Within Six Months of This Year the Trade between Cambodia and China Amounted to US$627 Million – Saturday, 28.8.2010
The Mirror, Vol. 14, No. 679
Important Announcement
Would you please mouse-click, further up on this page here, on About The Mirror to read information about changes planned to be implemented, starting from 1 September 2010.
Thanks,
Norbert Klein
Editor of The Mirror
“Phnom Penh: The Counselor of the Economic and Commercial Section of the Chinese Embassy to Cambodia, Mr. Jin Yuan, said that according to Chinese customs statistics, within six months of 2010, the Cambodian-Chinese trade amounted to US$627 million, an increase by 37.70% compared to the corresponding period last year.
“He said in a press conference in the morning of 27 August 2010 that Cambodia is an important member of ASEAN and a neighboring country with long lasting friendship, and it has benefited from the development of a China-ASEAN free trade region. Cambodia and China has achieved fruitful results through their cooperation in economy and trade. Through such quick progress, the amount of investment between both countries this year will arise beyond the amount before the global financial crisis.
“Mr. Jin Yuan added that the export from Cambodia to China rose by as much as 108.70% compared to the same period last years. Products imported from China to Cambodia increased three times. Also, Cambodia became a major target of Chinese entrepreneurs.
“He went on to say that investments from China in Cambodia range from the textile and garment sectors to other multi-sectors, such as agriculture and the development of special economic zones. According to the Council for the Development of Cambodia, by the end of July 2010, there were 360 Chinese investment projects or 23% of all investment projects in Cambodia, and therefore, China is the top country with investments in Cambodia compared with other countries.
“He continued to say that through encouragement by the Chinese Embassy in the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Department of Supervision on Product Quality of China is discussing with the Ministry of Agriculture of Cambodia a Memorandum of Understanding about strengthening of general sanitation standards and plant sanitation, to solve the supervision of agricultural products such as rice and cassava that are exported to China. [See also China Quality Focus – a Western managed and operated company in China] He said, ‘We believe that through joint efforts of both sides, there can be solutions for the problems relating to the export of agricultural products by the Royal Government of Cambodia.’” Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol.18, #5288, 28.8.2010
Newspapers Appearing on the Newsstand:
Saturday, 28 August 2010
Kampuchea Thmey, Vol.9, #2339, 28.8.2010
- The Vietnamese President [Nguyen Minh Triet – Nguyễn Minh Triết] Congratulated the Big Achievements of Cambodia [in developing the country – he said so during his visit to Cambodia]
Koh Santepheap, Vol.43, #7046, 28-29.8.2010
- Cambodian-Thai Border Committees Fixed a Date for Meetings from 8 to 10 September 2010 in Bangkok
- It Was Reported that Ebony Wood Trading Reoccurs in the Northwest on Land Roads and in the Northeast on Water Ways [Siem Reap and Ratanakiri]
Moneaksekar Khmer, Vol.17, #3970, 28-29.8.2010
- The Ministry of Justice Released a Letter to Warn Judges and Prosecutors Who Read Newspapers during Hearings and Assign Clerks to Assume Their Responsibility Instead
Nokor Wat, Vol.1, #42, 28.8.2010
- Thailand Announced to Continue to Provide Aid for the Construction of Road 68 [that connects the Krolanh district in Siem Reap to Oddar Meanchey and then continues to the Thai border; it costs US$42 million]
- A Danish Man Was Arrested for Debauchery with Children [Siem Reap]
- Customs Officers at the Chrey Thom Border Crossing Intercepted Illegal Wood [about two cubic meters] Prepared for Export to Vietnam [no responsible persons are yet caught – Kandal]
Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol.18, #5288, 28.8.2010
- Within Six Months of This Year the Trade between Cambodia and China Amounted to US$627 Million
- Fifty Nine Workers [some are underage] Were Liberated when a Middleman Tried to Send Them Illegally to Work in Thailand [to work on fishing boats – Phnom Penh]
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Vietnam Tightens Military Ties with the United States of America while It Has Border Tensions with China – Wednesday, 11.8.2010
The Mirror, Vol. 14, No. 677
“Vietnam shows new military relations with the United States of America this month amid more tensions with China, as both countries claim some territory in the South China sea as belonging to their respective countries.
“The USS John S. McCain warship [a guided-missile destroyer], that docked in the Danang city port, departed on Tuesday for a four days joint exercise with the Vietnamese navy.
“On Sunday, the USS Gorge Washington aircraft carrier, that had just attended an exercise with South Korea recently in South Korean sea territory, which had led to condemnations from the Beijing government, received a Vietnamese delegation.
“The visit by the US navy invites strong attention due to regional tensions lately.
“A Vietnam expert at the Australian Defense Force Academy, Mr. Carl Taylor, said, ‘The tensions between China and Vietnam grew worse since over a year ago. The USA is showing its military presence and Vietnam is taking the opportunity to show itself.’
“Normally, the Hanoi government has very careful relations with its ideological ally China, but the regional ambition of its bigger neighbor raised tensions in Vietnam to a certain level.
“The ties between Hanoi and Washington have come across a long way since the end of the Vietnam war in 1975; both countries’ diplomatic ties were normalized 20 years later.
“The USA became an important partner of Vietnam, not just in trade.
“According to a recent source from the Ministry of Defense of Vietnam, the Hanoi government grew more uneasy with the ambition of China. The presences of the US navy at a Vietnamese port is very important strategically for Vietnam to demonstrate regional balance in military issues.
“Mr. Taylor said, ‘I think that the USA can play a more important role in the region.’
“The South China Sea has been the reason for territorial disputes for a long time, especially regarding the Spratly and Paracel islands that Vietnam claims to be its territory. China also claims the Spratly islands like Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam do also.
