Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Kem Sokha charged with defamation
Kem Sokha (Photo: Sovannara, RFI)Monday 30 August 2010
By Leang Delux
Radio France Internationale
Translated from Khmer by Soy
Click here to read the original article in Khmer
Kem Sokha, President of the Human Rights Party (HRP), was charged with defamation by the Phnom Penh municipal court after he was sued for defamation by former employees of the Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) at the end of 2006. Along with this charge, judge of the Phnom Penh municipal court also sent a letter to the National Assembly to lift Kem Sokha’s parliamentary immunity as well.
Four years ago, before he became president of the HRP, Kem Sokha was the president of the CCHR. At that time, he was accused by a group of employees of irregularities in the administration of this NGO. The dispute between the employees and Kem Sokha led to numerous exchanges between them at the time. Chhim Phalvorun, a representative of the employees brought many lawsuits against Kem Sokha, among which the employees accused him of defamation, breach of trust, and faking signatures etc…
According to a reliable source, on 30 August, judges from the Phnom Penh municipal court have charged Kem Sokha with defamation.
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Four years ago, before he became president of the HRP, Kem Sokha was the president of the CCHR. At that time, he was accused by a group of employees of irregularities in the administration of this NGO. The dispute between the employees and Kem Sokha led to numerous exchanges between them at the time. Chhim Phalvorun, a representative of the employees brought many lawsuits against Kem Sokha, among which the employees accused him of defamation, breach of trust, and faking signatures etc…
According to a reliable source, on 30 August, judges from the Phnom Penh municipal court have charged Kem Sokha with defamation.
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Human Rights Party Looks to Grow Ahead of Polls
Kem Sokha talks politics on VOA Khmer's 'Hello VOA' program Monday. (Photo: by Im Sothearith)Men Kimseng, VOA Khmer
Washington, DC Monday, 30 August 2010
“They should not feel that Cambodia belongs to other people. I want to make sure that they go and help our country.”The minority opposition Human Rights Party held a convention in the US on Sunday, hoping to strengthen its appeal to US-Cambodians who are becoming less interested in politics back home.
The Human Rights Party, which holds three seats in the National Assembly, will seek to expand its reach in upcoming local elections in 2012 and in national elections in 2013.
At a party congress in Philadelphia, Penn., party president Kem Sokha told a gathering of supporters from the US, Canada and Europe that the party, though young, had seen an increase in support.
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Tribunal Judges Near End of Civil Party Review
Kong Sothanarith, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh Monday, 30 August 2010
“We will know within the week when all the decisions have been made,”Investigating judges are nearly finished reviewing some 4,000 applications for civil party complaints in an upcoming trial for Khmer Rouge leaders.
Tribunal officials say they expect the review process to be finished by next week. That will determine which complainants can participate in Case 002 when it goes to trial as early as next year.
The investigating judges have determined that at least 58 complainants are admissable, and they are continuing to review a total 3,988 cases.
“We will know within the week when all the decisions have been made,” tribunal spokesman Lars Olsen said Monday.
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Licadho Staffer Sentenced to Two Years for Leaflet Distribution
Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh Monday, 30 August 2010
The sentencing appeared to be the result of “pressure from politicans or government officials.”Four men including a human rights worker received lengthy jail sentences in Takeo province Monday, after they were found guilty of distributing leaflets allegedly insulting the former king and the government.
Leang Sokchoeun, a 28-year-old staff member of Licadho, fainted after hearing his guilty verdict and two-year prison sentence. He was taken to the provincial hospital in an ambulance.
Two other men, Thack Vannak, 34, a Vietnamese interpreter; and Thach Le, a 61-year-old motorcycle taxi driver, both received two-year sentences. A fourth man, a monk named Thach Kong Phuong, 34, who remains at large, was sentenced to three years in absentia.
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New Effort Brings Latrines to Rural Cambodia
Cordell Jacks, who heads IDE Cambodia's water and sanitation program, stands next to one of the award-winning EZ Latrines that the charity hopes will help improve sanitation in rural Cambodia (Photo: Courtesy: R. Carmichael)
Dr Chea Samnang heads the department of rural health at the Ministry of Rural Development. The government wants 30 percent of rural households to have access to a latrine by 2015, and 100 percent by 2025. Dr Chea says that target is currently on track. (Courtesy: R. Carmichael)Robert Carmichael, Voice of America
Phnom Penh 30 August 2010
In Cambodia, a new effort is focusing on improving rural sanitation and health by providing toilets to households. A novel way of doing that seems to be paying off, literally.
Latrines – they are humble, necessary, and for the most part lacking in rural Cambodia. Five years ago just one in seven rural Cambodians had access to a toilet.
As in many developing nations, poor sanitation has a cost in Cambodia. In rural communities, where 75 percent of the population lives, most families have no toilets and relieve themselves in fields.
The result is untreated human waste, which can spread disease and death. Poor sanitation is one reason Cambodia has one of the highest child mortality rates in Asia. And, the World Bank says, the lack of toilets costs Cambodia $450 million a year in health care.
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Latrines – they are humble, necessary, and for the most part lacking in rural Cambodia. Five years ago just one in seven rural Cambodians had access to a toilet.
As in many developing nations, poor sanitation has a cost in Cambodia. In rural communities, where 75 percent of the population lives, most families have no toilets and relieve themselves in fields.
The result is untreated human waste, which can spread disease and death. Poor sanitation is one reason Cambodia has one of the highest child mortality rates in Asia. And, the World Bank says, the lack of toilets costs Cambodia $450 million a year in health care.
