Toll Plans to Import New Trains into Cambodia – Friday, 27.8.2010

http://cambodiamirror.wordpress.com/

via Khmer NZ

Posted on 28 August 2010. Filed under: Week 679

The Mirror, Vol. 14, No. 679

“According to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the Toll Royal Railway company [TRR] plans to spend US$81 million to bring in new trains to Cambodia.

“It is part of the project to improve the Cambodian railways and it will cost millions of dollars. It is an important transportation system for Cambodia.

“A Secretary of State of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Mr. Toch Chankosal, said, ‘The company plans to buy 11 locomotives, 111 railroad cars, and other parts of trains, in order to start operations at the end of this year or early next year.’

“He added that TRR is preparing the necessary documents to be submitted to the Council for the Development of Cambodia to ask for permission for the import of trains. However, he did not tell from which countries those trains will be bought. He said the repairing of the Cambodian railroad system continues, but the company expects that the presently available trains would not be enough.

“He said, ‘In fact, we have many locomotives that can be repaired, but they are still not enough so we need to import more.’

“The Senior Country Economist, Cambodia Resident Mission, of the Asian Development Bank [ADB], Mr. Peter Brimble, said that the important reason for the improvement of the Cambodian railroad system, partly funded by ADB, is to develop the transportation system to be cost effective. He said, ‘The cost of the transportation of agricultural products is a key factor, and if you do not have efficient transportation means, there will be difficulties with the export of those products. Also, I think the basic idea behind the project is relating to cost efficiency.’

“Mr. Toch Chankosal said that this is the first step to facilitate heavy-weight transport that can also help to reduce road destruction.

“ADB and AusAID has provided US$141 million aid to TRR to repair rail tracks of 254 kilometer from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, and another line of about 388 kilometer from Phnom Penh to Poipet, as well as the third line of about 48 kilometer from Poipet to Sisophon [Banteay Meanchey].

“Mr. Brimble said that ADB has no plan to provide more aid for the construction of railroads in Cambodia in the future, but he thinks that the repair of the railroad to the Sihanoukville port in Sihanoukville will receive encouragement.

“The Chief Executive Officer of TRR, Mr. David Kerr, declined to comment on the information about the import of new trains, while an ADB senior economist, Mr. Peter Broch, said that he cannot give figures provided by the Ministry of Public Transport and Works regarding the transportation.

“TRR belongs to the Toll Holdings company of Australia that holds 55% of the shares, while the rest of 45% is controlled by the Royal Group of Oknha Kith Meng. Last year, these collaborative companies receive a 30 years concession to operate the railway network in Cambodia.”

Phnom Penh Post [Khmer Edition], Vol.1, #246, 27.8.2010

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Friday, 27 August 2010

China, Cambodia Pledge To Enhance Law Enforcement Cooperation

via Khmer NZ

27 August 2010

BEIJING, (Xinhua) — China and Cambodia Wednesday pledged to enhance cooperation in law enforcement, counter-terrorism, drug control and fighting transnational crime.

Zhou Yongkang, a senior leader of the Communist Party of China, spoke highly of the effective cooperation in these areas during a meeting with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sar Kheng.

Zhou hoped the security and law enforcement organs of the two nations would work together to push forward the China-Cambodia comprehensive cooperative partnership.

Earlier Wednesday, Sar Kheng, also the country’s Interior Minister, met with China’s Public Security Minister Meng Jianzhu to sign an exchange of notes on China’s assistance of police equipment to Cambodia.

Meng, also a State Councilor, said China was ready to cement bilateral cooperation within multilateral frameworks, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

During the meeting, they vowed to advance bilateral cooperation in areas such as law enforcement, counter-terrorism and drug control.

A Runners Quest Comes Full Circle With 10K Raised for Cambodia Students

via Khmer NZ

8/27/2010

Journeys Within
CONTACT: Andrea Ross
TEL: 877 454 3672
E-MAIL: andrea@journeys-within.com
WEB: http://www.journeys-within.com/

SIEM REAP, Cambodia--Jane Price first traveled to Siem Reap, Cambodia in 2007 and participated in the Angkor Wat half marathon. On September 5th 2010 Price will run an ultra marathon and has raised over $10,000 for Journeys Within Our Community (JWOC), the organization in Cambodia that she visited back in 2007.

Jane's history with Cambodia started in 2007 when she stayed at Journeys Within B&B and was introduced to Journeys Within Our Community (JWOC), a non-profit organization founded by Journeys Within tour company owners Brandon and Andrea Ross. To help support the organization she sponsored a JWOC Scholarship Student. This JWOC program gives in-need and deserving students a four year university education in Cambodia. The students in return volunteer 5 to 10 hours a week on various JWOC projects, allowing the projects to run and giving the students valuable experience. After corresponding with her student for three years, Jane returned to Cambodia in 2010 and volunteered for a month at JWOC. Upon returning home she signed up for her first ultra marathon which was a 50k run through the Sierra Nevada foothills. As if this goal wasn't big enough, Price decided to fundraise for JWOC and the Scholarship program.

"I strongly believe in the role of education in making a long term impact to improve the lives of students and their communities. From a personal standpoint I know firsthand the impact a scholarship can have on one's life as I was the beneficiary of scholarships and grants when I was a university student. These generous gifts allowed me to further my education and improve my life in profound ways," said Jane.

Jane sent emails to friends and family and told of her experiences with JWOC. She posted her story and her quest on the JWOC website so others could be inspired by her goal. With the race a week away, Price has reached her goal of raising $10,000 to donate to JWOC, and she can now proudly say that five new students will be able to start attending university in the fall thanks to her efforts.