“The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, Ms. Nguyen Phuong Nga [Nguyễn Phương Nga], last week condemned China for sending a ship to conduct seismic surveys in the Paracel region, violating Vietnam’s territorial integrity.
“Senior US commanders said that they are keeping a close eye over the stepping up of Chinese military presence there, particularly the presence of the navy in the South China Sea.
“Last week, China conducted a navy and airforce exercise in the South China Sea, a week after the Secretary of State of the US Department of State, Ms. Hilary Clinton, said solutions of territorial disputes are the core for regional stability.
“During a Southeast Asian regional security forum Ms. Hilary Clinton said that the Washington government is ready to cooperate in multilateral discussions over the islands and added that this is in the national interest of the USA, considering the respect for international law in the region.
“The Beijing government immediately condemned this intention to internationalize the dispute, saying that such an action could worsen the situation.
“That US warships often dock at Vietnamese ports irritates China. Mr. Taylor said, ‘Vietnam becomes more sensitive to the Chinese reactions. The docking of the US navy in Danang shows that Vietnam is prepared to confront the displeasure of China.'” Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol.18, #5273, 11.8.2010
Newspapers Appearing on the Newsstand:
Wednesday, 11 August 2010
Kampuchea Thmey, Vol.9, #2324, 11.8.2010
- Traders Are Transporting Wood into the Srae Noy Settlement Area Day and Night
- Police Helped a Female Worker Returning from Malaysia [after she worked there for two years] Who Almost Lost Her Memory and Cannot Find the Way to Her Home [Siem Reap]
- The Murderer Who Raped and Killed a Female Security Guard Was Sentenced to 20 Years Imprisonment [Phnom Penh]
Koh Santepheap, Vol.43, #7031, 11.8.2010
- A Man Was Attacked with Acid, Poured on His Head around Midnight by Two Perpetrators [who escaped; the victim was seriously wounded – Phnom Penh]
- There Will Be More Than 2,400,000 Foreign Tourists in 2010 [according to a prediction by the Ministry of Tourism; in the first six months of 2010, there were 1,221,156 tourist arrivals, an increase by 12.39% compared with the corresponding period in 2009]
Moneaksekar Khmer, Vol.17, #3955, 11.8.2010
- Lawyers of [former Khmer Rouge leader] Ieng Sary Stated Their Confidence in Their Ability in Defending Their Client [by strongly opposing the use of the Joint Criminal Enterprise principle at the trial chamber of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal]
Nokor Wat, Vol.1, #27, 11.8.2010
- [Thai Prime Minister] Abhisit Put Blame on Journalists [for misquoting his words about the use of military means to solve border disputes with Cambodia]
- A Medical Association from South Korea [with 50 staff members] Helps to Treat Khmer Patients in Kompong Speu
Phnom Penh Post [Khmer Edition], Vol.1, #234, 11.8.2010
- Hundreds of Families in the Russey Keo District [near the Cambodian Japanese Friendship or Chroy Chongva bridge] Will Be Asked to Remove Their Houses for the Claiming of Land to Create a Public Park [Phnom Penh]
- The Deposit for the Production of [estimated] More Than 100 Million Tonnes of Titanium Discovered in Koh Kong – Its Exploitation Will Start Next Year [Titanium ore can be manufactured to 45% as Titanium slag, that can be sold for US$700 to US$2,500 per tonne based on market prices – other estimates for the price of slag is $400 per tonne]
- Mr. Leonard Cohen [a famous singer throughout the world – “Hallelujah” became the fastest-selling digital single in European history] Will Organize a Humanitarian Concert for Cambodia [at the Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh on 27 November 2010; the concert tickets are available in this website: http://www.themekongsessions.com%5D
Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol.18, #5273, 11.8.2010
- Hearing of [opposition party president] Mr. Sam Rainsy’s Case over the [alleged] Faking of Public Documents and Disinformation Will Be Held on 8 September 2010
- The Anniversary of the 2008 Registration of the Tuol Sleng [genocidal] Museum under the Memory of the World of UNESCO Was Organized [Phnom Penh]
- Vietnam Tightens Military Ties with the United States of America while It Has Border Tension with China
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The Prime Minister Encourages Officials to Care about the National Interest – Tuesday, 10.8.2010
The Mirror, Vol. 14, No. 677
“Prime Minister Hun Sen advised high ranking officials yesterday [9 August 2010] that their positions cannot be passed on to their family members of the next generation, but he suggested to focus on creating contributions in the national interest rather than to maintain their positions.
“In a speech during a forum on questions of national development held by the government in Phnom Penh, Prime Minister Hun Sen stated that government officials should respect and act according to their roles to serve the public.
“He added, ‘Do not forget that the positions of minister, deputy prime minister, secretary of state, and under-secretary of state in all institutions are not permanent ones or can be passed on to your children.’ He went on to say, ‘It is the same for the provincial governors. You cannot keep your positions forever or pass them on to your children. What we do is for the future of the whole nation.’
