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Friday, 18 February 2011

Truce between Thailand and Cambodia Called by UN Security Council

via CAAI

February 17, 2011 The United Nations (UN) Security Council called Thailand and Cambodia to ceasefire and begin talks that could end the border Hindu temple-related dispute.

The call was issued after the Security Council held a closed-doors meeting with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and representatives from Thailand and Cambodia.

The call was made by Brazilian Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, this month’s president of the UN Security Council. The council’s president said that both sides should refrain from taking further actions that could worsen the situation.

“The members of the Security Council called on the two sides to display maximum restraint and avoid any action that may aggravate the situation. The members of the Security Council further urged the parties to establish a permanent ceasefire and to implement it fully and resolve the situation peacefully and through effective dialogue,” said the ambassador.

The conflict between the two countries is related to the ancient Preah Vihear temple on the border, which is located on a Cambodian cliff, but has the most accessible entrance on Thailand’s land. The dispute began this month and has already brought the death of five people.

Border clashes have, according to the ASEAN, killed both civilians and members of the military. The association further added that each country accuses the other of firing first.

Army: Border post attacked overnight - (Thai is good in term of lie to the world)

via CAAI

Published: 16/02/2011

Cambodian soldiers attacked a Thai outpost at Phu Ma Khua in the disputed border area several times overnight, but were repulsed, army spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said on Wednesday.

Col Sansern said there were no Thai casualties.

The Cambodian attack began about 8pm, when they threw hand grenades into the Thai position.

About 9pm, Cambodian soldiers tried to break through the fence around the post, but were repulsed by Thai soldiers throwing hand grenades.

Cambodian soldiers probed the Thai position again about 10pm with more hand grenades, and the Thais retaliated in kind.

About 2am on Wednesday, Cambodian forces renewed the attack, this time directing machinegun fire, mortar rounds and rocket-propelled grenades at the Thai position. The Thai troops returned fire and pinned down the attackers, he said.

Cambodia attacked again, unsuccessfully, between 3.50am and 4am.

Sporadic exchanges of fire continued until 5.25am on Wednesday.

There were no casualties on the Thai side, which held on to the position, Col Sansern said.

The army spokesman said the attacks showed Cambodia were paying no attention to the United Nations Security Council's call for a permanent ceasefire.

The Cambodian troops' intention had clearly been to take the Thai position, he said.

Two Thais to request royal pardon from Cambodian king: Legal advisor

via CAAI

BANGKOK, Feb 17 -- Two Thai nationals jailed in Cambodia--Veera Somkwamkid, a key activist of a nationalist movement, and his secretary Ratree Pipattanapaiboon--have decided not to appeal their sentence to a Cambodian court, but will ask the Thai government to seek a royal pardon from the Cambodian king, according to their legal adviser.

Nattaporn Toprayoon, a legal adviser appointed by the Thai Patriots Network, told reporters that he has received a request from the families of Mr Veera, network coordinator, and Ms Ratree, to drop a plan to file an appeal and submit a request seeking an intervention from international organisations in the case.

He said their families were worried about their condition in the Cambodian prison and wanted them back to Thailand as soon as possible.

Mr Nattaporn said the legal process to help the two Thais did not go smoothly as it did not receive good cooperation from the Cambodian authorities.

The border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia at Si Sa Ket province between Feb 4-7 has worsened the situation, he said, adding that communication with Cambodian officials was very difficult.

The Cambodian court on Feb 1 ruled that the two were guilty of espionage, illegal entry and trespassing in a military zone. They were sentenced to an eight-year jail term and a 1.8 million riel (US$450) fine for Mr Veera and a six-year jail term and a 1.2 million riel (US$300) fine for Ms Ratree.

An appeal could be filed within 30 days.

The pair were among the seven Thais, including Democrat member of parliament for Bangkok Panich Vikitsreth, who were arrested Dec 29 by the Cambodian authorities for illegal entry in Banteay Meanchey province.

