Day in Pictures

Cambodian child plays near a boat on the Mekong river in Kandal province on the outskirts of Phnom Penh .The Mekong river has hit its highest level in at least 100 years after several months of unusually heavy rain, officials said on Friday.REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea (CAMBODIA)

Cambodian boys dive into water as a motorized wooden boat loaded with grass drives by at Prek Sdey village in Koh Thom district of Kandal province about 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008. The villagers would drive their boats twice a week to collect grass to stock for their cow's food during the flood season.(AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

Cambodian villagers drive their motorized wooden boats loaded with grass to go back to their homes in Prek Sdey village in Koh Thom district of Kandal province about 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008. The villagers would drive their boats twice a week to collect grass to stock for their cow's food during the flood season.(AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

Sacravatoons :" The Bilateral Talks "

Courtesy Sacravatoon at http://sacrava.blogspot.com/

Fine Arts Department seeks to repair Ta Muen Thom temples despite ongoing border conflict

August 21st, 2008
by Amrit Rashmisrisethi

Director-General of the Fine Arts Department of the Ministry of Culture Kriangkrai Sampatchalit commented that the ongoing Ta Muen Thom ruins territorial conflict ultimately should be resolved by having both Thai and Cambodia withdraw their claim to the site and leave it as a shared grey area. He stated that the matter of real concern is that as the issue remains unresolved, needed renovations and repairs to the site cannot be done.

Mr. Kriangkrai revealed that his department has prepared details of planned renovations and management to the Ta Muen Thom temple compound to be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The plans will be proposed to join in upcoming border conflict discussions. He said that if the temple compound is left unattended to, it will be detrimental in the future.

Source : National News Bureau, Public Relations Department of Thailand

Preah Vihear: back to reality

Cambodge Soir
21-08-2008

The meeting of foreign ministers was fruitful: it seems that Cambodia and Thailand have engaged in a genuine dialogue to solve border disputes, starting by examining the row regarding the recently-granted World Heritage status temple.

On the morning of Wednesday August 20, both chiefs of diplomacy, Cambodian Hor Nam Hong and Thai Tej Bunnag could be satisfied with the outcome of the meeting held in the Thai resort city of Hua Hin. They have made progress in the Preah Vihear dispute. This is according to a press release made public at the end of the meeting by Tej Bunnag. The document stated that the first stage of the soldiers pulling out of the area around the Keo Sikha Kiri Svara pagoda was complete. Both parties will discuss the second stage relating to the redeployment of troops on August 29. On that date, in a meeting to be held in Cambodia, a complete withdrawal of the soldiers will be on the agenda of the meeting between the Thai Regional Border Committee (RBC) and the Cambodian Task Force.

Both Ministers set the date of the next meeting of the Khmer-Thai joint committee, in charge of solving the border issue, for early October. Experts from both countries will bring their input to the issue. Hor Nam Hong and Tej Bunnag agreed to another meeting, to discuss the situation at Ta Moan Thom temple.

Thailand still warned that any agreement with Cambodia on the border issue is subject to the approval of the Constitutional Council. The same Council, which questioned the validity of the signature of the former Foreign Affairs Minister Noppadon Patama, declared in a joint statement with Hor Nam Hong that Bangkok and Phnom Penh were supporting the application for Preah Vihear to be inscribed on the World Heritage List.

Early return for Dam Sith

Cambodge Soir
21-08-2008

The editor-in-chief of Moneakseka Khmer is a member of the Sam Rainsy Party (SRP) ;a spokesman for the latter had announced his exile in the US on political grounds.

Dam Sith did not actually flee to the US. He has returned to Phnom Penh after being invited by fellow SRP members to tour several American cities, announced the short-lived political refugee to Cambodge Soir Hebdo.

“I was invited by SRP members who live in America and took a few days off before coming back to Cambodia” added Dam Sith.

On Monday August 18, the SRP general secretary Mu Sochua had declared in the Mekong Times that Dam Sith had fled to America “fearing for his life”.

“His journalistic career is at risk because one of his colleagues was murdered and the crime remains unsolved” Mu Sochea added , referring to the killing of Khim Sambor on July 11.

Son Chhay, a SRP MP, revealed that thanks to party support Dam Sith had obtained a visa to leave for the US before the elections.

Cambodian gov't mulls foreign ownership of buildings, offices

August 21, 2008

The Cambodian government is mulling to allow foreigners to own condominiums and office buildings in order to prevent a possible downturn in property values and boost long-term investment, national media said Thursday.

At present in Cambodia, foreigners are prohibited from owning land or fixed assets such as buildings, apartments or office space.

Any government move to allow foreigners to own condominiums or office buildings would need to begin with Ministry of Land Management, a move that the ministry is indeed considering, English-Khmer language newspaper the Cambodia Daily quoted a ministry official as saying on condition of anonymity.

"I think the government will de-restrict the property market. Once things start getting more competitive, once things start to slow down, people start to look at other places and the competition starts to get more competitive, they will need to start doing more things to attract more foreigners," said Liam Bailey, head of international research for London-based realtor David Stanley Redfern (DSR), which has real estate business in Phnom Penh.

The real estate business in Phnom Penh and other major Cambodian cities have been booming in the past two or three years, but the market leveled off shortly before the general election in July this year due to the investors' political calculation.

During this period, the price has stayed stable but the demand decreased, which propelled the government, property consultants and retailers to think of the next step to heat up the market.

Source:Xinhua

Cambodian gov't touts organics to increase rice export

August 21, 2008

Cambodian agriculture officials said that shifting to chemical-free fertilizers could triple farmers' rice yields and produce more profitable crops at a time when the country's rice exports are on the rise, local newspaper the Phnom Penh Post reported Thursday.

"Rice grown with natural fertilizers is easier to produce and more profitable than rice grown with chemical fertilizers," Khem Chenda, director of the administrative affairs at the Ministry of Agriculture, was quoted as saying.

Farmers using chemical fertilizers pay about 35 U.S. dollars to70 U.S. dollars per 50kg bag, and their yields sell about 250 U.S. dollars per ton on the international market, Khem Chenda said.

But they face numerous health problems from prolonged exposure to chemicals, ranging from skin irritations to lung cancer, he added.

However, organic fertilizers will increase the quality and quantity of paddy yields and for a cheaper price, said Chan Vannak, general manager of the Bayon Heritage Holding Group.

Organics cost 27 U.S. dollars per 50kg bag and crops sell for 300 U.S. dollars per ton, Chan Vannak said.

The Bayon Heritage Holding Group imports organics from Japan for resale in Cambodia, he said, adding that he has already sold about 500 tons.

Source:Xinhua

Cambodian gov't touts organics to increase rice export

www.chinaview.cn

2008-08-21

PHNOM PENH, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian agriculture officials said that shifting to chemical-free fertilizers could triple farmers' rice yields and produce more profitable crops at a time when the country's rice exports are on the rise, local newspaper the Phnom Penh Post reported Thursday.