“A son of Prime Minister Hun Sen, Mr. Hun Manet, 32, is a general of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces; he has earned a degree from the US West Point Military Academy and a senior degree in economics from Bristol University of England. However, Prime Minister Hun Sen said that he does not want Mr. Hun Manet to enter politics.” Phnom Penh Post [Khmer Edition], Vol.1, #233, 10.8.2010
Newspapers Appearing on the Newsstand:
Tuesday, 10 August 2010
Kampuchea Thmey, Vol.9, #2323, 10.8.2010
- A Person Died after Being Run over by a Truck on National Road 1 [in a traffic accident – Kandal]
Koh Santepheap, Vol.43, #7030, 10.8.2010
- The Head of the Cambodian Government Called for an International Conference on the Cambodian-Thai Border Dispute at the Preah Vihear Temple
- More Than 19 Tonnes of Medicines of No Quality Were Burnt by the Authorities at a Medical Waste Area [Phnom Penh]
Moneaksekar Khmer, Vol.17, #3954, 10.8.2010
- [Prime Minister] Hun Sen Appealed to Foreign Countries to Organize an International Conference to Solve the Cambodian-Siam [Thai] Border Issues Where Tension Cannot Be Solved
Nokor Wat, Vol.1, #26, 10.8.2010
- The Prime Minister Warned Officials Who Are Hungry for Power [trying to pass their power over to their children, but they should rather think about national interest]
- [Thai Deputy Prime Minister] Suthep Thaugsuban Denied that Thai Troops Are Intruding into Cambodian Territory [as accused by the Phnom Penh government, the Thai side claims that Thai troops are just deployed to protect Thai territory along the border]
Phnom Penh Post [Khmer Edition], Vol.1, #233, 10.8.2010
- The Prime Minister Encourages Officials to Care about the National Interest
- The Cambodian Government Encourages Development on the Islands [to attract tourists]
- Hearing [of opposition party president, Mr. Sam Rainsy, and two imprisoned villagers] over the Uprooting of [Cambodian-Vietnamese] Border Markers Was Delayed [until 30 August 2010, as the two villagers do not have defense lawyer]
Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol.18, #5272, 10.8.2010
- Cambodia Confirmed Adherence to the One-China Policy [by not allowing any Taiwanese representative offices to be opened in Cambodia; according to a speech by Prime Minister Hun Sen]
- Indian Troops Help Train UN Peace-Keeping Skills and Advanced Mine Clearance Techniques for Cambodia Troops
- The 2010 Khmer Youth Art Event Began with a Big Supporting Audience [at the Chaktomuk hall in Phnom Penh]
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The Prime Minister Ordered the Suspension of the Import of Blue Ear Pigs into Cambodia – Thursday, 5.8.2010
The Mirror, Vol. 14, No. 676
“Phnom Penh: The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Samdech Akkak Moha Senapadei Dekchor Hun Sen, called on and ordered the authorities and other relevant officials at the Cambodian-Vietnamese and Cambodian-Thai borders to suspend importing pigs as they may have the blue ear pig disease which is spreading.
“He stated during the certificate granting ceremony to bachelor students of the Build Bright University at the Koh Pich conference hall in the morning of 4 August 2010 that the blue ear pig disease broke out in China in May 2010, in Vietnam and Laos in July 2010, and then in Thailand. Now it entered Cambodia, affecting pigs to die in farms in Kampot, Kompong Cham, Kompong Chnnang, Kandal, Prey Veng, and Takeo.
“Samdech Dekchor Hun Sen said that the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries has taken immediate action, because when such a disease happens in the country, even the transport of animals in our country is banned, but while there are such restrictions, the provinces along the borders still allow the massive import of pigs.
“Samdech Dekchor Hun Sen called on the provincial authorities at the borders, especially at the Cambodian-Vietnamese and Cambodian-Thai borders, to suspend the import of pigs in order to prevent the outbreak of this pig disease. He said, ‘All authorities, including customs and CamControl officials, must prevent it. It does not violate the principles of the World Trade Organization, but it is a measure to save the lives of animals from this disease that spreads from place to place. As for the pigs that have already been transported to Prey Veng and Svay Rieng, they must be banned from being transported to Phnom Penh, as it can harm human and animal lives. Our problem now is not just to meet the demands of the consumers, but to guarantee the quality of lives of humans and of animals.’
The Prime Minister took the opportunity to issue a restrictive order, because when such a disease breaks out, there need to be emergency measures taken. Previously, there were infectious diseases like diarrhea and many children suffered from it. Now there comes the blue ear pig disease, but at the border such pigs are permitted to be imported.
He mentioned the Minister’s of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, H.E. Chan Sarun’s wordings, who had said that the illegal import of pigs through the provinces along the Cambodian-Vietnamese border is more active and alarming. Samdech Hun Sen questioned [the official staff], ‘You work at border posts or at the provinces, do you care about public health or about our citizens’ health?’
“Together with the appeal and the restrictive order, the Prime Minister also called on local pork vendors not to increase the prices too much, while the import of pigs from Thailand and Vietnam is suspended. Before, there were many such cases where the traders marked their prices up, and the prices of other meat like beef, and fish, followed and so did the prices of other things. Some said that pigs imported from the west and from the east killed local pigs, while they themselves try to work for their own interests without caring about the consumers. Therefore, there should not be too much price increases and the outbreak of the disease must be prevented, as now veterinarians as well as the Departments of Animal Health and Production, both in the capital city and in the provinces, are dealing with this issue.” Kampuchea Thmey, Vol.9, #2319, 5.8.2010
Newspapers Appearing on the Newsstand:
Thursday, 5 August 2010
Areyathor, Vol.9, #1450, 5-6.8.2010
- Samdech Dekchor: Cambodia Tries to Avoid War even though Thailand Sends More Troops [to the border]
Kampuchea Thmey, Vol.9, #2319, 5.8.2010
- The Prime Minister Ordered the Suspension of the Import of Blue Ear Pigs into Cambodia
Koh Santepheap, Vol.43, #7026, 5.8.2010
- Samdech Dekchor Hun Sen Expressed His Position about the [World Heritage Committee] Meeting in Brazil and the Border Issue while the Siamese [Thai] Government Wants to Negotiate [he said there is no winning nor losing for Cambodia and Thailand regarding the meeting of UNESCO in Brazil. He wants the border issues to be solved with peace, respect, friendship, and cooperation]
