Families Deal With Shock of Diamond Bridge Tragedy

Chea Channy, far right, who was also on the bridge, escaped with other siblings. She spoke along with other family members on a special edition of “Hello VOA” Wednesday. (Photo: by Heng Reaksmey)

Men Kimseng, VOA Khmer
Washington, DC Thursday, 02 December 2010

“Even when I sleep, I still hear their voices calling for help in my ears. I don't know when I'll forget this.”

Family members who lost loved ones in last week's Diamond Bridge stampede say they have been traumatized by the event, which claimed at least 351 lives.

“I'm still in shock,” said Chea Channy, whose 45-year-old father died on the bridge. “Even when I sleep, I still hear their voices calling for help in my ears. I don't know when I'll forget this.”
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Challenges Await Newly Appointed Tribunal Prosecutor

Siegfried Blunk

Sok Khemara, VOA Khmer
Washington, DC Thursday, 02 December 2010

“We can say there might be new speed or new strategies in relation to the investigation.”

The Khmer Rouge tribunal has named a new international investigating judge, who will step into the UN-backed court as it prepares for a complicated trial for four jailed leaders and considers more indictments.

Siegried Blunk, of Germany, will replace Marcel Lemond, who resigned in September following the end of the investigation stage in a case against four Khmer Rouge leaders.

Blunk, who was appointed by order of King Norodom Sihamoni, assumed office on Dec. 1, according to the tribunal.

Blunk will be facing tough questions at the tribunal, which is to decide on two more cases for indictments, something the Cambodian side of the court opposes. Those cases, Nos. 003 and 004, are in the hands of the investigating judges' office.
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Report Links Businesses With Rights Abuses

Children sit on top their inundated homes, where Shukaku, Inc., has been pumping fill into Boeung Kak lake, in early November 2010. (Photo: by Heng Reaksmey)

Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh Thursday, 02 December 2010

"Evictions are regularly conducted by armed Cambodian troops and police, while the political and economic elite benefit from forced evictions.”

Government spokesman Phay Siphan called the report an “attack from a non-governmental organization.”

Government officials and businesses, backed by a biased court system, are behind many of the most egregious rights violations in the country, a new report has found.

The Cambodian Center for Human Rights found what it called a governance gap, where the authorities are unable to protect citizens from rights violations brought about by powerful business interests.

The group also found financial ties between individuals in government and businesses responsible for rights violations, exacerbating the problem. In some situations, it was hard to tell the difference between the government and business, the center said in its report, “Business and Human Rights in Cambodia.”

Land rights violations brought on by economic motives have become endemic, the report said. And land cases and their respective crackdowns have meant curbs on land and labor rights and the freedom of expression and assembly, the report said.
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CCHR Report - Business and Human Rights in Cambodia (Full Report in English and Summary Report in Khmer)

Click here to read the FULL report in English (PDF)

Click here to read the SUMMARY report in Khmer (PDF)

Phnom Penh Buckles Under Megagrowth

Developers "just do whatever they want," says Ching Chhom Mony, dean of architecture and urbanism at Cambodia's Royal University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh. "Our city development is like a mistake now," he says.

Cambodian people pray with offerings near the Diamond Gate bridge, site of a stampede at the annual water festival late on Nov. 22 which left nearly 350 people dead. (Agence France-Presse/Getty Images)

DECEMBER 2, 2010
By PATRICK BARTA
The Wall Street Journal

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia—The deadly stampede in Cambodia's capital last week is drawing new attention to problems arising from the city's dramatic but pell-mell growth.

A real-estate and economic boom is transforming Phnom Penh from one of the least developed major cities in Asia—it began seeing its first skyscrapers over the past several years—into the unlikely site for plans to build Asia's tallest building. Prime Minster Hun Sen said in September that the 1,820-foot skyscraper, if completed, would trail Dubai's 2,717-foot Burj Khalifa, the tallest in the world, but surpass Taiwan's 1,667-foot Taipei 101, currently Asia's tallest.

Although some residents still doubt the tower will be built, developers have started work on other megaprojects, including four satellite cities that could involve billions of dollars in investment. They are also working on plans for a new stock exchange, a downtown marina and new international hotels.
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Diamond Island vendor crisis

Businesses there have seen a sharp downturn in customers since the deadly water festival stampede.

