to keep them quiet.  | ||||||
| Clarification to an Anonymous Reader of KI-Media Posted: 24 Aug 2011 01:01 PM PDT
Dear Anonymous Reader, We wouldn't mind having Dr. Peang-Meth religiously writing a column for us, but this is not the case. As we indicated in the post, Dr. Peang-Meth wrote his article for the Pacific Daily News in Guam. We are only reproducing his article on KI-Media. Thank you, KI-Media team  | ||||||
| ‘Free and Fair’ Criteria Elude Elections: Monitor Posted: 24 Aug 2011 11:23 AM PDT
Wednesday, 24 August 2011 Kong Sothanarith, VOA Khmer | Phnom Penh "There are so many irregularities and so much fear." Cambodia's election process has failed to live up to international standards of "free and fair," a leading monitor said Monday. Koul Panha, the executive director of the Committee for Free and Fair Elections, told "Hello VOA" that the country has continued to struggle since it's first election, in 1993, with voter intimidation, an uneven playing field for non-ruling party candidates and other problems. "There are so many irregularities and so much fear," said Koul Panha, who is to receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award in the Philippines later this month. Each election cycle has also seen a decrease in the debate of "political issues," he said. In the interim, "state property has been used for the purposes of the [ruling Cambodian People's Party], which affects fair elections," he said. "And the state employees and armed forces are not neutral enough." Cambodia is preparing for local commune elections in 2012 and national parliamentary elections the following year. Koul Panha said he planned to strengthen his organization's observation of the elections, "and especially have a close look at the use of state property and the challenge of media access," he said. Opposition and other minority parties have long complained that the CPP uses state media and other broadcasts to further its political agenda, devoting hours to speeches by Prime Minister Hun Sen and showcasing CPP officials inaugurating projects like bridges, roads and schools. Koul Panha also said the voter demographic is changing, with as many as a million new voters eligible this election season.  | ||||||
| Thai-Cambodian regional border meeting begins Posted: 24 Aug 2011 11:18 AM PDT BANGKOK, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Thai-Cambodian Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting was kicked off on Wednesday at a hotel in Thailand's northeastern Nakhon Ratchasima province to discuss several issues including troop withdrawal. The meeting was co-chaired by Lt-Gen Thawatchai Samutsakhon, Thailand's Second Region Army commander, and Cambodia's Fourth Region Army commander Lt-Gen Chea Mon together with Deputy Defense Minister Neang Phat. Among the 15 agenda, troop withdrawal from the disputed area around Preah Vihear Temple would be raised for discussion. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague ruled on July 18 that both countries should withdraw their forces from the disputed area around the contentious ancient temple in a bid to create a provisional demilitarized zone, following Phnom Penh's request. On this occasion, Cambodian representatives also congratulated the new Thai government led by Pheu Thai Party which assumed the office following decisive victory in the July election. The two-day talks will focus on issues including national security, border peace, land development, environment and anti- narcotics measures.  | ||||||
| Please help support our Cambodian National Baseball Team to Compete in the 26th SEA Games Posted: 24 Aug 2011 11:13 AM PDT  From KI Reader: Reasmeiy Angkor In 2007, the brand-new national Cambodian Baseball team competed for the first time in the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, led by Cambodian American coach Joe Cook," the team didn't win any games, but the real victory was in the journey," said Michael Siv, a media producer for New America Media. The heart and soul of every player and the CNBT team is the participation in the 26th SEA Games, which will be held in Jakarta and Palembang from November 11-26 of this year. In order to participate in the 26th SEA GAMES, the team has to convince the parent national sporting body, the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia, that the team has what it takes to compete and representing Cambodia "on its commitment and capability to field a decent team." Brief records of CNBT:
The unfortunate result is that the NOC (National Olympic Committee of Cambodia) is not supporting the Cambodian National Baseball Team to represent Cambodia in the 26th Sea Game this November. NOC is not allowing the team to compete, the committee refused to sign the entry form for the competition. The CNBT is a good team, work very hard, and determined to show the world their talents and perseverance. Here is a message from the Founder and Ambassador of Baseball of Cambodia, Joe Cook: We are sad to report that Cambodia's first National Baseball Team will not be competing in the 26th annual South East Asian (SEA) Games, this November. The team's application has been denied by the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia. We want Cambodia to participate and be recognized in the international arena. Despite no support or sponsorship from the Cambodian government, funding has been raised by individuals who believe that our players have what it takes to represent our beloved country. We have a good team in place and are ready to compete in November! To express your concerns and support for our baseball team, please write to NOC, in hopes that they reconsider the application. camnoc@online.com.kh For more information on the team please visit: www.cambodiabaseball.org  | ||||||
| Sam Rainsy Party: New NGO law puts constitutional rights at serious risk Posted: 24 Aug 2011 11:10 AM PDT  Sam Rainsy Party (LI Observer) Members of Parliament continue to raise their concerns over the Cambodian government's draft for a new NGO Law, which, if adopted, will infringe extensively on freedoms of expression and association and allow government control over NGO's and their activities. In an exclusive comment to LI News, Mu Sochua MP, President of the Sam Rainsy Party's Women's Wing, said: 'Civil society in Cambodia is the target of the current one-party system. The voices of the people will be crushed with the passing on the NGO Law. Civil society has been key in ringing the alarm bell on corruption, violations of human rights and instrumental in providing people in the grassroots information and training on advocacy. This law takes Cambodia to the years of silence where all liberties and rights will be ignored. We do not need these years of darkness.' The final version of the controversial draft law was released late last month, causing pervasive upset among civil society activists, due to only marginal changes to the opposed versions debated earlier this year.  | ||||||
| Ex-Thai FM Supports Government Plan To Improve Cambodia Ties Posted: 24 Aug 2011 11:05 AM PDT BANGKOK, Aug 24 (Bernama) -- Former Thai foreign minister Surakiat Sathirathai has expressed support for the Thai government's foreign policy to improve relations with neighbouring countries, particularly Cambodia. Speaking at the "Asia In The Next Decade" forum at Plaza Athenee Bangkok Hotel on Wednesday, Surakiat insisted the government was on the right track, reports Thai News Agency (TNA). He said the restoration of Thai-Cambodian ties was a top priority, and urged the Thai government to mend existing problems by peaceful means. "Disputes should be contained in meeting rooms, while people of both countries must co-exist peacefully", he noted. He also stressed that boundary experts from both countries should take the lead on border issues, noting that nationalism alone could obstruct problem-solving efforts. On trade, the former foreign minister said it was mandatory for the 10 ASEAN member states to jointly promote market integration, as they could not rely only on export markets in the U.S. and Europe. He said Asia would play bigger roles in the world economy in the next decade, with China and India to catalyse major changes on top of diminishing influence of the U.S. and Europe. To this extent, he advised the Thai government to consider foreign policies that develop the well-being of the Thai people, saying economic fluctuations would increase over the next 4-5 years.  | ||||||
| Genocide Trial of Khmer Rouge Leaders Likely Delayed Until 2012 Posted: 24 Aug 2011 11:03 AM PDT
Robert Carmichael | Phnom Penh Voice of America Court sources and observers in Cambodia say the genocide trial of four surviving Khmer Rouge is now likely to be delayed, yet again. That follows an acknowledgment by the Khmer Rouge tribunal that one of the defendants requires psychiatric tests to determine her fitness to stand trial. The court is no stranger to delay, but recent events have revealed yet another possible suspension in the proceedings against four surviving Khmer Rouge leaders. Late last year, court officials were predicting that the trial for Case 002 would begin by mid-2011. But the recent confirmation that former social affairs minister Ieng Thirith needs a psychiatric assessment means it is now unlikely to start before January. Court spokesman Lars Olsen says next week, the court will discuss recent medical reports examining the physical abilities of three defendants to stand trial. But the doctor who carried out those examinations has also recommended that Ieng Thirith have a psychiatric assessment. "And this is what the Trial Chamber will in the very near future do, Olsen says. "They will appoint international and national psychiatric expertise to conduct a further assessment on Ieng Thirith's fitness to stand trial." All of that will take time. It will likely be months before the psychiatric report is finalized, discussed and then ruled on by the tribunal. Because the court wants to try the