- Samdech Dekchor Hun Sen: The Royal Government Respects the [Khmer Rouge] Court over [former Tuol Sleng prison chief] Duch’s Conviction [that sentenced him to 35 years in prison, but he will still serve around 19 years only, considering his past imprisonment and a reduction of punishment for cooperation with the court investigations]
- Grade Quality Wood Trading Still Occurs in Opposition to the Measures of the Government to Stop Illegal Logging [Kompong Chhnang]
Moneaksekar Khmer, Vol.17, #3950, 5.8.2010
- Another Australian Company [the Southern Gold] Announced to Have Found Gold Ore in the Snuol District of Kratie
Nokor Wat, Vol.1, #22, 5.8.2010
- Samdech Hun Sen Wants a Bigger Cambodian Market Share Abroad [to export rice and other grains]
Within Three Hours, There Were Two Robberies in Phnom Penh [taking away some money and jewelry]
Phnom Penh Post [Khmer Edition], Vol.1, #230, 5.8.2010
- Cambodia Is Open for Negotiations [over border issues] with Thailand, and the Prime Minister Guaranteed the Citizens that There Will Be No Armed Clash [along the Cambodian-Thai border]
- Cambodia Exports Fishery Products [of 10,000 tonnes] to International Markets [Australia, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, the USA, and Vietnam] Amounting to US$20 Million within the First Six Months of 2010 [US$5 million more than during the same period last year]
- Four Institutions Have Roles [as buying and selling representatives of stock exchange bonds] in the Cambodian Stock Exchange [the ACLEDA Bank, the Canadia Bank, the OSK Indochina Bank, the Tong Yang Bank from South Korea]
Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol.18, #5268, 5.8.2010
- [Thai Prime Minister] Abhisit Wants to Send Officials to Negotiate with Cambodia over Border Tensions
More Than 110,000 Victims Received Emergency Assistance from the Cambodian Red Cross during the Forth Term [from 2006 to 2010; according to the 5th convention of the Cambodian Red Cross presided over by the King]
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The Senate and China Signed a Memorandum of Understanding about a Plan to Construct a Convention Hall for the Senate – Saturday, 31.7.2010
The Mirror, Vol. 14, No. 675
Note:
Apologies for delays over the past weekend. While I send the Saturday supplement only on Monday, I hope the Sunday and Monday sections will both follow during Monday. There is not much one can do when one is sick.
Norbet Klein
“Phnom Penh: A memorandum of understanding about a plan to construct a convention hall for the Senate was signed in the morning of 30 July 2010 at the special meeting hall of the Senate in the presence of the Secretary General of the Senate, Mr. Oum Sarith, and the director of the ‘Sixth Bureau Cambodian Company of China City Construction Holding (Group) Company’ [???], Mr. Zhang Jin Pheng.
“According to the memorandum of understanding, the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia has planned to build a convention hall in the Senate compound in the Chamkar Mon district on an area of about 7,500 square meters. The conventional hall of the Senate, with 7 stories, will have small and big meeting rooms, a reception room, a dining room, car parks etc. The plan’s realization will cost about US$20 million, to be financed by a grant from the Chinese government, and the construction will take two years after the aid will have been provided by the Chinese government.
“Mr. Zhang Jin Pheng said, ‘In the near future, the Senate will have a new convention hall building set up with modern equipment in a nice style, and it will become part of the new architectural image of Phnom Penh and a symbol of the good ties between Cambodia and China.’
“Mr. Oum Sarith said, ‘Today, I am pleased that the Sixth Bureau Cambodian Company of China City Construction Holding Company cooperates to achieve this goal, and we will cooperate closely with the company to accomplish the task.’ He hopes, ‘The study of the company to develop the technical drawings will be finished within three months after this signature.’
“Mr. Zhang Jin Pheng said that he will try to finish the study soon so that the construction of the 7 story buildings can begin shortly.
“It should be noted that the Chinese government has provided aid to Cambodia in many sectors, especially also continually to the Senate. Recently, the Chinese government granted aid for a project to repair three office buildings of senators, a library, and the cabinet of the president of the Senate, and to improve some audio equipment in the main meeting hall of the Senate.” Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol.18, #5264, 31.7.2010
Newspapers Appearing on the Newsstand:
Saturday, 31 July 2010
Kampuchea Thmey, Vol.9, #2315, 31.7.2010
- China Provides Scholarship to 54 Cambodian Students to Continue Their Studies [next year, China will increase the scholarship for more 200 Cambodian students]
- US Officials Praised the Quality of the Exercise of the Multi-National Peace Keepers during the Angkor Sentinel 2010 Exercises Hosted by Cambodia
Koh Santepheap, Vol.43, #7022, 31-1.7.2010
- The Canadian Lawyer of [the Thai ousted and fugitive prime minister] Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra [Mr. Robert Amsterdam] Attacked [Thai Prime Minister] Mr. Abhisit, Calling Him a Person Who Wants the Preah Vihear Temple of Cambodia [when Mr. Abhisit warned to walk out of the UNESCO meeting if it accepts the unilateral Cambodian development plan for the Preah Vihear Temple region]
- The Siamese Plan Is Unsuccessful; the Conservation and Development of the Preah Vihear Temple Will Be Adopted Next Year [by the World Heritage Committee in Bahrain]
Moneaksekar Khmer, Vol.17, #3946, 31-1.7.2010
- Opposition Party Officials and Forest Protection Communities Criticized Measures of the Government [to intercept forestry crimes] as Ineffective [because there have been more and more reports about deforestation]
- Cambodia Declared Success about Its Development Plan for the Preah Vihear Temple Region while Siam [Thailand] Said UNESCO Delayed Discussion to Next Year for the Meeting in Bahrain
Nokor Wat, Vol.1, #18, 31.7.2010
- A Gang Woman Was Sent to Court to Be Sentenced [after she caused a traffic accident and then used the name of the Phnom Penh Police chief, Mr. Touch Naruth, to warn the local police and journalists]
Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol.18, #5264, 31.7.2010
- The Senate and China Signed a Memorandum of Understanding about a Plan to Construct a Convention Hall for the Senate
- The Minister [of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, Mr. Chan Sarun]: 70% of the Cases of Offenses [related to agriculture, forestry, and fisheries] Sent to Courts Are Not Solved [in the first six months of 2010]
- In a Case of Drug Production and Smuggling Worth Half a Million Dollar, Seven Accused Were Sentenced to Serve between 12 Years to Life in Prison
- A Head Monk Was Defrocked for Secretly Having an Affairs with a Village Girl until She Has Seven Months Pregnant [Kompong Chhnang]
Have a look at the last editorial – you can access it directly from the main page of the Mirror.