Thursday, 02 December 2010

Soeun Say

The Phnom Penh Post

More than 100 vendors at the Diamond Island night market have requested their landlord suspend rent payments for three months, due to a slump in business following last week’s bridge tragedy.

“The place is not like before,” said Yi Bopha, owner of Yi Meng Heang soup and drinks shop.

“It’s so quiet – my business has dropped by 80 to 90 percent”

The vendors have submitted petitions asking for the suspension of rent payments, but they plan to continue selling their wares in the hopes that custom will see a resurgence in the future.
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Cambodian King meets with Li Yuanchao

Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni (R) meets with Li Yuanchao (L front), a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, secretary of the CPC Central Committee Secretariat, and head of the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee, at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Dec. 2, 2010. (Xinhua/Lei Bosong)

PHNOM PENH, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni on Thursday met with Li Yuanchao, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, secretary of the CPC Central Committee Secretariat and head of the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee.

Li Yuanchao conveyed greetings from Chinese President Hu Jintao to King Sihamoni, and on behalf of the Chinese government and people expressed condolences to the King and the Cambodian people over the stampede tragedy happening at the Diamond Bridge on the night of Nov. 22.
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Cambodian PM calls for trust of political parties in the region

December 02, 2010
Source: Xinhua

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen urged Thursday that it is of significance that the International Conference of Asia Political Parties (ICAPP) promote trust and understanding among the different political parties within the continent.

"It reconfirmed the significance of the International Conference of Asia Political Parties (ICAPP) to promote trust and understanding among the different political parties within the continent, but as political parties they can drive policy agenda for regional cooperation, collaboration and integration," Hun Sen said while delivering remarks at the Gala Dinner hosted for several hundreds of leaders and stakeholders from about 40 countries who are attending the 6th General Assembly of the ICAPP being held in Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia.

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Wikileaks Says Burma Passes Asean News to Beijing

Thursday, December 2, 2010
By BA KAUNG
The Irrawady

Burma, along with Laos and Cambodia, might be working for Beijing as spies within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), according to a US cable leak attributed to Singapore's Minister Mentor, Lee Kuan Yew.

“Within hours, everything that is discussed in Asean meetings is known in Beijing, given China's close ties with Laos, Cambodia, and Burma,” a secret cable stated, quoting Lee Kuan Yew in a conversation with US Deputy Secretary of State James B. Steinberg on May 30, 2009.

According to a leaked text posted on the Wikileaks website, the cable was sent from the US Charge d’Affaires in Singapore, Daniel L. Shields, to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in June. The conversation, which was aimed at “eliciting MM Lee’s views on China and North Korea,” took place in Singapore's Presidential Palace.

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Political Sacravatoons: " A Ghost "

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

Funcinpec and Nationalist Party to merge in 2011 with a new name

Thursday, 2 December 2010
By Khmerization
Source: RFA

The two royalist parties, Funcinpec and the Nationalist Party, plan to hold a joint congress in the beginning of next year to formally merge the two party and take up a new name.

Funcinpec Party president Keo Put Rasmy (pictured) told RFA on Wednesday 1st December that, the newly-merged party will invite Prince Norodom Ranariddh to become its president.

In a press release on 8th November, Prince Ranaridhh said he will not return to politics and will not be a candidate for the party presidency of the newly-merged party. However, in a letter dated 29th November to Mr. Chhim Siekleng, president of the Nationalist Party, Prince Ranariddh said he agreed for the use of his name as the new party name, the Norodom Ranariddh Party, but did not indicate whether he will return to politics or will agree to become the president of the new party or not.

Najib Arrives To Begin Two-Day Visit To Cambodia

Najib Razak during his previous visit to Cambodia (Photo: AP)

PHNOM PENH, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak arrived here last to begin his two-day working visit to Cambodia. Najib, accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, was welcomed by Cambodian Tourism Minister Dr Thong Khon at the Phnom Penh International Airport at 10.45pm (Malaysian time: 11.45pm).

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, Foreign Ministry's secretary-general Datuk Mohd Radzi Abdul Rahman and Malaysian ambassador to Cambodia Datuk Pengiran Mohd Hussein Mohd Tahir Nasruddin were also present.