"Rice grown with natural fertilizers is easier to produce and more profitable than rice grown with chemical fertilizers," Khem Chenda, director of the administrative affairs at the Ministry of Agriculture, was quoted as saying.

Farmers using chemical fertilizers pay about 35 U.S. dollars to70 U.S. dollars per 50kg bag, and their yields sell about 250 U.S. dollars per ton on the international market, Khem Chenda said.

But they face numerous health problems from prolonged exposure to chemicals, ranging from skin irritations to lung cancer, he added.

However, organic fertilizers will increase the quality and quantity of paddy yields and for a cheaper price, said Chan Vannak, general manager of the Bayon Heritage Holding Group.

Organics cost 27 U.S. dollars per 50kg bag and crops sell for 300 U.S. dollars per ton, Chan Vannak said.

The Bayon Heritage Holding Group imports organics from Japan for resale in Cambodia, he said, adding that he has already sold about 500 tons.

Editor: Gao

Cambodian gov't mulls foreign ownership of buildings, offices

www.chinaview.cn

2008-08-21

PHNOM PENH, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Cambodian government is mulling to allow foreigners to own condominiums and office buildings in order to prevent a possible downturn in property values and boost long-term investment, national media said Thursday.

At present in Cambodia, foreigners are prohibited from owning land or fixed assets such as buildings, apartments or office space.

Any government move to allow foreigners to own condominiums or office buildings would need to begin with Ministry of Land Management, a move that the ministry is indeed considering, English-Khmer language newspaper the Cambodia Daily quoted a ministry official as saying on condition of anonymity.

"I think the government will de-restrict the property market. Once things start getting more competitive, once things start to slow down, people start to look at other places and the competition starts to get more competitive, they will need to start doing more things to attract more foreigners," said Liam Bailey, head of international research for London-based realtor David Stanley Redfern (DSR), which has real estate business in Phnom Penh.

The real estate business in Phnom Penh and other major Cambodian cities have been booming in the past two or three years, but the market leveled off shortly before the general election in July this year due to the investors' political calculation.

During this period, the price has stayed stable but the demand decreased, which propelled the government, property consultants and retailers to think of the next step to heat up the market.

Editor: Gao

Children Of The Khmer, The World@St George's, Edinburgh

The Independeant
Reviewed by Lynne Walker
Thursday, 21 August 2008

The World is a mini-festival that is the brainchild of Toby Gough, who brought young Sri Lankan survivors of the 2004 tsunami to the Royal Botanic Garden three years ago. Now he has enlisted the help of Brian Cox as patron, and Peter Gabriel and Kylie Minogue as backers, to celebrate international culture, from dancers from Brazil's favelas, to musicans from West Africa, to salsa dancers from Cuba.

Heading the bill is Children of the Khmer, featuring 26 orphaned Cambodian dancers and musicians schooled by survivors of the Killing Fields, when educated people were slaughtered in vast numbers and musicians forced to smash their precious instruments or die.

The country's ancient arts and legendary tales are revived in an irresistibly engaging production by these highly disciplined, enthusiastic teenagers. From the elegant opening candlelit "Prayer", the show focuses on varied aspects of folklore and tradition – as depicted in the carvings of Angkor Wat temple – from the ritual of "dashing coconut shells" and skill of picking cardamom, to an amusing re-enactment of the tale of the golden mermaid and the monkey king.

Exquisitely stylised in gesture, gorgeously colourful in costume, the dancers are expertly accompanied on traditional and ceremonial instruments in a show that dazzles in its infectious exuberance.

Cambodian children revive traditions

The children perform traditional Cambodian music and dance routines

By Yana Thandrayen
BBC Scotland news

One of the most beautiful shows of the Edinburgh Fringe features Cambodian classical and folk dances - many of which are being performed in the west for the first time.

"Children of the Khmer" - funded by Cambodian Living Arts - is part of a project to restore the country's cultural heritage after it was almost destroyed by the Khmer Rouge.

The show would not have been allowed 33 years ago, when the Khmer Rouge gained power in Cambodia.

It is estimated that up to 20% of its population died under the regime, through execution, starvation and forced labour.

Slum area

Artists were tortured, imprisoned and killed.

It is estimated that 90% of the country's performers lost their lives.

Master Ieng Sithul, who leads this group, speaking through an interpreter, said: "It is very difficult to let someone know about the life with the Khmer Rouge. It is very hard. Until 1977 I was a prisoner for three months."

After the fall of Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot, Master Sithul was able to perform again.

He now passes on his knowledge to children from a slum area in the Cambodian capital.

The project, which is run by Cambodian Living Arts, provides the children with an education and a livelihood.



Richard Chappel, from Cambodian Living Arts, said: "Master Sithul went in to that community knowing that those types of families were there.

"He spoke to the children and said 'do you want to come and join a folk dance and classical dance group?, I can teach you' and it went from there."

Some of the dances performed by the teenage artists date back to the 11th century.

There are making the same graceful moves that would have been seen in the temples of Angkor Watt.

These young people form a living link with a past that was almost destroyed for ever.

A British Newspaper Says that If Hun Sen Does Not Change the Way of Ruling, Poor People Will Seek Different Means to Achieve Justice

Posted on 21 August 2008
The Mirror, Vol. 12, No. 574

“Regarding endless land disputes almost everywhere in Cambodia under the rule of Prime Minister Hun Sen, The Guardian, a British newspaper, published an article on Sunday about the rule of Prime Minister Hun Sen and the Cambodian People’s Party, which had changed Cambodia from a dictatorship to a free market country, making the economy to develop very quickly, and building pagodas, roads, bridges, schools, and cinemas. However, the newspaper said that this free market system led to speculation in real estate properties such as buildings and land for profit; heritage is for sale, and the US dollar became their king.

“The article in The Guardian, which was quoted by Radio Free Asia for broadcasting yesterday, noted that land, owned by citizens since the 1980ies, can now be lost easily, because of the invasion by some capitalists who are close to Prime Minister Hun Sen. The Prime Minister is generally regarded as part of a ‘nouveau riche’ kleptocracy that siphons off foreign aid and ignores protests about human rights. It is said that Hun Sen used to care about the poor people for a long time, but it is regrettable that Hun Sen now cares only about the rising value of real estate properties and does not care to strengthen the nation, where the society suffers from an imbalance of concerns for justice for the economy.

“The Guardian of Britain continued, ‘If Mr. Hun Sen had honorably resigned from his position in 1998 [after the surrender of the Khmer Rouge], he would have receive a good name among world leaders in history.’ This newspaper said that Hun Sen brought peace to Cambodia, but he has sacrificed the poor on the altar of an economic boom. This newspaper compared Hun Sen to some leaders of Brazil and Bolivia in South America who originally came also from the poor sector of society, but he has no plan to protect the poor who suffer under the powerful

[It is interesting that this detailed rendering of the article in The Guardian does not render the reference to the Khmer Rouge who 'were backed militarily by China and diplomatically by the west'.]

