via CAAI News Media
EU gives €7 mln to Ketsana relief for Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos
Thursday, 21 January 2010 08:10 DAP-NEWS
PHNOM PENH, Jan. 21, 2010 (DAP) - The European Commission is providing a further €7 million in humanitarian aid to help victims of Typhoons Ketsana and Mirinae in South East Asia.
The new funds are for humanitarian assistance projects to assist the most affected populations in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.
This support comes in addition to the €2 million in 'fast-track' funding that was provided by the Commission within 48 hours of Typhoon Ketsana hitting the central Vietnamese coast and subsequently Laos and Cambodia on 29 September 2009.
For Cambodia the new funds are being allocated to humanitarian projects worth some €1.26 million, which will provide food, water, sanitation and education material to the most vulnerable victims of the typhoon in the provinces of Kampong Cham, Kampong Thom, Kratie, Siem Reap, Stueng Treng and Ratanakiri.
The projects will also support the rehabilitation of agricultural activities so that the affected communities can restore their livelihoods, said the release was seen by DAP.
The main implementing partners include the French Red Cross, Save the Children Alliance, Oxfam GB and Concern.
"More humanitarian assistance was needed to help the people most affected by the typhoon in addition to the first rapid response,” said Rafael Dochao Moreno, Chargé d' Affaires a.i. of the Delegation of the European Union to Cambodia, in the release.
“The European Union is committed to help the victims cope with the dire situation and restore their living conditions as fast as is possible," said Moreno.
Tropical storm Ketsana left 21 people dead, forced more than 5,000 households to flee, destroyed 2,000 homes and left 10,000 families in need of urgent humanitarian relief. More than 28,900 hectares of crops were affected, with damage to infrastructure and livelihoods.
Typhoon Ketsana that hit Cambodia last year cost total damages worth US$284 million.
The European Commission regularly provides emergency support to victims of weather-related disasters in the region through non-governmental relief organizations, specialized UN agencies and the Red Cross/ Red Crescent movement.
Cambodia together with Vietnam already received in late October €1.24 million in fast-track humanitarian aid to victims of Typhoon Ketsana for food aid and fundamental emergency needs of the people in the affected countries.
MEKONG GOVERNMENTS RE-COMMIT TO FIGHTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Thursday, 21 January 2010 07:29 By Ek Madra
PHNOM PENH – The anti-human trafficking community from the Mekong region has come together today for the 7th Senior Officials Meeting for the Coordinated Mekong Ministerial Initiative Against Trafficking (COMMIT) in Myanmar, said a UN release in Bagan capital of Myanmar.
The COMMIT 7th Senior Officials Meeting brings together over 135 participants from the six governments: Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam in the Mekong region and observers from other ASEAN countries, the UN and donors.
“The purpose is to reaffirm their commitment to eradicating all forms of human trafficking in the region, share and evaluate progress in 2009 and lay the foundations for future strengthened cooperation in counter trafficking,” said release by the United Nations Inter-Agency Project on Human Trafficking (UNIAP).
Also in attendance are representatives from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Ms. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children.
“Human trafficking is a serious crime involving the cheating or deceiving of people into sexual servitude or labor for the purpose of exploitation,” said the release was seen by DAP.
The International Labor Organization estimated in 2005 that 9.49 million people are in forced labor in Asia-Pacific region, with a significant amount of that thought to be in Mekong region.
Also according to the UN, traffickers are making illicit profits estimated at US$31 billion globally.
It is significant that the COMMIT 7th Senior Officials Meeting is being held in Myanmar, as this was the birthplace of the COMMIT Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which was signed by representatives of the same six Mekong countries, six years ago.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be hosting this important event here in Myanmar, given the historic significance it holds for the COMMIT governments,” said Major General Maung Oo, Minister of Home Affairs cum Chairperson of the Central Body for Suppression of Trafficking in Persons, Union of Myanmar.
‘Through the COMMIT Process we have been able to make significant inroads in the fight against the crime of human trafficking.’
The central theme being debated at the COMMIT 7th Senior Officials Meeting is: ‘Addressing the Impact of COMMIT Anti-Trafficking Efforts: Are we making a Difference?’
Since the signing of the COMMIT MOU, the six governments have put in place legal and cooperative frameworks to prevent human trafficking taking place, prosecute traffickers and exploitative employers, and protect victims of trafficking, assisting them to return home safely and with dignity.
The COMMIT 7th Senior Officials Meeting is providing an opportunity to review these frameworks and take a fresh look at regional approaches to counter-trafficking.
Together, the six countries will review their plans and priorities related to counter-trafficking and discuss future joint actions, focusing in particular on the areas of law enforcement and criminal justice, and recovery and reintegration for victims.
COMMIT is unique in that it has fostered unprecedented unity of purpose and mutual accountability between the Mekong countries over the past six years, said Mr. Bishow Parajuli, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator and UN Development Programme Representative in Myanmar.
“I believe that this unity may be one of our greatest strengths in tackling some of our biggest challenges,” Mr. Bishow Parajuli in the release.
It is only through this kind of coordinated approach and solidarity of the counter-trafficking community that we can make a real difference in the lives of people who are suffering the cruel consequences of human trafficking and exploitation, it said.