"We really depend on travelers and guests being inspired by what we're doing. Our hope is that they go home and inspire others,” said Andrea Ross, Journeys Within Tour Company and JWOC founder. "I love that Jane just came to Cambodia for the weekend the first time, to run a marathon no less, and now she's combined her amazing love and ability to run with her passion and enthusiasm for what we're doing in Cambodia. It truly is supporters like this that make our projects possible. The best part is that five students now have a completely different future because of Jane's commitment!"

With the fundraising behind her, Price now has the hurdle of that ultra marathon to get through. The race, Run on the Sly, will be 50 kilometers, and will take place on September 5th in the Sierra Nevada mountain range at an altitude of 3,800 feet, featuring a hilly course covering mountain trails and fire roads.

"I love running for so many reasons: being in nature, setting and achieving goals, stress reduction, and being able to eat pretty much whatever I want and now it also provides me a platform to help others," said Price.

About Journeys Within Our Community

JWOC was founded by Brandon and Andrea Ross, owners of Journeys Within Tour Company in response to guests and travelers desire to give back and make a difference. JWOC believes in its slogan, “See a Problem, Solve a Problem” and has been doing that for the last five years. More information can be found and donations can be made at

 http://www.journeyswithinourcommunity.org/  

or you can contact Andrea at

andrea@journeyswithinourcommunity.org .

'Daughters of Cambodia' Leave Sex Trade for Christ

via Khmer NZ

By Stan Jeter
CBN News Senior Poducer

Friday, August 27, 2010

In Cambodia, 90 percent of prostitutes are sold into the sex industry by their parents. Many of the girls say they feel obligated to stay because their families depend on them for support.

British missionary Ruth Elliott is determined to provide a way out for the victims of sex trafficking. For six years, Elliott has been working to set the girl's free through her "Daughters of Cambodia" ministry.

"They live in the pit of hell. It's the truth," she said, explaining the victims' situation. "And they experience horrendous trauma when they come out."

Elliott said she feels God called her for this difficult work when she was only 14 years old.

"The Lord began to speak to me," she recalled. "He wanted me to go into the places that were worst and to facilitate healing the broken-hearted and setting the captives free."

Training for Life

Elliott arrived in Cambodia in 2004 and focused her efforts on rescuing sex workers.

"This involves going directly into the brothels and inviting sex workers who are in the sex industry in Cambodia to change their lives, if they are interested in doing that," she explained.

Elliott started Daughters of Cambodia, a day-center near the brothels, to help the girls transition out of the sex trade. The first thing they learn is a new way to earn an income.

"We had to start small businesses, which are fair trade businesses, in order for the girls to exit the sex industry," she said. "For without another job, it is just impossible for them to leave the sex industry."

At the Daughters of Cambodia center, the girls not only learn new work skills, they also learn valuable lessons for establishing a healthy family and a home.

"Things like domestic violence prevention, conflict resolution skills, budgeting skills, this kind of thing," Elliott explained. "[Also] drug prevention."

The Daughters of Cambodia market their clothing, fashion accessories, and home furnishings locally and overseas. Up to 60 girls at a time participate in the program, earning money for rent, food and other needs.

Doing Good Among Evil

But it takes time and a lot of help to overcome the trauma of working in the sex trade.

That's why Elliott, who's also a psychologist, trains counselors to work with the girls. Along with others in the red light district, she even introduces them to Jesus.

"We do build relationship with the brothel owners and they are welcome in our church program," she said. "We want brothel owners to come. We want pimps to come. We want everyone in the sex industry to come to our church because we believe in the power of Jesus to change everyone's life."

And that message is having its effect, especially among the girls.

"They respond very quickly to the gospel because they have never in their lives experienced love -- unconditional love and acceptance," Elliott said. "And many of them become Christians as a result of this."

Still, working in this environment is never easy. What Elliott does can be dangerous.

"But I have to say we have never, ever, not even one day, had any problems, any brothel owners turn up at our door demanding a girl back or threatening us in any way," she proclaimed. "We have never had a single threat against us. And I can't explain that to you except I believe the grace of God is on us."

Elliot's goal is to graduate her girls to successfully live on their own. She hopes to someday replicate the Daughters of Cambodia center in other countries with similar needs.

Diversity spotlight: Thida Kol’s had a real impact on the Cambodian community

http://www.projo.com/

via Khmer NZ

Sunday, August 29, 2010


By Steph McKenna
Journal staff writer

Kol’s become the go-to person in all situations. The Providence Journal / Sandor Bodo

Twenty-two years ago when Thida Kol, 56, began working as a secretary at the Socio Economic Development Center for Southeast Asians in Providence, she had no idea that she would have an enormous impact on the Cambodian community.

But she became the go-to person, the community’s rock who can be counted on in a moment’s notice, in all situations.

“She has a huge heart,” says Anthony Layton, associate director of SEDC. “She is an inspiration to all of us.”

As a Cambodian caseworker, Thida helps elderly clients find housing. In cases where an elderly person is alone, she tries to find another person in similar circumstances so they can share an apartment.

“I find them a place and then find household goods they need,” she says.

“I try to do the best I can to help people in the community who need services.”

Immigrants and refugees need to apply for green cards and talk to immigration lawyers. Thida accompanies them, serves as translator and helps fill out forms.

She takes clients to medical appointments and is the link between doctor and patient.

“SEDC is the only place they trust,” she says, “especially clients who are here alone.”

Thirty years ago, Thida, her husband and three small stepchildren fled Cambodia and the terror of the Khmer Rouge regime.

“They killed my father. My mom died of starvation.”

The family lived for several months in Khao I Dang, a refugee camp along the Cambodian-Thai border, before leaving for Rhode Island where they settled with help from the International Institute of Rhode Island.

