Cambodia Promises to Use the Money from Mineral Resources Transparently – Thursday, 27.5.2010
The Mirror, Vol. 14, No. 666
“International experts who attended the international conference about mineral exploration that was held for the first time in Cambodia on Wednesday, 26 May 2010, said that mineral exploration in Cambodia, which has not provided any yield so far, is like a blank project that can get benefits from the experience in other countries so as to avoid any possible mistakes.
“The conference was held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Phnom Penh with 300 participants from all around the world to discuss transparency and development for the mineral exploration sector which has just started to be developed in Cambodia.
“This conference was organized also in view of the internal investigation about the accusation against the BHP Billiton company that is known in the public with the allegation that it had bribed [the government] to gain exploration rights in Mondolkiri.
“UNDP Resident Representative Douglas Broderick said during his speech that the start to develop the mineral exploration sector in Cambodia is part of the start to develop these resources. He said, ‘Minerals are under the ground. And it depends on our cooperation to ensure that the Cambodian people can get their benefits from the huge income from the exploitation of these natural resources.’
“Prime Minister Hun Sen considers the natural resources of the country as a new treasure that can contribute to the potential of the economy. He added that natural resources as well as agriculture, the garment and the construction sectors, and tourism can contribute to the development of the economy of the country.
“The Prime Minister stressed, ‘If Cambodia has the opportunity to explore its mineral treasures, Cambodia will use the income from it responsibly for the sake of the nation.’
“In his speech, that strongly criticized Global Witness, Mr. Hun Sen called on the participants to share their knowledge in order to help the government to maximize the financial benefits from this sector, to develop the country and to reduce poverty.
“A senior expert in mineral exploration of the World Bank, Mr. Craig Andrews, told the Phnom Penh Post that this sector will provide benefits to the country if related regulations and taxes are properly enforced, and correctly aimed at the important points, before the exploration begins.
“He suggested that Cambodia should not follow Australia regarding the collection of high taxes from the profits of the exploration, saying that the exploration in Australia and in Cambodia requires policies that are different.
“Mr. Craig Andrew said that a policy to collect low taxes from the exploration, and the stability of the country, will help Cambodia to attract foreign investors.
“According to the economic and mineral exploration expert Roderick Eggert, the developing exploration sector that can be taken as models of international success are that of Chile and of Botswana.
“He said, ‘Cambodian is starting as a blank project. The country has the chance to do the right things to get benefits from other countries. He added that mineral exploration companies are paying attention to transparency and openness.'” Phnom Penh Post [Khmer Edition], Vol.1, #180, .275.2010
Newspapers Appearing on the Newsstand:
Thursday, 27 May 2010
Deum Ampil, Vol.4, #488, 27.5.2010
- Cambodia Does Not Depend on Mineral Resources Alone for Its National Economic Development
- India Promised to Send Back Eight Khmer Citizens Who Were Trafficked to India [eight Khmer Citizens phoned their families in Cambodia to seek help from human rights organizations and from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cambodia]
Kampuchea Thmey, Vol.9, #2259, 27.5.2010
- The Government Will Cancel the Exploration and Exploitation Rights of Any Company That Commits Crimes [said Prime Minister Hun Sen]
Khmer Machas Srok, Vol.4, #666, 27.5.2010
- [Phnom Penh Municipal Governor] Kep Chuktema Does Not Allow the Khmer Kampuchea Krom Community to Organize a Commemoration of the Anniversary of the Loss of [Khmer Kampuchea Krom] Land [to Vietnam] in Front of Wat Botum [Phnom Penh]
Koh Santepheap, Vol.43, #6966, 27.5.2010
- Samdech Dekchor Hun Sen Strongly Reacted against Global Witness, Calling this Organization a Group of Thieves in London [over their criticism of the lack of transparency related to the management of payments received from natural resources exploration companies]
- Each Year Ratanakiri Loses 2,000 Hectares of Forest Land [because of the clearance of land by forestry criminals to claim land for selling, and by ethnic minority people to claim farmland – according to the Ratanakiri governor]
Moneaksekar Khmer, Vol.17, #3890, 27.5.2010
- Civil Society Encourages Donors to Press the Government over Human Rights Issues and Democracy during a Meeting planned for 2 June 2010 [between Cambodia and development partners]
Phnom Penh Post [Khmer Edition], Vol.1, #180, .275.2010
- [UN Meeting] in the United States of America: The Khmer Rouge Tribunal Receives US$16.9 Million New Funds for 2010 [promised by donors]
- Cambodia Promises to Use the Money from Mineral Resources Transparently
Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol.18, #5208, 27.5.2010
- The UN Secretary General Called for Funds for the Khmer Rouge Tribunal [funds needed in 2010 are more than US$21 million]
- An Investigating Judge Issued a Warrant to Bring [opposition party president] Sam Rainsy to Court [for questioning over the accusation of having faked public documents, and having spread misinformation]
- The Government Has a Plan to Give 133,145 Hectares of Social Concession Land for 4,000 Families of Soldiers and Members of the Police [in sixteen provinces]
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The Minister of Information Claims that Internet Games Are Not Illegal – Tuesday, 25.5.2010
The Mirror, Vol. 14, No. 666
“Disagreement emerged regarding places operating Internet games in Cambodia after there had been a report that the Minister of Information, Mr. Khieu Kanharith, stated that those places are not related to money betting, and they should not have been closed.
“According to the deputy director of the VTC Online Internet game company, Mr. Ha Manh Hung, about 300 such places were closed this year after Prime Minister Hun Sen had ordered to crack down on gambling.
“Earlier this month, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Interior, Mr. Khieu Sopheak, said that the authorities considered Internet games to be a type of betting, and therefore they are illegal in Cambodia.
“But according to a report on the Internet site of Deum Ampil, Mr. Khieu Kanharith said, ‘The Prime Minister did not give a wrong order, but the implementation goes beyond the order in some areas.’