Five returned to Thailand after the Cambodian court on Jan 21 ruled them guilty of illegal entry and intentionally trespassing into Cambodian territory. They were sentenced to nine-month suspended jail terms and fines of one million riel (US$250) each.

People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) spokesman Panthep Puapongpan said the decision not to appeal showed that the government ignored their promise to help Mr Veera and Ms Ratree and let them fend for themselves in the Khmer prison.

‘Yellow Shirt’ activists from the PAD have encamped at Rajdamnoen Nok Avenue since Jan 25 with three demands--that Thailand withdraws from the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, revoke three memorandums of understanding signed by the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), and eject Cambodian soldiers and villagers in border areas the group claims belong to Thailand.

Meanwhile, China's Xinhua news agency quoted Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen as saying that there will be no royal pardon for Mr Veera.

".. don't come to persuade me to ask King Norodom Sihamoni for royal pardon. It's impossible at this time.. comply with the law properly," the premier said, adding that the two must serve "at least two-thirds of their jail terms before being considered for royal amnesty."

In a related development, Thai Broadcast Journalists Association chairman Wisuth Komwatcharapong has discussed with the PAD their proposal to mediate talks between the Yellow Shirts and the government on Thai-Cambodian border dispute.

Mr Panthep told reporters after meeting that PAD agreed to join the special televised programme to inform the public with journalists asking questions on condition that the Yellow Shirts and the government would have three hours airtime each and the programme would not be on the same day.

Mr Wisuth said he would carry the PAD proposal for consideration before informing the government. (MCOT online news)

(Good to see these two yellow shirt to serve full term in jail without the royal pardon... their time in jail is for the lost of innocent Cambodia/Thai lifes during the clashed on the 4-5-6)

Thai Deputy PM meets Cambodia leader

via CAAI

Published: Feb. 17, 2011

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia, Feb. 17 (UPI) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen met the visiting Thai deputy prime minister Thursday as a border dispute between their countries remained tense.

Thai Deputy Prime Minister Trairong Suwannakhiri talked with Hun Sen in Phnom Penh, the first such meeting since the Cambodia-Thai border clashes earlier this month which left at least eight people from both sides dead, the Thai News Agency reported.

The Thai delegation's visit officially was to attend the Thai-Cambodian business summit and for the Thailand Trade Fair in Phnom Penh next week.

During their meeting, Trairong said Hun Sen asked him to inform Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva that Cambodia intends to end the border conflict and cooperate with Thailand for a joint demarcation, TNA reported.

There has been sporadic fighting with several exchange of brief gunfire since the deadly Feb. 4-7 clashes over the border Hindu temple of Preah Vihear, CNN reported quoting a Thai military official.

The U.N. Security Council Monday urged the two sides to end their conflict and to avoid any action that could aggravate the situation.

Hun Sen also was quoted as saying he is ready to comply with a permanent ceasefire and bilateral talks as urged by the Security Council. The Thai News Agency report said Cambodia wants a third party such as the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations to chair the negotiation.

Thai leaders have stressed the issue can be resolved bilaterally.

No royal pardon for Veera : Cambodian PM Hun Sen

via CAAI

By Xinhua

There will be no royal pardon for Veera Somkwamkid, leader of Thai Patriots Network who is sentenced to eight years in a Cambodian jail for spying, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen said on Thursday.

"Veera Somkwamkid was imprisoned for eight years -- it's eight years in Prey Sar prison," Xinhua news agency quoted Hun Sen as saying.

"And don't come to persuade me to ask King Norodom Sihamoni for royal pardon, it's impossible at this time.. comply with the law properly," the premier said, adding that it will serve "at least two third of the jailed term before being considered for royal amnesty."

Hun Sen was responding to reports that Veera and his secretary Ratree Pipatanapaiboon, would drop their plan to appeal and instead seek royal pardon. The duo were among seven Thais arrested on December 29 last year during their inspection at a site in a border province of Sa Kaew.