Thida enrolled in a program at the Community College of Rhode Island and eventually worked as a licensed practical nurse at St. Joseph Hospital. But when she heard from a friend that SEDC was looking for a Cambodian worker, she applied for the job.

One of the few Cambodian community members who had been educated in Khmer, Thida is often asked to do written translations. “I’m the oldest in this office and they ask me first,” she says. “I went to school and know the Khmer language. Some others who are younger did not have the chance to learn because the Khmer Rouge closed the schools.”

“People who came 20 years ago and still don’t speak English rely on SEDC.” She says some don’t even trust their own children to translate official letters, fearing that they will make a mistake that could result in problems.”

There are Meals on Wheels lunches three times a week at SEDC. Thida says that before the meal clients stop by her office with letters to translate, or to ask her to make phone calls.

“Most of my clients know my cell phone number. They can call me anytime.”

And they do call. It could be an emergency situation or just a lonely person who needs to talk.

“If I’m helping people, I feel good. They treat me like I’m their family. They are like my family.”

smckenna@projo.com

MIT Students Design for a Sustainable Future in Cambodia

via Khmer NZ

27.08.2010

A new design-build course at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers students in Architecture, Building Technology, and Environmental Engineering the opportunity to work collaboratively to undertake sustainable development projects. The course, called "Design for a Sustainable Future" was offered for the first time last year, co-taught by building physicist Marilyn Anderson, structural engineer John Ochsendorf, and architect Meejin Yoon. Students from different departments worked together to prototype, refine, and ultimately design a new green K-12 school to be built in Cambodia's Siem Reap province, home to the Angkor Wat temple complex. Construction is slated to begin next month.

The project was funded in part by the Jay Pritzker Foundation, whose beneficiaries, Daniel and Karen Pritzker, are committed to increasing educational opportunities for children in rural Cambodia, where much of the educated class was decimated by the Khmer Rouge. Their hope is, ultimately, to graduate students who could one day attend college overseas.

During the project, the 15 MIT students and 3 professors communicated with students of the Jay Pritzker Academy and collaborated with a Cambodian architecture firm to ensure that they were accommodating the needs of those who would eventually use the facility. The students also took advantage of computational modeling software such as Lightsolve (a daylighting simulation program developed at MIT) to improve the energy and environmental performance of the structures they designed. They had to account for the hot climate and extreme humidity, inventing design solutions to accommodate thermal performance while keeping in mind the limited resources available for construction and keeping the project's embodied energy low.

Donal Lessard, co-chair of MIT's energy task force, highlighted the importance of this type of project-based interdisciplinary learning, especially when it comes to tackling complex problems. He is quoted in MITnews as saying that this type of class is "has a positive influence on [the students'] motivation and how they learn in the future. They get to know real-world stakeholders and challenges, giving their learning experience new relevance." For another example of project-based sustainable development work at MIT, check out this post on Konbit, an online database for rebuilding efforts in Haiti.

Mu Sochua Says Her Case Shows Judicial Reform Need

Opposition Lawmaker To Mark Tibet's Democracy Day

Sok Khemara, VOA Khmer | Washington, DC
Friday, 27 August 2010

via Khmer NZ

Photo: AP
Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, center, leads a prayer session for the people who have suffered in the recent natural disasters in India, China, Pakistan and Russia, in Dharmsala, India.

"The Dalai Lama's non-violent protests are an example to world leaders."

Opposition lawmaker Son Chhay is expected to join a major celebration for Tibet's government in exile, officials said.

Tibet's exiled government, led by the Dalai Lama to seek genuine autonomy within the Chinese state framework in the mountainous province, will hold the 50th anniversary of Democracy Day Sept. 2 in India, marking the formation of the first elected Tibetan Parliament in India.

Son Chhay told VOA Khmer he would give an address to the celebrants, “to applaud Tibetans, who have struggled strongly under the leadership of the Dalai Lama.”

The Dalai Lama's non-violent protests are an example to world leaders, he said.

Son Chhay will join representatives from 14 countries, including members of parliament from the EU, Africa and others.

At least 130,000 Tibetans live in exile in India, while 3 million more live under Chinese rule, where rights groups say they face rights abuses and persecution.

Tibet's government in exile now have an elected parliament, legislature and executive body, Urgen Tenzin, director of the Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy, told VOA Khmer Thursday.

“It's very important for Tibetans living in exile to practice the democratic system,” he said.

Ties Renewed, But Doubt Remains Over Border Issue

Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer | Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Friday, 27 August 2010

via Khmer NZ

Photo: AP
Pedestrians and a tricycle motorist pass the Cambodian Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand.

“I am not optimistic while [the report] has not been approved in nearly three years.”

With renewed diplomatic ties between Cambodia and Thailand, officials from opposite sides offered different views on whether the ongoing border issue can be resolved.

Cambodian officials say mutual renewal of ambassadors this week are not necessarily a positive step toward solving the issue bilaterally.

A Thai spokesman, however, said renewed ties would mean better communication over the border and could lead toward steps within the Thai government for more Joint Border Committee talks.

“I think with our ambassadors in place, it would facilitate more efficient and closer coordination and communication between both countries,” the spokesman, Thani Thongphakdi, told VOA Khmer Thursday.

Both sides replaced their ambassadors this week following withdrawals in late 2009, when Cambodia made Thailand's fugitive ex-premier, Thaksin Shinawatra, an economic adviser.

Cambodian officials are less optimistic that the ongoing border row, over a disputed piece of land west of Preah Vihear temple, will now be settled.

Thai parliament has yet to approve border measures already discussed between the Joint Border Committee, said Var Kimhong, a senior government adviser and head of Cambodia's border committee.

“I am not optimistic while [the report] has not been approved in nearly three years,” he said.

Officials said border demarcation can only begin after Thai parliament approves three agreements reached between the border committees since 2008.