“Mr. Khieu Kanharith said that the closure of such operations does not correspond to the recommendation of Samdech Hun Sen, because video games are not related to betting, but they have a role to develop modern technical skills for the youth, the next generation.
“But the Minister added that game shops operating near schools should be closed. He went on to say, ‘Game operators should have strategies and policies to prevent students from forgetting their studies, for example, by allowing them to play not more than three hours per day.’
“When the Phnom Penh Post contacted him by telephone on Monday, he said he could not comment on it, because he is in China.
“Some officials of the Ministry of Information also refused to comment, saying that they do not know about it.
“There is still a lack of clarity about the fate of Internet games in general.
“A police official of the Tuol Svay Prey I police post in Phnom Penh, Mr. Chin Sitha, said, ‘We continue to take action against coffee shops and Internet shops that operate computer games until we receive different orders from the head of the district police.’
“The Phnom Penh police chief, Mr. Touch Naroth, refused on Monday evening to give comments on this case.
“Information technology companies are also careful until they know the situation clearly.
“Mr. Ha Manh Hung from VTC Online Internet game company said on Monday, ‘We want to know the position of the government.’
“This Vietnam-based company had announced earlier this month that the company has delayed releasing Internet games in Cambodia, after some places operating Internet games had been intercepted, adding that the company had already spent US$80,000 on advertisement.
“Mr. Ha Manh Hung said, ‘If the situation becomes clear, we will start releasing games. But if the situation remains the same, we will not waste our money again.’
“He continued to say that before, the company had cooperated with Vietnamese authorities to implement some measures to control game players by encouraging to limit their playing time, for example by reducing their score points if somebody plays for three consecutive hours, or after 9:00 p.m.
“He suggested that a forum or a meeting with government officials would help to address this disagreement.” Phnom Penh Post [Khmer Edition], Vol.1, #178, 25.5.2010
Newspapers Appearing on the Newsstand:
Tuesday, 25 May 2010
Deum Ampil, Vol.4, #486, 25.5.2010
- The Phnom Penh Municipality Will Open Four Roads from the Boeng Kak Area to Connect to the South [in order to reduce traffic congestion]
- A Car Fatally Struck a Person and Moved On, Hitting Four Other Cars [the car driver is held by police – Phnom Penh]
Kampuchea Thmey, Vol.9, #2257, 25.5.2010
- In 2009, the Bilateral Trade between Cambodia and Thailand Dropped by About 22% [the trade amounted to US$1,658 million]
- Those Having Diarrhea Accused the Kratie Health Department of Not Caring to Save Them [so far, five people have died in the hospital. – Today, Dr. Beat Richner announced in a full page ad in The Cambodia Daily that the hospitals to which he relates have diagnosed 290 cases with the germ “Vibrio cholerae” – Cholera – among 1300 patients treated, and informed the Cambodian authorities since several months, but the Cambodian authorities continue to deny that it is Cholera and wrongly claim that the treatment for Cholera and for diarrhea is the same]
Koh Santepheap, Vol.43, #6964, 25.5.2010
- The Khmer Rouge Tribunal Will Announce the Verdict on Former Tuol Sleng Prison Chief ‘Duch’ on 26 July 2010
Moneaksekar Khmer, Vol.17, #3888, 25.5.2010b>
- Cambodia Sees 30% Tax on Income from the Exploitation of Minerals Countrywide [the 30% shall bring income from mineral exploration into the state budget of Cambodia in order to avoid its loss into corruption]
Phnom Penh Post [Khmer Edition], Vol.1, #178, 25.5.2010
- Khmer Embassy Officials Visited a Khmer Worker Arrested in Thailand [accused of having joined to burn down a bank in Bangkok]
- [200] Romeas Haek District Residents Protested in Front of the Municipality [to demand the release of a man and the lifting of the accusations against fifteen others over a land dispute – Svay Rieng]
- The Minister of Information Claims that Internet Games Are Not Illegal
Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol.18, #5206, 25.5.2010
- Australian Minerals Company Finds 8.1 Tonnes of Gold
- Chamkar Mon Police Arrested Seven Drug Smugglers and Users, Seizing 103 Small Packages of Ice Drugs [Phnom Penh]
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The Third Bilateral Meeting between Cambodia and the United States of America – Monday, 24.5.2010
The Mirror, Vol. 14, No. 666
“Phnom Penh: According to an announcement of the US Embassy on 21 May 2010, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Mr. Scot Marciel, and a Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Mr. Ouch Borith, chaired the third annual discussion between Cambodia and the United States of America. Both delegations discussed many topics, such as US aid to Cambodia, food security, climate change, security cooperation, and general issues in the region.
“US aid to Cambodia aims to assist the priority sectors of the Royal Government of Cambodia as stated in the Rectangular Strategy of the Royal Government of the Cambodia to help develop Cambodia in the upcoming decades. Those sectors are poverty alleviation, agriculture, good governance, and capacity building. The US aid for those priority sectors is the same as that provided by the USA 60 years ago when the aid program of the United States of America began in 1955.
“Both sides discussed also different strategies where both countries can cooperate, like in military relations, when the US medical ship USS Mercy will arrival at the Sihanoukville sea port on 15 June 2010. Mr. Marciel also talked about the US aid for the Khmer Rouge Tribunal, and listened to the description of Secretary of State Ouch Borith about the achievements of the Royal Government of Cambodia in reducing poverty, promoting education and the health sector, strengthening basic infrastructure, and addressing some challenges from the global economic crisis. The Cambodian side informed Mr. Marciel also about the efforts of Cambodia to fight corruption and to reform the court system.
