Suthep: Border situation normal

31/01/2011
Bangkok Post

The situation at the Thai-Cambodian border is not worrying and Thai authorities are working hard to get Cambodia to quickly remove its national flag flying over the disputed area near Preah Vihear temple, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of security affairs Suthep Thaugsuban said on Monday.

“There are people making up stories about the border situation, but I assure you that the situation is not tense,” Mr Suthep said.

As for Cambodia’s refusal to remove its national flag hoisted near Kaew Sikha Khiri Sawara temple in the disputed 4.6-square-kilometre area, Mr Suthep said the Foreign Ministry and the army are dealing with the issue as a matter of urgency.
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Pesticide poisoning common among farmers, study finds

Jan 31, 2011
By Robert Carmichael
DPA

Phnom Penh – In 2001, Cambodia introduced a law requiring that all pesticides carry labels in Khmer, the local language.

The logic was simple enough: All pesticides were imported and very few farmers could read the instructions. That posed a significant public health risk.

But 10 years on the law is widely ignored, says agronomist and pesticides expert Keam Makarady: Just 30 of more than 800 pesticides carry instructions in Khmer.

‘So it is difficult for farmers to know what kind of pesticides they use, and also the direction for (their) safe use,’ he says.

The result, as a Danish study has found, is that farmers are being poisoned at work.
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Sam Rainsy’s letter sent to Kem Sokha on unification of democrats

On January 24, 2011, Sam Rainsy, President of the Sam Rainsy Party sent a letter to Kem Sokha, President of the Human Rights Party on unification of democrats.

SRP Cabinet

Click on the letter to zoom in

HRP president Kem Sokha responds to Sam Rainsy's letter

Four political stances of Human Rights Party respond to the two point of Sam Rainsy ‘s letter which signed to HRP on January 24,2011 about Political Alliance for change (Democratic Movement For Change).

Please click on the letter in Khmer to zoom in

Hun Sen's Development? More poverty

Political Sacravatoons: "Dey Krahorm Land Eviction Victim"

Cartoon by Sacrava (on the web at http://sacrava.blogspot.com and also at http://sacrava.wordpress.com)

Dey Krahorm Land Eviction Victim: Down with Hun Xen

Thai Protest to be lodged over flag

January 31, 2011
The Nation

Preah Vihear tense after influx of Cambodian troops

The government will flex its muscles for the protesting yellow shirts from the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) to show it will protect land in disputed border areas. It plans to issue a statement of protest against Cambodia.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has instructed the Foreign Ministry to issue a protest, because Phnom Penh has refused to remove its national flag from the disputed area adjacent to the Hindu temple at Preah Vihear, the ministry spokesman Thani Thongpakdi said.

“Concerned officials are working on it and we could issue the statement soon,” he said. Abhisit said last week that Cambodia had no right to fly its national flag at Wat Keo Sikkha Kiri Svara temple as Thailand also claimed territorial rights to the area.

Thailand managed to convince Cambodia to remove two stone tablets saying the area where Thai troops invaded in 2008 belonged to Cambodia.
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[Thai] PM orders Cambodian flags to be taken down

Phnom Penh labels demand ‘provocative’

31/01/2011
Bangkok Post

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is insisting that any Cambodian flag flying above disputed areas must be removed, despite Phnom Penh denouncing the call as “insulting and unacceptable”.

The Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement criticising Mr Abhisit’s demand, saying the call, in parallel with Thai military exercises last week near the border, was provocative.

Mr Abhisit called for the removal of the Cambodian flags yesterday during his weekly radio and television address.

Cambodia is flying its national flag near Wat Kaew Sikha Khiri Sawara temple in the disputed 4.6-square-kilometre area near Preah Vihear temple.

Mr Abhisit said the area did not belong to Cambodia and ordered the Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry to protest against Cambodia’s announcement that he had violated its sovereignty by ordering the removal of the flag.

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Thailand to protest to Cambodia over disputed temple

DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan 30 (MCOT online news) — Thailand will issue a protest note to Cambodia after the Cambodian government issued a statement condemning Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva for his remarks asking Cambodia to remove its national flag flying at the entrance of a disputed ancient temple which sits on the border, a senior Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry official said Sunday.