“Even now that diplomatic relations are normalized, non negation can get started until Thai parliament approves these agreements,” Koy Kuong, a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said.

Thai spokesman Thani said he hoped the parliamentary endorsement would come in the near future. In the meantime, he said, discussions are now underway between the two sides for a meeting between prime ministers Hun Sen and Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Party Leader Urges US-Cambodian Political Participation

Men Kimseng, VOA Khmer | Washington, DC
Friday, 27 August 2010

via Khmer NZ

Photo: by Im Sothearith

Human Rights Party President Kem Sokha

“If we keep this greedy and violent leader in power, we believe that the resources will be depleted like in the past.”

Politically wary Cambodians in the United States need to re-energize and give opposition parties another chance to come to power, a leading opposition figure told a group in the US on Wednesday.

“I am here today to inform you that if you feel tired and lose hope, I, who am inside the country, have no chance and no ability to fight to save our country,” Human Rights Party President Kem Sokha told a gathering of US-Cambodians in Virginia. “We need all of you to continue to support us. This is the last breath of our nation, because until now all major issues that we are seeing have not been solved.”

Only about 20 people showed up to listen to Kem Sokha’s appeal, which comes amid declining interest in Cambodians in the US over politics in Cambodia.

Kem Sokha, who is in the US to drum up support for his party, told the group that major issues like territorial sovereignty, land-grabbing, corruption and the depletion of natural resources all needed attention.

“If we keep this greedy and violent leader in power, we believe that the resources will be depleted like in the past,” he said.

The Human Rights Party won three seats in the National Assembly in the 2008 national election. Kem Sokha said Wednesday the best way now for the opposition to overcome the ruling Cambodian People's Party was to unite “democrats” under a moderate banner.

“I think that the position taken by Kem Sokha and the democrats is right and should receive support from all the people, because this is a regrouping of democracy lovers,” Prom Sunnora, who attended the meeting, said afterward.

The Human Rights party is scheduled to hold its third anniversary and the congress of its North America branch this weekend, as it looks for a winning strategy in future elections.

Tribunal Defense Teams Wary of Joint Criminal Enterprise

Sok Khemara, VOA Khmer | Washington, DC
Friday, 27 August 2010

via Khmer NZ

Photo: AP
Ieng Thirith, the wife of foreign minister Ieng Sary, left, are likely to be tried under JCE, along with two other senior Khmer Rouge leaders.

“The use of JCE at trial will be disorderly, because while there is a trial, [defendants] will be blaming each other.”

A defense lawyer for one of the senior Khmer Rouge leaders preparing for trial says he does not want a trial under the principle of Joint Criminal Enterprise, which would seek to link four leaders now in detention in atrocity crimes under the regime.

“My client was only the minister of social affairs,” said Phat Povseang, who represents Ieng Thirith, the wife of foreign minister Ieng Sary, at the tribunal. Ieng Thirith did not have power or authority under the structure of the regime, he said.

Tribunal officials are now preparing for upcoming Case 002, which will try Nuon Chea, Khieu Samphan, Ieng Sary and Ieng Thirith for atrocity crimes, including genocide.

In their final submission for Case 002, tribunal prosecutors said the four should be tried under JCE, a complex legal theory that trial judges will have to consider.

Phat Povseang said JCE would put Ieng Thirith in the same category of other leaders, even if she had not shared the same responsibilities.

“Simply speaking, just as when we eat noodles at a restaurant, my client just ate a bowl of noodles,” he said. “The others ate bowls of noodles, ate dumplings, and drank coffee. How can they pay the same?”

Defense teams for the other leaders have not issued official comments on the prosecution's JCE submission. Defense lawyers say they are now reviewing the final submission, but earlier this year defense teams failed to block a decision to consider JCE for Case 002.

JCE considers members of an organized groups and makes them individually responsible for crimes committed or planned by the group.

Son Arun, a defense lawyer for Nuon Chea, told VOA Khmer he disagreed with the use of JCE because of its complicated legal nature.

JCE will also likely mean testimony from Khmer Rogue subordinates, he said, which could put the Cambodian prosecution's objections to further indictments in question.

“The use of JCE at trial will be disorderly, because while there is a trial, [defendants] will be blaming each other,” he said. “If if that happens, who knows, maybe there will need to be renewed investigations. Because JCE needs testimony from the top to the bottom.”

Tribunal Must Consider Reparations: Victim

Sok Khemara, VOA Khmer | Washington, DC
Friday, 27 August 2010

via Khmer NZ

Photo: by Roland Neveu
Seng Theary, head of the Center for Justice and Reconciliation.

"If we wait until the trials are finished, they'll forget it."

Reparation for victims of the Khmer Rouge should be a chief concern for the UN-backed tribunal in its eventual plans to bring hearings for senior leaders to a close, a civil party participant said Thursday.

Seng Theary, who has filed as a complainant in upcoming Case 002, said reparations should include a center in each of the nation's 24 provinces and municipalities to help bring reconciliation to the country.

“If we wait until the trials are finished, they'll forget it,” she said, as a guest on “Hello VOA.”

“We're requesting the equipment of the [tribunal], as we know the Khmer Rouge court has a lot of materials, such as computers and vehicles,” she said. “This is a basic demand, and we will demand more than this. But to make it effective, the victims should make the requests.”

Tribunal judges are now preparing for Case 002, to try Nuon Chea, Khieu Samphan, Ieng Sary and Ieng Thirith for atrocity crimes committed while the Khmer Rouge was in power. But experts have also said administration officials should consider how they will wrap up the court when trials are finished.

Besides bringing senior leaders to trial, the tribunal was also meant to bring a measure of reconciliation to the country.

But the court did not do enough for victims following its first trial, for Tuol Sleng prison chief Duch, Seng Theary said.