“It’s a privilege to be working with so many dedicated people through the COMMIT process, from the policy level to the grassroots, as we work together to make this happen,” said Matthew Friedman, Regional Project Manager of the United Nations Inter-Agency Project on Human Trafficking (UNIAP). UNIAP is the Secretariat for the COMMIT process.
Malaysian Company to Invest US$107.6 Mlnin Cambodia’s Power Supply
Thursday, 21 January 2010 05:43 By Ek Madra
PHNOM PENH - Cambodia’s government approved a Penang-based LEADER Universal Holdings Bhd’s power project of $107.6 million which will produce 230 kilovolt to be distributed via the power transmission system from the capital to eastern province, said deputy minister for industry, mines and energy on Thursday.
Ith Praing said “such the investment contributes to improve our power supply system which plays a vital role in attracting foreign direct investment.”
Foreign investors have been complained about the country’s high cost of electricity given this kingdom’s physical infrastructures were devastated by the Khmer Rouge’s rule in 1975- 79 during which also nearly 2 million population died of starvation, execution, diseases and forced labour.
Currently, the country produced 300 megawatts which is less than the total demand of over 300 megawatts, whose unit price is $0.20 per kilowatts hour which is double higher compare with the price in neighbours of Thailand and Vietnam.
This impoverished Southeast Asian nation has been in the position of the war against the country’s blackout while the energy consumption increased up to 25 percent per annum.
Cambodia said she has planned to build nine hydropower dams by 2019 to generate1942 megawatts of power in which Cambodia saw the Chinese-funded dams will play vital part of the plan to feed the country’s electricity-starved economy.
On January 08, Cambodia approved this 28-year of Build- Operate-Transfer (BOT) project LEADER Universal Holdings Bhd for the construction of a North Phnom Penh substation and 110km of double-circuit 230kV overhead transmission lines from north Phnom Penh to Kampong Cham province, which is the Southeast Asia nation’s the third largest city.
The government’s release also said the joint investment company named Cambodian Transmission Limited of which 60 per cent owned by Cambodian Utilities Pte Ltd and Leader holds the remains.
Cambodian Utilities Pte Ltd, is the first independent power producer in Cambodia, where it began operations in 1997.
The company is also currently developing a 100 megawatt coal-fired power plant project in Sihanoukville province, via its 80 per cent-owned subsidiary, Cambodian Energy Ltd.
The plant is expected to be in operation towards the end of 2012.
"The project fulfils part of the planned development of the Cambodian grid system and provides for the future 230 kV extension to other parts of the country around Tonle Sap where Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake is found," Leader's managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Sean C.H. H'ng told a news report.
H'ng also said the company's power transmission project is in line with Leader's plans to increase its involvement in the power business.
"This expansion into downstream development, via a transmission project, should further improve our future earnings through the stable income streams generated from our power concession assets," Datuk Sean C.H. H'ng was quoted in the news report.
He said financing for the power transmission system project is expected to be carried out partly via internal funds and bank borrowings.
"External bank borrowings," H'ng said, "have been secured through a foreign bank and pending finalisation of the loan documents".
Also on January 12, the Cambodia’s deputy minister for the ministry of industry, mines, and energy said that China Huadian Corp., which is one of China's biggest power companies, to build a $558 million hydropower plant in Cambodia’s southwest province.
The China’s state-owned Huadian has planned to begin building the 338 megawatt plant this year. The plant is located in Koh Kong province about 200 km west of the Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh.
At least four Chinese and two South Korean companies have shown their interests in the deal.
A Chinese company has already begun construction of a hydro-power plant in the northwester province of Pursat where a $360 million-worth plant to produce 120 megawatts by 2011.
Cambodia expected to produce oil in 2011 by the U.S. giant Chevron Texaco, which found the oil in Block "A" of a 6,278 square kilometre offshore area.
“We would have sufficient electricity supply by 2011 or 2012,” Ith Praing said.
Hun Sen Vows Peaceful Handover Upon Election Loss
Thursday, 21 January 2010 03:33 DAP-NEWS
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Wednesday vowed that he will instruct the Council for Ministers to hand over the reigns of power to any new government or new leader in line with democratic requirements.
The premier’s remarks came after criticism that the present government led by Hun Sen is dictatorial. He stated that any political party winning the next election will be able to take control of the country peacefully.
Analysts, however, say that the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) is likely to win the next election.
“Those who win the election do not worry, I’ll go to Council for Ministers, and then I will sign, handing over everything to a new leader or government and I wish them best regards in leading the country. I will not disturb or protest with you,” Hun Sen said during the 6th Asia Economic Forum held at Le Royal Hotel in Phnom Penh over two days.
“I will inform all my supporters and followers to stand for and support the new government or new leader,” he added.
Related to the premier’s remarks, one opposition Sam Rainsy Party (SRP) lawmaker showed his support for the premier’s remarks, saying he understands democracy.
“I think that the premier understands clearly about democratic systems whether in Cambodia or in the world,” he said, claiming that “the SRP may win the next election; that is why the premier said this.”