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Khmer Krom: Group calls for monk’s release
Monday, 30 August 2010
Sebastian Strangio
The Phnom Penh Post
Khmer Krom
THE Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation has condemned the reported arrest of an ethnic Khmer abbot in southern Vietnam last month, while decrying the treatment of the country’s Khmer minority. According to a statement issued by the organisation on Wednesday, Thach Sophon was arrested by Vietnamese police on July 29, and his current location is unknown.
“This is only one instance of the many human rights violations carried out by the Vietnamese government,” UNPO General Secretary Marino Busdachin was quoted as saying. The statement called on the Vietnamese government to release Thach Sophon and “allow members of the Khmer Krom minority and other ethnic minorities and religious communities to voice their opinions freely”.
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“This is only one instance of the many human rights violations carried out by the Vietnamese government,” UNPO General Secretary Marino Busdachin was quoted as saying. The statement called on the Vietnamese government to release Thach Sophon and “allow members of the Khmer Krom minority and other ethnic minorities and religious communities to voice their opinions freely”.
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Berlin notes land rights in aid statement [Berlin setting up the example?]
Monday, 30 August 2010
Will Baxter and Sun Narin
The Phnom Penh Post
GERMANY has said that up to €4 million (about US$5.1 million) earmarked for technical assistance to land sector reforms in 2011 and 2012 “will be contingent upon further strengthening the implementation of human rights”.
A statement issued by the German embassy on Friday said that “Germany’s future contribution in the land sector” in Cambodia would address relevant human rights issues that include “supporting indigenous communities in securing their land rights” and supporting the government “in progressively solving urban informal settlement issues in accordance with Cambodian law”.
But although the wording of the statement would appear to imply that Germany might decide to withhold funding should Cambodia fail to improve its human rights record in the land sector, an embassy official said yesterday that the statement was somewhat misleading, and noted instead that Germany’s “future support will focus on human rights issues”
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A statement issued by the German embassy on Friday said that “Germany’s future contribution in the land sector” in Cambodia would address relevant human rights issues that include “supporting indigenous communities in securing their land rights” and supporting the government “in progressively solving urban informal settlement issues in accordance with Cambodian law”.
But although the wording of the statement would appear to imply that Germany might decide to withhold funding should Cambodia fail to improve its human rights record in the land sector, an embassy official said yesterday that the statement was somewhat misleading, and noted instead that Germany’s “future support will focus on human rights issues”
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Begging is all they can do to get help for the land-grabbing they suffered
Villagers from Chi Khor district, Koh Kong province, are seen begging the authority to help resolve the land-grabbing dispute with the Heng Huy Company that lasted since long ago (Photo: Adhoc)
No date set for border talks with Thailand: Cambodian official
August 30, 2010
Source: Xinhua
The Cambodian government said on Monday that there is no date has been set for the next border talks with Thailand.
Nem Sowath, chief of cabinet of Tea Banh, deputy prime minister and minister of national defense said that, as of Monday, no date yet has been set for the General Border Committee meeting.
Thai media has carried out reports citing the Thai government's statement as saying that the 7th General Border Committee meeting between Cambodia and Thailand would start on Sept. 8 in Bangkok, Thailand.
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But Nem Sowath said Thailand has not sent any letter or intend for the meeting as it was reported.
Nem Sowath, chief of cabinet of Tea Banh, deputy prime minister and minister of national defense said that, as of Monday, no date yet has been set for the General Border Committee meeting.
Thai media has carried out reports citing the Thai government's statement as saying that the 7th General Border Committee meeting between Cambodia and Thailand would start on Sept. 8 in Bangkok, Thailand.
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But Nem Sowath said Thailand has not sent any letter or intend for the meeting as it was reported.
[Indian] Govt to soon implement FTA with Indonesia, Cambodia
30 Aug, 2010
The Economic Times (India)
NEW DELHI: India will soon implement the free trade agreement (FTA) in goods with two more Asean countries -- Indonesia, Cambodia -- by slashing duties on hundreds of products including seafood, chemicals, apparel and tyres. In turn the two countries will also slash import duties on hundreds of Indian goods.
The agreement, operationalised with the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on January 1, is already functional with four members - Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam.
"Indonesia and Cambodia have completed the internal approval process of the pact. They have formally informed Commerce Minister Anand Sharma in Vietnam. Both will issue a notification in this effect with in a week," a senior Commerce ministry official said.
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The agreement, operationalised with the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on January 1, is already functional with four members - Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam.
"Indonesia and Cambodia have completed the internal approval process of the pact. They have formally informed Commerce Minister Anand Sharma in Vietnam. Both will issue a notification in this effect with in a week," a senior Commerce ministry official said.
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Cambodia tourism records swift recovery
September 2010
Travel & Tourism News Middle East
TOURIST arrivals in Cambodia increased by about 12 per cent in the first six months of this year, according to recently released Ministry of Tourism statistics.
In the first half of 2010, Cambodia received a total of 1,221,156 foreign visitors, up from 1,086,518 in the same period last year.
Tourists from Asia accounted for a large number of the visitors, with arrivals from neighbouring Vietnam taking the top spot at 208,667, up 46 per cent on 2009.
South Korea stood at number two, with 136,498, up around 35 per cent annually. Japan was third with 71,107 tourists, a modest rise of about seven per cent.
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In the first half of 2010, Cambodia received a total of 1,221,156 foreign visitors, up from 1,086,518 in the same period last year.
Tourists from Asia accounted for a large number of the visitors, with arrivals from neighbouring Vietnam taking the top spot at 208,667, up 46 per cent on 2009.
South Korea stood at number two, with 136,498, up around 35 per cent annually. Japan was third with 71,107 tourists, a modest rise of about seven per cent.