Najib will attend the 6th General Assembly of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) and deliver a keynote address, at Peace Palace, Cambodian Prime Minister's Office, here, tomorrow morning. Later, he will officially open the RM86-million Malaysian embassy complex, here, before concluding his visit.

The prime minister is scheduled to depart for home from the Phnom Penh International Airport at 11.30am (Malaysian time: 12.30pm) today.

Icapp Opens In Cambodia To Promote Cooperation Between Political Parties

PHNOM PENH, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- The three-day International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) opened here on Thursday, aimed to promote exchanges and cooperation between political parties from different countries in the region, reports China's Xinhua news agency.

It is also the first unprecedented event in the capital city of Phnom Penh after five general assemblies had been held successively in the Philippines, Thailand, China, South Korea and Kazakhstan.

The theme of the ICAPP is "Asia's Quest for a Better Tomorrow" and will focus on particular issues such as economy, energy and environment.
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Cambodia PM receives CPV delegation

12/02/2010
VOV News (Hanoi)

A delegation from the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) led by Hoang Binh Quan, a member of the Party Central Committee and Chairman of its Commission for External Relations paid a courtesy visit to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on December 1.

The CPV delegation is in Phnom Penh to attend the sixth General Assembly of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties which is being held in Phnom Penh from December 1-4 with 85 representatives from 35 nations around the region.

At the reception, PM Hun Sen thanked the Vietnamese Party and State for timely sending its condolences to the Cambodian government and people after the recent serious stampede in Phnom Penh.

The PM said the relationship between the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and CPV is very special and expressed his wish that the 11th National Party Congress of the CPV will be held successfully early next year.

Vietnam, Cambodia to make border map

12/02/2010
VOV News (Hanoi)

Vietnam and Cambodia have put out to tender a project on national border map making between the two countries.

Present at the ceremony held in Phnom Penh on December 1 were international bidders such as Blom Info AS of Denmark, IGN of France, Kokusai of Japan, and the joint PASCO-FINNMAP of Japan and Finland, as well as representatives from Vietnamese and Cambodian ministries and relevant agencies and the inter-committee for border demarcation.

The bidding document was signed by Deputy Head of the Vietnam Foreign Ministry’s National Border Committee Nguyen Hong Thao and Senior Minister of the Royal Cambodian Government Var Kim Hong.

To ensure objectivity, science and accuracy, the two sides decided to choose international bidding to make the border map, showing locations of demarcating border landmarks, to be attached to the future Protocol on border demarcation.

Vietnam and Cambodia are scheduled to fulfill all border demarcation-related work by 2012.

Abhisit denies troops will be pulled from temple area

Cambodia puts opening of border gate on hold

2/12/2010
Bangkok Post

Thai troops will remain in place in the 4.6-square-kilometre disputed area near the Preah Vihear temple until the border problems with Cambodia are resolved, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva says.

Mr Abhisit yesterday denied a report that Thai troops were being withdrawn from the disputed area in Si Sa Ket province.

Cambodia responded to the announcement by saying it would postpone the opening of a border gate with Thailand near the temple.

Mr Abhisit said he had clearly stated that no soldiers would be pulled back as long as there was no resolution to the dispute.

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Political Sacravatoons: "The Death Island"

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

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[Thai] Diplomat chosen to lead Thai-Cambodia border body

Asda Jayanama

THAI-KHMER BORDER CONFLICTS

December 2, 2010
By Supalak Ganjanakhundee
The Nation

Career diplomat Asda Jayanama has been selected as the new chief of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Commission on Demarcation for Land Boundary (JBC).

He replaces soft-spoken diplomat Vasin Teeravechyan, who resigned after political pressure from the nationalist People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

"The Foreign Ministry chose Ambassador Asda to take the job and nobody raised any objections," said foreign minister's secretary Chavanond Intarakomalyasut.

The position of JBC chief is a hot seat, as the PAD has accused the government of risking loss of sovereignty over the areas adjacent to the Preah Vihear temple in its negotiations on the boundary demarcation.
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Cut troops, cut tension

2/12/2010
Editorial
Bangkok Post

The reality we all have to accept is that closer relations between Thailand and Cambodia will not come about overnight, though one must agree that we are on the right track towards reaching that goal.