And please recommend The Mirror also to your colleagues and friends.
Court Reform Is Necessary – Saturday, 24.7.2010
The Mirror, Vol. 14, No. 674
“Recently, the Ministry of Justice issued a special letter to warn court officials not to do improper activities as this might invite public criticism. In a letter dated 16 July 2010, the Minister of Justice, Mr. Ang VongVathana, wrote that officials of the Ministry have received many complaints from the general public accusing court officials, especially, clerks, without giving their names. The Minister added in the letter that the role of clerks is to take notes, to keep the complaint documents, and to fulfill their role properly according to the legal procedures, neutral and non-biased.
“The Minister of Justice warns in the letter that clerks must not be biased towards any sides during the hearing process and they must follow the orders of judges and of prosecutors in order to gain trust in the judicial system from the public. Such a warning from the Minister of Justice towards clerks is new, but he seems not to consider the judges and prosecutors in the provinces and cities who also commit improper acts.
“Regarding the above issue, the chief of cabinet of the Ministry of Justice, Mr. Sam Prochea Meaneth, said that the letter was sent to all municipal courts in the Kingdom of Cambodia. The Ministry aims at all court officials, particularly at clerks who work with lawsuits of citizens. Clerks at the courts do not have the power to pass judgments in any cases. The decision by the Minister of Justice to issue this letter was not because of any special cases or accusations about wrongdoings, but it was issued as part of judicial reforms.
“Observers of the court system in Cambodia said that the letter of the Minister, dated 16 July 2010, deals only with one part of the problem; it warns only clerks who may be creating problems. But judges and prosecutors, who had committed corruption, like by changing a case from wrong to right, are not warned by the Ministry of Justice and admonished to implement their roles appropriately. Corruption in the court system can result from collusion among clerks, judges, and prosecutors. Therefore to put the burden only on clerks is not proper, because it disregards the irregularities committed by some corrupt judges and prosecutors towards poor citizens.
“Officials of non-government organizations said that they often heard of complaints from citizens expressing their disappointment about the courts and especially about clerks. Non-government organizations said that when citizens have money, clerks seem to care about their complaints, but if they do not have money, clerks discriminate against them and delay their cases for a long time before starting to work on them. The issue of the letter of the Minister is a positive sign, but it is still not covering the whole truth. The most important thing is that the Ministry of Justice makes the citizens trust in the court system of Cambodia.
“Many citizens have already been victimized by judges and prosecutors who colluded with powerful officials to grab their land. In some cases, the corruption of judges and prosecutors has been revealed publicly by citizens, like in land disputes in Ratanakiri. But in the end, the Ministry of Justice did not take any legal action against corrupt those judges and prosecutors, but just assigned them to work as judges and prosecutors in other provinces. Such dealings make citizens to distrust the court system, and they curse powerful officials who grab their land.
“At present, the court system of Cambodia is being criticized by national and international circles, accusing it to be a tool of the ruling party that serves only the rich and the powerful. But for poor victimized citizens as well as for politicians of the opposition, the courts do not seem to provide them justice according to the law. Thus, judicial reform is necessary to avoid that citizens lose trust in the institution of the courts. In the meantime, the international community and the donors must encourage the Cambodian government to speed up reforming the court system, as it had promised. Clerks, judges, and prosecutors, who commit corruption by using law for personal benefit, must be punished according to the law.” Moneaksekar Khmer, Vol.17, #3940, 24-25.7.2010
Newspapers Appearing on the Newsstand:
Saturday, 24 July 2010
Kampuchea Thmey, Vol.9, #2309, 24.7.2010
- Three Men Were Arrested with 570 kg of Borax Powder Used for Applying on Food [to make it last longer] Affecting Human Health [Phnom Penh – Borax, a real multi-purpose chemical]
- A Laotian Man Was Arrested together with More Than 3,000 Drug Tablets
Koh Santepheap, Vol.43, #7016, 24-25.7.2010
- Victims and Former Prisoners of the Tuol Sleng Prison Asked for a Life Sentence Imprisonment for Duch [his sentence will be announced on 26 July 2010]
- Court Reform Is Necessary
-
Cambodia Needs Investors and Tax Favors from the USA to Create a Good Atmosphere at the 60th Anniversary of Having Diplomatic Ties
- The USA Announced to Provide US$187 Million in Aid for Three Years for the Countries of the Indochina Region [Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam] to Address Poverty and to Conserve the Lower Mekong River
Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol.18, #5258, 24.7.2010
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The Cambodian Prime Minister: The Royal Government Will Make Cambodia [the third] Rice Exporting Country [after Thailand and Vietnam in Asia]
-
[Secretary of State of the USA] Clinton Criticized the Human Rights Situation in Vietnam [during the ASEAN-US meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers in Vietnam – but indirectly supported Vietnam in its claim on some Islands in the South China Sea contested by China]
-
The [Angkor Sentinel 2010] Military Exercise at the Command Post Level [for peace keeping] Was Finished Successfully [Phnom Penh]
Have a look at the last editorial – you can access it directly from the main page of the Mirror.
And please recommend The Mirror also to your colleagues and friends.