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Monday, August 30, 2010
លោក កឹម សុខា តុលាការចោទពីបទបរិហាកេរ្តិ៍ រួចបញ្ជូនទៅជំនុំជម្រះផ្ទាល់
ដោយ : សេរី (ថ្ងៃទី 30 សីហា 2010)Source: Cambodia Express News
ភ្នំពេញ: លោក កឹម សុខា ប្រធានគណបក្សសិទ្ធិមនុស្ស និងជាសមាជិកសភាមណ្ឌលកំពង់ចាម បានត្រូវតំណាងអយ្យការអមសាលាដំបូងរាជធានីភ្នំពេញ សម្រេចកាលពីថ្ងៃទី៣០ ខែសីហា ឆ្នាំ២០១០ ចោទប្រកាន់ពីបទបរិហាកេរ្តិ៍ ដោយភ្ជាប់យកបណ្តឹងរបស់អតីតបុគ្គលិក មជ្ឈមណ្ឌលសិទ្ធមនុស្សកម្ពុជា ជាដើមចមដាក់បន្ទុកក្នុងការចោទប្រកាន់នេះ រួចបញ្ជូនទៅជំនុំជម្រះផ្ទាល់ ក្រោយពីបានបើកការស៊ើបអង្កេតបឋមជិត ៤ឆ្នាំកន្លងមកហើយ ។
ទន្ទឹមនឹងការសម្រេចខាងលើនេះ តំណាងអយ្យការអមសាលាដំបូងរាជធានីភ្នំពេញ បានធ្វើលិខិត ទៅរដ្ឋសភាជាតិ តាមរយៈក្រសួងយុត្តិធម៌ ដែលមានកម្មវត្ថុស្នើ សុំព្យួរអភ័យឯកសិទ្ធិសភារបស់លោក កឹម សុខា ដើម្បីបើកច្រកឲ្យតុលាការចាត់ការរឿងក្តី នេះ តាមនីតិវីធី ។
ដើមចមនៃការចោទប្រកាន់នេះបានកើតឡើង កាលពីថ្ងៃទី ៤ ខែតុលា ឆ្នាំ២០០៦ កន្លងទៅ ក្នុងខណៈពេលដែលលោក កឹម សុខា កាលនោះជាប្រធានមជ្ឈមណ្ឌលសិទ្ធិមនុស្សកម្ពុជា បានផ្តល់បទសម្ភាស៍ជាមួយលោក យន់ សាមៀន អ្នកយកព័ត៌មានកាសែតខាំបូឌាដេលី ។ ក្នុងបទសម្ភាស៍នេះត្រូវបានបុគ្គលិក ១៦នាក់ ជាគណៈកម្មការ ស្វែងរកការពិតនៃ មជ្ឈមណ្ឌលសិទ្ធិមនុស្សកម្ពុជាចាត់ទុកថាជាការបរិហាកេរ្តិ៍ លើពួកគេ ។ ដូច្នេះមនុស្ស ៥នាក់តំណាងឲ្យបុគ្គលិកទាំង ១៦នាក់នេះ បានដាក់ពាក្យបណ្តឹងមកអយ្យការអមសាលាដំបូងរាជធានីភ្នំពេញ ដើម្បីចាត់ការលោក កឹម សុខា តាមច្បាប់ ។ ក្រោយពីទទួល និងបានពិនិត្យពាក្យបណ្តឹងនេះរួចហើយ លោក គ្រី សុខអ៊ី ព្រះរាជអាជ្ញារងអមសាលាដំបូងរាជធានីភ្នំពេញ បានចាត់ការជាបន្តបន្ទាប់តាមនីតិវីធី ពោលគឺអញ្ជើញដើមបណ្តឹងចុងចោទ ព្រមទាំងសាក្សីមួយចំនួនមកបំភ្លឺរួចហើយ ៕
Human Rights Party marks its 3rd Anniversary in USA
Kem Sokha, Human Rights activist vs Hun Xen, Dictatorship PMSam Sothea: Cambodia's bronze medalist in Judo at the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore
Photo: Leang Delux, RFI[Thai] Govt may opt for foreign [Cambodian] paddy rice to boost [Thai] exports
August 30, 2010
By PETCHANET PRATRUANGKRAI
THE NATION
The government is considering opening the local market to paddy rice from neighbouring countries under the Asean free-trade accord, though the move was strongly resisted earlier out of concern about circumventing the domestic subsidy programme.
Now Thai rice exports face tough competition after Vietnam started allowing paddy rice imports from Cambodia early this year to increase its export capability.
Despite being bound to Afta, Thailand has not allowed all rice types to be brought into the country. Only broken rice can access the domestic market, and must go directly to the food industry.
Thailand wants to open up the market to all types of rice rather than discriminate, as it hopes to strengthen its export competitiveness in the future.
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Now Thai rice exports face tough competition after Vietnam started allowing paddy rice imports from Cambodia early this year to increase its export capability.
Despite being bound to Afta, Thailand has not allowed all rice types to be brought into the country. Only broken rice can access the domestic market, and must go directly to the food industry.
Thailand wants to open up the market to all types of rice rather than discriminate, as it hopes to strengthen its export competitiveness in the future.
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[Thai] Govt plans special economic zone [to boost one-way Thai trade with Cambodia]
30/08/2010
NAOWARAT SUKSAMRAN
Bangkok Post
PHNOM PENH: The government plans to set up a special economic zone in Sa Kaeo to boost trade and investment ties with Cambodia, Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Ponlaboot says.
Mr Alongkorn said in the Cambodian capital the government would consider a special zone for trade in Aranyaprathet district in Sa Kaeo.
The zone would be linked with Cambodia's 2,500 rai investment area which has been established at Poipet and O'Neang opposite Ban Pa Rai in Aranyaprathet.