The Cambodian court convicted Veera and Ratree of illegal entry, unlawful entry into military base and espionage and sentenced them to eight years and six years in jail respectively.

(Veera is a YELLOW SHIRT that declare he is on thai territory, his declare is at the wrong time and the wrong place so it is good to serve full jail term...... any YELLOW SHIRT WANNA BE A HERO? )

Cambodia favours ceasefire with Thailand under ASEAN aegis

via CAAI

2011-02-17

Phnom Penh, Feb 17 (IANS) Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen Thursday said his country will ask Thailand to sign a permanent ceasefire with ASEAN foreign ministers as witnesses or the ASEAN chair during the regional grouping's foreign ministers' Feb 22 meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, as co-signatory.

'It's better if ASEAN chair (Marty Natalegawa of Indonesia) can sign in the permanent ceasefire,' Xinhua quoted the Cambodian Prime Minister as saying during a press conference Thursday at Government House here.

Hun Sen, meanwhile, put forward four points concerning the permanent ceasefire: firstly, Cambodia and Thailand agree to stop fighting for good. No more weapons clashes forever.

Secondly, no mobilisation of armed forces for this time and both sides maintain status quo of armed forces to await the resolution on measuring and demarcating the border.

Thirdly, Cambodia and Thailand should encourage the two countries' army commanders to open talks to improve good cooperation in order to allow the situation return to the pre-July 15, 2008 positions.

Fourthly, to ensure the effectiveness of ceasefire, Cambodia will ask ASEAN countries to monitor the truce.

The Cambodian-Thai border dispute is a century-old dispute involving the area surrounding the 11th-century Preah Vihear Temple, located between the Choam Khsant district in the Preah Vihear province of northern Cambodia and the Kantharalak district (amphoe) in the Sisaket province of Northeastern Thailand.

On Feb 4, the Thai military said that Cambodian forces had fired artillery rounds into Thailand near Preah Vihear temple on the joint border, while the Cambodian side blamed Thai troops.

The bone of contention remains a 4.6-square-km plot of land near the site, which is claimed by both Thailand and Cambodia.

The temple area has been the subject of often bitter debate within and between the two nations since the very late 19th century.

Cambodia, Thailand pledge to boost trade amid border conflict

via CAAI

English.news.cn
2011-02-17

PHNOM PENH, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia and Thailand pledge to boost trade amid military confrontation at the border disputed areas near the temple of Preah Vihear, a World Heritage site.

In a meeting with Thai Deputy Prime Minister Trairong Suwankiri on Thursday, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said that Cambodia' s policy is to narrow dispute and expand resolution with Thailand.

"We have to control the dispute along the border, not to spread further and expand cooperation on other sectors such as economy, trade, investment, tourism, culture, among others," he said.

Trairong Suwankiri said that his one-day visit to Cambodia is to open the annual Thailand Trade Fair 2011 in Phnom Penh from Feb. 17-20.

"Thailand thanks Cambodia for supporting the Thai Trade Fair in Phnom Penh from Feb. 17-20," the Prime Minister's spokesman Eang Sophalleth quoted Trairong Suwankiri as saying.

Bilateral trade between Cambodia and Thailand amounted to 2.54 billion U.S. dollars in 2010, up 54 percent from 1.65 billion U.S. dollars a year earlier, according to the statistics from the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh.

Of the sum, Cambodia exported to Thailand goods worth only 214. 7 million U.S. dollars and Thailand exported to Cambodia worth up to 2.34 billion U.S. dollars last year.

Cambodia and Thailand have had border conflict just a week after Cambodia's Preah Vihear temple was enlisted as the World Heritage Site on July 7, 2008.

The conflict is due to Thai claim of the ownership of 1.8 square miles (4.6 sq km) of scrub next to the temple, triggering a military build-up along the border, and periodic clashes between Cambodian and Thai soldiers have resulted in the deaths of troops on both sides.