The latest sign of improving ties is a decision by the two governments on a visa-free agreement. The agreement, which was signed by Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya and his Cambodian counterpart Hor Namhong during the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy in Phnom Penh on Nov 16, will take effect on Dec 16.

It will undoubtedly encourage travel, foster people contacts and bolster the tourism sector of the two countries. Thais and Cambodians can stay in each other's countries for 14 days without the need to apply for a visa, as is required at present.

This visa-free initiative would not have been possible if the two countries were still at odds with each other. Back in July, Thailand and Cambodia were still on different paths over the management plan of Preah Vihear Temple, which in 2008 was listed as a World Heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. Bangkok had blocked the plan on grounds that the overlapping area of 4.6 square kilometres around the ancient temple must be demarcated first.

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No Thai troop withdrawal from contested Si Sa Ket border zone: PM Abhisit

BANGKOK, Dec 1 (MCOT online news) - Thai troops stationed at the Thai-Cambodian border in Si Sa Ket province will not be withdrawn when Cambodia reopens the border gate to the 11th century Preah Vihear temple this weekend, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Wednesday.

Mr Abhisit said the number of soldiers stationed at the border will remain the same and as he has clearly stated that troop withdrawal is impossible if Cambodian communities, markets and temples remain in the disputed 4.6 sq km area.

Initial reports that some Khmer communities and markets had already moved from the area, but their temples have not yet been relocated, he said, adding that the Thai authorities were to verify the report.

If the problem of the establishment of Cambodian-populated communities, markets and temples remain unsolved, Thai soldiers would stay there until Cambodia has clearly shown that they abide by the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in 2000 on border demarcation, he said.
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Cambodia delays border opening

Dec 1, 2010
AFP

PHNOM PENH - CAMBODIA has postponed opening a border gate with Thailand at the disputed site of an ancient temple, an official said on Wednesday, after conflicting reports over troop withdrawal from the area.

'We have delayed it indefinitely,' said Hang Soth, director general of the government-run agency managing the Preah Vihear temple.

Cambodia earlier this week said redeployment of troops by both countries away from the border had eased the way for the gate to be opened for the first time in over two years on Sunday.

But the Thai prime minister has since denied any such withdrawal and renewed calls for all Cambodians to leave the disputed area before the army would pull back.

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‘Centrist’ Asian Parties Establish Peace Commission

Mushahid Hussain Sayed of Pakistan, secretary-general of Centrist Democrats International Asia Pacific, right, confers with Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen, center left, during a signing ceremony in Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh, Wednesday. (Photo: AP)

Kong Sothanarith, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh Wednesday, 01 December 2010

It will “promote an environment of peace, stability and security in Asia by initiating and supporting negotiation and dialogue in various hot spots in the region”

Political party representatives of nearly 40 Asian countries signed an accord in Phnom Penh Wednesday to establish a commission to deal with regional security and global stability issues.

The accord was the result of the fourth meeting of a grouping called Centrist Asia Pacific Democrats International. The CAPDI is part of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties, which is made up of 300 members.

The so-called CAPDI Peace Commission will “promote an environment of peace, stability and security in Asia by initiating and supporting negotiation and dialogue in various hot spots in the region,” said Mushahid Hussain Sayed, secretary-general of the Pakistan Muslim League and of ICAPP.
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Bayon TV Begins Disbursement of Bridge Donations

Hun Mana, owner of Bayon TV and daughter of Cambodia's dictator

By last Friday evening, Bayon TV had raised more than $1.08 million and CTN had brought in more than $500,000.

Heng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer

Phnom Penh Wednesday, 01 December 2010

Eighty-three families of victims from last week’s bridge stampede received a first round of donations from Bayon TV, collecting more than $5,000 each.

The TV station raised the money from its Cambodian audience following the Nov. 22 bridge disaster, which left 351 people dead and 395 injured.

Tit Thavrith, deputy director of Bayon Radio and TV, said the disbursement was a “first step” to compensate victims of the disaster and would be followed by teams making provincial trips.
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30 Tax Agents To Face Corruption Charges

A watchdog organization says the Ministry of Economy and Finance's tax collectors are bilking the country out of at least a million dollars a year by overcharging for annual vehicle stickers.

Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer

Phnom Penh Wednesday, 01 December 2010

“Next year, we want to see those guilty of corruption sentenced to prison.”

Thirty tax officials will face the loss of their jobs, after an investigation by the new Anti-Corruption Unit.

Om Yentieng, a senior government advisor and head of the ACU, told reporters Wednesday the 30 agents from the Ministry of Finance’s taxation unit had overcharged vehicle owners as much as $1.20 per annual registration tag.

The ACU was acting on complaints filed by an NGO on behalf of more than 200 citizens who said they were routinely overcharged for vehicle registration.

The complaints were the first real test of the ACU, which was formed as part of a recently passed anti-corruption law. Some 2,700 people from 14 provinces contributed corruption complaints earlier this year.
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Cambodia makes first anti-corruption arrest

2010-12-01
Associated Press

An official says a Cambodian provincial prosecutor has become the first person to be arrested under a new anti-corruption law.

The head of the government's anti-corruption unit, Om Yentieng, says Pursat provincial prosecutor Tob Chan Sereivuth was charged Tuesday with accepting bribes to release timber smugglers and with extorting money from local people, the military and other officials.

Cambodia, a poor country heavily dependent on foreign aid, is routinely listed by groups such as Transparency International as one of the most corrupt in Asia. Under the anti-corruption law, any official found guilty of taking bribes faces up to 15 years in prison.

Anti-corruption unit makes arrests

Dec 1, 2010
AFP

PHNOM PENH - CAMBODIA'S new anti-corruption unit announced its first arrests on Wednesday as one of the world's most corrupt nations tries to prove it is serious about fighting rampant graft.

Top Chan Sereivuth, a prosecutor at a court in western Pursat province, was arrested along with his two bodyguards on Monday, said the chief of the country's anti-corruption unit.

'He (the prosecutor) was charged with corruption, the illegal detention of people and extortion,' Om Yentieng told reporters in the capital. 'He abused his power,' he added.

The bodyguards face charges of illegal detention and extortion.

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Cambodian reconciliation efforts force Khmer Rouge veterans to confront the past

Im Chaem (R) standing next to Chhang Youk (Photo: AP)

A child looking at Ta Mok's body (Photo: Reuters)

Wednesday, December 1, 2010
By Dustin Roasa
The Washington Post

ANLONG VENG, CAMBODIA - In a dimly lighted concrete classroom with smudged and peeling walls, the principal of Anlong Veng High School recalled the man who had built it, the late Khmer Rouge leader Ta Mok.

"Everyone here loves Ta Mok. He was a good leader, and he cared about his people," 42-year-old Sreng Kor Ma said. Known as "the Butcher" for his brutality during Khmer Rouge rule, the commander remains popular in this remote former Khmer Rouge stronghold in northwestern Cambodia, where he built hospitals, bridges and other infrastructure and where thousands of the organization's former soldiers still live.

But this year, 12 years after the Khmer Rouge surrendered, long-held loyalties are finally being challenged in Anlong Veng. In April, a local truth and reconciliation forum allowed victims to publicly confront people who had participated in the regime. In June, the government distributed a high school textbook here that for the first time teaches the history of the Khmer Rouge to the children of its former soldiers.
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NGO sets up separate stampede probe [Pre-press]

WEDNESDAY, 01 DECEMBER 2010
VONG SOKHENG AND JAMES O’TOOLE
The Phnom Penh Post

The Cambodian Center for Human Rights is conducting an independent investigation into the causes of last week’s deadly Diamond Island stampede, calling the government’s own investigation inadequate and unlikely to produce meaningful conclusions.

In a statement, the CCHR said public comments on the investigation thus far indicated that the government was not looking closely at preparation for the water festival and the underlying causes of the disaster.

“Satisfactory answers have not been forthcoming and it seems that the government wants to draw a line in the sand declaring that lessons have been learnt and such events will not be repeated,” the statement said.

Government officials heading up the investigation said on Monday that the stampede had occurred when rumours circulated that the Diamond Gate bridge was swaying dangerously and thousands of panicked festival-goers packed the narrow walkway.

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Stampede victims in Cambodia receive donation from TV funds

Hun Mana, Hun Xen's daughter and owner of Bayon TV

PHNOM PENH, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Families of 83 victims of stampede accident who originally lived in Phnom Penh received donations from TV funds on Wednesday.