Within Five Months of 2010, Tourist Arrivals to Cambodia Were More Than One Million – Wednesday, 7.7.2010
The Mirror, Vol. 14, No. 672
“Phnom Penh: A report of tourist statics shows that within five months of 2010, there were 1,054,821 international tourist arrivals in Cambodia, an increase by 11.53% compared to the corresponding period in 2009, and the arrivals from Vietnam had the highest number.
“The report was released by the Minister of Tourism, Mr. Thong Khon, for Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen on 29 June 2010, and it was then made available to journalists on 5 July 2010.
“The report says that, among the international tourist arrivals to Cambodia of more than one million, 552,523 tourists came to Cambodia by air (243,907 through the Phnom Penh International airport, and 308,616 through the Siem Reap airport), 409,349 tourists arrived on land, and 34,349 by ship. 58,743 tourists made one-day-return visits.
“Minister Thong Khon said that the 10 major tourism markets of origin for Cambodia within the first five months were:
- Vietnam: 175,937 tourists, an increase by 43.76%
- Korea: 125,455 tourists, an increase by 33.53%
- China: 74,558 tourists, an increase by 32.07%
- Japan: 67,658 tourists, an increase by 4.80%
- America: 65,472 tourists, a decrease by 5.43%
- England: 47,635 tourists, a decrease by 4.86%
- France: 46,600 tourists, a decrease by 0.51%
- Taiwan: 41,707 tourists, an increase by 41.82%
- Australia: 38,118 tourists, an increase by 11.05%
- Thailand: 36,995 tourists, a decrease by 13.83%
“Mr. Thong Khon said that the number of international tourists visiting the four priority tourism sites of Cambodia within these five months were:
- Siem Reap-Angkor: 565,803 tourists or 45.87% of the total tourist arrivals, increased by 26.63% compared to the same period in 2009.
- Phnom Penh: 489,018 or 39.65% of the total arrivals, increased by 11.9%
- Seashore regions: 81,459 tourists or 6.60% of the total arrivals decreased by 7.65%
- Eco-Tourism regions at the Northeast: 39,791 tourists or 3.23% increased by 91.28%
“Minister Thong Khon said that the number of national tourists visiting tourism resorts and regions countrywide within five months of 2010 were about 3.5 million, increased by 17% compared to the same period in 2009.
“Minister Thong Khon added that the number Cambodian tourists going abroad within five months of 2010 were 194,473, an increase by 14.86% compared to the corresponding period in 2009, where there were 339,698 Cambodian tourists going abroad, a decrease by 56.79% compared to 2008.
Note:
The numbers in the previous sentence do not tally – and this text does not provide any clue how to interpret the figures – giving percentages up to two digits behind the decimal point, so that any effort to speculate what the figures mean could, at the best, lead to some general statements, without pretending precision up to some hundredths of one per cent.
But we still try to mirror in The Mirror what is in the originals.
“The president of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents, Mr. Ang Kim Ieng, welcomed the increase of international tourist arrivals to Cambodia and said this is because the world is recovering from the economic crisis.
“Mr. Ang Kim Ieng added that even though Asian tourists to Cambodia, especially from Vietnam that stand on top of the list, who spend a short period of three days on average, spending less money than European tourists, it is still a positive sign for the tourism to Cambodia. Also, the current political stability and the good infrastructure of Cambodia, as well as the expansion of flights, help to attract tourists.” Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol.18, #5243, 7.7.2010
Newspapers Appearing on the Newsstand:
Wednesday, 7 July 2010
Kampuchea Thmey, Vol.9, #2294, 7.7.2010
- Municipal Court Ordered [Sam Rainsy Party parliamentarian] Mu Sochua to Pay Her Fine within Ten Days [for losing a defamation case against Prime Minister Hun Sen], otherwise she will be detained according to the law; Ms. Mu Sochua rejects to pay[as she considers the court decision not to have been just]
- A Group of Japanese Investors Asked for Support from the Senate for Agricultural Investments in Cambodia [they began a pilot step by doing rice cultivation on 200 hectares in Battambang for rice export]
Khmer Amatak, Vol.11, #787, 7.7.2010
- Can the Decision of Ms. Mu Sochua to Allow Herself to Be Imprisoned Change the Judicial System in Cambodia, and Bring Help from the International Community?
Koh Santepheap, Vol.43, #7001, 7.7.2010
- The Appeals Court Delayed Sam Rainsy’s Hearing [over the removal of border markers at the Cambodian-Vietnamese border; it was postponed as two prisoners involved in the case were not present]
- Cambodia and Laos Connect a Fiber Cable Network [to expand highly effective communications]
Moneaksekar Khmer, Vol.17, #3925, 7.7.2010
- [Sam Rainsy Party parliamentarian] Yim Sovann: The Sam Rainsy Party Does Not Recognize Any Border Demarcation That Leads to the Loss of [Cambodian] Territory to neighboring countries [especially to Vietnam, where recently some farmers lost their land because of the new settings]
Phnom Penh Post [Khmer Edition], Vol.1, #209, 7.7.2010
- Cambodia Celebrated the Second Anniversary of the Listing of the Preah Vihear Temple as a World Heritage Site [on 7 July 2010]
- Four Forestry Department Higher Level Staff [accused of being involving in forestry crimes] in Koh Kong Were Released Temporarily [but they are still under court investigation; Prime Minister Hun Sen signed off on a letter sent by the Minister of Agriculture to the Koh Kong Court, requesting the temporary release of those forestry officials]
- [The manager of a company said:] A South Korean Company, Korean Overseas Grains Investment and Development Corporation – KOGID – Plans to Spend US$7.35 Million to Buy Red Corn [from Cambodia]
Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol.18, #5243, 7.7.2010
- Within Five Months of 2010, Tourist Arrivals to Cambodia Were More Than One Million
- The Minister of Agriculture of Cambodia Asked Vietnam to Invest in Agriculture [to produce more rice and become a major rice export country like Vietnam]
- Eight Khmer Citizens Liberated from India Arrived in Cambodia [they had been trafficked to India]
- [Minister of the Council of Ministers] Sok An: The Cambodian-Laotian Border Is No Longer a Problem [so far 88% of the border markers are set, along the border line of about 600 km]
Have a look at the last editorial – you can access it directly from the main page of the Mirror.