defendants together, the case cannot start until Ieng Thirith is declared mentally fit or unfit to stand trial. Anne Heindel, legal adviser at Phnom Penh-based genocide research organization DC-Cam, explains the legal principle behind being found unfit for trial. "It's not just a medical assessment," Heindel says. "It's the legal evaluation of a medical assessment. Can you participate in your defense? Can you instruct your counsel? Do you understand what your plea means? Do you understand what's going on in the proceedings?" If Ieng Thirith is found to be unfit for trial, Anne Heindel adds, that could mean a temporary or even a permanent suspension of the case against her, depending on how she responds to treatment. "The hope is always that with medical assistance somebody could then become fit for trial, and the trial could proceed at that point," she says. "With mental illness, if that's what it is, it's obviously much less certain than with a physical ailment and harder to judge." The other former leaders facing trial are: Nuon Chea, who was deputy to the late Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot; Khieu Samphan, the regime's head of state; and Ieng Sary, the former foreign minister. All four deny charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. Court spokesman Lars Olsen says at this stage it is not possible to say when their trial will start. "The Trial Chamber is trying the best to start the trial this year, but it's not possible to schedule the start of the hearing of evidence before the fitness issue has been dealt with, and also some other preliminary objections," says Olsen. "So we don't know." Every delay reduces the chances for a successful trial because of the ages of the defendants. The youngest of them is 79 years old and the longer their trial drags on, the greater the chance that health problems could disrupt the proceedings.  | ||||||
| WHO confirms another bird flu death in Cambodia Posted: 24 Aug 2011 10:58 AM PDT Eighth bird flu death in Cambodia reported this year August 24, 2011 AHN The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday confirmed another bird flu death in Cambodia. The victim is a six-year-old girl and is the eighth person to have died of the outbreak this year. In a joint statement, the Health Ministry and WHO said that the child belonged to eastern Kampong Cham province and she died on August 14 after contracting H5N1 avian influenza. "The girl is the 18th person in Cambodia to become infected with the H5N1 virus and the 16th to die from complications of the disease," since 2005 they said.  | ||||||
| [Vietcong] Metfone’s major fibre expansion Posted: 24 Aug 2011 10:02 AM PDT
Wednesday, 24 August 2011 Tom Brennan and Don Weinland The Phnom Penh Post Metfone has claimed to control more than 80 percent of Cambodia's fibre-optic network, allowing it to reach every commune in the Kingdom. The firm said it contributed 16,000 kilometres of fibre-optic backbone to Cambodia's total of about 20,000 kilometres, citing a February report from the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications. The last 20 percent was split between Telecom Cambodia and Cambodia Fibre Optic Communication Network Company (CFOCN), the company said. Metfone, which is owned by Viettel, a subsidiary of the Vietnamese military, claimed its cable deployment, all of which has been done since the company received an investment licence in 2006, was "13 times as high as the total national optical backbone developed by the whole country during previous 10 years". "Metfone is currently the owner of the biggest capacity and largest coverage fiber network in Cambodia," Metfone said in a statement released earlier this month. While Metfone Managing Director Nguyen Duy Tho did not return requests for comment, insiders were mixed as to the legitimacy of the company's numbers. Minister of Posts and Telecommunications So Khun said Metfone's coverage was likely to be about 80 percent of Cambodia's total network of fibre. CFOCN CEO Steven Cao estimated the number for Viettel was probably between 10,000 kilometres and 15,000 kilometres. CFOCN holds about 5,000 kilometres of cable, he said. Telecom Cambodia Director General Lao Saroeun this week said the state-owned firm owned over 1,000 kilometre. Cao likened Metfone's reported fibre-cable numbers to those of its mobile subscribers. Where Metfone claims 8 million subscribers in Cambodia, Cao said the number was closer to 4.7 million. Heath Shan, CEO of Cambodian wholesale fibre provider NTC, rejected that comparison. He said the Kingdom's fibre network was quantifiable, while industry insiders have often called into question the veracity of domestic subscriber numbers. Given those figures, he said the Kingdom's total fibre network may in fact be larger than the ministry's February report claims, possibly as high as 25,000 kilometres but likely closer to 22,000 kilometres. Shan noted Metfone's boast of reaching all of the Kingdom's communes was one of