The distribution of the donations by generous people across the country and abroad collected by Bayon Television, was presented by Hun Mana, director general of Bayon Television and a daughter of Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Other government officials who also presented the gift on behalf of the prime minister included Kep Chuptema, governor of Phnom Penh.

Each of the 83 victims in Phnom Penh received 7 million riel ( about 1,700 U.S. dollars), and additional 3,561 U.S. dollars.
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Hun Sen meets with Li Yuanchao to enhance Sino-Cambodian ties

December 01, 2010
Xinhua

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen Wednesday met with Li Yuanchao, head of the Organization Department of the CPC (Communist Party of China) Central Committee, aimed to strengthen the cooperation between the two countries as well as the relations of the political parties of the two countries.

Li Yuanchao first conveyed greetings from Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to Hun Sen, and on behalf of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese government and the people, he expressed condolences to the Cambodian People's Party (CPP), the government of Cambodia and the people on the stampede tragedy at the Diamond Island recently.

During the meeting, Li said that "China and Cambodia are friendly neighbors and the friendship between our two peoples goes back to ancient times." He highly valued the cooperation relations between the two countries and political parties, saying that in recent years, the cooperations between the two countries have yielded fruitful results; the political mutual trust has strengthened steadily; and economic and trade cooperation has developed rapidly.

Li thanked the Cambodian People's Party and the Royal government of Cambodia headed by Prime Minister Hun Sen for its One China policy and support China on the issues involving China's core interests.

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Soldiers on Cambodia Mission Brought AIDS to Bulgaria

01 Dec 2010
Standart News (Bulgaria)

Bulgarian soldiers, who took part in the peacekeeping mission in Cambodia in the beginning of the 1990s, brought AIDS to Bulgaria, Major General Stoyan Tonev, chief of the Military Medical Academy told the Darik radio. Bulgaria’s military mission in Cambodia, part of the UN peacekeeping mission, started in 1992 and involved 820 troops, including soldiers from the reserve.

In the battalion under my commandment alone we had seven HIV-positive soldiers, reserve Lieutenant Colonel Yanko Yankov told The Standart. He was a commander of one of the battalions during the first Bulgarian military mission after the beginning of the democratic changes.

December 1, World AIDS Day was marked across Bulgaria.

Cambodia: Another casino bankruptcy

1 December 2010
Casino City Times

CAMBODIA -- VIP casino has gone bankrupt in the border town of Bavet and closed, Phnom Penh Post reported.

The Cambodian Ministry for Economy and Finance warned that more bankruptcies and casino closures could follow, the report said.

Only foreign passport holders are permitted to gamble in Cambodia, Phnom Penh Post noted.

300 employees have lost their jobs as a result of this closure, the report said.

Southeast Asia's colonial heritage victim of modernisation

Wed, 01 Dec 2010
By Suy Se
AFP

PHNOM PENH: When Cambodia tore down a century-old school in the capital this year, conservationists bemoaned the loss of yet another piece of history in former French Indochina in the rush to modernise.

French colonial architecture – with its shuttered windows, grand balconies and pitched tiled roofs – for decades defined the look of cities in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, even after the French pulled out of Indochina in 1954.

But now, hundreds of historic buildings across the region are being knocked down as governments capitalise on rising land prices and attempt to create eye-catching skylines.

"What I see in Phnom Penh is little – or at worst no – heritage protection of significant buildings. I see the disappearance of old French colonial buildings," said Cambodia-based architectural historian Darryl Collins.

"It's a great pity because I think in time it will be regretted that so many of these buildings have gone," the Australian said.

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Government Spokesman: No Thai troop re-deployment plan for border after Cambodia reopens Thai border crossing to temple

BANGKOK, Dec 1 (MCOT online news) -- Thai troops stationed at the Thai-Cambodian border in Si Sa Ket province will not be redeployed after Cambodia reportedly plans to reopen the border gate at the 11th century Preah Vihear temple this weekend, according to Acting Government Spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn.

Dr Panitan, who is also deputy secretary to the premier, said Defence Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan has informed Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva that there will be no troop re-deployment at the Thai-Cambodian border.