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Mr Alongkorn said in the Cambodian capital the government would consider a special zone for trade in Aranyaprathet district in Sa Kaeo.
The zone would be linked with Cambodia's 2,500 rai investment area which has been established at Poipet and O'Neang opposite Ban Pa Rai in Aranyaprathet.
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Cambodia Denies Media's Report on Nuclear Power Plant
2010-08-30
Source: Xinhua
Cambodia Monday denied media's report that suggested the country might have deal with Iran to build a nuclear power plant.
Koy Kuong, spokesman of Foreign Ministry said Monday that Cambodia has not made any deal with Iran on anything related to nuclear power plant.
Koy Kuong made the statement following media's report that suggested during the recent visit to Iran. Hor Namhong, deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs might have discussed any issue on nuclear power plant.
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Koy Kuong, spokesman of Foreign Ministry said Monday that Cambodia has not made any deal with Iran on anything related to nuclear power plant.
Koy Kuong made the statement following media's report that suggested during the recent visit to Iran. Hor Namhong, deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs might have discussed any issue on nuclear power plant.
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Phnom Penh skyscrapers arise
Aug 30, 2010
PropertyReport
Phnom Penh Tower, a US$60 million 22 storey ‘skyscraper’ billed as Cambodia’s first intelligent office building is set to top-off September 2, this week.
One of several towers that are simultaneously under construction across the capital, developers are hailing these as a sign of Cambodia’s strong and resurgent property market.
Host to commercial office space, officials at Hyundai Amco Company, the firm that is building the tower, say that they have already contacted the 250 potential clients and expect 50 per cent of these to sign contracts soon.
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One of several towers that are simultaneously under construction across the capital, developers are hailing these as a sign of Cambodia’s strong and resurgent property market.
Host to commercial office space, officials at Hyundai Amco Company, the firm that is building the tower, say that they have already contacted the 250 potential clients and expect 50 per cent of these to sign contracts soon.
Please click here to read more...
Meeting of economic ministers of the communist and dictatorial regimes of SE Asia
CLMV economic ministers meet
August, 30 2010
VNS
DA NANG — Economic ministers from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Viet Nam (CLMV) held their first talk last Saturday to discuss measures to narrow the development gaps between the four countries and other ASEAN member nations.
The meeting was held within the scope of the 42nd ASEAN Economic Ministers' Meeting, which took place in Da Nang last week.
Ministers proposed closer co-ordination in five major areas:
– Building and implementing projects under the 2nd Initiative for ASEAN Integration Work Plan framework;
– Building priority projects under sub-regional co-operation frameworks;
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The meeting was held within the scope of the 42nd ASEAN Economic Ministers' Meeting, which took place in Da Nang last week.
Ministers proposed closer co-ordination in five major areas:
– Building and implementing projects under the 2nd Initiative for ASEAN Integration Work Plan framework;
– Building priority projects under sub-regional co-operation frameworks;
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Political Sacravatoons: "Cheychetha III"
Cartoon by Sacrava (on the web at http://sacrava.blogspot.com/)State President wraps up visit to Cambodia
08/29/2010VOV News
State President Nguyen Minh Triet has wrapped up his official visit to Cambodia to promote the traditional relationship between the two countries.
Over the past days, all of Cambodia was decorated with colourful banners and flowers to welcome Mr. Triet and his delegation.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Doan Viet Trung said the visit was motivation to develop the time-honoured Vietnam-Cambodia relationship.
The visit laid a foundation to bring the relationship to a new height, said Trung.
In a party for the President, Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni said Cambodia people are very happy to have such good friends as the Vietnamese, who have helped them in their struggle against colonialism and imperialism.
In agreement with the king, Cambodian senior officials expressed their great gratitude to Vietnamese volunteer soldiers for their assistance in fighting the regime of genocide.
Great Supreme Patriarch Tep Vong and Great Supreme Patriarch Bou Kry said Vietnam not only helped Cambodia in its struggle but also in its re-construction and the development of Cambodian Buddhism.
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Over the past days, all of Cambodia was decorated with colourful banners and flowers to welcome Mr. Triet and his delegation.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Doan Viet Trung said the visit was motivation to develop the time-honoured Vietnam-Cambodia relationship.
The visit laid a foundation to bring the relationship to a new height, said Trung.
In a party for the President, Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni said Cambodia people are very happy to have such good friends as the Vietnamese, who have helped them in their struggle against colonialism and imperialism.
In agreement with the king, Cambodian senior officials expressed their great gratitude to Vietnamese volunteer soldiers for their assistance in fighting the regime of genocide.
Great Supreme Patriarch Tep Vong and Great Supreme Patriarch Bou Kry said Vietnam not only helped Cambodia in its struggle but also in its re-construction and the development of Cambodian Buddhism.
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Attacking Poverty in Cambodia and India With Education And Bicycles
Two young girls carry trays on their heads laden with snacks to sell at a Phnom Penh's railway station. (Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS)29 August 2010
Les Carpenter
Voice of America
At a time when many school systems begin classes around the world, many poor children in some parts of the world may be staying home for any number of reasons. One, it seems, is a lack of transportation to get the children to a school that may not be near their homes. That's where a project called "Lotus Pedals" steps in in Cambodia. It is a program administered by Lotus Outreach International that, among other things, provides sturdy bicycles to a group of poor children so they can travel to their school.
Public secondary schools are few and some are a considerable distance from the students in Cambodia and India and Lotus Outreach says that is usually the greatest hurdle for children to continue their education. Spokesman for the program, Glenn Fawcett, Executive Director of Field Operations says there are usually more primary schools than secondary schools in some of these poor regions. So, he says, "when a student finishes sixth grade, they may find themselves faced with a trip of 2, 6, 8, 10, 30, 40 kilometers away from the nearest secondary school."