Chavanont Intarakomalsut, secretary to the foreign affairs minister, told journalists that the statement issued by the Cambodian foreign ministry charging that Thailand had violated Cambodian integrity and sovereignty would not help provide a conciliatory atmosphere for talks between the two neighbouring countries aimed at resolving the border problem under the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) framework.

Phnom Penh issued the statement after Mr Abhisit asked the Cambodian government to remove its national flag erected above the entrance of Kaew Sikha Khiri Sawara temple near historic Preah Vihear.
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‘Yellows’ return to Thai street politics

Sunday, January 30, 2011
By Amelie Bottollier-Depois (AFP)

BANGKOK — With neatly spaced tents, massages, free vegetarian meals and a heavy dose of nationalist rhetoric, Thailand’s powerful royalist “Yellow Shirts” are back on the streets of Bangkok.

More than a thousand people have camped out around the government’s compound since Tuesday, demonstrating against its handling of a border dispute with neighbouring Cambodia.

Despite relatively small numbers compared to their arch enemies — the anti-government “Red Shirts” whose most recent rally attracted nearly 30,000 people — the group has managed to choke off streets around Government House.
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OV in Cambodia celebrate Lunar New Year

Comrade Mem Sam An

30/01/2011
VOVNews/VNA

The Vietnamese Embassy in Cambodia held a meeting to celebrate the Lunar New Year (Tet) holidays on Jan. 28 in the capital city of Phnom Penh.

Attending the meeting were Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Men Sam An, heads of ministries and state agencies and overseas Vietnamese.

Speaking at the meeting, the Cambodian Deputy PM congratulated Vietnam on its successful 11th National Congress Party. She hailed the economic achievements the country had recorded during the last year as well as its investment activities in Cambodia, which, she said, have helped generate jobs for local residents.

On the occasion, she also sent her New Year greetings to Vietnam leaders and people and expressed her wish for the two countries’ traditional friendship to be strengthened.

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Opposition infiltration

Sunday, 30 January 2011
Meas Sokchea and Sebastian Strangio
The Phnom Penh Post

Prime Minister Hun Sen has apparently signed off on a strategy to recruit spies in the opposition Sam Rainsy Party in a bid to undercut its support ahead of next year’s commune council elections, according to a leaked document from his cabinet.

In a letter dated December 21 and posted today on the antigovernment news blog KI-Media, Ngor Sovann, one of Hun Sen’s advisers, allegedly recorded that the ruling Cambodian People’s Party had successfully recruited SRP officials as double agents in Kampot and Takeo provinces.

The letter noted that 16 SRP members had been recruited as spies in Kampot, in exchange for 100,000 riels (US$24.60) and a $5 prepaid phone card per month.

“We were successful in our work in a short period, with the collection and building of 16 forces as secret agents in the commune councils,” Ngor Sovann stated.
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Troops reinforced at tense border

Sunday, 30 January 2011
Cheang Sokha and Thet Sambath
The Phnom Penh Post

Cambodia officials have sent military reinforcements to the border area near Preah Vihear temple in the midst of a public spat with Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva over the removal of Cambodian flags at a nearby pagoda.On Friday, Abhisit requested that the flags be removed from Wat Keo Sekha Kirisvara, adjacent to the temple, a plea that came amid reports of a Thai plan to hold military exercises close to Preah Vihear.

Srey Doek, commander of Royal Cambodian Armed Forces Military Division 3 at the border, said additional personnel, tanks and heavy artillery had been dispatched to the border on Friday in response to the exercises.

“They [Thai troops] are doing maneuvers and we are also doing them – that is why we need to send tanks and other weapons to the border,” Srey Doek said. “Our armed forces are on alert.”

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Cambodia welcomes aid from Japan and China, some are wary

PHNOM PENH, Jan. 30 (AP) – (Kyodo)—Cambodia, one of the least developed countries in Southeast Asia, extends a welcoming hand to economic aid from Japan and China but some analysts in the country are wary of the competitive intent of the nation’s two largest aid donors.