“This bilateral discussion provided also the opportunity for both sides to review the planning to organize the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Cambodian-US diplomatic ties. The anniversary will be celebrated by organizing some events in July. The bilateral ties between Cambodia and the United States of America have progressed much by now, especially during the last 10 years. Even though there had been some unavoidable disagreements, both sides believe that the depth and extent of the relations will continue to grow stronger in the future.” Koh Santepheap, Vol.43, #6963, 24.5.2010
Newspapers Appearing on the Newsstand:
Monday, 24 May 2010
Deum Ampil, Vol.4, #485, 23-24.5.2010
- The King Returns from the Visit to Japan
- 160 People Were Killed in a Plane Crash in India
Kampuchea Thmey, Vol.9, #2256, 23-24.5.2010
- Cambodia Dismissed the Information that Khmers Joined to Burn Down the Krung Thep Bank [Bangkok]
- A Military Truck Loaded with 63 Pieces of Ebony Was Intercepted, Showing Some Irregularities [it is suspected that the material belongs to a powerful military official in Kompong Speu]
- Seven Garment Workers Died and 32 Others Were Injured in a Traffic Accident [in Takeo]
Khmer Amatak, Vol.11, #770, 24.5.2010
- USAID Says that Cambodia Loses US$45 Million, but [Oknha] Mong Riththy Said Cambodia Loses US$146 Million over the Import of Pigs without Paying Tax
Koh Santepheap, Vol.43, #6963, 24.5.2010
- The Third Bilateral Meeting between Cambodia and the United States of America
- A Reporter of Voice of America Reporting in Khmer [Mr. Sok Povkhemara] Received an Award [of Mr. David Burke for covering special information about Khmer Rouge leaders: he went directly to the northwest of Cambodia to interview five former Khmer Rouge leaders, questioning them a lot about their role in the genocidal regime]
Moneaksekar Khmer, Vol.17, #3887, 24.5.2010
- There Are No Discussions to Happen to Cancel the US$315 Million Dept [that Cambodia owes the United State of America] during the Celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Cambodia-America Diplomatic Ties
- The Number of Tourists Increased [by 10% compared with four months last year], so that the Siem Reap Authorities Force Sites Trading Recyclable Items [discarded bottles, carton, scrap metal, plastic] to Move Out from the City [these sites look messy, affecting the beauty of the city]
Phnom Penh Post [Khmer Edition], Vol.1, #177, 24.5.2010
- The Authorities Prohibit Villagers [in the Amleang commune] to Cultivate Rice, but They Allow a [Phnom Penh Sugar] Company [of Oknha Ly Yong Phat] to Clear Disputed Land [Kompong Speu]
- Cambodia Asked Thailand to Release a Khmer Worker Accused of Having Been Involved in Demonstrations
Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol.18, #5205, 23-24.5.2010
- An American Man Was Arrested for Debauchery with [underage] Girls [in Phnom Penh]
- Cambodia Will Host the 30th ASEANPOL [ASEAN Chiefs of Police] Conference [from 24 to 28 May 2010 in Phnom Penh]
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Officials of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal Travel to New York to Verify Funding – Tuesday, 18.5.2010
The Mirror, Vol. 14, No. 665
“Phnom Penh: A delegation of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal will travel to the headquarters of the United Nations in New York in the United States of America late this week again, to verify the funding for the mixed tribunal – according to officials of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal.
“There was a visit to the UN headquarters after the United Nations and donors agreed in February 2010 to grant US$43 million for the trial of former Khmer Rouge leaders, where US$10.7 million is for the Cambodian side in 2010. But so far, the money has not been transferred into the account of the Cambodian side.
“The head of the Public Affairs Office of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal, Mr. Reach Sambath, said with hope that the delegation of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal, both from the Cambodian and international sides, that will travel to New York late this week, might get positive results relating to the funding for the salaries. The funds for salaries had been promised to be provided to the Khmer Rouge Tribunal, but the money for the Cambodian side has not yet been transferred, while there is no such problem for the international side.
“The Khmer Rouge Tribunal has to spend approximately US$485,000 as salaries for the 294 members of the Cambodian staff. But in April, they received only half of their salaries, as funds for the Cambodian side were not adequate.
“Mr. Reach Sambath added, ‘There are still no salaries for the Cambodian side for May 2010. In April, we could only get half of the normal amounts. There are no salaries for May, but the staff is working as normal, as they had experienced this before.’
“In the meantime, Mr. Reach Sambath added that the judges of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal have not provided the exact date when they will announce the verdict for the Case 001, for the former Tuol Sleng prison chief Kaing Kek Eav, alias Duch.
“Mr. Reach Sambath said, ‘We cannot predict the date when the verdict will be announced for the Case 001, as the judges have not informed us. The date of the announcement of the verdict of the former Tuol Sleng prison chief has been postponed due to problems with the translation of the verdict into three languages (Khmer, English, and French), as this must be written out in detail.
“Anyway, Mr. Reach Sambath said that the verdict will be announced before the co-prosecutors will send Case 002 to the trial chamber, which is planned for September 2010.