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Public secondary schools are few and some are a considerable distance from the students in Cambodia and India and Lotus Outreach says that is usually the greatest hurdle for children to continue their education. Spokesman for the program, Glenn Fawcett, Executive Director of Field Operations says there are usually more primary schools than secondary schools in some of these poor regions. So, he says, "when a student finishes sixth grade, they may find themselves faced with a trip of 2, 6, 8, 10, 30, 40 kilometers away from the nearest secondary school."
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Sunday, August 29, 2010
Dane charged over sex tourism in Cambodia: official
Sunday, August 29, 2010
AFP
PHNOM PENH — A Cambodian provincial court has charged a Danish man with providing his young male guesthouse staff for sex with tourists in the country's northwest, an official said Saturday.
Svend Erick Jonasson, 64, was arrested in Siem Reap for allegedly letting his guests have sex with his male Cambodian workers aged 15, 17 and 21, said Chea Heng, from the government's anti-human trafficking department.
He said the victims charged 15 to 50 US dollars for sex with the suspect's customers, with Jonasson, whose was arrested Thursday, taking five US dollars of the fee.
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Svend Erick Jonasson, 64, was arrested in Siem Reap for allegedly letting his guests have sex with his male Cambodian workers aged 15, 17 and 21, said Chea Heng, from the government's anti-human trafficking department.
He said the victims charged 15 to 50 US dollars for sex with the suspect's customers, with Jonasson, whose was arrested Thursday, taking five US dollars of the fee.
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Thais held in Cambodia 'home soon'
29/08/2010
Nopparat Kingkaew
Bangkok Post
SURIN : Surin governor Raphee Phongbuphakit has asked the families of three Thais detained for entering Cambodia illegally to be patient as they await their release.
The three Surin natives _ Sanong Wongcharoen, Lim Puangpet, and Lan Sapsri _ were hunting and foraging in a forested area near the border when they wandered on to the Cambodian side and were nabbed by patrol officers.
Mr Raphee said the provincial administrative office was still waiting for the Cambodians to complete the paperwork necessary for the trio's release.
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The three Surin natives _ Sanong Wongcharoen, Lim Puangpet, and Lan Sapsri _ were hunting and foraging in a forested area near the border when they wandered on to the Cambodian side and were nabbed by patrol officers.
Mr Raphee said the provincial administrative office was still waiting for the Cambodians to complete the paperwork necessary for the trio's release.
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A MUST READ: PAD and Prasat Preah Vihear Khmer
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Opinion by Pang Sokhoeun
Originally posted at The Son of the Khmer Empire blog
It´s very interesting to know how the extremist PAD think about us Khmer people, Khmer legacies in Thailand and Prasat Preah Vihear Khmer. So we Khmer people don´t think it lightly with these thief-born people.
Through my brief reading of their ideas posted in the extremist PAD website, I can sum up as the following:
Through my brief reading of their ideas posted in the extremist PAD website, I can sum up as the following:
- They accepted that they lost the case of Prasat Preah Vihear but accused the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as ignorance and bias for favoring Cambodia.
- They said if the ICJ accepted the Parent Treaty which recognizes the watershed as the borderlines of the two countries while it accepted the annex 1 map which is not following the watershed principle, so why should Thais respect the ICJ´s decision?
- Thai must take for granted the initiative ideas of Princes Diana of landmine issues to the world’s attention as new findings for an objection in order to stop Cambodian move for further development of Prasat Preah Vihear.
- Thai must reclaim Prasat Preah Vihear no matter what happens this temple must be returned to Thailand as the future owner.
- Thai must stop saying that Khmer are the builders of these temples -Khmer temples in Thailand today and Prasat Preah Vihear, but must say other thing around and stop calling them as Khmer temples. Thai must call them Hindu temples and rewrite new findings (history) about South East Asian for the benefits of Thailand. Thai must say that this temple belongs to them even it is not, and say it with will but not with emotion to the world.
- Thai must form Prasat Preah Vihear committee combining of intellectuals from within and with-out the country in order to study and counter Cambodian plan and especially establish strategy to reclaim Prasat Preah Vihear.
WWHxD? (i.e. What would Hun Xen - or the PQRU- do?)
Just come across this picture on Siamese site . Let’s see how Hun Xen and his PQRU reacted to this kind of picture.
Please click here to see what a Khmer Reader would do/
Three Thais to be freed soon 'at ease'
28/08/2010
Nopparat Kingkaew
Bangkok Post
SURIN : Three Thai villagers being held in a prison in Cambodia are safe and feeling more at ease after learning they will soon be freed, say their families.
Seven family members of the three men returned home to Surin early yesterday after visiting them in Siem Reap prison in Cambodia.
The three Surin natives - Sanong Wongcharoen, Lim Puangpet, and Lan Sapsri - were hunting and gathering wild fruit in the forest on the border near Surin when they wandered over to the Cambodian side and were arrested by patrol officers.
The seven family members visited the three villagers on Thursday with the help of Surin authorities and local Cambodian officials.
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Seven family members of the three men returned home to Surin early yesterday after visiting them in Siem Reap prison in Cambodia.
The three Surin natives - Sanong Wongcharoen, Lim Puangpet, and Lan Sapsri - were hunting and gathering wild fruit in the forest on the border near Surin when they wandered over to the Cambodian side and were arrested by patrol officers.
The seven family members visited the three villagers on Thursday with the help of Surin authorities and local Cambodian officials.
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Thaksin 'has gone to Brunei'
28/08/2010
Bangkok Post
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is now believed to be in Brunei, a Foreign Ministry source says.
Aside from Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, the other Asean leader Thaksin is reported to be close to is the Sultan of Brunei.