“This well-known British newspaper went on to say that although Hun Sen is smart and intelligent and has political skills, Hun Sen’s success was based on survival, not on a vision for the future. If Hun Sen does not change his way of ruling, poor people will seek different means to achieve justice.

“Political and economic observers in Cambodia agree with the analysis of this article published on Sunday, 17 August 2008, in The Guardian, considering it to be an analysis that is in line with the current situation in Cambodia. Actually, Prime Minister Hun Sen, the vice-president of the Cambodian People’s Party, also comes originally from a peasant class background, but he does not protect the weak farmers at all who are violated by powerful people. Obviously, farmers, who suffer from land grabbing by high-ranking officials, dishonest oknhas, wicked merchants, and military officials, come regularly to protest in front of Prime Minister Hun Sen’s house at the ‘Tiger Cave’ Tuol Krasaing, but there are no effective solutions coming from Hun Sen for the victimized farmers.

“Political and economic observers in Cambodia added that just some days after the fourth term elections on 27 July 2008, suddenly land disputes erupted again brutally, such as in Stung Treng, Ratanakiri, Mondolkiri, Kratie, Kompong Chhnang, Kandal, Svay Rieng, Kampot, and Battambang. These reoccurring problems have not been solved by the National Authority for the Resolution of Land Disputes, administered by Sok An, Deputy Prime Minister and Senior Minister of the Council of Ministers. Therefore, some officials concerned with social affairs assume that there might be more serious land disputes, under the soon to be formed fourth term government, than there were under the third-term government.

“ These officials said that the fourth term government will be again led by Prime Minister Hun Sen, the vice-president of the Cambodian People’s Party, but Hun Sen does not have any clear policies to solve land disputes; therefore, land disputes will really erupt in all provinces countrywide. Another point is that those who use their power and violate citizens by grabbing their land are mostly high-ranking officials, dishonest oknhas, wicked merchants, and military officials, all are from the Cambodian People’s Party, and Hun Sen does not dare to disturb them. At last, a land revolution might break out, as predicted by Hun Sen himself, because the patience of the victimized citizens is limited, if the government does not take any action to solve the problems in time.

“Economic analysts said that the fourth term government, again led by Prime Minister Hun Sen, as vice-president of the Cambodian People’s Party, might not lead to real growth of the national economy, because Hun Sen does not have economic skills and he can only borrow money from foreign countries and ask for funds from the international community, to extend the breath of his government. Moreover, Hun Sen does not have any clear policies to fight corruption; he just says so to make it sounds nice, like the US Ambassador to Cambodia, Mr. Joseph Mussomeli, had clearly criticized. Even inflation and the price of fuel and of goods are skyrocketing, which affects the daily life of citizens - but Hun Sen is incompetent to solve these problems.

“Economic analysts continued to say that economic growth in 2008 will be lower than in 2007, and economic growth in 2009 will decline further compared to 2008, because of corruption and bureaucracy in important state institutions, where such affairs are spreading stronger without any intervention. This means that the government, led by the same incompetent prime minister and state institutions controlled by the same corrupt officials, will not make the economy grow; even foreign loans will be lost because of corruption. This will make poor citizens to suffer more, because the little economic growth is only for the benefit of corrupt officials and for partisans of powerful leaders.”

Moneaksekar Khmer, Vol.15, #3543, 20.8.2008
Newspapers Appearing on the Newsstand:Wednesday, 20 August 2008

Less Tension, No Solution in Temple Talks

Thai Foreign Minister Tej Bunnag, right, shakes hands with Cambodian counterpart Hor Namhong before a Preah Vihear meeting in Hua Hin, Phetchburi Province, Thailand, Tuesday.

By Heng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
20 August 2008

Extensive bilateral talks between the Thai and Cambodian foreign ministers failed to produce a full solution to the Preah Vihear crisis, with both sides welcoming the recent "reduction of tensions" but neither declaring a full withdrawal of troops from the area.

Foreign Minister Hor Namhong arrived in Cambodia early Wednesday, addressing reporters following discussions with his Thai counterpart, Tej Bunnag, that lasted until Tuesday night.

Representatives from both countries will meet again at the end of August to discuss a second phase of redeployment, following the partial reduction of troops in a pagoda and areas surround Preah Vihear temple this weekend, according to a joint statement released following Monday's meeting.

The two sides also hoped to have a meeting between committees again in October to discuss broader border issues, which stem from longstanding conflicts of the early 1900s.

Cambodian and Thailand have had hundreds of troops on the border at Preah Vihear since the occupation of Thai soldiers of the Keo Sikha Kirii Svara pagoda, which is claimed by both sides, on July 15.

The issue was further complicated by the fortification of a second set of temples, the Ta Moan complex in Oddar Meanchey province, in early August, by Thai soldiers.

Both sides agreed Monday to discuss the issue of the Ta Moan temples in a later meeting between foreign ministers.

Tribunal Recounts Regime's Vietnam War

Khmer Rouge guerrillas pose for a photograph following the fall of Phnom Penh in 1975. Tribunal documents outline a war with Vietnam that began as soon as the guerrillas took power.

By Mean Veasna, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
20 August 2008

Khmer audio aired 20 August 2008 (952 KB) - Download (MP3)
Khmer audio aired 20 August 2008 (952 KB) - Listen (MP3)

The executions of ethnic Vietnamese by the Khmer Rouge could be the key to genocide charges for jailed leaders of the regime, but prosecutors documents also recount a conflict between the Khmer guerrillas and their Vietnamese neighbors that began almost immediately after the Khmer Rouge came to power.

The Vietnam government does not fund the Khmer Rouge tribunal, but more Vietnamese nationals were killed by the regime than any other foreign group. The regime also killed Thai, Lao, French, New Zealand and US nationals.

"Regarding this issue, several powerful countries, rich countries, have assisted in funding the Khmer Rouge tribunal already," Vietnamese Embassy spokesman Trinh Bac Cam said Wednesday.

Closing orders in the case of Kaing Kek Iev, also called Duch, issued by tribunal judges claim at least 400 Vietnamese civilians and soldiers were killed at Tuol Sleng prison alone.

Youk Chhang, director of the Documentation Center of Cambodia, said at least 600 Vietnamese were killed by the Khmer Rouge at Tuol Sleng and another detention center in Prey Veng province.

In highlighting the conflict, which led to the eventual invasion of Cambodia by Vietnamese forces and the ouster of the Khmer Rouge, tribunal documents are fulfilling a quieter role of the tribunal: a recounting of history that has been lost on Cambodians in subsequent years.

According to indictment documents posted by tribunal prosecutors recently, the Khmer Rouge maintained a conflict with Vietnam over border disputes between April 1975 and December 1978.

The conflict took place in border areas including Ratanakkiri, Mondolkiri, Takeo, Svay Rieng, Kampong Cham and Prey Veng provinces, and on the island formerly known as Koh Tral, better known now by its Vietnamese name, Phu Quoc.