Victims will need more, like a memorial stupa, education centers and preservation of prisons like Tuol Sleng, she said.

15th Mekong River Commission-Dialogue Paterners meeting held in Phnom Penh

via Khmer NZ

August 27, 2010

The 15th Dialogue Meeting between Mekong River Commission (MRC) and its dialogue partners was held here on Friday aimed to further strengthen their cooperation in the management of upper and lower Mekong River Basins.

Representatives from MRC's four member countries, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Cambodia, and MRC's dialogue partners China and Myanmar, as well as CEO of MRC Secretariat attended the one-day meeting.

The meeting reviewed and discussed the achievements since the 14th dialogue meeting; expansion of cooperation in data and information sharing; further cooperation in assessing the opportunities and impacts of proposed upstream and downstream hydropower schemes; increased initiatives for joint environmental management; and enhanced navigation between the MRC member states and the two upstream countries.

Chinese delegation head Diao Mingsheng delivered a speech at the meeting. Diao said that MRC is an important mechanism for the cooperation of Mekong subregion. It has played important role in the areas in coordinating member countries for the comprehensive development and utilization of Mekong River water resources, promoting exchange and cooperations between the member countries and dialogue partners.

Diao said that "the Chinese government always attaches much importance to the dialogue meeting with MRC and will continuously offer our strong support to contribute to the sustainable development of the Lancang-Mekong subregion."

U Nyunt Hlaing, Ambassador of Myanmar to Laos who led Myanmar delegation to the meeting, said that "as Mekong River Commission's dialogue partner, we are committed to enhance cooperation and contact with the MRC and the upper basin dialogue partner." " Myanmar is willing to extend cooperation in the areas of mutual interest of which drought management program, navigation program and initiative on climate change impact."

China and Myanmar have a long-standing agreement on cooperation with the MRC and have been dialogue partners with the organisation since 1996 with China providing upstream hydro-meteorological data during the wet season since 2002 that the MRC says plays an important role in its flood forecasting.

The Dialogue Meeting is an annual event where the MRC engages with its Dialogue Partners on its cooperation framework and discussions on how the four member states of the MRC -- Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam -- can increase their cooperation with the upstream neighbors.

Source:Xinhua

Network of universities set up between Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia

via Khmer NZ

08/27/2010

Directors from 42 major universities in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia gathered in HCM City on August 27 to promote cooperation in tertiary education and scientific research.

They agreed to establish a network of universities in the three countries and devise a mechanism of cooperation for the network.

Representatives from 11 universities have signed memorandums of understanding on exchanges of students, lecturers, information and scientific research.

Chairman of the Social and Cultural Committee of the Lao National Assembly, Douangdy Outhachak, said that the network will help Laos develop its economy, trade and services.

He expressed his hope that Vietnamese universities will admit many Lao students and help Lao universities implement human resources training programmes.

The director of HCM City National University, Associate Professor Phan Thanh Binh said the network will lay the groundwork for cooperation among all of the region’s universities.

Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet upon his arrival at Phnom Penh international airport

Cambodian school girls hold portraits of Vietnam's President Nguyen Minh Triet and Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni (R) as they await the arrival of Nguyen and his wife Tran Thi Kim Chi to meet the King Norodom Sihamoni in front of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh August 27, 2010. Nguyen arrived in Cambodia for a three-day visit. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

A Cambodian school girl hold portraits of Vietnam's President Nguyen Minh Triet (L) and Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni as she awaits the arrival of Nguyen and his wife Tran Thi Kim Chi to meet King Norodom Sihamoni in front of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh August 27, 2010. Nguyen arrived in Cambodia for a three-day visit. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

Vietnam's President Nguyen Minh Triet greets Cambodian onlookers after visiting the Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument in Phnom Penh August 27, 2010. Nguyen arrived in Cambodia for a three-day visit. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet (R) is greeted upon his arrival at Phnom Penh international airport August 26, 2010. Triet arrived in Cambodia for a three-day visit on an invitation by Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet (L) waves as he and his wife Tran Thi Kim Chi (R) arrive at Phnom Penh international airport August 26, 2010. Triet arrived in Cambodia for a three-day visit on an invitation from Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet (R) waves upon his arrival at Phnom Penh international airport August 26, 2010. Triet arrived in Cambodia for a three-day visit on an invitation by Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

New in Pics: Victim of sexual abuse

A security guard looks in during an appeal hearing in Phnom Penh August 26, 2010. Russian businessman Alexander Trofimov, who is accused of sexually abusing 17 children in Cambodia's largest-known paedophile case had his sentence reduced to eight years from 17 on August 26, 2010, in an appeal that riled human rights advocates. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

Sexual abuse victims stand for questions from the judge during an appeal hearing in Phnom Penh August 18, 2010. Russian businessman Alexander Trofimov, who is accused of sexually abusing 17 children in Cambodia's largest-known paedophile case had his sentence reduced to eight years from 17 on August 26, 2010, in an appeal that riled human rights advocates. Picture taken August 18. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

A drawing done by a sexual abuse victim is seen next to a stuffed toy, at the appeal court in Phnom Penh August 18, 2010. Russian businessman Alexander Trofimov, who is accused of sexually abusing 17 children in Cambodia's largest-known paedophile case had his sentence reduced to eight years from 17 on August 26, 2010, in an appeal that riled human rights advocates. Picture taken August 18. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

A victim of sexual abuse (in white and orange top) walks in to attend an appeal hearing at a court in Phnom Penh August 18, 2010. Russian businessman Alexander Trofimov, who is accused of sexually abusing 17 children in Cambodia's largest-known paedophile case had his sentence reduced to eight years from 17 on August 26, 2010, in an appeal that riled human rights advocates. Picture taken August 18. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