Thaksin visited both Cambodia and Brunei after he was ousted in the Sept 19, 2006 coup, said the source.
The source added that Thaksin has been treated very well when visiting these countries.
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Aside from Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, the other Asean leader Thaksin is reported to be close to is the Sultan of Brunei.
Thaksin visited both Cambodia and Brunei after he was ousted in the Sept 19, 2006 coup, said the source.
The source added that Thaksin has been treated very well when visiting these countries.
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Diversity spotlight: Thida Kol’s had a real impact on the Cambodian community
Kol’s become the go-to person in all situations. (The Providence Journal / Sandor Bodo)Sunday, August 29, 2010
By Steph McKenna
Providence Journal staff writer (Rhode Island, USA)
Twenty-two years ago when Thida Kol, 56, began working as a secretary at the Socio Economic Development Center for Southeast Asians in Providence, she had no idea that she would have an enormous impact on the Cambodian community.
But she became the go-to person, the community’s rock who can be counted on in a moment’s notice, in all situations.
“She has a huge heart,” says Anthony Layton, associate director of SEDC. “She is an inspiration to all of us.”
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But she became the go-to person, the community’s rock who can be counted on in a moment’s notice, in all situations.
“She has a huge heart,” says Anthony Layton, associate director of SEDC. “She is an inspiration to all of us.”
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Cambodia welclomes back bronze medalist at Youth Olympic Games in Singapore
Sam SotheaDate of Birth: 12 SEP 1994
Height: 150 cm
Weight: 43 kg
Sport: Judo
Height: 150 cm
Weight: 43 kg
Sport: Judo
PHNOM PENH, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia has expressed its pride after it had won a bronze medal at the first Youth Olympic Games in Singapore.
Nhan Sokvisal, Chef de Mission who led the Cambodian athletes to the Games said Saturday that upon arrival in Phnom Penh on Friday, the female medalist was cheerfully escorted back by many Cambodians including the Minister of Tourism who was head of Cambodia Olympic Committee.
Nhan Sokvisal said "it was a big pride for Cambodia" to have won the medal.
He said Som Sothea, 15, was one of the four Cambodian athletes who attended the games and won the bronze medal.
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Nhan Sokvisal, Chef de Mission who led the Cambodian athletes to the Games said Saturday that upon arrival in Phnom Penh on Friday, the female medalist was cheerfully escorted back by many Cambodians including the Minister of Tourism who was head of Cambodia Olympic Committee.
Nhan Sokvisal said "it was a big pride for Cambodia" to have won the medal.
He said Som Sothea, 15, was one of the four Cambodian athletes who attended the games and won the bronze medal.
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Saturday, August 28, 2010
Cambodian girl with swollen arm arrives in Taiwan for operation
By Lee Chun-chin, Hau Hsue-chin and Elizabeth Hsu
Taipei, Aug. 28 (CNA) - A two-year-old Cambodian girl suffering from massive swelling in her right arm arrived at Taichung Veterans General Hospital (TVGH) in central Taiwan Saturday for treatment.
Reachny Mich, whose condition has been described as having an "elephant arm, " was discovered by a Taiwanese medical team when it was in Cambodia in April to provide local residents free medical services.
She then obtained the promise of Taiwan government's to treat her after Yu Tsi-hsun, a volunteer on the medical team, made repeated appeals on her behalf.
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Reachny Mich, whose condition has been described as having an "elephant arm, " was discovered by a Taiwanese medical team when it was in Cambodia in April to provide local residents free medical services.
She then obtained the promise of Taiwan government's to treat her after Yu Tsi-hsun, a volunteer on the medical team, made repeated appeals on her behalf.
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President Triet meets Cambodia’s King Norodom in Phnom Penh
Saturday, 28/08/2010
VNS
VNS
VietNamNet Bridge - President Nguyen Minh Triet and Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni yesterday agreed that the two countries should continue holding high-ranking meetings to further foster the expansion of multi-faceted co-operation.
They also applauded efforts by the two Governments to effectively implement previously signed agreements. (sic!)
The two leaders met in Phnom Penh during Triet's official visit to Cambodia which began on Thursday and ends today.
Welcoming Triet and his wife to Cambodia, King Norodom Sihamoni said the visit was an important event that would create strong motivation to bolster traditional ties and comprehensive co-operation between Viet Nam and Cambodia in the coming time.
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They also applauded efforts by the two Governments to effectively implement previously signed agreements. (sic!)
The two leaders met in Phnom Penh during Triet's official visit to Cambodia which began on Thursday and ends today.
Welcoming Triet and his wife to Cambodia, King Norodom Sihamoni said the visit was an important event that would create strong motivation to bolster traditional ties and comprehensive co-operation between Viet Nam and Cambodia in the coming time.
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Party Leader Urges US-Cambodian Political Participation
Human Rights Party President Kem Sokha (Photo: by Im Sothearith)Men Kimseng, VOA Khmer
Washington, DC Friday, 27 August 2010
“If we keep this greedy and violent leader in power, we believe that the resources will be depleted like in the past.”Politically wary Cambodians in the United States need to re-energize and give opposition parties another chance to come to power, a leading opposition figure told a group in the US on Wednesday.
“I am here today to inform you that if you feel tired and lose hope, I, who am inside the country, have no chance and no ability to fight to save our country,” Human Rights Party President Kem Sokha told a gathering of US-Cambodians in Virginia. “We need all of you to continue to support us. This is the last breath of our nation, because until now all major issues that we are seeing have not been solved.”
Only about 20 people showed up to listen to Kem Sokha’s appeal, which comes amid declining interest in Cambodians in the US over politics in Cambodia.