An invasion force of 150,000 Vietnamese troops began an offensive in December 1978, driving the Khmer Rouge out of the capital on Jan. 7, 1979.

The conflict, and suspicions of Vietnamese agents withing the ranks of the Khmer Rouge, led to the killing of many Vietnamese.

"If there will be a trial, justice is for all victims," Trinh Bac Cam said.

Tribunal observers said recently prosecutors could seek genocide charges against the five jailed Khmer Rogue leaders for the killing of the Vietnamese.

"A part of justice will be shared with Vietnamese citizens who have their relatives, military and civilian, killed during Democratic Kampuchea," Youk Chhang said.

King Will Preside Over Assembly Swearing-In

By Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
20 August 2008

Khmer audio aired 20 August 2008 (0.99 MB) - Download (MP3)
Khmer audio aired 20 August 2008 (0.99 MB) - Listen (MP3)

King Norodom Sihamoni will participate as scheduled in the swearing-in ceremony for the new government next month, despite a request from opposition for him to postpone it.

"The king cannot walk outside of the law," Prince Sisowath Thomico, assistant to the king, told VOA Khmer Wednesday. "Especially after the official declaration of the election results by the National Election Committee and the approval of the Constitutional Council."

Though the Sam Rainsy and Human Rights parties have threatened to boycott the ceremony, claiming the election was fraudulent, the king will preside because the "legal and political conditions cannot push the king outside the ceremony," Prince Thomico said.

Both parties had requested the king postpone the ceremony, as they seek to prove a number of irregularities will necessitate another round of national voting.

Cambodian People's Party officials maintain they can conduct the National Assembly even without the participation of 26 SRP and three HRP elected parliamentarians.

The king "cannot interfere in a political conflict between the opposition and ruling parties," Prince Thomico said.

The king will forward any request to postpone the ceremony to the government and the office of the National Assembly for consideration, Prince Thomico said.

Police Suspect Arson in Mosque Fire

By Chiep Mony, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
20 August 2008

Police are investigating potential arson in a fire that destroyed scores of housing units inside a large mosque complex in Sihanoukville Monday night.

The fire at Al Muhagirin mosque, in Prey Nup district, which also serves as a religious school to about 500 students, began around 10 pm Monday, Or Chrov commune police chief Bay Non said.

The blaze destroyed 53 of 56 wooden structures used to house the mosque's students, but no one was injured, Bay Non said.

Police believe the fire was started on purpose, following the firing of some local teachers in favor of teachers from other provinces by the Cham director of the school, Zay Nuttin.

Zay Nuttin, 39, said he also suspected someone set the fire on purpose, but he said teachers had left the mosque of their own volition.

The mosque typically houses 350 male students and 150 female students, aged between 15 and 24, but Monday's fire occurred when most of the students were on holiday, visiting family in other provinces, Zay Nuttin said.

The mosque and its school, which teaches the Sunni denomination of Islam, were built in January 2001, through funding by donations from Malaysia, and the complex is one of the largest in the country, Zay Nuttin said.

Cambodia's opposition has key role to play

By Lao Mong Hay
Column: Rule by Fear
Published: August 20, 2008

UPI Asia Online

Hong Kong, China — The ruling Cambodian People's Party won a landslide victory in the country’s general election on July 27, claiming 90 out of 123 seats in the National Assembly, the lower house in the bicameral parliamentary system – although final results will not be announced till September.

This party almost wiped out its long-standing coalition partner, the Funcinpec party, which saw its seats reduced from 26 to two. Two newly formed parties, the Norodom Ranariddh Party and the Human Rights Party, took two and three seats respectively, while the opposition Sam Rainsy Party increased its seats from 24 to 26.

At first all four small parties rejected the results of the election, alleging it was "rigged" when names of legitimate voters were deleted from electoral rolls while illegitimate voters were allowed to vote. Apparently attracted by the winning party's offer of government positions, Funcinpec soon changed its mind and accepted the election results.

Later on, the Norodom Ranariddh Party also changed its mind, apparently in exchange for the winning party's support for a royal pardon for its leader, Prince Norodom Ranariddh, who faces an 18-month jail sentence for breach of trust and who has been living in self-imposed exile abroad.

The other two parties, Sam Rainsy and Human Rights, have however continued to reject the election results and have filed complaints against election irregularities. They have also threatened to boycott the opening of the new Parliament.

Hun Sen, the incumbent prime minister and vice president of the winning Cambodian People's Party, has angrily reacted to this threat and has warned that the seats of the boycotting parties would be taken away from them and given to other parties, although there are no constitutional provisions for such a measure.

In the midst of this post-election conflict, it has been announced that the King of Cambodia will act according to the country's Constitution and summon all the lawmakers-elect to the first meeting of the new Parliament on Sept. 24. The Sam Rainsy Party has said that its lawmakers-elect will not be sworn in and take up their seats until its complaints have been properly addressed.

As is widely known, the winning party – the former communist party that has ruled Cambodia for over 20 years – has complete control over all of the country's institutions from top to bottom, including the two adjudicating mechanisms for election irregularities, that is, the National Election Committee, which is also an election management board, and the Constitutional Council.

It is very unlikely that the Sam Rainsy Party and the Human Rights Party will have their complaints addressed properly by these two institutions.

In the meantime the ruling Cambodian People's Party seems set to prevent these two parties from playing any active role in the new Parliament, especially the Sam Rainsy Party whose leader, Sam Rainsy, has had continued acrimonious relations with Prime Minister Hun Sen, who is known as "the strongman of Cambodia."

If the ruling party uses its overwhelming majority to forge ahead with the marginalization of the opposition, the Cambodian system of government will evolve into an elected dictatorship – all the more so when its judiciary, as is also well known, is under political control. With command over Parliament and control of all the country's institutions, the ruling party can, as it has done before, enact any law and amend the Constitution to remove all obstacles to its rule.

This development is a break from the practice of the previous Parliament, in which the opposition Sam Rainsy Party had 24 seats and an important role as chair of two out of nine parliamentary committees. The new situation is not conducive to the development of the liberal democracy Cambodia has embraced in its Constitution.

With the absence of an opposition role, the new Parliament cannot be seen as representing the entire nation, only the majority of its citizens who voted for the Cambodian People's Party. This Parliament will lose its status and role as one of the three branches of government.

Checks and balances between these three branches and the separation of powers will completely disappear. Cambodia will then become practically a one-party state, a development which is not friendly to democracy, the rule of law and human rights.

In order to avoid all these negative developments, Cambodia's new Parliament should continue the practice of its predecessor. In order to represent the entire nation it must allow the opposition parties to be an integral part of the Parliament and assume the chairmanship of some of its nine committees, so the opposition can play an active role in the governance of the nation.

Attorney-General says extradition from Cambodia, Britain possible

BANGKOK, Aug 20 (TNA) -- Fugitive former Thai deputy interior minister Vatana Asavahame who jumped bail and is believed to be in hiding in Cambodia could be brought back to Thailand to serve a jail sentence, a senior official said Wednesday.