choice, as other companies have focused instead on more commercially viable urban areas. He said the return on investment for such an extended network was "extremely long". Also, a number of companies were looking to wireless technology as an alternative to fibre in these areas. Analysts called Metfone's early push into the Kingdom's over 1,600 communes a preparation for the eventual arrival of third-generation wireless, or 3G, services there. Marc Einstein, industry manager for Frost & Sullivan's information and communication technologies practice in the Asia-Pacific region, said Metfone is "getting its network ready for future growth". The company's move will allow Metfone to run a stronger network, one that's faster and cheaper for consumers than competitors and offers the capacity needed for 3G services. "I think it really does show Viettel means business in the country, and that's going to make it harder for these other companies," he said.  | ||||||
| Flames of protest ignite [-Lake of WRATH?] Posted: 24 Aug 2011 09:46 AM PDT
Wednesday, 24 August 2011 Khouth Sophak Chakrya and David Boyle The Phnom Penh Post Another 42 families facing eviction at Boeung Kak have been cut out of a hard-fought compensation deal. The move fuelled protests yesterday at the former lake, as about 200 protestors burnt tyres and accused municipal authorities of betraying them. Dismayed residents from villages six, 22 and 24 in Phnom Penh's Srah Chak commune said they had been cheated by Daun Penh district officials out of promised on-site relocation within a 12.44-hectare area granted to 756 families by Prime Minister Hun Sen on August 11. "Those officials said that they will not issue land titles for our 42 families located on the edge of Boeung Kak lake," villager Kim Vanny said, adding she was told residents whose homes lay very close to the water were not entitled to new land. Excluded resident Chea Sokchern showed the Post a copy of a letter inviting her to apply for a land title, which she has now been told she would not receive. Last Wednesday, families from village one were also excluded from the deal after municipal authorities said their land lay close to a train line and fell under the responsibility of transport authorities or the railway operator. The relocation offer was hoped to bring to a close a battle for fair compensation that has raged since 2007 for at least some of the estimated 4,000 villagers set to be evicted to make way for a real estate development backed by ruling-party senator Lao Meng Khin's Shukaku Inc. Some villagers said that even before the deal was publicly announced foul play was at hand, with Shukaku representatives purchasing plots of land just days before the on-site compensation was announced. Chhay Rithysen, director of the municipal department of urbanisation and construction, said on Monday that the relocation site would be located behind the Ministry of Information, west of Calmette hospital, and near the French embassy. Daun Penh district deputy governor Sok Penhvuth, who visited Boeung Kak yesterday, declined to comment. The Prime Minister's decision to grant the land to lakeside residents came just days after the World Bank announced it had suspended any new funding to projects in Cambodia until an acceptable resolution to the dispute was brokered. Cambodian finance minister Keat Chhon reportedly postponed a forum to garner international donor support indefinitely in a letter to the bank on August 17.  | ||||||
| Do not sit on rotten wood (Do not associate with fools) - Op-Ed by Ven. Maha Phirum Posted: 24 Aug 2011 09:41 AM PDT | ||||||
| Templemews' Statement regarding Ven. Loun Savath Posted: 24 Aug 2011 09:36 AM PDT   | ||||||
| Posted: 24 Aug 2011 02:06 AM PDT
By Tin Zakariya Radio Free Asia Translated form Khmer by Soch activities led by Ven. Loun Savath do not violate any Buddhist rule or state law. Quite to the contrary, this clergy order is instead a human rights oppression. Ven. Loun Savath who usually participated in various community protests, such as the forest protection communities, and who also joined protests organized by residents who were unjustly evicted from their lands and houses, has been accused by a Phnom Penh Hochimonk of committing acts violating Buddhist rule and religion. On 22 August, Ven. Loun Savath reacted to the clergy order issued by the Siem Reap head monk preventing him from receiving shelters from any pagodas in Siem Reap province and accusing him of violating Buddhist rule, by saying that he did not do anything wrong and that his action was only to help seek justice and to share the pain of the people who face human rights violations – such as losing their houses, their lands from violations committed by private companies. The clergy order issued on 19 August stipulated that Ven. Loun Savath is prohibited from officiating a freedom celebration for 12 released prisoners in Wat Thmei pagoda, Chikreng district, Siem Reap province. Furthermore, all pagodas in the province are