Hun Sen confirmed that he ready for the 2013 and 2018 elections, and is ready to be a prime minister until 2023.
During the forum, he also referred to the training of the younger generation in Cambodia and other partner nations to ease their relationship when they become leaders.
Meanwhile, DAP Media Center Director-General Soy Sopheap has claimed that most Cambodians in the US support Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen’s policies, even those who previously supported the two main opposition parties, the Sam Rainsy Party (SRP) and the Human Rights Party (HRP).
His remarks came after he led a DAP delegation to the US to meet and chat with Cambodians living in the US. Soy Sopheap and Mayarith, DAP Radio Director, are to arrive back in Cambodia at 11 am on January 22.
He claimed that most people who before supported the SRP’s Sam Rainsy and the HRP’s Kem Sokha have lessened or withdrawn their support and instead backed the premier’s policies.
“The people here are confident in the premier’s policy in protecting Preah Vihear temple,” Soy Sopheap said, adding that many wished to find out about the human rights situation and the state of democracy.
Former King Declines to Pardon Sam Rainsy
Thursday, 21 January 2010 03:32 DAP-NEWS
Former Cambodian King Norodom Sihanouk, according to a letter of the Prince Sisavat Thormikor, refused to pardon opposition party leader Sam Rainsy. Rainsy stands charged by Svay Rieng Provincial Court with pulling out border markers on October 25, 2009.
“The Former King, Norodom Sihanouk, refuse to intervene with Sam Rainsy’s allegation as he said that this case is political and he does not interfere in political issues,” SRP spokesman Kong Korm said.
The former King has been retired from politics story since October 6, 2004.
“The government led by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen should solve this problem out of court system,” Kong Korm added. SRP lawmakers, along with commune councilors in Cambodia, gathered prints and signatures accompanied by the former King’s request letter to ensure Sam Rainsy’s freedom.
Sam Ranisy, who is currently overseas, said that he will not attend his trial on January 27, 2010. He will be tried in absentia.
Cambodia Drops Draft Casino Law: Senior Official
Thursday, 21 January 2010 03:31 DAP-NEWS
A senior Cambodian governmental official said on Wednesday that the government does not yet plan to approve the draft law of casino management.
“This regulation is suspended now,” Chea Peng Cheang, secreatary of state for Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), told DAP News Cambodia. He said he did not know why the development of the regulation had been dropped or how much tax had been collected from casinos.
Previously, the government planned to create a draft law to regulate and collect taxes from casinos. The draft law also regulated staff employment, registration and licensing, according to previous version of the draft law.
Cambodia has dozen of casinos, especially in border areas such as Koh Kong, Siem Reap, the Svay Rieng Bavet border crossing with Vietnam, and the Poi Pet crossing to Thailand.
In 2009, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen ordered government officials to close all illegal gambling dens remai- ning in the country. He issued the directive of banning illegal games, also ramping up efforts to pressure illegal gambling syndicates out of business in the country. In February, the nation’s largest football betting agency, CamboSix, and several slot machine operators were closed for violating licensing laws.
“I will fire (those officials) who did not close the gambling in their zones,” the PM said, noting that such businesses contributed little to the tax base and caused “divorces, social instability, robberies and thefts.”
Warnings for Cigarette Packets
Thursday, 21 January 2010 03:30 DAP-NEWS
The Health Minister said yesterday at a press conference that warnings will be included on cigarette packets in around 9 months. The warnings will take up 30 percent of the space on packets.
Minister for Health Mam Bunheng said that both images and written warnings will be used.
Pieter van Maaren, a representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Cambodia, said that more than 5 million smokers are killed by smoking related diseases each year.
New MoH rules state that “All cigarette producers must follow by the rule which set by MOH, if not they will fine as: record in note first, stop business in temporary, stop in completely running.”
Director of the Department for Health Improvment Khun Sokrin said lung cancer, pneumonia, heart attack, stroke and tooth decay are all caused by smoking.
The MoH hopes to curb tobacco usage through the new campaign, the Health Minister said. “We would like to ask to the media to spread the message widely across the whole country,” Mam Bunheng added.
Van Maaren claimed that US$69 million was lost to smoking in 2009, according to National Institute of Stati-stics reports. It is estimated 48 percent of Cam-bodian males are smokers, and 3.6 percent of females.
Political Stability Keys in Economic Recovery: Hun Sen
Thursday, 21 January 2010 03:30 DAP-NEWS
Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen on Wednesday said that the political stability in Asia is key to economic recovery in the region.
“We could not talk about economic recovery if this region is unstable,” he told the 6th Asia Economic Forum at Le Royal Hotel hosted by the University of Cambodia and the International Foun-dation for Arts and Culture of Tokyo, Japan.
“There are signs that the economic recovery has started but there are still many threats that we need to deal such climate change, human resources, and poverty reduction to implement the millennium development goals and the development gap,” Hun Sen said. “ASEAN is becoming important for Asia and it helped economic integration in region and Asia contention as whole. Now ASEAN has partners like China, South Korea, Japan, India, New Zealand and Australia that help to speed up trade and product exports to help to local people.”
He said that East Asia community should work with ASEAN.
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