Sirisak Tiyapan, executive director of the Office of the Attorney-General's international affairs department, said the extradition treaty between Thailand and neighbouring Cambodia came into force on May 6, 1998 so it is possible to request Cambodia to send Mr. Vatana back to Thailand and serve his jail sentence.

On Monday, Thailand's Supreme Court Criminal Division for Political Office Holders sentenced Mr. Vatana for his involvement in a corruption case related to a wastewater treatment project to 10 years imprisonment.

The court in early July impounded bail amounting to Bt2 million (US$600,000) which Mr. Vatana had posted earlier as he failed to appear in court. It also issued an arrest warrant for him.

The judges on Monday voted eight to one charging that Mr. Vatana was guilty and sentenced him to 10 years imprisonment. A golden Buddha amulet which he had put up as bail earlier was also forfeited.

As Mr. Vattana is not now living in Thailand, the court then announced the extension of the statute of limitations to 15 years.

Thailand's deputy national police chief Pol.Gen. Jongrak Juthanond told the court earlier that police investigators found that Mr. Vatana had fled Thailand before the warrant was issued and that he was believed to be living in Cambodia. Touching on extraditing ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife who also jumped bail and are now living in Britain, Mr. Sirisak said Thailand and Britain also have an extradition treaty which was last revised earlier this year.

Prosecutors are now gathering more evidence and documents which must be used in the extradition request for Mr. Thaksin.

Arrest warrants were also issued for the couple after they failed to appear in court on August 11 relating to the Bangkok's Ratchadapisek land purchase scandal. (TNA)

Singapore welcomes moves by Thailand, Cambodia to resolve temple dispute

www.chinaview.cn

2008-08-20

SINGAPORE, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- Singapore Wednesday welcomed the efforts of Thailand and Cambodia to hold talks on the Preah Vihear Temple issue.

A spokesman for the Singapore Foreign Ministry said in a statement that resolving the disagreement in an amicable manner was in line with the spirit of ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) solidarity and good neighborliness.

The spokesman added, Singapore wishes them well in their continuing efforts to work towards a good outcome for both sides.

Cambodia and Thailand announced earlier that they have agreed to arrange a second-phase troop redeployment at the disputed border area near the temple.

The Preah Vihear Temple straddles the Cambodian-Thai border atop the Dangrek Mountain and was listed as a World Heritage Site on July 7 by UNESCO's World Heritage Committee.

In 1962, the International Court of Justice decided that the 11-century temple and the land around belongs to Cambodia, which rankled the Thais and has led to continuous disputes.

Editor: Bi Mingxin

Cambodia, Thailand to discuss 2nd phase of troop redeployment at disputed border area

August 20, 2008

Cambodian and Thailand have agreed to arrange a second-phase troop redeployment at the disputed border area near the Preah Vihear Temple in the eponymous province of Cambodia, foreign minister Hor Namhong said here on Wednesday.

Both sides will convene a meeting between Head of the Cambodian Temporary Coordinating Task Force and Head of the Thai Regional Border Committee (RBC) On Aug. 29 in Cambodia to discuss the second-phase of redeployment, said Hor, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, who just returned home from Thailand after having a meeting with his Thai counterpart Tej Bunnag to end the 37-day-long military standoff at the two countries' border area.

Both troops started to face off there on July 15 and the personnel gradually accumulated to over a thousand in the coming weeks. However, major evacuation occurred on Aug. 16 and there are now only dozens of officers and soldiers left near the area.

In addition, Hor said Wednesday at the airport, both ministers also agreed to recommend to their governments that the next meeting of legal experts and the Thai-Cambodian Joint Commission on Demarcation for Land Boundary (JBC) be convened in early Oct. 2008 to discuss the issues related to the survey and demarcation of the relevant sectors under the term of reference and master plan of JBC.

On July 15, Thai troops went into the border area to fetch three trespassers who had intended to claim Thai sovereignty over the Preah Vihear Temple. The troops stationed there ever since, thus triggering the military stalemate.

On July 28, foreign ministers from Cambodia and Thailand held a meeting in Siem Reap province and agreed to mull the possibility of evacuating troops from the border.

On Aug. 3, Thai troops entered the Tamone Toch and Tamone Thom temples in neighboring Otdar Meanchey province of Cambodia, thus aggravating the standoff.

On Aug. 16, most of the troops at the Keo Sikha Kiri Svara Pagoda and within the surrounding area of the Preah Vihear Temple were evacuated according to both sides' agreement.

The Preah Vihear Temple straddles the Cambodian-Thai border atop the Dangrek Mountain and was listed as a World Heritage Site on July 7 by UNESCO's World Heritage Committee.

In 1962, the International Court of Justice decided that the 11-century temple and the land around belongs to Cambodia, which rankled the Thais and has led to continuous disputes.

Source:Xinhua

Cambodian man picks wrong Buddhist monk for fight

Top News Law

Submitted by Raman Iyer
Wed, 08/20/2008

Phnom Penh - A Cambodian man caught "loitering suspiciously" at a Buddhist pagoda picked the wrong monk to tangle with when a saffron-robed assailant came at him with a machete, local media reported Wednesday.

Soy Narith, 22, was recovering from severe chop wounds to his leg and left side after Buddhist monk Em Eat, whose age was not supplied, allegedly set upon him Monday with a long knife, the Khmer-language Koh Santepheap newspaper said.

The paper quoted police as saying that Eat suspected Narith was trying to steal temple property.

Buddhism preaches tolerance and non-violence, but Eat reportedly told police it also taught that people should not steal.

Police were continuing the investigations as Narith accused Eat of being of no good character and that he should possibly change his vocation. (dpa)

Cambodia says temple border with Thailand to be closed indefinitely

The Earth Times
Wed, 20 Aug 2008
Author : DPA

Phnom Penh - Although talks with Thailand over disputed border territory achieved modest progress, the border crossing at the ancient Preah Vihear temple would remain closed indefinitely, Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong said Wednesday. Cambodia remained firm in its stance that Thailand had sent troops into Cambodian territory, he told a press conference at Phnom Penh International Airport upon his return from Thailand after talks there Tuesday.

However, he said he remained convinced that bilateral diplomacy remained the way forward and Cambodia could yet avoid taking the matter to the UN Security Council for mediation.

"We two countries should solve this issue by peaceful means and avoid war," he said.

He said his Thai counterpart, Tej Bunnag, wholeheartedly agreed.

The 11th-century Preah Vihear temple was listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO over Thai objections on July 7, and a week later, Thai troops moved into nearby areas Bangkok claims are disputed and Cambodia says is its territory.

Late last month, Thai troops also moved into the Ta Moan temple complex, 150 kilometres west of Preah Vihear. Preah Vihear lies around 300 kilometres north of Phnom Penh on Cambodia's northern border.

Cambodia closed the Preah Vihear border crossing June 22 as Thai protestors began to gather there and would not reopen it without a complete resolution to the dispute, Hor Namhong said.
"When the situation is normal in Preah Vihear, then we will think about reopening the border," he said.