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Ties Renewed, But Doubt Remains Over Border Issue
Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh, Cambodia Friday, 27 August 2010
“I am not optimistic while [the report] has not been approved in nearly three years.”With renewed diplomatic ties between Cambodia and Thailand, officials from opposite sides offered different views on whether the ongoing border issue can be resolved.
Cambodian officials say mutual renewal of ambassadors this week are not necessarily a positive step toward solving the issue bilaterally.
A Thai spokesman, however, said renewed ties would mean better communication over the border and could lead toward steps within the Thai government for more Joint Border Committee talks.
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Tribunal Defense Teams Wary of Joint Criminal Enterprise
Sok Khemara, VOA Khmer
Washington, DC Friday, 27 August 2010
“The use of JCE at trial will be disorderly, because while there is a trial, [defendants] will be blaming each other.”A defense lawyer for one of the senior Khmer Rouge leaders preparing for trial says he does not want a trial under the principle of Joint Criminal Enterprise, which would seek to link four leaders now in detention in atrocity crimes under the regime.
“My client was only the minister of social affairs,” said Phat Povseang, who represents Ieng Thirith, the wife of foreign minister Ieng Sary, at the tribunal. Ieng Thirith did not have power or authority under the structure of the regime, he said.
Tribunal officials are now preparing for upcoming Case 002, which will try Nuon Chea, Khieu Samphan, Ieng Sary and Ieng Thirith for atrocity crimes, including genocide.
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Tribunal Must Consider Reparations: Victim
Seng Theary, head of the Center for Justice and Reconciliation. (Photo: by Roland Neveu)Sok Khemara, VOA Khmer
Washington, DC Friday, 27 August 2010
"If we wait until the trials are finished, they'll forget it."Reparation for victims of the Khmer Rouge should be a chief concern for the UN-backed tribunal in its eventual plans to bring hearings for senior leaders to a close, a civil party participant said Thursday.
Seng Theary, who has filed as a complainant in upcoming Case 002, said reparations should include a center in each of the nation's 24 provinces and municipalities to help bring reconciliation to the country.
“If we wait until the trials are finished, they'll forget it,” she said, as a guest on “Hello VOA.”
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Opposition Lawmaker To Mark Tibet's Democracy Day
Sok Khemara, VOA Khmer
Washington, DC Friday, 27 August 2010
Tibet's exiled government, led by the Dalai Lama to seek genuine autonomy within the Chinese state framework in the mountainous province, will hold the 50th anniversary of Democracy Day Sept. 2 in India, marking the formation of the first elected Tibetan Parliament in India.
Son Chhay told VOA Khmer he would give an address to the celebrants, “to applaud Tibetans, who have struggled strongly under the leadership of the Dalai Lama.”
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Washington, DC Friday, 27 August 2010
"The Dalai Lama's non-violent protests are an example to world leaders."Opposition lawmaker Son Chhay is expected to join a major celebration for Tibet's government in exile, officials said.
Tibet's exiled government, led by the Dalai Lama to seek genuine autonomy within the Chinese state framework in the mountainous province, will hold the 50th anniversary of Democracy Day Sept. 2 in India, marking the formation of the first elected Tibetan Parliament in India.
Son Chhay told VOA Khmer he would give an address to the celebrants, “to applaud Tibetans, who have struggled strongly under the leadership of the Dalai Lama.”
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Special attention paid to Vietnamese residents in Cambodia
08/27/2010
VOV News
VOV News
The Vietnamese community in Cambodia has a patriotic spirit and has positively contributed to the country’s two wars of resistance to gain national independence, said President Nguyen Minh Triet during his visit to the Vietnamese Embassy in Cambodia on August 26.
Meeting Vietnamese residents there, President Triet emphasised that the traditional friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia has grown stronger over recent years in different fields, political, economic, trade and investment.
Mr Triet’s State-level visit to Cambodia is to strengthen the time-honoured and neighbourly friendship between the two countries.
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Meeting Vietnamese residents there, President Triet emphasised that the traditional friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia has grown stronger over recent years in different fields, political, economic, trade and investment.
Mr Triet’s State-level visit to Cambodia is to strengthen the time-honoured and neighbourly friendship between the two countries.
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Cambodian King receives President Triet in Phnom Penh
08/27/2010
VOV News
King Norodom Sihamoni has described President Nguyen Minh Triet’s current visit to Cambodia as an historical event, which he said will help bring fresh impetus to the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.
At a reception in Phnom Penh on August 27, King Sihamoni thanked the Vietnamese leaders and people for providing heartfelt support and valuable assistance to Cambodia in the past as well as in its national development at present.
He also thanked them for warmly receiving Father King Norodom Sihanouk and his wife Norodom Moninieth Sihanouk during their visit to Vietnam in June 2010.
The King expressed his admiration for Vietnam’s tremendous achievements in its Renewal process and its rising profile in the region and the world.
Vietnamese people are reliable friends of Cambodian people, said King Sihamoni.
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At a reception in Phnom Penh on August 27, King Sihamoni thanked the Vietnamese leaders and people for providing heartfelt support and valuable assistance to Cambodia in the past as well as in its national development at present.
He also thanked them for warmly receiving Father King Norodom Sihanouk and his wife Norodom Moninieth Sihanouk during their visit to Vietnam in June 2010.
The King expressed his admiration for Vietnam’s tremendous achievements in its Renewal process and its rising profile in the region and the world.
Vietnamese people are reliable friends of Cambodian people, said King Sihamoni.
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Network of universities set up between Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia
08/27/2010
VOV News
Directors from 42 major universities in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia gathered in HCM City on August 27 to promote cooperation in tertiary education and scientific research.
They agreed to establish a network of universities in the three countries and devise a mechanism of cooperation for the network.