The number of soldiers will remain the same and the prime minister has stressed that if the talks between Thailand and Cambodia cannot agree on the contested area, the Thai troop level would remain the same at the border, he said.

Cambodia is reportedly rearranging its forces in the area to a more relaxed situation and the move signals a good sign to Thailand that the talks may progress to ease tensions, Dr Panitan said, adding that some Cambodian have moved from the temple and communities in the contested area.
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[Thai] PM: [Thai] Troops will stay in disputed area [in Wat Keo Sekha Kiri Svarak]

1/12/2010
Bangkok Post

Thai troops will not be withdrawn from the disputed area when Thailand and Cambodia reopen border crossings near Preah Vihear temple on Friday, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Wednesday.

"There will be no withdrawal of the soldiers while there are still villagers in the area," Mr Abhisit said.

The prime minister said, however, that there could be an adjustment of troops.

If Thai soldiers were to be withdrawn, there must be good reason for it. Cambodia must abide by the memorandum of understanding signed in 2000 on border demarcation, he said.

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Thai PM denies troop withdrawal from Preah Vihear Temple

December 01, 2010
Source: Xinhua

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Wednesday denied recent reports that Thai military had withdrawn from Preah Vihear Temple's surrounding areas in preparation for the reopening of the temple's border crossing this coming weekend.

He said Cambodia has, however, pulled back some troops and this was a good sign for both countries.

Meanwhile, government acting spokesman Panitan Wattanayakorn revealed that Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan had directly reported to the prime minister that there had been no withdrawal of Thai troops from that area.

The Cambodian has remilitarized its own forces deployed along the border, the spokesman added.

"Thai government has not yet opened the crossing point at Preah Vihear Temple but only allowed Thai people to go through a checkpoint at Pha Mor I-Daeng," Panitan said.

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Cambodia's new anti-corruption unit names first suspect

December 1, 2010
ABC Radio Australia

Cambodia's new Anti-Corruption Unit has named its first suspect, a prosecutor of a provincial court, in what many see as the first test of the much-criticised unit.

Police arrested the official and two of his bodyguards on Monday morning in Pursat province. The exact reasons for his arrest are unclear, but local human rights workers say he's notorious for corruption and for shooting up a restaurant three years ago.

Presenter: Liam Cochrane

Speakers: Keo Remy, spokesman Cambodia's Anti-Corruption Unit; Nget Theavy, Pursat province coordinator, human rights group ADHOC; Son Chhay, MP opposition Sam Rainsy Party; Thun Saray, director, ADHOC

Click here to listen to the audio program (Windows Media)

COCHRANE: When Cambodia's Anti-Corruption Unit was formed three months ago, many critics of the government predicted it would be a toothless tiger, a way to be seen as tackling corruption while carefully managing who is targeted.

So when Om Yentieng, the head of the unit and advisor to Prime Minister Hun Sen, personally led police to the house of its first suspect, it was clearly a declaration of intent.

Spokesman for the Unit, Keo Remy, says there has been a positive response to the Unit's first arrest.

REMY: Yeah we got support, more support from the people. From Phnom Penh and in the civil servants, military police and sometime from everywhere they call me and they're very happy. Even in the Office of the Council of Minister they appreciate that.
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Border to reopen near temple

2nd Army chief rejects idea of any troop cuts
1/12/2010
Wassana Nanuam
Bangkok Post

Thailand and Cambodia are looking set to reopen their border crossings near the disputed Preah Vihear temple this week after a lengthy closure, an army source says.

The governor of Si Sa Ket and the Cambodian governor of Preah Vihear province have discussed the matter and are expected to reopen the crossings near the ancient Hindu temple and a nearby disputed, 4.6 square kilometre area on Friday, the source said yesterday.

This would be the first time both the Thai and Cambodian crossings have been open simultaneously since July 2008, when the Preah Vihear temple was granted Unesco world heritage status under Cambodian stewardship.

Second Army Region commander Thawatchai Samutsakhon yesterday insisted no troop withdrawals from the disputed area had or would take place.

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Cambodia, Thai border gate opening delays for another month

December 01, 2010
Source: Xinhua

The plan to open Preah Vihear temple border gate with neighboring Thailand will be delayed for another one month, said a top official at the Cambodian Preah Vihear National Authority on Wednesday.