Cambodia has reported that tourism to the clifftop temple has doubled since the crisis began despite the border closure.

Better regulation necessary for port system: officials say

HENG CHIVOAN; A truck drives past shipping containers stacked at the Phnom Penh Autonomous Port Authority on Tuesday.

The Phnom Penh Post

Written by Kay Kimsong
Wednesday, 20 August 2008

A rise in exports has sparked a free-for-all among the Kingdom's state and private ports and officials warn that unregulated competition will hurt trade

SOARING exports have led to what officials say is a chaotic and cutthroat system of private and public seaports that needs to be better regulated.

About 22 ports dot Cambodia's rivers and seashores, with few rules governing competition, quality, logistics or safety.

The state-owned Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville ports, meant to be key trade hubs, complain that they cannot compete against smaller private facilities that have few standards and frequently engage in what they say is price-dumping to attract business.

"Ports are no longer competing fairly and must upgrade their services and management," said Hei Bavy, director general of the Phnom Penh Autonomous Port.

"Some business people have created confusion by trying to adopt Cambodia's ‘Open Skies' policy to the Kingdom's waterways," he told the Post.

Open Skies deregulated flights for international carriers to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, greatly increasing business to these transport centres.

"But [Open Skies] didn't authorise the unrestricted building of new airports. Any move towards an ‘open water' policy in Cambodia should follow the same pattern," Hei Bavy said.

"All private ports should function under the same set of rules. Singapore has many port terminals, but all of them operate under the Port Authority of Singapore. The same is true of Hong Kong. In Cambodia, it's much different." Officials say Cambodian law has failed to keep pace with changing trade patterns and rising exports, estimated at just over US$4 billion last year.

Lawmakers are expected later this month to debate legislation that exporters and port operators hope will bring some order to the export sector. The law is being made with help from Belgium and would include provisions to coordinate Cambodian and Vietnamese ports. "We have to put all port operators on track and every port, both private and state-owned, needs to compete based on proper regulations," said Mom Sibon, secretary of state for the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

"I think we need to control all ports to make sure they are operating fairly and according to the law," he said.

But some private operations say they are concerned about increased government control over Cambodia's ports. Greater port competition would improve services overall, they argue, while more scrutiny could eventually discourage trade.

"This is a free market. If there are no private ports to compete with state-owned ports, the price of services will not be competitive," said So Nguon, co-chairman of the Government-Private Working Group on Electricity and Transportation.

"I would oppose any move to discourage the opening of new ports.... The more ports there are in operation, the better the competition and the more port users benefit.

"Wing Hour, the managing director of City Power Group Cooperation, the firm developing the $16 million Kampot Sea Port in Kampot province, said the company supports the ministry's efforts towards comprehensive regulations, but this should not be an opportunity for tighter government control of private ports.

"The management and services must remain in the control of the private ports," he said.

'Dragon' ready to roar

THOMAS GAM NIELSEN; Kickboxing world-title hopeful Meas Chantha in action, above left, training at the Old Stadium, and right drinking water after his training session on Monday.

The Phnom Penh Post

Written by Khouth Sophak Chakrya and Thomas Gam Nielsen
Wednesday, 20 August 2008

Meas Chantha prepares for the fight of his career as Cambodia gets set to host its first kickboxing world title match next week

IT is a hot, damp Monday afternoon, the humidity is oppressive but Meas Chantha seems oblivious; he's already on the track in the Old Stadium doing warm-up laps.

He proceeds to slap, kick and punch his way through the next two hours of training, surrounded by - but largely ignoring - his fellow boxers in the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) club, the former home of national kickboxing legend Ei Phouthang.

With only eight days to go before the Kingdom hosts its first world title kickboxing match, Cambodia's young contender is 100 percent focused on his form.

Nicknamed "The Dragon" for the full canvas tattoo covering his back, Meas Chantha is currently the most dominant kickboxer in his weight class.

Recently married, he is a native of Kandal's Rokah Kong district, some 45km north of the capital.

The 23-year-old started kickboxing five years ago. He has 48 fights with 34 wins under his belt and is getting ready for his first world title fight on Cambodian soil.

He trains twice a day Monday through Friday at Phnom Penh's Old Stadium and has acquired the self-explanatory nickname "Mr Super Serious" from the RCAF fighters he trains with.

But Meas Chantha needs to be serious.

On August 28 he will fight for the International Sport Kickboxing Association (ISKA) world title in the 68kg weight class against titleholder Frankie Hudders.

The match will be at Phnom Penh's Olympic Stadium, Last Wednesday the Cambodian saw Hudders, a 32-year-old Englishman, fight for the first time, albeit in a video posted on the internet.

"I've never met such a strong man before," Meas Chantha told the Post.

"Now I see my chances of wining as 50-50," he said.

"I told him not to be afraid," added Chhith Sarim his trainer, acknowledging that after they watched the video it had been necessary to refine the training program to ensure Meas Chantha did not lose focus in the face of the most challenging opponent he has encountered so far.

"He has the right experience and technique to beat his opponent, but his energy is still not there," Chhith Sarim said.

Hard work seems like the best chance Meas Chantha has of winning.

Despite his prowess in the Cambodian kickboxing world, in global terms he is a minnow.

Moreover, like many of the Kingdom's athletes, he is battling against a serious lack of resources. The RCAF kickboxing club where he trains has just two outdoor punching bags that the would-be world champ has to share with up to 20 young aspiring kickboxers during his training sessions.

The investors and promoters behind the world-title event hope that a Cambodian victory could be the first step in putting the Kingdom on the world kickboxing map and eventually attract more funding for the development of the sport locally.

"Even if I win the match, I will keep on working hard as I see it as a great chance to get more real international kickboxing matches in Cambodia," Meas Chantha said.

'Future leaders' heading to US

The Phnom Penh Post

Written by Mom Kunthear
Wednesday, 20 August 2008

TWO Cambodian youths are due to leave for the United States on Saturday to spend two months on a cultural exchange as a part of the Youth Leadership Challenge program.

Mao Pouthyroth, program coordinator of Youth Council of Cambodia (YCC), said that the televised Youth Leadership Challenges started in 2007 with the aim of creating "leaders of tomorrow" who can contribute to the Kingdom's development."

More than 300 young people compete with each other twice a year for the opportunity to travel on this exchange," Mao Pouthyroth added.

Sreang Lalune, 21, a third-year student at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, feels proud of herself for winning a place in the Youth Leadership Challenge program. "I am so happy," she said.

"I am looking forward to telling people in America about Khmer culture such as silk, traditional Khmer clothes and the Angkor Wat temple," Lalune said.

"I will also tell them about our environment and the situation of women in Cambodia."

Japanese national charged for allegedly making kiddie porn

The Phnom Penh Post

Written by Cheang Sokha
Wednesday, 20 August 2008

A JAPANESE man has been charged for allegedly producing child pornography after he was arrested over the weekend in Sihanoukville taking pictures of naked boys, a police official said Tuesday.