not allowed to provide shelter to Ven. Loun Savath because he is affecting the value of Buddhism. In the event Ven. Loun Savath does not abide by the order, all monks must cooperate with the authority to take religious and legal measures against him. All monks must cooperate with officials from the department of cult to put into application the clergy order. Chum Kim Leng, the deputy head monk of Siem Reap province, said that if Ven. Loun Savath stops participating in protests, then he will be allowed to stay in a pagoda in Siem Reap. Bun Vanna, the director of the Siem Reap department of cult and religion, declined to comment on this case, but he indicated that the activities led by Ven. Loun Savath are contrary to the 2010 clergy order which prohibited any monk from participating in strikes and protests. Nevertheless, Am Sam Ath, a high-ranking investigator for the Licadho human rights organization, expressed his regret to see this clergy order because the activities led by Ven. Loun Savath do not violate any Buddhist rule or state law. Quite to the contrary, this clergy order is instead a human rights oppression. This is the second clergy order prohibiting Ven. Loun Savath from receiving shelter in Siem Reap province after Hochimonk Non Nget issued an order on 26 April 2011 banning Ven. Loun Savath from seeking shelter in pagodas in Phnom Penh. Ven. Loun Savath usually joined with people who demand justice for their evictions from their lands and houses, such his recent participation with residents from Boeung Kak Lake, Dey Krahorm and Chikreng.  | ||||||
| Soy Sopheap interviews Hun Xen (Cont'd) Posted: 24 Aug 2011 01:02 AM PDT    | ||||||
| Civic Groups Warned to ‘Readjust’ Their Work Posted: 24 Aug 2011 12:42 AM PDT The government says it needs the NGO law to better manage the thousands of organizations operating in the country, but critics say it will hamper their work and make it harder for smaller associations to form. Monday, 22 August 2011 Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer | Phnom Penh "Some NGOs will begin to be afraid." A coalition of non-governmental organizations says it received a warning from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to "readjust" some of their work, following a controversy over land rights along a railway line development. The NGO Forum said Monday it is preparing a response letter to the ministry, after it wrote a letter to the Asian Development Bank in 2010 warning of dangerous construction on a line slated for rehabilitation. The latest row between the NGO sector and the government comes amid increased warnings that the government is moving to curb the influence of the country's burgeoning civil society. A new law moving toward parliamentary debate has raised concerns that organizations critical of the government can be shut down or have their work impeded under ambiguous regulations. Koy Kuong, a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said it had warned NGO Forum, the Housing Rights Task Force, Bridges Across Borders and Sahmakum Teang Tnut, or STT, to rethink the way they worked with Cambodians whose lands are threatened by development. Some of those same NGOs have given their support to a highly public land dispute in Phnom Penh over a development project at Boeung Kak lake. Residents there were recently promised a small plot of land on the development site after years of protest and only after the World Bank threatened to withdraw funding to the country if the problem was not addressed. Koy Kuong said the four NGOs had written to complain to the ADB in October 2010 over the rehabilitation of a railway line in Battambang province, where two children were killed. "The four NGO representatives blamed the death of the two children on the government," he said, calling the claim "false." STT, meanwhile, which works with poor communities on housing rights, has had its activities suspended by the Ministry of Interior, for "failing to modify its leadership" at the behest of the government. Critics say the group was suspended for its work with the urban poor in Phnom Penh, who have proven a headache city officials and developers. Ou Virak, president of the Cambodian Center for Human Rights, said the STT suspension and the ministry warning to the four NGOs represented "pressure" on civil society. "Some NGOs will begin to be afraid," he said. Tith Sothea, a spokesman for the Council of Ministers, which is currently reviewing the latest NGO law, said the government "cannot accept" accusations it is trying to put pressure on the rights of non-governmental agencies.  | ||||||
| Draft Prison Law Unclear, Rights Groups Say Posted: 24 Aug 2011 12:35 AM PDT Wednesday, 24 August 2011 Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer | Phnom Penh