“It should be noted that the hearings of Case 01 of the former Tuol Sleng prison chief Kaing Kek Eav, alias Duch, started on 30 March 2009 and finished on 25 November 2009. After the hearing of Duch had been finished, the court had announced that the verdict will be released in the first semester of 2010.” Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol.18, #5200, 18.5.2010
Newspapers Appearing on the Newsstand:
Tuesday, 18 May 2010
Deum Ampil, Vol.4, #480, 18.5.2010
- The Prime Minister Supports that More Women Should Have Positions in the National Police [at present, there are only few women serving in the police]
- Samdech Dekchor: Security in Villages and Communes Is a Hot Issues for the Police [he asked the police to suppress gangs and robberies to ensure the security of the citizens]
Kampuchea Thmey, Vol.9, #2251, 18.5.2010
- Cambodia Suggests the Thai [conflicting] Sides Should Conduct Peaceful Negotiations to End Violence
- The Cambodian Beaches Are Selected and Recognized as Among Most Beautiful Beaches in the World [according to the Cambodian Minister of Tourism, Mr. Thong Khon]
Khmer Machas Srok, Vol.4, #657, 18.5.2010
- [Sam Rainsy Party Parliamentarian] Son Chhay Said There Should be Investigations [by the government] over the Dredging of Sand which Is Sold to Singapore, though There Had Been Denials [from Oknha Mong Riththy and from the Cambodian Ambassador in the United Kingdom, rejecting the allegations of the Global Witness report]
- The Sam Rainsy Party Has Not Received a Permission to Visit Mr. Prum Chea and Ms. Meas Srey [who are being jailed for removing border markers in Svay Rieng]
Koh Santepheap, Vol.43, #6958, 18.5.2010
- The Authorities Are Investigating the Sofitel Royal Angkor Hotel for Having Angkor Wat Placemats on the Floor in Front of Toilets
- A Mute and Deaf Girl Was Raped and Then Killed while She Was Washing Clothes in a River [perpetrators are not yet identified; Pursat]
- Within Twenty Minutes, a Tropical Storm Destroyed 253 Houses – 22 Were Totally Destroyed, and Three People Were Injured [Battambang]
Moneaksekar Khmer, Vol.17, #3882, 18.5.2010
- [About 180 citizens representing] More Than 2,000 Families in Kratie Protested over Land Grabs against the ECY Cassava Company [they gathered in front of Wat Botum in Phnom Penh to ask for an intervention by Prime Minister Hun Sen]
Phnom Penh Post [Khmer Edition], Vol.1, #113, 18.5.2010
- In the United States of America Three Khmers Were Arrested for Falsifying Marriage Documents
- [A former general, a military leader of the anti-government Red Shirt groups] Seh Daeng Died [after he was shot in the head during the demonstrations five days ago]; the Red Shirt Groups Will Not Withdraw while [Thai Prime Minister] Abhisit Vejjajiva Announced that the Demonstrators Have to Withdraw
Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol.18, #5200, 18.5.2010
- Officials of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal Travel to New York to Verify Funding
- The Number of Deaths in the Bloodshed in Bangkok Increased to 36
- A City in Japan Donated Twenty Firefighter Trucks to the Phnom Penh Municipality
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And please recommend The Mirror also to your colleagues and friends.
Civil Society Calls for a Halt for the Provision of Economic Concession Land to Private Companies – Monday, 17.5.2010
The Mirror, Vol. 14, No. 665
“Phnom Penh: Civil society organizations working in Cambodia asked the Royal Government of Cambodia to temporarily stop providing economic concession land to private companies, because these provisions affect the life of many citizens.
“The Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee, the NGO Forum on Cambodia and a special Housing Rights Task Force said in their statement that by now, the Royal Government of Cambodia has offered concession land to many local and foreign private companies. It is noticed that the provisions are not in line with the Land Law, Article 59, which states, ‘Concession land can be allocated only up to a maximum of 10,000 hectares per case.’ However, there are cases that many areas of concession land with more than 10,000 hectares were delivered to different companies that are owned by only one person.
“The statement of these civil society organizations mentioned also irregularities relating to the provision of economic concession land and suggested to the government to temporarily halt providing concession land to private companies until the government can guarantee the protection and respect of legal provisions, and they asked the government to check the existing concession land arrangements, and to cancel illegal concession land contracts if found.
“In the meantime, civil society organizations asked the government to publicize and to update information about the provisions of economic concession land on the website of the Royal Government.
“The head of the Investigating Unit of the Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association [ADHOC], Mr. Ny Chakriya, said during the press conference held in the morning of 12 May 2010 at the Sunway Hotel, that according to observations, the provision of economic concession land has affected the life of many citizens, especially when companies started to use machinery to clear land before they get economic concession licenses from the Royal Government. He added that what is also noticeable is that some companies have the right to order armed forces to protect their land, and most such forces protect the benefits of those companies rather than protecting the benefits of the citizens.
“Also the Executive Director of the Cambodian Defenders Project, Mr. Sok Sam Oeun, said during the conference that the provision of economic concession land cannot be over 10,000 hectares according to the land law, and so far, ‘we have seen that those who had been provided with concession land, whatever mistakes they may have committed, they did not get punished.’ Those who sign to provide concession land continue to do things just as they like, as they know that they will not be punished. To change this, the Royal Government must determine penalties for institutions having the authority to provide concession land.