Shunichi Nakagawa, 32, was arrested Sunday while photographing at least six Cambodian boys between the ages of 11 and 15 at O'Tres beach, said Chor Heng, Sihanoukville deputy police commissioner.

Nakagawa was ordered detained Tuesday by the Sihanoukville Municipal Court after prosecutors filed child pornography charges, Chor Heng added.

Nakagawa had paid the boys between US$2 and $5 each to pose naked, according to Be Sivanna, director of the Ministry of Interior's Anti-Human Trafficking and Juvenile Protection Office in Sihanoukville, who added that Nakagawa had entered Cambodia as a tourist on August 6.

He said Nakagawa had first photographed the boys on Saturday and arranged to meet again the following day, by which time local authorities had been tipped off by area residents who had witnessed Nakagawa snapping pictures of the children.

"If found guilty, he could face between five and 10 years in prison," Be Sivanna said.

Sihanoukville court prosecutor Meas Phireak said he could not elaborate on the charges since it could affect the court's investigation.

Chan Chamroeun, an investigator based in Sihanoukville for local human rights group Adhoc, said only two of the children's parents had lodged an official complaint with police.

The other parents said it was not unusual for young boys to be naked in public and receive money from tourists for allowing them to take their picture.

"Police have confirmed that there are naked photos of the boys on Nakagawa's camera." Chan Chamroeun told the Post.

Koji Tanaka, second secretary at the Japanese embassy in Phnom Penh, confirmed that the embassy had sent officials to Sihanoukville Tuesday to respond to the matter.

Additional reporting by Chrann Chamroeun

Overfishing risks food security

HENG CHIVOAN

The Phnom Penh Post

Written by Sebastian Strangio
Wednesday, 20 August 2008

Widespread illegal fishing and rapid population growth are putting the Kingdom's fisheries, which provide the bulk of most citizens’ protein intake, under increasing threat, experts say

AS Cambodia's population grows, freshwater fisheries are increasingly under threat, with sustained over-fishing putting the Kingdom's long-term food security in jeopardy, experts say.

Last year, the total freshwater fish catch climbed to over 395,000 tonnes. But a decline in the average size of fish species on the Tonle Sap lake has scientists worried about the future of this vital source of protein for millions of the Kingdom's rural poor.

"This is the one of the most intensely fished freshwater areas in the world," said Eric Baran, a research scientist at the Phnom Penh office of the World Fish Centre, an international fisheries research institute.

"The 2.6 million tonnes of fish caught annually in the Mekong Basin represent seven times more than catches of the Northern American inland fisheries sector and more than 10 times the entire fish catch in Australia," he said.

According to Baran, sustained population growth is putting too much pressure on the Tonle Sap's fisheries which are now, he says, approaching their highest sustainable limit. "Between 1940 and 1995, fish production increased twofold, but population increased threefold. We are close to a maximum level of production, but the population keeps growing," he said.

Baran added that Cambodia's reliance on fish as a source of affordable protein makes it particularly vulnerable to a reduction in fish catches. "[Cambodia] is a country where fish production is three times pig production and 20 times chicken production. If it loses fisheries, the agriculture sector will not be able to catch up," he said.

Illegal fishing spikes

A recent rise in levels of illegal fishing has also added to the strain on the nation's fisheries, said Chhom Davy, director of the Fisheries Action Coalition Team. "According to reports from commune chiefs around the Tonle Sap, illegal fishing is on the rise," she said, noting that the activity is spurred on by collusion between poachers and local authorities.

"Middlemen pay officials each month so they can use illegal fishing gear in both the closed season and the open season," she said.

" Because we have a lot of rice fields, farmers can grow fish in them and then harvest both ... without any chemical fertiliser. "

Cambodia's 2006 Fisheries Law bans commercial fishing from June 1 to September 30 north of Phnom Penh, and from July 1 to October 31 in the south, in order to give fish populations a chance to reproduce and replenish.

But Nao Thuok, director of the Fisheries Administration, said the law was difficult to enforce in a country as fish-dependent as Cambodia.

"Family fishing is free and open all year round," he said. "But the Fisheries Law only allows families to use very small fishing gear. The problem is that people complain they cannot survive and use larger gear in the spawning season."

So Nam, deputy director of the government's Inland Fisheries Research and Development Institute, agreed that preventing overfishing is tricky as "the law says what sort of [fishing] gear is legal and what is illegal, but we cannot control all the people using hundreds of types of fishing gear".

"Cambodians are very clever fishers," he added.

Reversing the trend

To combat illegal fishing and promote sustainable fishing practices, the government is shifting its decision-making and law enforcement efforts to the local level.

So Nam said the central Fisheries Administration is focusing its efforts on educating fishermen about the importance of sustainable harvesting.

"Education is very important. One of the aims is to strengthen the community by building the capacity of the community, teaching people to do their own management, conservation and planning," he said.

Over 500 "community fisheries" have been established so far, acting as focal points for law enforcement, conservation and the adoption of new fish cultivation methods.

"We conduct a lot of training with the local authorities to educate them not to support illegal activities," said Nao Thuok. "We call meetings with officials and provide fuel oil so local workers can help deal with illegal fishing.

"One innovation has been to encourage the cultivation of fish in Cambodia's extensive rice paddies.

"Because we have a lot of rice fields , farmers can grow fish in them and then harvest both. And they can do it without any chemical fertiliser," So Nam said.

"We are keeping our catch at the maximum level of 400,000 tonnes per year, and increasing production by growing fish. Now there are more large-scale [aquaculture] investments."

Nao Thuok said aquaculture production topped 35,000 tonnes in 2007, a figure he hopes will keep pace with population growth.

"This [amount] will increase exponentially, by about 20 percent per year," he said.

So Nam said the government has a blueprint for the protection of the nation's freshwater fisheries, but that the process of education would be slow.

"We are quite clear about what we are going to do, but the main concern is resources," So Nam said.

He added, "We have about 30 or 40 staff and five or six million fishermen, so you can imagine how hard the work is."

Eng Chhay Eang to give up position as SRP secretary general

The Phnom Penh Post

Written by Sebastian Strangio and Meas Sokchea
Wednesday, 20 August 2008

The opposition stalwart will step aside for the second time in three years but only after the party’s election complaints have been resolved

OPPOSITION lawmaker Eng Chhay Eang plans to resign as secretary general of the Sam Rainsy Party, but only after the party's complaints about the conduct of last month's national election have been resolved, party officials say.

"Eng Chhay Eang has not decided to quit his position immediately, but after the resolution of the election complaints he plans to resign," said SRP Senator Thach Setha, speaking on behalf of the secretary general.

Mu Sochua, SRP deputy secretary general, said the party had received no official notification of Eng Chhay Eang's impending resignation.

"That is his own wish and his own decision," she said Tuesday.