Cambodian rights groups say they are worried that a new draft law is not clear enough in its efforts to reform the prison system, which is plagued with mismanagement and overcrowding. The Ministry of Interior drafted the law to improve how the system works, including education of prisoners and their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The draft law, which was approved by the Council of Ministers for parliamentary debate on Friday, contains 85 articles meant to reform the prison system, but it does not touch on military prisons. Chan Saveth, head of monitoring for the rights group Adhoc, said a new law is needed, but one that meets international standards. The current draft does not outline clear visitation privileges, punishments for prison guards and other officials who take bribes from prisoners who want better care, or definitions for torture or abuse of prisoners. "We think there are some points we want to add, so that the prison draft law follows international standards and our constitution," he said. Am Sam Ath, chief investigator for the rights group Licadho, said some articles in the draft are not clear. "In our view, it states more about fines or punishment of prisoners, and in our view it states little about fines or punishment for prison officials," he said. Phay Siphan, a spokesman for the Council of Ministers, said the law is meant to protect the rights of prisoners. "The government is trying hard to make living in prison [a condition that includes] getting respect and better living," he said. A statement from the Council of Ministers said the law aims to ensure safety and humane conditions for prisoners.  | ||||||
| Tribunal Prosecution Appeal To Be Made Public Posted: 24 Aug 2011 12:29 AM PDT
Monday, 22 August 2011 Kong Sothanarith, VOA Khmer | Phnom Penh
Judges at the Khmer Rouge tribunal have determined that an appeal over the continued investigation of a controversial case at the UN-backed court can be made public. The appeal, which was made by international prosecutor Andrew Cayley earlier this year, calls for investigating judges to do more work in Case 003, in which two Khmer Rouge commanders are accused of atrocity crimes. Allowing the publication of that submission will further help victims who wish to be a part of the case, tribunal monitors said Monday. Investigating judges announced in April they had concluded their work in the case, but Cayley said in a subsequent statement they had not questioned the two suspects and had not adequately investigated alleged crime sites. Representatives of victims said they could not file under the court's civil party procedures without knowing the crime sites or the names of the suspects. "The fact that there is no public information will cause a loss of confidence in the court process among victims," said Latt Ky, a tribunal monitor for the rights group Adhoc. Victim participation and national reconciliation are key goals of the court, which is set to try four Khmer Rouge leaders later this year in Case 002. No indictments have been made in cases 003 or 004. The investigative judges, Siegfried Blunk and You Bunleng, have said they harbor doubts as to whether the five suspects named in those cases can be considered "most responsible" for Khmer Rouge atrocities.  | ||||||
| Dung urges expanded choking coop with Nambodia Posted: 24 Aug 2011 12:19 AM PDT
PM Dung urges expanded co-operation with Cambodia August, 24 2011 VNS (Hanoi) HA NOI — The Vietnamese Government would do its best to work with the Cambodian Government to raise bilateral ties to a more effective and fruitful level, said Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung in Ha Noi yesterday. Dung told the Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation Hor Namhong there was huge potential for further co-operation between the two nations, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, tourism, education and training and cross-border links. He also proposed the two sides work more actively within ASEAN forums to make the ASEAN community more prosperous. Additionally, the two nations should co-operate with the Mekong River Commission to use the river's water resources sustainably and effectively. Dung also said he hoped Cambodia would support the Vietnamese community living and working in Cambodia and be more efficient in border marking. In return, Hor Namhong said that with the growing ties between the two countries, particularly in trade and investment, the Cambodian Government would create favourable conditions for Vietnamese businessmen making long-term investments in his country. Hor Namhong briefed Dung on the outcome of the 12th Viet Nam-Cambodia Joint Committee meeting in Ha Noi yesterday, with specific measures agreed to further co-operative ties. He promised to aid the Vietnamese people living in Cambodia and said the two sides had been determined to complete land border demarcations by the end of 2012. Joint meeting Earlier, Hor Namhong and Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh co-chaired the 12th Viet Nam-Cambodia Joint Committee's meeting. The participants agreed that after the 11th session in December 2009, bilateral ties had reaped better outcomes. Notably, the two-way export turnover reached US$1.8 billion last year and Viet Nam had become one of the leading investors in Cambodia. It was hoped the figure would rise to $2 billion this year. The two sides agreed yesterday to expand ties in education, with more of a focus on raising the quality of training and assisting enterprises to overcome difficulties to carry out projects and to sign new contracts. They also wanted to map out a scheme on developing the Viet Nam-Cambodia border markets network to 2020. Concerted efforts would be made to search for and bury the remains of Vietnamese army volunteers who died in Cambodia and to enhance co-operation within regional and international forums. The 13th meeting will be held in Cambodia next year.  | ||||||