A security guard sits outside a courtroom as victims of sexual abuse stand inside for questioning from judges during an appeals hearing in Phnom Penh August 18, 2010. Russian businessman Alexander Trofimov, who is accused of sexually abusing 17 children in Cambodia's largest-known paedophile case had his sentence reduced to eight years from 17 on August 26, 2010, in an appeal that riled human rights advocates. Picture taken August 18. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

Victims of sexual abuse who used to work picking up rubbish at the beach, 19 (L), and 20 (back R), watch television at home in Preah Sihanouk province, 230km (143 miles) west of Phnom Penh, August 15, 2010. The two girls were 15 and 16 respectively when they were sexually abused by Russian businessman Alexander Trofimov in Cambodia. Trofimov had his sentence reduced to eight years from 17 on August 26, 2010, in an appeal that riled human rights advocates. Picture taken August 15. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

A victim of sexual abuse who used to work picking up rubbish at the beach, 15, rests in a hammock at her rented house in Preah Sihanouk province, 230km (143 miles) west of Phnom Penh, August 15, 2010. When she was 11, this girl was one of the 17 victims who had been sexually abused by Russian businessman Alexander Trofimov in Cambodia. Trofimov had his sentence reduced to eight years from 17 on August 26, 2010, in an appeal that riled human rights advocates. Picture taken August 15. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

A victim of sexual abuse victim who used to work picking up rubbish at the beach, 19, is tended to by her mother in her home by the seaside in Preah Sihanouk province, 230km (143 miles) west of Phnom Penh, August 15, 2010. When she was 15, this girl was one of the 17 victims sexually abused by Russian businessman Alexander Trofimov in Cambodia. Trofimov had his sentence reduced to eight years from 17 on August 26, 2010, in an appeal that riled human rights advocates. Picture taken August 15. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

A victim of sexual abuse victim who used to work picking up rubbish at the beach, 20, tends to her brother and sister in their home near the seaside in Preah Sihanouk province, 230km (143 miles) west of Phnom Penh, August 15, 2010. When she was 16, this girl was one of the 17 victims sexually abused by Russian businessman Alexander Trofimov in Cambodia. Trofimov had his sentence reduced to eight years from 17 on August 26, 2010, in an appeal that riled human rights advocates. Picture taken August 15. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

Radio Free Asia: ពលរដ្ឋ​​បឹង​កក់​តវ៉ា​រឿង​ទឹក​លិច ; Boeung Kak representatives ask Phnom Penh City Hall to resolve flooding problem

Asiana Gives Light of Hope to Cambodia

via Khmer NZ

27/08/2010

The FINANCIAL -- Asiana Airlines (President & CEO: Young-doo Yoon) along with KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency) installed solar powered streetlights at, World Cultural Heritage appointed by UNESCO, Angkor Wat.

The streetlights have been installed to protect the visual aspects of the site and provide safety towards tourists visiting.

The official ceremony was held on the 19th of August at 9a.m. (local time) at the Cambodia-Korea Friendship Road that KOICA built last May. Asiana Airlines President & CEO (Young-doo Yoon), KOICA's President (Dae-Won, Park), KOICA's PR Ambassador (Jung-Uk, Hong), Siem Reap Governor (Sou Phirin), and Angkor Wat Preservation Management Agency's Director (Bun Narith) were present at the donation ceremony.

The solar powered streetlight project is the outcome of the agreement made between Asiana and KOICA early February of this year in which both parties agreed to provide free of charge aid activities around the world and promote and improve the nation's image and brand value. This kind of International Social Contribution is meaningful and shows that a government and a corporate can both assist each other in contributing to society.

"Asiana has installed 16 solar powered streetlights around Angkor Wat and is planning to install around 5 to 10 additional streetlights a year till 2015. Asiana is aiding to preserve the World Cultural Heritage on Asiana's destination and to protect tourists visiting these sites," Asiana Airlines informed.

In comparison to the original streetlamps that use incandescent lamps (150w), the contributed solar powered streetlights lower the CO2 emission to 240kg equivalent to planting 86 pine trees. Asiana is a leading company in green management and is trying it's best in protecting the environment.

Especially the newly manufactured solar powered streetlights have Asiana's CI imprinted on the stem of the streetlight. This kind of Green CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) is a model to the industry and clearly has a PR and social contribution effect.

Asiana Airlines operates daily flights between Incheon and Siem Reap by using an A321 177 seat aircraft.

Special attention paid to Vietnamese residents in Cambodia

via Khmer NZ

08/27/2010

The Vietnamese community in Cambodia has a patriotic spirit and has positively contributed to the country’s two wars of resistance to gain national independence, said President Nguyen Minh Triet during his visit to the Vietnamese Embassy in Cambodia on August 26.

Meeting Vietnamese residents there, President Triet emphasised that the traditional friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia has grown stronger over recent years in different fields, political, economic, trade and investment.

Mr Triet’s State-level visit to Cambodia is to strengthen the time-honoured and neighbourly friendship between the two countries.

President Triet praised the Vietnamese Embassy’s efforts to help promote the development of the traditional friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia.

The Vietnamese Party and Government have always paid special attention to the Vietnamese residents in Cambodia, stressed Mr Triet.

Referring to the difficulties that Vietnamese nationals are facing in Cambodia, he asked the embassy staff to help them solve such questions as to their nationality and education.

Mr Triet said he hoped that Vietnamese community will join efforts to help each other and to contribute more to stabilise their lives and make more contributions to Cambodia’s socio-economic development, while adhering the country’s laws and preserving Vietnam’s cultural values.

President Triet begins Cambodia visit

via Khmer NZ

August 27, 2010

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Royal Palace Chaufea Veang Kong Som Ol welcomes President Nguyen Minh Triet at the Phnom Penh international airport.