Officially, the government hails the two countries as champions of Cambodia’s rehabilitation and development through their economic aid program.

Japan has provided about $130 million a year to Cambodia since the early 1990s mostly in the form of grant aid, while China channels its assistance largely through loans.
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[Thai] PM: Cambodian flag must be removed

30/01/2011
Bangkok Post

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said in his “Confidence in Thailand with PM Abhisit” weekly programme on NBT on Sunday morning that if a national flag of Cambodia is really placed at Wat Kaew Sikkha Khiri Savara, it must be removed.

“The temple is located on the disputed border area and if the claim by yellow-shirt people group is true, the government will coordinate with Cambodian authorities to remove the flag”, Mr Abhisit said in Davos, Switzerland.

The yellow-shirt People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) on Friday showed photos showing that a Cambodia’s national flag was place on the entrance gate of the border temple.

On the demand by the PAD that the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding signed with Cambodia be revoked, the prime minister said that the MoU was made in order to prevent the possible use of military force in settling border dispute and that it is in line with international principle.

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Kasit’s remarks on border unconvincing

January 30, 2011
Opinion by M Johnson, Bangkok
The Nation

Dear Sir:

Regarding “PAD acting like a cry baby: Kasit” (January 27, 2011) Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya criticises his former allies the PAD yellow shirts for their calling for a tougher line by the government on the Preah Vihear border dispute with Cambodia and claims that he hasn’t changed his position since the time before he became a minister. He also says it is “inappropriate to invoke international relations as a bargaining leverage to advance a domestic political agenda”. He also calls for common development of “rich resources in the sea,” presumably referring to oil and gas deals.

Actually, your story is an example of the reason why the PAD has been criticising Mr Kasit and the Abhisit government.

Mr Kasit says that he has not changed and that “The Abhisit Vejjajiva government is not prone to use force nor to insult the neighbouring country” but in 2009, he himself was quoted as calling Hun Sen “a nakleng.” In 2008, he was quoted as calling him a “thug” on the rally stage of the PAD.
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Suthep urges caution amid ‘troop boost’

BORN TO BE WILD: People’s Alliance for Democracy co-leader Chamlong Srimuang patrols on a scooter as the PAD rally enters its fifth day at Makkhawan Rangsan bridge on Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue to protest the government’s approach to the Thai-Cambodian border dispute. PHOTO: JETJARAS NA RANONG

CAMBODIA SAYS THAI DEMANDS ‘PROVOCATIVE’

30/01/2011
Bangkok Post and AP

The government is appealing to yellow shirt protesters to show restraint amid reports that Cambodia is boosting troops at the border.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban yesterday called on People’s Alliance for Democracy protesters to tone down their attacks on Cambodia and be mindful of what they say during their rally near Government House.

He was speaking amid unconfirmed news agency reports that the Cambodian Ministry of Defence on Friday sent dozens of tanks and fighting vehicles, missiles and ammunition to the Preah Vihear temple area at the disputed border.

On its website, the Cambodian newspaper Duem Ampil quoted Information Minister Khieu Kanharith as saying that the Cambodian army had ordered its forces to be on a full alert to prevent any Thai attempt to enter Cambodian territory, while the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said a recent Thai military exercise at the border was provocative and could set off a war.

It also criticised Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s demand that Cambodia remove its flag from the Kaew Sikha Khiri Sawara temple, saying such a call was “unacceptable and Cambodia firmly rejects such an insulting demand”.

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Military confrontation between Cambodia, Thai near temple continues

PHNOM PENH, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- The military confrontation between Cambodian and Thai troops over the border area near Preah Vihear temple continues on Saturday and troops on both sides are still on high alert, said a close military source standby at the area.

“We’re still on high alert to defend our territorial integrity, ” a senior officer, who asked not to be named, said on Saturday.

Thai side has stepped up their troops on their border side; they attempted to bring their Thai flag to fly at Cambodia’s Keo Sikha Kiri Svarak pagoda near Preah Vihear temple, he said.