“In the evening of 12 May 2010, Kampuchea Thmey could not reach representatives of the Royal Government and of the Ministry of Agriculture for comments regarding the suggestions of those civil society organizations.” Kampuchea Thmey, Vol.9, #2247-2250, 13-17.5.2010
Newspapers Appearing on the Newsstand:
Monday, 17 May 2010
Areyathor, Vol.17, #1439, 13-14.5.2010
- The Prime Minister Called on Troops to Protect the Forest and Land in the Area of Their Bases
Deum Ampil, Vol.4, #476-479, 13-17.5.2010
- Cambodia Rejected the Concern Raised by Siam [Thailand] Saying that Cambodia Does Not Respect the Memorandum in 2000 Much [it was signed by the two governments to recognize the integrity and the territory of both countries, based by treaties and pacts recognized internationally – a source where to find the text of the 2000 Memorandum was not given]
- The Lawyer of Samdech Dekchor Hun Sen Will Stand with [Sam Rainsy Party parliamentarian] Mu Sochua at the Supreme Court on 2 June 2010 [over the defamation case filed by the Prime Minister]
- Diarrhea in Kompong Cham Increased to 251 Cases
- [Thai Prime Minister] Abhisit Canceled the Plan for Elections on 14 November 2010 and Ordered 80 Tanks to Suppress Red-Shirt Demonstrators [opposing the government – after the demonstrators had rejected the condition for the elections: that the protesters have to start to end their blockades]
Kampuchea Thmey, Vol.9, #2247-2250, 13-17.5.2010
- Civil Society Calls for a Halt for the Provision of Economic Concession Land to Private Companies
- The Prime Minister Called on Citizens to Be Careful while the Weather Is Abnormally Hot [especially sanitation is important, as recently there are cases of diarrhea happening in some provinces]
- Nearly of the 40,000 AIDS Patients [92%] Received ARV Medicines from the Ministry of Health
- The Prime Minister Warned Army Commanders to Report in Detail about the Border Situation, neither to Exaggerate, nor to Understate the Reality
- The Royal Government Decided to Take 640,000 Hectares of the Flooded Forest Area around the Tonle Sap Lake for Conservation
- An 8-Year-Old Dutch Boy Survived, while 103 People Were Killed in Libyan Plane Crash
Khmer Machas Srok, Vol.4, #655, 15.5.2010
- Global Witness Asked International Donors to Press [Prime Minister] Hun Sen’s Government [to ensure that all money collected from the selling of natural resources’ exploration rights will be recorded in the national budget, and be allocated in a way beneficial to the Khmer citizens]
Koh Santepheap, Vol.43, #6954-6957, 13-17.5.2010
- The Construction of the Phnom Penh-Cho Ray Hospital (Bệnh viện Chợ Rẫy) Worth About US$40 Million Was Started [with investments by the Ho Chi Minh City Medical Investment Joint Stock company and the Sok Kong Import Expert company]
- Villagers Get Sick and Died and Barriers Were Put to Ban Outsiders to Go in; Since April Seventeen People Died in Siem Pang District [Stung Treng – vomiting and “diarrhea” denying it is Cholera]
- The King Plans to Visit Japan for Five Days [from 16 to 20 May 2010]
- Traveling Was Banned in Bangkok; Clashes between Soldiers and Protesters Resulted in 25 Deaths and 200 Injured People
- [Conservative leader] Mr. David Cameron Becomes the New Prime Minister of England
Moneaksekar Khmer, Vol.17, #3881, 17.5.2010
- Land Concessions Are a Concern of Citizens Who Own No Land for Cultivation
Phendei Khmer, Vol.8, #36, 19-25.5.2010
- A Horrific Accident: A Bus Struck a Korean Made Truck, Killing Four People and Injuring Thirty Three Others [Siem Reap]
Phnom Penh Post [Khmer Edition], Vol.1, #170-172, 13-17.5.2010
- The Prime Minister Supports the Khmer Rouge Tribunal to Bring Justice for Khmer Citizens
- Diarrhea Continues to Rage in Four Provinces [Kompong Cham, Kratie, Ratanakiri, and Stung Treng; so far, 34 people died – health officials continue to claim it is not Cholera]
- The Kompong Thom Authorities Wait for a Decision from the Ministry of Agriculture to Provide Rice Fields to Former Kroya Villagers [who were evicted since 2009 – Kompong Thom]
- Khmer Krom Citizens Asked for Permission [from the Phnom Penh Municipality] to Celebrate the [61st] Anniversary of the Loss of Land [to Vietnam; at the park in front of Wat Botum on 4 June 2010]
- The Phnom Penh Municipality Plans to Construct 12 Roads in the Boeng Kak Area
Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol.18, #5196-5199, 13-17.5.2010
- The United Nations Sees that the Economic Situation of Cambodia Is Better Than 2009 [the economic growth of Cambodia is predicted to be 4%]
- A Bus of the Cambodia Angkor Express Carrying Tourists Hit a Motorbike, Killing Two People and Seriously Injuring Two Others [Phnom Penh]
- Lightning Hit a Villa and Tropical Storm Destroyed More Than 40 Houses in Siem Reap
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.
The First Meeting about the Implementation of the National Strategic Plan to Stop Violence against Women – Thursday, 18.2.2010
The Mirror, Vol. 14, No. 652
“Phnom Penh: The Open Institute, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, held the first consultative meeting on the topic ‘Participating in the National Action Plan to Prevent Violence against Women, and the Importance of Using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to Combat Violence against Women.’
“Opening the meeting in the morning of 17 February 2010, a Secretary of State of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Ms. Sy Define, said that the meeting was the first one held by a government institution with a civil society organizations on this issue, and it was organized after the government had published the ‘National Action Plan about the Prevention of Violence against Women’ last year. She stressed that even without reference to specific figures, rape and violence against women appear in new ways, and all forms appear more frequently and more cruelly. This is a concern for the government as well as for non-government organizations.
“She added that a major challenge for the prevention of violence against women, which needs to be addressed immediately, is the victims’ fear and shame. She emphasized that the victims often try to hide what happened, and even as there are more rapes happening, there is also the increased tendency to hide them. This is because women feel ashamed and they are afraid of being treated with contempt by the society, and also the knowledge of citizens in many communities is limited, including the knowledge about the legal procedures to appeal to the courts which require the victims, mostly the poor, to pay money.
“Based on the above issues, Ms. Sy Define called for more publications of laws about rights and other measures that are important for preventing and reducing violence against women, where Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays an important role.
“ICT provides a modern and fast way of communication using computers or mobile phones; it can reach us wherever we are, as far as the communications network extends. It provides easy and quick access to a collection of all kinds of information.
“Regarding this issue, the Executive Director of the Open Institute, Ms. Chim Manavy, said that this meeting is really important for reflecting about violence against women and the intersection between this problem and Information and Communication Technology. In many countries around the world, women’s networks and organizations use the Internet and communicate, using these technologies, to share their experiences and to gather resources and support for their activities, and organize for the creation of global strategic actions. She said that in Cambodia, however, most women have not developed the habit and the ability to use the Internet and to communicate through it to support their activities like it happens in other countries.
“She added, ‘Recently, there is more recognition of the intersection between violence against women and the instruments for electronic communication [with computers and mobile phones]. Violence against women and ICT have an impact on establishing fundamental freedoms and human rights.’
“But Ms. Manavy raised also other examples, saying, ‘While mobile phones and websites can benefit women who suffer violence, seeking information and assistance, some wicked persons use the same technology for exploitation, sending images violating women’s rights, which are human rights.’