And please recommend The Mirror also to your colleagues and friends.
Private Mobile Phone Companies Asked Samdech Dekchor to Intervene to Make More Frequencies Available – Friday, 2.7.2010
The Mirror, Vol. 14, No. 671
“Phnom Penh: Private mobile phone companies are encountering a lack of frequencies and cannot provide their services to millions of mobile phone customers well, so they asked the head of the Royal Government of Cambodia to intervene to add more frequencies.
“According to a source familiar with the frequency issue, a licensed private company had asked the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Samdech Akkak Moha Senapadei Dekchor Hun Sen, to intervene for the company to increase the frequencies available so that the companies can provide better services to their customers.
“The letter of request was also forwarded by Samdech Akkak Moha Senapadei Dekchor Hun Sen to the Minister of Post and Telecommunication, H.E. So Khun. But later, when the company asked to increase the number of frequencies, the Ministry said that there are no frequencies available. Actually, there are unused frequencies, but the Ministry does not make them available.
“Private companies asked the head of the Royal Government of Cambodia, Prime Minister Hun Sen, to intervene supporting their request for the increase of available frequencies for licensed companies, so that they can provide good services to their clients.
“On 27 April 2010, the head of the Royal Government of Cambodia stated during a meeting of the Public-Private Sector Forum that any requests for the increase of the number of frequencies for mobile phone companies, the Ministry has to send them to the Royal Government to decide. But according to a trustworthy source, previously, the Ministry had provided frequencies to some companies without including the head of the Royal Government of Cambodia in the decision. The Ministry did it on its own quietly. Some companies went directly to the Ministry, and the Ministry provided the frequencies to them immediately. However, some licensed companies, that had sent their requests to the head of the Royal Government for the increase of frequencies, had their requests rejected by the Ministry saying that there are no frequencies remaining.
“Some investors of private companies said that mobile phone companies operating at present are seeking ways to serve and to satisfy their clients who use their services, but the challenge is that some licensed companies are not provided with additional frequencies by the Ministry of Post and Telecommunication to provide better services to their clients. Probably, some companies had colluded with the Ministry to receive more frequencies secretly, without involving the whole Royal Government.
“At present, millions of mobile phone clients are annoyed when calling from one phone to another, and some people had requested the companies to expand their service regions to ease communication. But some private companies said that the problem is not their capacity to expand their mobile networks, but the reason is that the Ministry of Post and Telecommunication does not provide them with more frequencies, as requested.
“Regarding this issue, Kampuchea Thmey tried to contact the Ministry of Post and Telecommunication for more information, but failed to receive such information.” Kampuchea Thmey, Vol. 9, #2290, 2.7.2010
Newspapers Appearing on the Newsstand:
Friday, 2 July 2010
Kampuchea Thmey, Vol. 9, #2290, 2.7.2010
- Private Mobile Phone Companies Asked Samdech Dekchor to Intervene to Make More Frequencies Available
- This Year the Number of Candidates to Take the Grade 9 Exam [lower secondary examination, usually at the age of 14 to 15, before entering higher secondary school] Is 159,724, Which is an Increase by 3,394 Candidates [the exam will be from 5 to 6 July 2010 countrywide]
Koh Santepheap, Vol.43, #6997, 2.7.2010
- Deum Ampil Is Bankrupt; This Young News Center [a press center that had been created few years ago] Surprisingly Stopped Its Publications [newspapers and radio broadcasting; according to information by Deum Ampil to the Ministry of Information]
- On 26 July 2010, The Khmer Rouge Tribunal Will Announce the Verdict to Sentence Brutal Former Tuol Sleng Prison Chief Duch [at 10:00 a.m.]
Moneaksekar Khmer, Vol.17, #3921, 2.7.2010
- The First Drop of Oil of Cambodia Will Be Produced by 12/12/2012 [but the government has not yet specified anything about the expected quantity]
Phnom Penh Post [Khmer Edition], Vol.1, #206, 2.7.2010
- [The Minister of the Council of Ministers] Mr. Sok An: Cambodia Can Extract Its First Oil by December 2012 [after there had been positive results from the oil exploration in Block A in the gulf of Thailand, with joint investments by Chevron with 30%, Mitsui Oil Exploration with 30%, Kris Energy with 25%, and GS Caltex of South Korea with 15%]
- The Court Set a Deadline for [opposition party parliamentarian] Ms. Mu Sochua to Pay Riel 8 million [approx. US$1,850] Compensation to the Prime Minister [for losing a defamation case; she is required to pay it within ten days after the announcement by the judge on 29 June 2010, otherwise legal measures will be taken against her]
Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol.18, #5239, 2.7.2010
- The National Assembly Adopted Two Draft Laws Relating to Economic Cooperation with ASEAN, China, and South Korea [to create an investment atmosphere which is free, coordinated, transparent, and competitive, in order to achieve a business environment based on friendship between ASEAN, China, and South Korea, offering protection to all investors. Also, the agreements will help to promote opportunities and increase the flow of investment capital from the private sector for the development of the economies of the ASEAN countries cooperating with China and South Korea]
- [Former Phnom Penh police chief, now jailed in the Prey Sar prison] Heng Pov Was Brought [to court] for Questioning over the Murder of the Former President of the Cambodian Free Trade Union of Workers, Mr. Chea Vichea [in 2004 – Phnom Penh]
- The Number of Workers Legally Abroad [in Malaysia, South Korea, and Thailand] Is Nearly 30,000 [workers in South Korea can get between US$800 to US$2,000 per month, in Malaysia from more than US$200 to nearly US$300, and in Thailand a bit less than in Malaysia]
Have a look at the last editorial – you can access it directly from the main page of the Mirror.