President Nguyen Minh Triet arrived in Phnom Penh on August 26 afternoon, beginning a State visit to Cambodia at the invitation of King Norodom Sihamoni.

He was welcomed at the Phnom Penh international airport by Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Royal Palace Chaufea Veang Kong Som Ol and other Cambodian and Vietnamese officials.

On the same day, President Triet visited the Vietnamese Embassy in Phnom Penh and talked with the Embassy’s staff, representatives from Vietnamese agencies and overseas Vietnamese.

He appreciated achievements made by the Vietnamese embassy and agencies, which he said, contributed to strengthening and developing the traditional friendship and comprehensive co-operation between Vietnam and Cambodia.

He urged the embassy and agencies to continue promoting economic and cultural diplomacy, national defence and security and comprehensive development of all aspects of the relationship between Vietnam and Cambodia.

The President also hailed efforts the Vietnamese community in Cambodia have made to stabilise their lives, thus contributing to building and developing Cambodia as well as to fostering the friendship and neighbourhood between the two countries.

He urged the Vietnamese community to unite, engage in mutual assistance and integrate into local society as well as maintain Vietnamese traditional cultural values and look toward the homeland.

* The same day, in Champasak province of Laos, President Triet visited Khamtay Siphandon, Lao former State and Party President, who described the Laos visit by the Vietnamese President as an encouragement to the Lao people when they are preparing for Party congresses at all level and especially the ninth National Party Congress.

Khamtay Siphandon expressed his belief that the Laos-Vietnam special ties would be enhanced through visits of leaders, ministries, sectors and localities of the two countries.

President Triet expressed his pleasure at the development of Laos, especially an economic growth of 8% despite the impacts of the global financial crisis and economic downturn.

He stated that Laos’ achievements included Khamtay Siphandon’s great contributions and Vietnam wished to further boost co-operation with Laos on the way of development towards socialism.

President Triet also visited the Vietnamese general consulate in Pakse, Champasak, and representatives of overseas Vietnamese in southern Laos.

President Triet stressed that Champasak is an economic hub of Laos with close relations with many localities of Vietnam. Travel between Vietnam and Champasak is favourable thanks to land routes through Cambodia and the soon to be launched direct air route from Ho Chi Minh City to Pakse. In addition, Vietnam’s investment in Laos increased sharply in recent years.

President Triet asked the consulate to support Vietnamese enterprises operating in Laos. To overseas Vietnamese in Laos, President Triet praised them for solidarity among the community and winning trust from local people and authority. (VNA)

Cambodian King receives President Triet in Phnom Penh

via Khmer NZ

08/27/2010

King Norodom Sihamoni has described President Nguyen Minh Triet’s current visit to Cambodia as an historical event, which he said will help bring fresh impetus to the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

At a reception in Phnom Penh on August 27, King Sihamoni thanked the Vietnamese leaders and people for providing heartfelt support and valuable assistance to Cambodia in the past as well as in its national development at present.

He also thanked them for warmly receiving Father King Norodom Sihanouk and his wife Norodom Moninieth Sihanouk during their visit to Vietnam in June 2010.

The King expressed his admiration for Vietnam’s tremendous achievements in its Renewal process and its rising profile in the region and the world.

Vietnamese people are reliable friends of Cambodian people, said King Sihamoni.

He affirmed that Cambodia will continue to build up the long-lasting and neighbourly friendship and comprehensive cooperation with Vietnam.

President Triet praised Cambodia’s position in the world and expressed his belief that under the reign of King Sihamoni and the leadership from the Royal Government, Cambodia will obtain greater achievements in national construction for the sake of peace, development and prosperity.

He valued Cambodia’s support to Vietnam in the past struggle for national liberation and the current process of Renewal. He thanked the King, the government and people of Cambodia for creating conditions for the Vietnamese community to live and study in the country, contributing to its development and to cementing the friendship between the two nations.

Vietnam attaches great importance to and will do its utmost to strengthen the traditional friendship and all-round cooperation with Cambodia, said Mr Triet.

Both host and guest agreed that Vietnam and Cambodia should maintain high-level visit exchanges to facilitate the expansion of their multifaceted cooperation. They also acknowledged their governments’ effort in implementing signed agreements effectively.

AKP - Agent Kampuchea Press

via Khmer NZ

PM Seeks ADB’s Assistance to the Development of Irrigation System

Phnom Penh, August 27, 2010 AKP -- Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen has asked the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to help develop Cambodia’s irrigation system.

In a meeting here on Thursday with ADB Vice President Lawrence Greenwood, the Cambodian premier requested ADB to focus on the development of the irrigation system in Cambodia, a key factor to increase the production yield, said Ieng Sophalet, assistant to Samdech Techo Hun Sen.

For his part, the ADB vice president recalled that ADB has assisted Cambodia in the fields of agriculture, rural development as well as in the development of the areas around the Tonle Sap Great Lake.

He further expressed ADB’s support to the country’s anticorruption law and confirmed ADB’s contribution to helping Cambodia become an important rice exporter in the near future.

During the launching ceremony of the Policy Paper on the Promotion of Paddy Production and Rice Export held here on Aug. 17, the Cambodian prime minister is determined to transform Cambodia into a stockpile country for rice and a major rice exporter to the world’s markets and to make Cambodian rice internationally recognized. --AKP

(By SOKMOM Nimul)

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MRC Secretariat’s Office in Phnom Penh Inaugurated

Phnom Penh, August 27, 2010 AKP -- The new office of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat in Phnom Penh was put into use on Aug. 26.

The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology H.E. Lim Kean Hor, Minister of Environment H.E. Mok Mareth and MRC Secretariat CEO Mr. Jeremy Bird.