“Relating to the negative use of ICT, Ms. Sy Define called on women to be aware of this problem and to join together to control it and to use ICT to combat such wrongdoings.
“She emphasized that the government alone cannot achieve the Millennium Development Goals for 2010, which state [as Goal 3] ‘Promote gender equality and empower women,’ without cooperation in many fields with non-government organizations and development partners to promote the capacity, knowledge, strength, and courage of women.
“She also asked all women’s and other institutions to join to encourage the use of ICT to help prevent violence against women as well as domestic violence, following the National Action Plan about the Prevention of Violence against Women.
“During the meeting held at the Hotel Cambodiana, participants from more than 40 institutions working on women and rights presented their results from separate observations about violence against women and domestic violence, and discussed to share their experiences, knowledge, lessons learned, other strategies, and the use of ICT to prevent violence against women and domestic violence.
“In the three hours meeting, participants offered recommendations and sought to identify key priorities for cooperation between civil society organizations and government institutions to develop joint strategies to effectively prevent violence against women, to encourage gender equality, and to empower women. Ten other organizations cooperated and attended the meeting: Cambodian Women for Peace and Development, the Cambodian Defenders’ Project, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (NGO-CEDAW), the Project Against Domestic Violence, Legal Aid of Cambodia, the Cambodian Women’s Crisis Center, the Women’s Media Center, Positive Change for Cambodia, Pharmaciens Sans Frontières, and the Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO).” Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol.18, #5129, 18.2.2010
Newspapers Appearing on the Newsstand:
Thursday, 18 February 2010
Deum Ampil, Vol.4, #413, 18.2.2010
- Samdech Hun Sen: Cambodia Never Plants New Mines along the Border [he said so in response to some accusations, especially by Thailand]
- The Phnom Penh Municipality Plans to Create Senior Citizens Associations Soon in the Eight Districts
- Seventy One Journalists Were Killed in 2009 Worldwide [including 33 in the Philippines; according to the Committee to Protect Journalists]
Kampuchea Thmey, Vol.9, #2180, 18.2.2010
- More Than 100 Cleaners at the Angkor Resort [of the Apsara Authority] Protested over the Late Payment of Their Salaries [Siem Reap]
- The Khmer Rouge Tribunal Signed an Agreement to Create a Digital Tribunal [with the Stanford University and the Berkeley War Crimes Study Center of the University of California]
- Report: America and Pakistan Arrested the Head of the [military wing of the] Taliban
Khmer Machas Srok, Vol.4, #605, 18.2.2010
- A Casino of Oknha Ket Theang Worth US$100 Million Will Open Next Week [in Bavet, Svay Rieng, at the border to Vietnam – he said that his casino can offer jobs to about 6,000 Khmer citizens]
Moneaksekar Khmer, Vol.17, #3811, 18.2.2010
- Avoiding to Respond to Sam Rainsy Party Parliamentarians’ Questions [over border issues] Shows the Irresponsibility of the Government
Phnom Penh Post [Khmer Edition], Vol.1, #114, 18.2.2010
- Thirty One People Died in Traffic Accidents within the Three Days of the Chinese New Year [in Cambodia]
Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol.18, #5129, 18.2.2010
- The First Meeting about the Implementation of the National Strategic Plan to Stop Violence against Women
- The Ministry of Public Works and Transport and the Ministry of Education Plan to Create a Navigation School to Improve Waterway Traffic Safety [this navigation school is for youth of the next generation to get training, based on proper educational standards to obtain a license. Before, the provision of shipping licenses depended on the testing and questioning previous experience of piloting ships or motor boats, but there was no training offered. Two or three years ago the Phnom Penh port started training for its personnel, but it was not open for the public]
- The Transport of Luxury Wood in Thala Barivat District Continues without Any Disturbance [by the authorities – Stung Treng]
Sereypheap Thmey, Vol.18, #1876, 18.2.2010
- [A Sam Rainsy parliamentarian] Mr. Son Chhay Asked [the Minister of Interior] Mr. Sar Kheng to Check Road Traffic Police Activities that Establish Illegal Check Points to Extort Money from Citizens [he raised a case near the Chroy Changva bridge where police stop cars or trucks to make them pay money unofficially which they keep for themselves or share some with their next higher level officials]
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.
Pawn Shops are Becoming Legal – Wednesday, 3.2.2010
The Mirror, Vol. 14, No. 650
“Phnom Penh: Recently, the Ministry of Economy and Finance announced through newspapers to inform vendors who want to run pawn shop operations to apply for a license very soon, because such operations can now be legalized. This information shows that pawn shop operations become legal.
“An official of the Ministry of Economy and Finance said on 12 January 2010 that the ministry had issued an announcement about the provision of licenses for the operation of pawn shops to accept, buy, and sell pawn property, and for the operations to accept collateral via transfer. Based on this notification, those who intend to run or are already running pawn shop operations can apply for licenses so as to make their operations legal.
“According to the law, quoted for the announcement about the operation of pawn shops that Rasmei Kampuchea received on 1 February 2010, a license for such operations to accept, buy, and sell pawn property costs Riel 2,000,000 [approx. US$470] per year, and a license to open a branch costs Riel 1,000,000 [approx.US$235]. And a license for the operation to accept collateral via transfer costs Riel 1,000,000 per year and only Riel 500,000 [approx. US$120] to open a branch. The operation to accept collateral via transfer, according to the official’s explanation, is also a kind of pawn shop operation, but documents for the sales and for the buying are issued.
“Based on this notification, to run an operation to accept, buy, and sell pawn property, an owner needs to have a minimum capital of Riel 80,000,000 [approx. US$19,000], and needs to deposit 10% into an account of the ministry. As for the operation to accept collateral via transfer, a minimum capital is Riel 40,000,000 [US$9,500] is needed, and a deposit of 10% into the account of the ministry. That deposit can be taken out only when the ministry permits it.