| Thailand, Cambodia begin border meeting Posted: 23 Aug 2011 11:31 PM PDT  NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Aug 24 (MCOT online news) – The Thai-Cambodian Regional Border Committee (RBC) on Wednesday began meeting in Thailand's northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima, discussing 15 issues including troop withdrawal from the disputed border area. The 15th RBC meeting in Nakhon Ratchasima is being co-chaired by Lt-Gen Thawatchai Samutsakhon, Second Region Army commander responsible for security affairs in Thailand's northeastern region, and Cambodia's Fourth Army commander Lt-Gen Chea Mon. Gen Thawatchai said that the meeting showed good cooperation and goodwill between the two neighbouring countries. On this occasion, Cambodian representatives also congratulated the new Thai government which assumed office following the July 3 general election. On the agenda of the two-day meeting are 15 issues, including the top issues of troop withdrawal from the disputed area near the Preah Vihear Temple, national security, border peace, land development, environment, anti-narcotics measures and suppression over law violation along the border. Both sides intended to boost the standard of living of their people and enhance security in daily life and property. Meanwhile, Gen Neang Phat, Cambodia's Deputy Defence Minister, observed the meeting and expected to discuss troop withdrawal from the disputed border near Preah Vihear Temple for further negotiation at the Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee (GBC) meeting on September 8. Apart from the military top brass from both sides, governors of provinces along the Thai-Cambodian border also attended the meeting.  | ||||||
| Landmine survivor touched by local mine removal efforts Posted: 23 Aug 2011 11:23 PM PDT
By Ni Kuo-yen and Christie Chen Kinmen, Aug. 23 (CNA) Song Kosal, a Cambodian anti-landmine youth ambassador who attended the peace bell ringing ceremony in Kinmen Tuesday, said she was touched by the Taiwanese military's efforts to remove mines from the island. Kosal, a member of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, was one of the more than 100 youths from 20 countries who gathered on Taiwan's outlying island of Kinmen for a bell ringing ceremony to pray for world peace. Under the company of social welfare workers, Kosal, 26, toured several minefields after the ceremony to learn about local actions to clear mines and restore the land. She touted Taiwan's accomplishments in removing mines and said her trip to Kinmen was an emotional one. Photos of war victims on display at the ceremony make one want to cry, said Kosal, who is a landmine survivor herself. She lost her right leg when she was five after accidentally stepping onto a landmine in Cambodia. She joined the international campaign against landmines at the age of 12, and has traveled around the world to raise awareness about landmines. The Cambodian youth ambassador expressed her hope for the landmines in Kinmen to not only be removed, but destroyed, as soon as possible. She also visited an exhibition of equipment to clear mines and listened to a report by Chao Chung-kun, the captain of the Kinmen Defense Command's mine removal unit. In his report, Chao said the military has already removed 60,000 landmines and unexploded bombs in 96 minefields since 2007, covering a total of 2.47 million square meters, or about 5,795 basketball courts. That is 80.9 percent of the task accomplished, he said. Chao estimates his unit will clear all mines in Kinmen before the scheduled completion date in 2013. Kosal presented Chao and other military officials with scarves woven by Cambodian survivors of landmines, and the military reciprocated with figurines representing the mine removal unit. The ceremony on Tuesday commemorated the 53rd anniversary of the 823 Artillery Bombardment -- a battle in which Chinese troops fired over 470,000 shells at Kinmen over a period of 44 days, injuring and killing thousands of soldiers and civilians. The 2-meter high "peace bell," inscribed with the word "peace" in over 100 languages, was made from the cannon shells that rained down on Kinmen during the battle.  |
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