Representatives of the embassies of the MRC member countries – Laos, Thailand and Vietnam – and those from the relevant institutions were also present at the event.

Addressing the ceremony, Mr. Jeremy Bird thanked the Royal Government of Cambodia for its coordination and support to the MRC’s process.

According to the MRC Secretariat CEO, due to the difficulties in moving back and forth the MRC Secretariat every five years between Phnom Penh and Vientiane (Laos), MRC has decided to open another office in Cambodia’s capital city.

H.E. Lim Kean Hor, also a member of MRC Council, said from now on, MRC could pay full attention to the development opportunities and the resolution of the challenges the Mekong River has been facing. --AKP

(By CHEA Vannak)

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ACMECS Senior Officials’ Meeting Held in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh, August 27, 2010 AKP -- Senior officials from the Ayeyawady - Chao Phraya – Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS)’s member countries gathered here last Monday to review progress in the implementation of ACMECS’s Plan of Action and projects.

The meeting, organized by the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and chaired by H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, permanent vice-chairman of the Supreme National Economic Council and Secretary of State of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, is also aimed to prepare the 4th ACMECS Summit, which will be held on Nov. 16-17, 2010 in Cambodia.

Ayeyawady - Chao Phraya - Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy, called ACMECS, is the cooperation framework among Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam to seize the opportunities from the strength of each member country’s economy, which is different but complementary to each other, in order to bridge regional development gap and contribute to building ASEAN community, said the meeting’s press release.

The ACMECS cooperation consists of 8 sectors: (1) investment and trade facilitation; (2) agricultural sector; (3) industrial and energy sector; (4) transport linkages; (5) tourism; (6) human resource development; (7) public health; and (8) environment sector which was initiated by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia in the 3rd ACMECS Summit in Hanoi, Vietnam, it indicated.

In order to promote the implementation of the Plan of Action and projects in each sector, the sectoral working group has been created and led by each member country. Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar have led the working groups on tourism, transport linkages, and agriculture respectively, while Thailand has led the working groups on investment and trade facilitation and health. Vietnam also leads two working groups on human resource development and industry and energy. The working group on environment will be co-chaired by Cambodia and Vietnam.

The meeting reviewed and updated the draft Plan of Action 2010-2012 by incorporating the Plan of Action for the environment sector. The draft Plan of Action 2010-2012 will be submitted to the upcoming ACMECS Summit for adoption. The meeting also reviewed and evaluated the implementation of projects in seven sectors under the ACMECS’s cooperation framework; summarized the progresses of all ACMECS’s projects including bilateral and multilateral projects implemented by the five member countries; and updated those projects in accordance to the draft Plan of Action 2010-2012. In addition, to promote the initiative of Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, on the possibility to establish the Association of Rice Producing Countries, which was agreed at the ACMECS Midterm Review Retreat in Cebu in 2007, the meeting discussed the concepts to promote rice cooperation. The meeting also agreed to accelerate contract farming cooperation among member countries.

At the end, all delegates expressed their appreciations to the Royal Government of Cambodia for an excellent and successful arrangement of the meeting in order to prepare the 4th ACMECS Summit in November in Cambodia, said the press release. --AKP

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U.S. Company Invests in Cambodia’s Agriculture

Phnom Penh, August 27, 2010 AKP -- The U.S.-based VSJMAXX Company has signed an agreement with the local company Brother Investment Group Co., Ltd. (B.I.G.) to jointly invest some US$2,000 million in Cambodia’s agricultural sector.

The agreement was signed here on Aug. 26 by B.I.G. Chairman Mr. David Chanaiwa and Mrs. Culiffee Judy, a VSJMAXX shareholder.

According to its initial project, both companies will establish a fish rearing station and pet and fish feeding product factory at the total cost of some US$5 million in Kandal province’s Saang district.

Moreover, the two companies also planned to set up a solar-power rice-mill plant in Oddar Meanchey province at the cost of some US$3.2 million. --AKP

(By LIM Nary)

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Kampot, Kien Giang Jointly Prevent Criminal Offence of Fisheries

Phnom Penh, August 27, 2010 AKP -- Kampot province of Cambodia and Kien Giang province of Vietnam have decided to set up a cooperative mechanism for jointly preventing the criminal offence of fisheries and exchanging information about the crime at the border.

The decision was made when provincial officials of fisheries of Cambodia and Vietnamese officials from Kien Giang province of Vietnam gathered to hold a meeting in Kampot province on Aug. 23.

The meeting was held to review the results of the work being carried out from a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on strengthening environmental protection, biodiversity conservation and welfare in the transboundary water area of Cambodia and Vietnam signed in March 2008 and to establish a formula to be implemented on according to the MoA.

Under the MoA the two parties agree to implement the policy and framework for cooperation in management of coastal ecosystems and natural resources between the provinces of Kampot and Kien Giang in order to strengthen environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and welfare of each province. --AKP

(By THOU Peou)

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Cambodia Hosts Forum on Reading and Writing Open Up Your World

Phnom Penh, August 27, 2010 AKP -- A public forum on “Reading and Writing Open Up Your World” has been organized here yesterday at the National Library of Cambodia in the presence of H.E. Thay Noreak Sathia, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and Australian Ambassador to Cambodia Mrs. Margaret Anne Adamson.

UNESCO Country Representative Teruo Jinnai, senior officials of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, authors, teachers and students also joined the event.

Speaking on the occasion, H.E. Thay Noreak Sathia said the forum witnessed the cooperation between the National Library of Cambodia and the Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh in raising people’s awareness about the usefulness of reading and writing.

The National Library of Cambodia has some 120,000 books in Khmer, French, and English and many other printing, audio-visual and e-documents. --AKP

(By KHAN Sophirom)