“But the announcement does not define interest rates. They will be based on mutual agreement, but should not be against the law [but it is not said here what the law says].
“It is questioned how a license can protect the sound operation. An official of the Ministry of Economy and Finance said, ‘If you have a license, your operation is legal. When the authorities go to check the operation, it is already legal. But if you operate illegally, to only then apply for a license cannot help.’
“It should be noted that previously, there was no need to have a licenses to run a pawn shop. Last year, immediately after the head of the government had issued an order, police strongly suppressed pawn shops, seizing pawn property at pawnshop unreasonably though there was no law, making some people to fear also when running such a shop now. Now, there is a law – but will there be major trouble again?” Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol.18, #5116, 3.2.2010
Newspapers Appearing on the Newsstand:
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
Deum Ampil, Vol.4, #404, 3.2.2010
- Siamese [Thai] Black Clad Soldiers [of the Thai special border protection unit] Surrounded and Shot at [a group of] Khmer Citizens [who were hired to illegally enter Thailand and cut trees to be brought back to Cambodia], Injuring One [seriously] and Eleven Others Managed to Escape from the Shooting [at the Cambodian-Thai border]
Kampuchea Thmey, Vol.9, #2167, 3.2.2010
- A Survey of the [US based] International Republican Institute (IRI): 79% Said that the [Cambodian] Government Is on the Right Track [it was conducted in 2009 with 1,600 Khmer citizens countrywide]
- A Man Was Arrested for Raping a 5 Year Old Girl [Kompong Thom]
Khmer Machas Srok, Vol.4, #596, 3.2.2010
- Survey Findings of IRI [for 2009] Show that 52% of Khmer Citizens Are Still Poor and Become Poorer
Koh Santepheap, Vol.43, #6874, 3.2.2010
- 4,400 Victims Lodged Complaints in Case 002 [of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal where five former Khmer Rouge leaders are accused]; and [former Tuol Sleng prison chief] Duch’s Judgment Is Being Drafted by the Judges
- The National Union Alliance Chamber of Cambodia Asked the Government for an Increase of the [minimal] Salary of Workers to US$93 per Month in 2010 [from 2006, the minimal salary is US$45]
Phnom Penh Post [Khmer Edition], Vol.1, #103, 3.2.2010
- Cambodia Builds the Biggest Irrigation System in Battambang [planning to spend US$61 million, cooperating with the Chinese government in order to increase rice production for export]
- Cambodia Conducted an Emergency Rescue Exercise at the Airport [assuming a plane were on fire – Phnom Penh]
Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol.18, #5116, 3.2.2010
- Pawn Shops Are Becoming Legal
- Samdech Dekchor Hun Sen: The Best Way to Equally Distribute Benefits from the Economic Growth Is to Build Irrigation Systems for the People
Have a look at the last editorial – you can access it directly from the main page of the Mirror.
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Citizens held Five Vietnamese People Suspected of Entering to Log Illegally in Khmer Territory, but the Authorities Released Them – Friday, 15.1.2010
The Mirror, Vol. 14, No. 647
“Citizens in a community in Mondolkiri held five Vietnamese people who came to cut trees illegally, but the authorities released them. Regarding this case, citizens suspect that the authorities colluded with the Vietnamese people, because when they arrived at the site, to their surprise, they threatened the Khmer citizens.
“Ms. Khan Chany, a citizen in the community of Bu Sra commune, Pechr Chenda district, Mondolkiri, spoke to Deum Ampil, saying that on 13 January 2010 at around 11:00 a.m., citizens in the community went into the forest of the community and found five Vietnamese people cutting trees illegally in the forest; they had also a tractor.
“She added that after holding those Vietnamese people, the citizens informed the Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC) and the Mondolkiri prosecutor, but four or five persons from the authorities, whom the citizens assumed coming from Military Unit 8, came to release the Vietnamese; furthermore, they threatened to kill the Khmer citizens involved in this event.
“Another citizen, Klan Sin, said that the citizens do not know why the authorities released those Vietnamese people. He requested the government to quickly intervene in this case in order to protect the forests of Mondolkiri.
“An ADHOC official in Mondolkiri, Mr. Chhay Thy, told Deum Ampil on 14 January 2010 that this case shows an irregularity. ‘Therefore, national investigators should come to check, because what these citizens encountered is the truth, and the collusion to release those Vietnamese people is illegal.’
“The Mondolkiri prosecutor, Mr. Im Sophan, rejected this claim, saying that he came directly to the site and did not see anything. He does not know where the authorities took those Vietnamese people.