“We have warned Thai troops in advance already, if they dare to enter Cambodian territory, Cambodia will use self-defense rights to protect our sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said.

Cambodian Ministry of Defense on Friday has dispatched dozens of tanks and fighting vehicles as well as missiles and ammunition to Preah Vihear temple area. He said that those armaments have arrived at Preah Vihear temple on Saturday morning.

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Frenemies in the streets

Sat, Jan 29, 2011
The Nation/Asia News Network

Chaiwat Sinsuwong appears to be a lonely man lately, though his ambition is to bring together a million people – both yellow and red – to bring Abhisit Vejjajiva down.

Leading a splinter group of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), Chaiwat approached some of the red-shirt leaders in jail to sound them out on the idea of a yellow-red merger against the prime minister.

“Their response was positive,” said Chaiwat, who was granted bail on Thursday after being detained in connection to the infamous 2008 Suvarnabhumi Airport seizure by the yellow shirts.

“We need an uprising of a million people of both colours, making it the biggest political rally in Thai history, which will put Abhisit away,” he said.

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Protesters reassert three demands to Thai government on temple disputed with Cambodia

BANGKOK, Jan 29 (MCOT online news) — Activists of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) encamped near Thailand’s Government House for the fifth day Saturday stressed their demands that the government must take action to resolve the dispute over an ancient temple which sits on the border with Cambodia, as well as scrapping three agreements signed by the two countries, threatening that the administration of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva must consider its future if it fails to resolve the problem.

The ‘Yellow Shirt’ activists of the PAD continued to occupy Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue Saturday afternoon with no sign that they would disperse unless Thailand withdraws from the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, revoke three memorandums of understanding signed by Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), and eject Cambodian soldiers and villagers in border areas the group claims belong to Thailand.

The protesters have become enfuriated when a Cambodian national flag was flying above the entrance of Kaew Sikha Khiri Sawara temple near historic Preah Vihear temple, charging that the former is situated well within Thai territory.
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Lawyers for detained border trespassing Thais need more time

January 30, 2011
THE NATION ON SUNDAY

Lawyers from the Thailand Patriots Network will ask a Cambodian court to postpone the reading of a verdict from this Tuesday in the case against two Thais charged with trespassing and espionage.
They said they had not collected sufficient information and proof to be presented to the court in order to defend Veera Somkwamkid and Ratri Pipattanapaiboon.

TPN legal adviser Wanwipa Charoonroj said the group’s lawyers were unable to survey the border area where Cambodian soldiers arrested the two and five other Thais on December 29. Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban had not granted permission for a survey of the area despite Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva ordering state agencies to help facilitate the lawyers’ travel to the disputed border area.

Suthep acted as caretaker prime minister while Abhisit was attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
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Cambodia ‘tears up freedom to muffle dissent’

Sunday, January 30, 2011
By Michelle Fitzpatrick (AFP)

PHNOM PENH — The Cambodian government is choking freedoms and locking up detractors in an increasingly bold effort to silence critics as elections loom, observers say.

Prime Minister Hun Sen, 59, who has vowed to remain in power until he is 90, recently said on national radio that his aim was “not just to weaken the opposition, but to make it die”.

The comment was the latest in a string of outbursts against critics, prompting fears that freedoms are under threat as the government looks ahead to local polls next year and a general election in 2013.

“The space for dissent has shrunk to the point where people are gasping for air,” said Mathieu Pellerin of local rights group Licadho.

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The US agents tracking down sex tourists in Cambodia

US agents rely on locals to provide information about suspect Americans

Agent Vansak Suos was once a conscripted boy soldier in Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge army

29 January 2011
By David Henshaw
BBC News

As part of an initiative to protect children from sexual predators, including those who travel overseas, special US agents operating in South East Asia have brought more than 80 alleged child sex tourists back to America to face justice.

Sihanoukville looks like paradise, or at least a decent, low-rent version. Golden beaches, swaying palm trees, cheap alcohol and shimmering sea.

Retired American pharmacist Ronald Adams had come here for the good life – setting up a beachside cafe. But one morning last February Adams’ personal vision of paradise was shattered, when officers from the Cambodian National Police raided his apartment.