"After the bilateral meeting on Tuesday between Cambodia and Thai officials, the Thai side has asked us to delay the opening of the border gate for another month instead of opening the gate on December 5," Hang Soth, director general of the Preah Vihear National Authority, told Xinhua on Wednesday.

He said the delay suggestion from the Thai side was made as both sides could not reach agreement on the issues of sharing entry ticket fees and letting Thai vendors to sell in Cambodian market nearby the temple.

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Apply skills to move forward in new year

A humorous view of new year resolution from Calvin and Hobbes

December 1, 2010
By A. Gaffar Peang-Meth
PACIFIC DAILY NEWS

The new year will be upon us in 30 days. Some will reflect on the past. Sometimes such reflection helps us understand our present circumstances and may clarify next steps.

Still, those who understand human behavior warn against being endlessly mired in questions of why we are the way we are. It's easy to get stuck and be unable to move forward. Engaging your own creativity is a positive action that keeps you forward-focused.

In the new year, we can't repeat what we've always done and expect different outcomes. We need to strike a new path, look at old problems through a new lens. M.J. Ryan advises in her book, "This Year I Will ... " that we switch from "why" thinking to "what could be possible" thinking. Indeed, we're the change we want to see.

For most of us, life is hard in today's nasty financial and economic situation. Yet, food is not lacking, materials remain abundant, technology continues to thrive and bring change -- you can choose to ride, or not, in a vehicle that practically drives itself! There are people who live well; there are many who can't make ends meet.
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Lack of Police 'Professionalism' Found in Bridge Disaster

A female victim of the deadly stampede, on Monday November 22, 2010, is carried onto a rescue truck, by Phnom Penh police. Hou Chanthy, 47, lost her daughter, said, "I'm thankful for the donations, but the donations will never compensate me.” (Photo: by Heng Reaksmey)

Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh Tuesday, 30 November 2010

“The accident is our largest experience for the government and the authorities." [... but not when it comes to accountability!]

The government committee investigating last week's bridge disaster has said the police and military police must now be better trained for crowd management to avoid future incidents.

The investigating committee stopped short of placing direct responsibility on police, city or Water Festival authorities, after thousands of people stampeded on a crowded bridge, killing 351 and injuring 395 people Nov. 22.

Prum Sokha, secretary of state for the Ministry of Interior and head of the investigating committee, said the crowded situation on the bridge exceeded the “preparedness and capacity” of security forces. He recommended a “build-up of professionalism” for police and military police to better handle large crowds in the future.
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Disaster Demands Response Evaluation: Rights Advocate

(Photo: AP)

Men Kimseng, VOA Khmer
Washington, DC Tuesday, 30 November 2010

A leading rights activist says last week's deadly bridge stampede and the authorities' response to it reflect a poor safety and security system that needs addressed for large events.

In order to avoid a future disaster, Cambodia must now focus on safety measures, including building structures, training of security teams and safety exits, said Thun Saray, president of the rights group Adhoc, as a guest on “Hello VOA.”

The Diamond Bridge stampede left 351 dead and 395 injured at last count, one of the worst disasters in decades, and authorities, including Prime Minister Hun Sen, have said no one will be held directly accountable.
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US-Cambodians Observe Ceremonies for Bridge Deaths

The ceremony at Wat Buddhikarama, in Maryland, had raised $4,900 by Monday. (Photo: by Soeung Sophat)

Im Sothearith, VOA Khmer
Silver Spring, Maryland Tuesday, 30 November 2010

"Those who died or were injured in the stampede “will never be forgotten."

Cambodian-Americans marked seven-day ceremonies for those who died in the Diamond Bridge stampede last week, joining many in Cambodia who sought answers and prayed that the dead rest in peace.

Venerable monk Soeng Yoeung Ratana, a member of Wat Khemarak Rainsey temple in San Jose, Calif., said Cambodians from across the US had participated at the pagoda's ritual on Monday.

“There are people from New York City, Pittsburgh, Oakland, Stockton, Modesto and San Francisco, together with people in San Jose, observing the ceremony,” he said.

The seven-day ceremony is meant to put the souls of the dead at ease. In Cambodia, that meant rituals in many pagodas across the country and near the site where 351 people died when they panicked on an overcrowded bridge.
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