“It should be noted that this is the first time that citizens in the community of Bu Sra commune, Pechr Chenda district, held five Vietnamese people, and those citizens claimed that illegal logging frequently happens in that area.” Deum Ampil, Vol.4, #388, 15.1.2010
Newspapers Appearing on the Newsstand:
Friday, 15 January 2010
Deum Ampil, Vol.4, #388, 15.1.2010
- Citizens held Five Vietnamese People Suspected of Entering to Log Illegally in Khmer Territory, but the Authorities Released Them
- The Ministry of Interior Rejected a Request of the Opposition Party to Visit [two] Suspects Charged of Removing Temporary Border Markers
Kampuchea Thmey, Vol.9, #2151, 15.1.2010
- The Number of Deaths from the Earthquake in Haiti Might Increase Up to More Than 100,000
Khmer Machas Srok, Vol.4, #580, 15.1.2010
- The Farmers Who Lost Their Land because of Yuon [Vietnam] Grabbing It Did Not Dare to Talk to Journalists but Cried [the Council of Ministers issued a statement saying that the land they claim does not belong to them]
Koh Santepheap, Vol.43, #6858, 15.1.2010
- Italy Will Step Up Tourism Ties with Cambodia [according to a meeting between Cabinet Minister Sok An and the Italian Ambassador, Mr. Michelangelo Pipan; tourist arrivals from Italy are at the 20th position]
- The Senate Approved the Expropriation Law by 50 Votes among 52 [during less than 60 minutes]
Phnom Penh Post [Khmer Edition], Vol.1, #90, 15.1.2010
- The Investigations of Case 002 [of the former Khmer Rouge leaders, Ieng Sary, Ieng Thirith, Nuon Chea, Khiev Samphan, and Kaing Kek Eav] Are Finished and the Hearings Will Sstart in Late 2010 [at the Khmer Rouge Tribunal]
- Civil Society [the Cambodian Independent Teachers’ Association, Mr. Rong Chhun, and an investigating official of the Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC), Mr. Chan Soveth] and an Opposition Party Asked the Government to Create Employment at the Border Areas [so that Khmer citizens do not enter Thailand to illegally log trees which leads to shootings and killings]
Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol.18, #5100, 15.1.2010
- The South Korean Ambassador [Mr. Lee Kyung-Soo] Announced to Help Cambodia More through Aid and More Investments
Sereypheap Thmey, Vol.18, #1856, 15-17.1.2010
- Five Khmer Kampuchea Krom Monks Escaped after They Were Arrested [over an accusation of distributing leaflets criticizing the 7 January Celebrations, when the Khmer Rouge regime was overthrown in 1979]
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US Delegates Promised to Improve Ties between Cambodia and the United States – Friday, 8.1.2010
The Mirror, Vol. 14, No. 646
“Phnom Penh: An assistant of Samdech Akkak Moha Senapadei Dekchor Hun Sen, Mr. Eang Sophalet, said after a discussion between the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Samdech Akkak Moha Senapadei Dekchor Hun Sen, and the US congressmen, Mr. Eni Faleomavaega, Mr. Mike Honda, and Mr. Joseph Cao, in the morning of 7 January 2010 at the National Assembly – that it is the second time that Mr. Faleomavaega visits the Kingdom of Cambodia, and the three congressmen welcomed the 7 January memorial day of Cambodia, the second birthday of the Cambodian people.
“Mr. Eni Faleomavaega said that he is glad to express his appreciation towards all Cambodian citizens. He will take the recommendations of the Prime Minister to encourage better cooperation and improved ties between Cambodia and the United States. As the chairperson of the House Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment, he hopes that he can act as a bridge to enhance better relations between the two countries in order to contribute to make the world a better place for all people.
“As for Mr. Joseph Cao, he told Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen that after returning, he will make efforts to contribute to assist Cambodia in child health care and education problems.
“In response,the Prime Minister expressed his gratitude towards the US congress delegates led by Mr. Eni, and he expressed his great appreciation regarding Cambodia-US relations. Samdech Dekchor said that this is the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Cambodia and the United States, and a significant achievement is that recently, for the first time, the United States built an embassy complex in Cambodia, which shows how the relations have developed.
“Samdech Dekchor expressed his gratitude towards the United States for the cooperation with and assistance to Cambodia in HIV/AIDS education and children’s health care, for which American volunteers come to Cambodia, a bridge to strengthen the relations between both countries.” Koh Santepheap, Vol.42, #6852, 8.1.2010
Newspapers Appearing on the Newsstand:
Friday, 8 January 2010
Deum Ampil, Vol.3, #382, 8.1.2010
- The Number of People Infected with A/H1N1 in Cambodia Increased to 550
- US Congressman [Eni Faleomavaega] Will Appeal [to the US congress] for Cambodia’s Debt to Be Canceled
Kampuchea Thmey, Vol.8, #2144, 7.1.2010
- The Public Criticized the Forestry Administration of Only Being Able to Seize Motor Saws in the City, but Not Those in the Forest [about 700 motor saws were confiscated in Phnom Penh]
- The Khmer King Built Houses for 80 Poor Families in Anlong K’gan [Phnom Penh]
Khmer Amatak, Vol.10, #713, 8.1.2010
- Prisoners in Cambodia [at all provinces and cities] Suffer from Lack of Water, and They Receive Insufficient Nutrition [reported a UN delegation after visiting detention centers for a week, according to the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture, ratified by Cambodia in 2007]
Khmer Machas Srok, Vol.3, #574-575, 7-8.1.2010
- [Opposition politician] Sam Rainsy Will Definitely Not Write a Letter of Apology to [Prime Minister] Hun Sen to Ask to Drop the Accusations [regarding the removal of border markers]
- [Sam Rainsy Party parliamentarian from Prey Veng] Chea Pouch Denied that there Was an Appeal for Political Coordination between Sam Rainsy and Hun Sen [over the border accusations]
Koh Santepheap, Vol.42, #6852, 8.1.2010
- US Delegates Promised to Improve Ties between Cambodia and the United States
- [Two] 5-Tonne Trucks Crashed into Each Other, Killing Three from One Truck and Injuring Two Seriously from the Other [Siem Reap]
Phnom Penh Post [Khmer Edition], Vol.1, #84-85, 7-8.1.2010
- The Ruling Party [the Cambodian People’s Party] Rejects Attempts to Use the Khmer Rouge Tribunal to Undermine Peace in Cambodia [Cambodian and international co-prosecutors of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal have conflicting opinions about summoning more suspects, while investigating judges have disagreements about summoning high ranking officials of the government to testify]
Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol.17, #5093-5094, 7-8.1.2010
- US Congress Member [Eni Faleomavaega] Agreed that 7 January is an Important Memorial Day
- More Than 10,000 People Attended 7 January Meeting at the Headquarters of the Cambodian People’s Party
- The Sam Rainsy Party Sent [3,000] Thumbprints to the King and to Samdech Euv [the Father King – asking to intervene to drop the accusation against Mr. Sam Rainsy over the removal of border markers]
Sereypheap Thmey, Vol.17, #1851, 8-10.1.2010
- US Congressmen [who are visiting Cambodia] Asked the Opposition Parties to Unite
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