They found a collection of sex aids, child pornography on DVDs and a variety of illegal drugs. Adams was accused of drugging and raping a 12-year-old girl.

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Japan provides $11.7 million more for Khmer Rouge trials

Phnom Penh, Jan 29 (Kyodo) The Japanese governmentannounced that it decided to provide a further USD 11.7million to the UN-assisted tribunal set up to try former KhmerRouge leaders.

The Japanese Embassy yesterday said that USD 8.8 millionis for the international component and USD 2.9 million is forthe national component of the Extraordinary Chambers in theCourts of Cambodia, as the tribunal is formally known.

“This contribution will cover 25 percent of the ECCC’s operational cost throughout the year 2011,” it said in astatement.

The ECCC, which has spent more than80 million sincebeing set up in 2005 though it has so far convicted only oneKhmer Rouge figure, has a budget of USD 87.1 million for2010-2011.
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Political Sacravatoons: "People Power"

Cartoon by Sacrava (on the web at http://sacrava.blogspot.com/)

Selected Audio Programs by The Khmer Post Radio

Originally posted at http://www.ki-media.blogspot.com/

Dear Readers,

Please find below a selection of audio programs by The Khmer Post Radio suggested by Dara, our reader, regarding the following two topics in Cambodia:

1- Cambodia's History: 07 January 1979

Click here to listen to the Khmer Post program on 05 January 2011 (MP3)

2- Political Analysis: 26 years of Hun Xen's rule, what had he done so far?

Click here to listen to the Khmer Post program on 24 January 2011 (MP3)

Click here to listen to the Khmer Post program on 25 January 2011 (MP3)

Click here to listen to the Khmer Post program on 27 January 2011 (MP3)

For additional information about The Khmer Post, click here.
To access The Khmer Post audio archive, please click here.

"Kdab Srok You Pek Vea Dos Snem" a Poem in Khmer by Sam Vichea

Click to Read More...

Khmer poem by Vichea Sam (on the web at http://kamnapkumnou.blogspot.com/)

"Veasna Chun Kbot Kamnott Min You" a Poem by Hin Sithan

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Khmer poem by Hin Sithan (on the web http://kamnapkumnou.blogspot.com/)

Raw Video: Protests in Egypt Turn Violent

Egyptian military deploys in Cairo under curfew

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

An Egyptian protester throws stones towards a line of riot police in Cairo on Friday. (Victoria Hazou / AP)

A female activist shouts at anti-riot policemen who blocked the way to a journalists' syndicate in downtown Cairo on Jan. 26. (Ben Curtis / AP)

Ruling party HQ ablaze; protesters climb on tanks in Suez; Nobel Prize winner under house arrest

2011-01-28

NBC, msnbc.com and news services NBC, msnbc.com and news services

CAIRO — Shots were heard in central Cairo on Friday after military units moved in to quell an "open revolt" against President Hosni Mubarak's 30-year rule by tens of thousands of protesters.

Demonstrators were trying to storm the foreign ministry and the state TV building in Cairo, The Associated Press reported. Violent clashes were also reported near the Egyptian parliament.

Television images showed several buildings in Cairo, including the headquarters of the ruling party, ablaze. Flames also threatened the Egyptian National Museum.

Friday saw demonstrations across the country, which continued despite a 13-hour military curfew which began at 6 p.m. local time (11 a.m. ET). It initially covered the cities of Cairo, Suez and Alexandria, but was later extended to cover all cities. Demonstrators stayed on the streets in defiance of security forces, some mounting armored cars, cheering and waving flags.
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Just do as we demand, PAD tells govt

Flagging trouble: Thai troops are under pressure to remove a Cambodian national flag flying above the entrance to Kaew Sikha Khiri Sawara temple, located about 300 metres from the ancient Preah Vihear temple. Villagers have reportedly flown the flag alongside Buddhist flags for years.

Chamlong rejects offer of talks on Cambodia

29/01/2011
Bangkok Post

The People's Alliance for Democracy has rejected the government's proposal for negotiations to end its rally.