Representatives from 11 universities have signed memorandums of understanding on exchanges of students, lecturers, information and scientific research.
Pleaes click here to read more...
They agreed to establish a network of universities in the three countries and devise a mechanism of cooperation for the network.
Representatives from 11 universities have signed memorandums of understanding on exchanges of students, lecturers, information and scientific research.
Pleaes click here to read more...
Friday, August 27, 2010
Surly neighbours should be ready to mend the fence
August 27, 2010
The Nation
EDITORIAL
Thailand and Cambodia can restore ties knowing they are Asean members and can share economic benefits
One would not think that fence mending between Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen was possible considering the viciousness behind the Cambodian leader's attack on Abhisit last October.
Nevertheless, here we are at a possible reconciliation, and it should be welcomed. It's kiss and make up time for both sides. One may end up wondering what all the fuss was about in the first place.
Perhaps bygones don't matter anymore, now that the two countries have decided to move on from microphone diplomacy and restore bilateral ties at the highest level. The respective ambassadors have been reinstated. Essentially, this means that diplomacy is back on track.
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One would not think that fence mending between Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen was possible considering the viciousness behind the Cambodian leader's attack on Abhisit last October.
Nevertheless, here we are at a possible reconciliation, and it should be welcomed. It's kiss and make up time for both sides. One may end up wondering what all the fuss was about in the first place.
Perhaps bygones don't matter anymore, now that the two countries have decided to move on from microphone diplomacy and restore bilateral ties at the highest level. The respective ambassadors have been reinstated. Essentially, this means that diplomacy is back on track.
Please click here to read more...
Road funds for Cambodia unfrozen [-Back to begging Thailand?]
Prison visit goes ahead as bilateral ties warm
27/08/2010
Anucha Charoenpo and Nopparat Kingkaew
Bangkok Post
Thailand is pledging to resume 1.4billion baht in assistance to Cambodia for a road development project in a further sign that ties between the two countries are returning to normal.
Thailand froze the loan shortly after Phnom Penh appointed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as an economic adviser to the Cambodian government in November.
The soft loan will be spent on upgrading Road 68 from Kralanh to Samrong and O'Samach in Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province.
Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said yesterday the aid would soon be resumed and people from the two countries would get back on track in terms of trade, tourism and investment.
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Thailand froze the loan shortly after Phnom Penh appointed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as an economic adviser to the Cambodian government in November.
The soft loan will be spent on upgrading Road 68 from Kralanh to Samrong and O'Samach in Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province.
Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said yesterday the aid would soon be resumed and people from the two countries would get back on track in terms of trade, tourism and investment.
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President to help reduce poverty among Vietnamese in Cambodia
Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet (R) is greeted upon his arrival at Phnom Penh international airport August 26, 2010. Triet arrived in Cambodia for a three-day visit on an invitation by Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni. REUTERS/Chor SokuntheaAugust, 27 2010
VNS
PHNOM PENH — The Party and State recognised their responsibility to reduce poverty and improve job security for the Vietnamese community in Cambodia, said President Nguyen Minh Triet yesterday.
"It is not only a matter for the Vietnamese community there alone," he said during a call at the Vietnamese Embassy in Phnom Penh, where he began a State visit at the invitation of Cambodian King Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni.
Triet also asked the embassy and other relevant organisations to take the lead in addressing the problem of legal status for Vietnamese people living in Cambodia.
He said he hoped that the community would always stand together, preserve Vietnamese traditional values and look towards their homeland.
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"It is not only a matter for the Vietnamese community there alone," he said during a call at the Vietnamese Embassy in Phnom Penh, where he began a State visit at the invitation of Cambodian King Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni.
Triet also asked the embassy and other relevant organisations to take the lead in addressing the problem of legal status for Vietnamese people living in Cambodia.
He said he hoped that the community would always stand together, preserve Vietnamese traditional values and look towards their homeland.
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Cambodia, the new friend of the axis of evil "Iran"
Iran sanctions: Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong speaks during a news conference in Phnom Penh August 6. 'To impose sanctions against Iran is not a solution,' Hor told reporters Aug. 16 in Phnom Penh, days after his meeting in Tehran with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Chor Sokunthea/ReutersAs Iran sanctions threaten, Iran sees new friend in Cambodia
Leaders from Iran and Cambodia met this month in their most senior exchange to date. Some say it is a sign that Iran sanctions are pushing Tehran to develop new trade partners.
August 26, 2010
By Stephen Kurczy, Staff writer
The Christian Science Monitor
Iran seems to have found a new friend in the unlikeliest of places: Cambodia. Tehran hosted a high-level delegation from the Southeast Asian nation earlier this month to discuss bilateral trade and mutual dislike of American "interference."
It's the latest sign that the Islamic republic is seeking out new partners – no matter how small – in the face of increased sanctions.
"There is no doubt that Iran’s growing isolation, resulting from the force of UN sanctions, is behind Iran’s push to improve relations with Cambodia and other willing states," says Alon Ben-Meir of the Center for Global Affairs at New York University. "The sanctions against Iran are having a serious effect. For this reason, Iran at this juncture will trade with any country it may find. Cambodia happened to be an easy target because of its energy vulnerability."
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It's the latest sign that the Islamic republic is seeking out new partners – no matter how small – in the face of increased sanctions.
"There is no doubt that Iran’s growing isolation, resulting from the force of UN sanctions, is behind Iran’s push to improve relations with Cambodia and other willing states," says Alon Ben-Meir of the Center for Global Affairs at New York University. "The sanctions against Iran are having a serious effect. For this reason, Iran at this juncture will trade with any country it may find. Cambodia happened to be an easy target because of its energy vulnerability."
Please click here to read more...
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