And please recommend The Mirror also to your colleagues and friends.
Samdech Hun Sen: Chinese Aid Helps Strengthen the Independence of Cambodia – Thursday, 24.6.2010
The Mirror, Vol. 14, No. 670
“Phnom Penh: The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Samdech Akkak Moha Senapadei Dekchor Hun Sen, said that Chinese aid not only helps with the development of Cambodia, but it also helps strengthen the independence of Cambodia.
“Samdech Dekchor Hun Sen said so to the delegation of the Chinese People’s Army led by Lieutenant General Chi Wan Chun, Political Commissar of the General Armament Department of the Ministry of Defense of China in the evening of 23 June 2010 at the Council of Ministers.
“The minister in charge of accompanying the Prime Minister’s delegation, Mr. Sri Thamrong, told reporters after the meeting that Samdech Hun Sen had said that China has assisted Cambodia a lot, both with grant aid, and with loans including with loans without interest, to help restore and develop Cambodia. That aid not only assists Cambodia with the development, but also consolidates the national independence of Cambodia.
“Lieutenant General Chi Wan Chun told Samdech Dekchor Hun Sen that his visit to Cambodia at this time is to implement two obligations. The first, he was ordered by the Chinese President, Mr. Hu Jintao, to deliver 257 military trucks to Cambodia as soon as possible, also guaranteeing their 100% quality. The second task is to strengthen cooperation between both countries, especially between the troops of the two countries.
“Samdech Dekchor Hun Sen said that the quick implementation, like with the speed of a rocket – of Mr. Hu Jintao’s order within 48 days, shows the good relation and cooperation between the countries, the governments, the people, and the troops of both countries.
“Lieutenant General Chi Wan Chun considers Samdech Dekchor Hun Sen as a good and real friend of the Chinese people, especially because he firmly adheres to the One-China-Policy.
“Samdech Dekchor Hun Sen again confirmed the position of the Royal Government of Cambodia that it is the clear political position of Cambodia, since the time of the former King, and it continues for the current Royal Government of Cambodia, to adhere to the One-China-Policy without any change.” Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol.18, #5232, 24.6.2010
Newspapers Appearing on the Newsstand:
Thursday, 24 June 2010
Deum Ampil, Vol.4, #512, 24.6.2010
- The Vietnamese President: Cambodia and Vietnam Have Good Cooperation [he said so during the private visit to Vietnam by Samdech Euv (the former King), Samdech Mae (the former Queen), and the present King]
- The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization [NEDO] of Japan Plans to Implement Two Projects in Cambodia [setting up of modern rice milling machines at the community level, and producing clean water]
Kampuchea Thmey, Vol.9, #2283, 24.6.2010
- Japan Provides Grant Aid [of about US$131 million] to Finish the Construction of the Neak Loeung Bridge [across the Mekong River on National Road 1 from Phnom Penh to Vietnam] before February 2015
- An American Federal Court Convicted [the leader of the Cambodian Freedom Fighters – CFF] Chhun Yasith – to Life Imprisonment [for conducting an (unsuccessful) attack to overthrow the Cambodian government – on 23 and 24 July 2002, there was armed attack in Phnom Penh by the CFF to overthrow the government; during this attempt, three members of the CFF were killed, and some others were arrested; some members of the armed forces of the government and some common citizens were injured]
Khmer Machas Srok, Vol.4, #689, 24.6.2010
- Mr. Sam Rainsy: I Am Not Worried about the Warrant of the Yuon [Vietnamese] Puppet Court, as It Is a Problem of the Whole Nation [the Phnom Penh Municipal Court has published an arrest warrant for him, over the accusation of faking public documents and of spreading misinformation]
Koh Santepheap, Vol.43, #6990, 24.6.2010
- The Ministry of Labor Published Books with Instructive Policies for the Prevention of AIDS/HIV [to promote knowledge about HIV/AIDS]
Moneaksekar Khmer, Vol.17, #3914, 24.6.2010
- [Sam Rainsy Party parliamentarian] Son Chhay Encourages Factory Owners to Provide Wages to Workers Who Had a Forced Work Stoppage during the Inauguration of the Sky Road [constructed to reduce traffic jams; the owner of the TACFAT factory does not want to provide them wages for the time of work stoppage – and announced to welcome if workers report this to related institutions, and especially to the Ministry of Labor – Phnom Penh]
Phnom Penh Post [Khmer Edition], Vol.1, #200, 24.6.2010
- A Cambodian Official [the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Hor Namhong] Welcomes the Conviction of Chhun Yasith to Jail for Life for Attempting to Overthrow the Cambodian Government
- The First Sky Road in Cambodia [built to relieve the traffic jam at the Kbal Thnol Roundabout, spending about US$7 million] Will Be Inaugurated This Morning
Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol.18, #5232, 24.6.2010
- Samdech Hun Sen: Chinese Aid Helps Strengthen the Independence of Cambodia
- Thailand Arrested More Than 200 Khmer Citizens, Accusing Them of Creating a Village in Thailand [in the district of Aranyaprathet, in the province of Srakeo, 4 km from the Cambodian-Thai border]
- The Sydney University of Australia Signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Culture to Conduct Archaeology Studies in Preah Vihear
Have a look at the last editorial – you can access it directly from the main page of the Mirror.
And please recommend The Mirror also to your colleagues and friends.
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