It made its decision after the government proposed to send a delegation to hold talks to clear the air over the Thai-Cambodian border issues.

PAD core leader Chamlong Srimuang yesterday said any talks would be a waste of time.

He said government representatives had called and offered to hold a live debate.

``It is not time for talks. The government should comply with our demands,'' he said.
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[Thai] Lawyers gather data to defend Veera, Ratri

January 29, 2011
The Nation

A team of lawyers for the Thai Patriots Network went to the border area in Sa Kaew province yesterday to collect information for the defence of two Thai nationals facing trespassing and spying charges in Cambodia.

The eight-member group, led by Thammasat University researcher and TPN leader Walwipha Charoonroj, inspected the area in Ban Nong Chan of Sa Kaew's Khok Sung district where seven Thais were arrested by Cambodian authorities in December.

The legal team was guided by members of the Burapha Force's special taskforce in an operation led by deputy commander Lt-Colonel Apiram Ramanat.

Walwipha said the team had submitted a written request with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and had sought permission from Cambodian authorities to inspect the area. She said the information and facts obtained would be used to defend TPN leader Veera Somkwamkid and Ratri Pipattanapaiboon in court, which has scheduled the first hearing for Tuesday. The two face the additional charge of espionage.
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Yellows may join up with reds to topple the [Thai] govt

January 29, 2011
By Pravit Rojanaphruk
The Nation

Members of the yellow-shirt People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) interviewed yesterday said they were willing to fight temporarily alongside the red shirts if that is what it takes to topple the Abhisit Vejjajiva administration and reclaim "lost territory" from Cambodia.

"I guess that can be done, because it's our country. We don't even use our [political] colour at this rally," said Boonthai Sirichoke, a PAD member from Samut Prakarn, adding that this government would definitely be removed if the red and yellow shirts joined forces. However, he said he believed the yellow shirts alone could topple the government.

Waen, a 47-year-old yellow-shirt from Chiang Mai, said she would not speculate but would follow instructions from PAD leaders, even if it meant joining forces with the red shirts. "We are just the mass, we don't have the right to question it."

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[Thai] PM: Govt to peacefully solve border dispute [with Cambodia]

29/01/2011
Bangkok Post

The Thai government will use peaceful ways to settle the continuing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Saturday.

During an interview given to AP reporter in Davos, Mr Abhisit said both Thailand and Cambodia are parts of the Association of Southeast Asia Nations and therefore, solving of any conflict between the two countries should be in a peaceful manner.

Asked about the three demands by the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), the prime minister said PAD has the constitutional right to make such demands or to rally against the government.

“On my part, I will do only for the best of the country”, he said.

The PAD is demanding Thailand’s withdrawal from the Unesco World Heritage Committee, the revocation of the4 2000 MoU sign with Cambodia and ejecting Cambodians in border areas the group claims belong to Thailand back to their homeland.

Thai PM tells AP: I'll do what's right for my country over Cambodia border

Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva speaks during a session at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on Friday, Jan. 28, 2011. In a nod to the post-crisis atmosphere, the World Economic Forum shifts its attention on Friday to austerity measures and priorities for improving the economy. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

Friday, January 28, 2011
By Matt Moore (CP)

DAVOS, Switzerland — Thailand's prime minister told The Associated Press on Friday that protesters demanding it revoke its pact with Cambodia over a border dispute have a right to make they're demands, but he will do what is best for the country.

Speaking Friday at the World Economic Forum, Abhisit Vejjajiva said that since both nations are part of ASEAN any resolution must be done in a peaceful manner yet protect Thai interests, too.

"You know, they can make their demands. They have the right to do so. We have to do what is the best for the country," he told AP. "We feel that the way we approach the border problems, and the problems — as far as the relationship with Cambodia is concerned — is best for the country, which is that we try to resolve whatever issues come up in a peaceful manner."
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Prosecutors: more victims of accused monk possible [-Venh Por is a disgrace!]

Friday, January 28, 2011
Miya Shay

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- As a monk at a local temple is on the run, wanted for sexually assaulting a teen, we're talking to the girl whose accusations made him a wanted man.