She added that the party was currently entirely focused on gathering evidence that the ruling Cambodian People's Party committed electoral fraud through the manipulation of voter lists and the misuse of 10-18 forms during the election period.

This will be the second time Eng Chhay Eang has resigned the post of secretary general during his 13-year career with the party.

After occupying the post for six years, he resigned in late 2005, citing health issues and a problem with gambling.

He was reelected to the position in September 2007, drawing complaints from SRP-affiliated trade unions that his history of gambling would harm the party's image in the run-up to the 2008 elections.

"This resignation is not related to gambling," said Thach Setha, adding that Eng Chhay Eang was quitting because the heavy responsibilities of the position were becoming a burden.

Koul Panha, executive director of election monitor Comfrel, said he did not know the exact reason for Eng Chhay Eang's resignation.

But he said the party was now looking to move forward after an election that saw large gains for the CPP.

"I think the SRP intends to establish a coalition and a new strategy for future elections, and they might need new people to work on that," he said.

Opposition journalists fear secret police are watching

HENG CHIVOAN; Dam Sith is seen in a car’s rearview mirror as he leaves Prey Sar prison in June. He has since left the country.

The Phnom Penh Post

Written by Meas Sokchea
Wednesday, 20 August 2008

Their colleague was assassinated, their editor-in-chief left the country, now they feel they’re being monitored by police

TWO reporters from the opposition-aligned newspaper Moneaksekar Khmer fear that police are conducting a secret investigation of their activities, one of the reporters told the Post on Monday.

Vong Sopheak and his brother, Vong Sopheap, both journalists at the newspaper, said a group of men followed and photographed them during a demonstration on Sunday in front of the Free Trade Union offices to protest the presence of Thai soldiers at the Preah Vihear temple complex.

"A journalist at the event told me the men asked about me and wanted to know what newspaper I worked for," Vong Sopheap said. "They already knew we worked for Moneaksekar Khmer."

The brothers claim that they have been followed since July 12, when they took part in a celebration of slain Moneaksekar Khmer journalist Khim Sambo, who was gunned down with his son a day earlier. A group of plainclothes men took several photographs of them during the event, according to Vong Sopheap.

The same group of men followed the brothers during the trade union demonstration, Vong Sopheap said, adding that he and his brother argued with the men when they began taking pictures of them and demanded that the photos be deleted.

Formal complaint needed

Touch Naruth, head of the Phnom Penh Municipal Police, said that if the journalists were being intimidated or harassed, they should file a formal complaint. Until they did so, there was nothing that he could do.

"The police have no policy of photographing people, except to document illegal activities and to keep as evidence in case of a complaint against police," said Touch Naruth.

"We have no need to photograph Moneaksekar Khmer journalists. There is nothing to see there."

Dam Sith, editor-in-chief of Moneaksekar Khmer, left the country August 5 for the United States.

He was arrested in June on charges of defamation and spreading disinformation over an article from April 18 linking Foreign Affairs Minister Hor Namhong to the Khmer Rouge. He served one week in prison before Prime Minister Hun Sen requested his release on bail.

Journeys within recognised for social conscience

The Phnom Penh Post

Written by GEORGIA WILKINS
Wednesday, 20 August 2008

Journeys Within, a Siem Reap tour operator, has won the Condé Nast Traveller magazine 2008 World Savers award for its work in the area of health. The internationally recognised publication praised Journeys Within for adding more than 180 wells around Siem Reap and helping nearly 4,000 Cambodians escape water-related disease. Journeys Within was also commended for their work in providing scholarships for university students, as well as free English classes and micro-loans for small businesses in Cambodia.

Road repairs at preah vihear suspended

The Phnom Penh Post

Written by Teth Sambath
Wednesday, 20 August 2008

Repair of the four-kilometre road leading uphill to the Preah Vihear temple has been suspended for five days due to rain, said Uch Vantha, a military engineer. "I got an order to repair the road to help ease traffic to the temple but the repair work, which began on July 25, has now been suspended," he said. Chin Kong Hieng, general director of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, said the contract to build the road from Tbeng Meanchey district, Preah Vihear province, to Preah Vihear temple has been awarded to a Chinese company.

LAND DISPUTE: Villagers' complaint denied

The Phnom Penh Post

Written by Chrann Chamroeun
Wednesday, 20 August 2008

The provincial governor of Ratanakkiri has told some 50 ethnic minority Tampoun and Kreung villagers that their complaint about the illegal acquisition of about 10 hectares of their ancestral land by the district vice governor, Seng Piseth, and a villager, Kleng Chantha, was not filed correctly. Governor Muong Poy told the villagers to take their complaint back to the commune level and solve it through the proper channels, said Vin Sokhin, who is representating the community. "If the village chief or commune chief doesn't help the villagers to resolve this case properly, then they can come to me and I will help them solve the problem, but right now there isn't much I can do," Muong Poy said.

Thumbprints of 20,000 voters back fraud claim

HENG CHIVOAN; Sam Rainsy Party Deputy Secretary General Mu Sochua walks into the Constitutional Council building on Tuesday.

The Phnom Penh Post

Written by Vong Sokheng
Wednesday, 20 August 2008

Sam Rainsy Party submits vast body of evidence to Constitutional Council in effort to substantiate allegations of electoral fraud by the ruling CPP

THE thumbprints of 20,000 disenfranchised voters were submitted to the Constitutional Council Tuesday as part of the opposition Sam Rainsy Party's drive to substantiate its allegations that the July 27 ballot is invalid due to systematic electoral fraud.

"We have presented evidence and witnesses to the Constitutional Council and we will answer all of their questions," Kong Sam On, a lawyer acting for the SRP, told reporters waiting in the Senate compound, near to where the Council convenes.

Kong Sam On said that the Constitutional Council had summoned party officials for questioning in relation to the complaints.

"We hope that a hearing will happen within the next two weeks," he added.

Constitutional Council spokesman Pen Thol told the Post that the Council has yet to rule on the opposition's complaints.

However, he said the Council intended to rule on the complaints prior to the announcement of the official election results by the National Election Committee (NEC) which are due September 17.

SRP President Sam Rainsy told reporters that he is scheduled to fly to foreign countries that are signatories to the 1991 Paris Peace Accords, saying that when they signed the accords they committed themselves to helping guarantee free and fair elections in Cambodia.

"Electoral fraud is still a huge problem and stripped many voters of the right to cast their ballots," Sam Rainsy said, adding that international pressure could highlight the government's actions.

"We hope that independent countries will condemn the NEC for playing a role in stealing votes for the CPP."

King Norodom Sihamoni is scheduled to preside over the inauguration and swearing-in of the new National Assembly on September 24, but Sam Rainsy said that the opposition parties were not interested in the formation of a new government.

"I am not interested in other issues at the moment, and I am focusing on the Constitutional Council," he said.

Despite continued threats by the opposition to boycott the swearing-in ceremony, the ruling Cambodian People's Party has pledged to go ahead, issuing warnings that opposition lawmakers not present at the event could forfeit their seats in the Assembly.