AKP - The Agence Kampuchea Press

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Cambodian Government’s Commitment to Foster Local Good Governance

Phnom Penh, January 28, 2011 AKP – The Royal Government of Cambodia has made a commitment to foster the local good governance, the implementation of socio-economic policy and reform activities as a vital factor for the sustainability of the development and the poverty alleviation.

Addressing at the 2nd annual forum of the Local Good Governance Project (LGGP) held here yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Sar Kheng, minister of Interior and chairman of the national committee for sub-national level democratic development, said the comprehensive aim of the royal government for the democratic development at the local and provincial levels was to create the democratic culture with the participation of the citizens and the accountability for the citizens.

The citizen is not only to participate in holding every five years general election, but also contributing to safeguarding their locality, promoting the standard of living and conducting the local development via the improvement of public facilities and infrastructures leading to the socio-economic development and the poverty reduction.

In his remarks at the annual forum being conducted under the topic of “the encouragement of the citizen’s participation for the good governance”, the minister said the peace, the political stability, the security and social order are the main keys to create the favorable conditions to a process of socio-economic development and a progress of other fields.

He attached the importance to the security and social order, which he said was to secure the safety of the citizen and the whole society.

He also urged for the support of the local policy with safety, with the aim of making the Cambodian society safe across the country.

The participation of the citizens is a right, a duty, an obligation, a main social capital and determination for strengthening the good governance and improving the centralization and deconcentration reform in Cambodia towards the socio-economic development and the improvement of livelihoods of Cambodians with equity and sustainability, he stressed. –AKP

By THOU Peou

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First Vice President of French Senate Is Satisfied with KRT’s Progress
Phnom Penh, January 28, 2011 AKP – Visiting French Senate First Vice President Ms. Catherine Tasca expressed her satisfaction with the progress of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal (KRT), during a visit on Jan. 26 to KRT.

Ms. Tasca, accompanied by senators and officials of the French diplomacy, highly evaluated KRT’s mission to bring justice to the victims of Democratic Kampuchea or the Khmer Rouge regime.

Mr. Raung Chhorng, representative of Acting Director of the KRT Office of Administration H.E. Kranh Tony, informed the French delegation of the trial of Kaing Guek Eav, alias Duch, former head of Tuol Sleng prison or S-21, and the Case 002 concerning the other four senior Khmer Rouge leaders including Khieu Samphan, former head of state; Nuon Chea, former NA president; Ieng Sary, former deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, and his wife Ieng Thirith, former minister of social affairs and education.

Mr. Raung Chhorng further wished for more contribution from France to support KRT’s process. Since the tribunal’s establishment, France has contributed some US$6.5 million, of which over US$6 million to the international side and over 200,000 to the national side.

The French Senate delegation led by Ms. Tasca, also chairperson of French-Cambodia Friendship Senate Group, arrived here on Jan. 24 for a week-long visit to Cambodia. During her visit, she was received in a royal audience by His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni and held talks with Senate Second Vice President H.E. Tep Ngorn, and Acting National Assembly President H.E. Nguon Nhel.

According to the schedule, the French delegation will also meet with Siem Reap Governor H.E. Sou Phirin and visit the French School and bilingual classes in Siem Reap province. –AKP

By SOKMOM Nimul

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DPM Keat Chhon Receives New Australian Ambassador

Phnom Penh, January 28, 2011 AKP – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance H.E. Keat Chhon received here yesterday newly-appointed Australian Ambassador to Cambodia Ms. Penny Richards.

The Australian diplomat is delighted to fulfill her diplomatic mission in Cambodia and she is committed to continue to further promote Australia-Cambodia bilateral cooperation.

Ms. Penny Richards also expressed her satisfaction with the cooperation between the two countries, both in bilateral and multilateral frameworks.

In the bilateral framework, she added, Australia has provided between 1992 and 2010 about US$350 million in grant to Cambodia to support 41 projects.

This financial assistance mainly focused on strengthening the rule of law, increasing agricultural production and incomes, reducing poverty and enhancing the field of health, said the ambassador.

For his part, H.E. Keat Chhon thanked the Australian government and people for their support to Cambodia from the peace-seeking period to the country’s reconstruction and development.

The Cambodian deputy prime minister also congratulated Australia on its National Day held on Jan. 26. –AKP

Article in Khmer by HUN Yuth Kun

Article in English by Théng

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Cambodians Work Together to Promote Cambodia into the Kingdom of Culture

Phnom Penh, January 28, 2011 AKP – The Kingdom of culture has become the main topic during a three-day annual meeting of the Ministry Culture and Fine Arts.

“The Kingdom of culture with safety, sustainability, harmony and progress is the main topic of the discussion in the ministry’s meeting”, H.E. Him Chhem, minister of Culture and Fine Arts said during the closing ceremony of the meeting yesterday.

The meeting was attended by ministry’s officials from 24 municipality and provinces across the country.

H.E. Khim Sarith, secretary of state at the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts said culture has been playing a key role in the country’s economic development. –AKP

By KHAN Sophirom

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Environment Ministry Signs MoU with Japanese Institute of Environment Rehabilitation and Conservation

Phnom Penh, January 28, 2011 AKP – The General Department of Administration for Natural Protection and Conservation of Cambodia’s Environment Ministry and the Institute of Environment Rehabilitation and Conservation of Japan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding here on Wednesday.

The signing ceremony was held in the presence of Director General of the General Department of Administration for Natural Protection and Conservation Mr. Chay Samith and Dr. Machito Mihara, president of the Institute of Environment Rehabilitation and Conservation of Japan.

Addressing the singing ceremony, Mr. Chay Samith said under the just-signed MoU, Cambodia’s Environment Ministry will closely collaborate with the Japanese institute to help protect eco-system by sustainably using natural resource, maintain natural balance and prevent climate change as well. –AKP

By CHEA Vannak