At Wat Angkorchum Cambodian Buddhist Temple, Monk Vuthy Meas goes about his daily routine unsure of exactly why the temple's abbot, Venh Por, hastily returned to Cambodia.

"We built this temple in just three years," he tells us, before describing Venh Por as a decent man.

But prosecutors believe the monk fled to avoid facing charges of sexually assaulting this sixteen-year-old girl.

"I know what he was doing to me, and I guess I feel upset," the teenage girl said.
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Greater Participation by Civil Parties Urged for Tribunal

Chum Mey (L) and Theary Seng (R)

Sok Khemara, VOA Khmer
Washington, DC Friday, 28 January 2011

“I under [the defendants] are already old, and that’s why I’m pushing the court to do whatever, since they are still alive.”

Two prominent civil party participants at the Khmer Rouge tribunals say the more complainants allowed by the Trial Chamber, the more justice and reconciliation the trials will bring.

Seng Theary, a US-Cambodian lawyer, and Chhum Mey, a survivor of the Tuol Sleng torture center, told “Hello VOA” on Thursday that victim participation is an important aspect of the tribunal.

“Hearing information, seeking truth, that’s totally important for the next generation,” Seng Theary said.

“I wish to appeal that all [civil complainants] cooperate with their lawyers and say, ‘I want to participate,’” Seng Theary said.
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Cambodia Refuses To Lower Flag from Contentious Pagoda

Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh Friday, 28 January 2011

“Cambodia reserves its legitimate rights to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Cambodia says it will not remove its flag from a pagoda on a disputed piece of land near Preah Vihear temple, despite a request from Thailand.

The Foreign Ministry said in a statement it would not comply with a request from Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to remove the flag from Wat Keo Siha Kiri Svara.

Both sides claim the land surrounding the pagoda, which was also at the center of a prolonged military standoff that began in July 2008 and only ended a few months ago.
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Lawyers gather data to defend Veera, Ratri

Friday, January 28, 2011
The Nation

A team of lawyers for the Thai Patriots Network went to the border area in Sa Kaew province Friday to collect information for the defence of two Thai nationals facing trespassing and spying charges in Cambodia.

The eight member group, led by Thammasat University researcher and TPN leader Walwipha Charoonroj, inspected the area in Ban Nong Chan of Sa Kaew's Khok Sung district where seven Thais were arrested by Cambodian authorities in December.

The legal team was guided by members of the Burapha Force's special task force in an operation led by deputy commander Lt Colonel Apiram Ramanat.

Cambodia rejects Thai PM's demand to remove flag at pagoda

January 28, 2011
Source: Xinhua

Cambodia Friday afternoon rejected Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's demand to remove Cambodia's flag at the pagoda near Preah Vihear temple, according to the declaration of Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The rejection was made following the demand by Abhisit on Thursday that Cambodia must remove its flag from the Keo Sikha Kiri Svara pagoda of Cambodia.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation wishes to emphasize that this statement made by the prime minister of Thailand is unacceptable and that Cambodia firmly rejects such an insulting demand," said the declaration.
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Cambodia, Thai foreign ministers to meet next week on cooperation

January 28, 2011
Source: Xinhua

Cambodian and Thai foreign ministers are scheduled to meet next week in Cambodia's Siem Reap province on cooperation.

At the invitation of Hor Namhong, Cambodian foreign minister, Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya will lead a delegation to participate in the seventh meeting of the joint commission for bilateral cooperation between Cambodia and Thailand, according to the press release from the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Friday.

The meeting, to be held on Feb. 3-4, will focus on strengthening and expanding cooperation in all fields between the two countries. During the meeting, both sides will adopt the record of discussion of the meeting.

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Japan, biggest donor to Cambodia's genocide tribunal, contributes another $11.7 million

Friday, January 28, 2011
The Associated Press

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Japan has agreed to make a contribution of $11.7 million to the U.N.-assisted genocide tribunal that is trying former leaders of Cambodia's communist Khmer Rouge.

A tribunal statement issued Friday said that the contribution from Japan — the single biggest donor to the proceedings — will cover about 25 per cent of its budget for 2011. Japan has provided a total of about $67 million to the tribunal, about 49 per cent of all contributions.

An estimated 1.7 million people died under Khmer Rouge rule in the late 1970s. The tribunal convicted its first defendant last year, and later this year is expected to begin trying four former top Khmer Rouge leaders for crimes against humanity, genocide, war crimes and murder, torture and religious persecution.

Border leaflets: Police seize anti-state documents

Friday, 28 January 2011
Phak Seangly
The Phnom Penh Post

Police patrolling in Battambang on Thursday morning found leaflets they described as containing an anti-government message related to Cambodian-Vietnam border issues.

Battambang town Police Chief Thuch Ra said the leaflets – which also referenced the arrest of Hun Hean, former Banteay Meanchey provincial police chief removed from office earlier this month on graft charges – were found by an officer at five locations near two local pagodas at about 5am.

“We have no clue yet about the case but we are working to find the distributor,” he said.
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Sam Rainsy summoned to high court

Friday, 28 January 2011
Meas Sokchea
The Phnom Penh Post

The supreme Court has summoned opposition leader Sam Rainsy to appear for a hearing on February 16 in connection with his conviction for uprooting border demarcation posts in Svay Rieng province in October 2009.

In January last year, Svay Rieng provincial court sentenced the Sam Rainsy Party president in absentia to two years jail for destroying public property and racial incitement, a conviction that was upheld by the Appeal Court last October.

The Appeal Court also released two villagers – Meas Srey and Prum Chea – sentenced to a year in prison in connection with the incident.

According to a citation issued on January 21 by Supreme Court Deputy General Prosecutor Chhoun Chantha, Sam Rainsy has been summoned to appear at 8am with his lawyer Choung Choungy and the two villagers.
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Inflation pressures mount

Friday, 28 January 2011
Steve Finch
The Phnom Penh Post

Cambodia's consumer Price Index inflation last year stood at a satisfactory 4 percent, below an economic growth rate of more than 5 percent and well within the bounds of acceptability.

In 2011, however, inflationary pressures will rise leaving the Kingdom in a familiar Catch-22 scenario: Although almost all key indicators including GDP growth and bank lending will likely move in the right direction, in turn this will only fuel inflation.

The Cambodian government has increasingly used fiscal measures such as new taxes and tax enforcement along with a sober budget to help prevent runaway price rises. But with few monetary options at its disposal due to persistently high dollarisation, the state still lacks the most useful tool to control rising prices – interest rates.

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Battambang lecturers in graft claim

Friday, 28 January 2011
Mom Kunthear
The Phnom Penh Post

About 20 lecturers at Battambang University have accused Dean Touch Visal Sok, of corruption and partisanship in the management of the school.

Chhim Kimly, 37, a lecturer at the university who says she has been suspended from her post, said yesterday that a majority of the lecturers don’t support the dean’s leadership and further accuse him of mismanaging school funds and showing favouritism in the assignment of teaching schedules.

“The dean suspended me from teaching for nearly two years because I disagreed with his leadership,” Chhim Kimly said. She added that the dean has refused to provide details of how university funds are used.

“When we ask how school funds are being administered, he just says that money is being spent for the development of the university, but we don’t see any development.”

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The definitive description of a non-government organisation

Friday, 28 January 2011
Stuart Alan Becker
The Phnom Penh Post

THE definition of a non-governmental organisation is a legally constituted organisation that operates independently from any government. NGO is a term usually used by governments to refer to entities that have no government status – but in the context of Cambodia, one of the most donated-to countries in the world, NGOs are generally perceived as being of service in one way or another to the poor and marginalised citizens, through health services, vocational training, agricultural or infrastructure development, family and social services or other human-benefiting or humanitarian work.

Because of Cambodia’s turbulent history, owing to a combination of factors including the nation’s geographical location between the two larger powers of Thailand and Vietnam, together with the history of foreign intervention beginning with the French Protectorate, the Vietnam War, the Khmer Rouge period and the civil war and liberation in 1979 – it is widely recognised that NGOs have been essential in stabilising Cambodia’s population.

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