The latest clashes on Feb. 4-7, with a barrage of artillery shells unleashed on both sides of the border, had claimed the lives of soldiers and civilians on both sides and also caused tens of thousands of the two countries' villagers near the disputed areas fleeing for safe shelters.

Editor: Xiong Tong

Becky Hurst's Cambodian Mission With Christian Aid

via CAAI

Thursday 17th February 2011

CREWE'S Becky Hurst has recently returned from an inspiring mission to Cambodia.

She went on the trip to discover how Christian Aid partners are bringing hope, dignity and significant changes to the poverty-stricken country.

North West regional co-ordinator for the charity, Becky made the 10-day trip with four members of staff and 19 gap year students from across the UK.

Becky said: “It was an amazing trip.

"Over two weeks in Cambodia we visited 10 partner organisations working across the country, each one making significant improvements with simple, often low-cost ideas.”

Two thirds of the population of Cambodia live on less than $2 a day and more than 70% of people live at subsistence level in rural areas.

It is a country where it is not uncommon for children to work on the streets and women and young girls in border areas avoid going out alone for fear of being trafficked.

The team visited numerous organisations with various focuses including crop yields, animal husbandry, working with street children and children affected by HIV, schooling them and guiding them back in vocational training, Becky added: “Things will not change overnight in Cambodia but from a fleeting visit it was clear to see that steps are being taken in the right direction.”

Veera and Ratree to seek royal pardon

via CAAI

By The Nation

Two Thai activists of Thai Patriots Network (TPN) convicted on charges of illegal entry and spying in Cambodia will seek a royal pardon from Cambodian King, a TPN legal adviser said Thursday.

Veera Somkwamkit and Ratree Pipattanapaibul decided to drop their plan to lodge an appeal against the conviction which sent them eight and nine years in jail respectively.

Nattaporn Toeprayoon said that he will ask the Thai government to seek a royal pardon for the two and an international organisation to help facilitate.

They decided not to pursue the appeal and sought a royal pardon instead came from requests of their families, including Veera's mother who wanted to see them return to Thailand as soon as possible.

Veera and Ratree were among seven Thais charged of illegal entry into Cambodia. They were arrested on December 29 last year during their inspection at a site in Sa Kaew province. The two were also charged of spying.

The five others Thais were freed and back to Thailand after receiving suspended nine-month jail term.

People's Alliance for Democracy spokesman Panthep Puapongpan said Mr Nathaporn's decision was understandable.

Cambodia to ask Thailand to sign ceasefire agreement at ASEAN meeting: PM

via CAAI

English.news.cn

2011-02-17

PHNOM PENH, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia will ask Thailand to sign a permanent ceasefire under the witness of ASEAN foreign ministers or ASEAN chair on Feb. 22 in the ASEAN foreign ministers ' meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said during a rare press conference on Thursday at the Government House.

"It will be better if ASEAN chair can sign in the permanent ceasefire," said Hun Sen.

Meanwhile, the premier put forward four points concerning the permanent ceasefire: firstly, Cambodia and Thailand agreed to stop fighting for good and permanently. No more weapon clashes forever;

Secondly, no mobile of armed forces for this time and both sides maintain the same places of armed forces to wait for the resolution on measuring and demarcating the border;

Thirdly, Cambodia and Thailand encourage the two countries' army commanders to open talks to improve good cooperation in order to make the situation returning to before July 15, 2008;

And fourth, to ensure the effectiveness of ceasefire, Cambodia will ask ASEAN countries to control of ceasefire.

"I believe Thailand will not agree at this point, but if Thailand does not agree the fourth point, Cambodia will agree to receive forces from ASEAN countries to station in Cambodian territory to observe and ensure the ceasefire," Hun Sen added.

Hun Sen said that he has already sent the four-point of the draft permanent ceasefire to Thailand Prime Minister Abhisit through Thai Deputy Prime Minister Trairong Suwankiri, who is now in Cambodia for the opening of Thai trade expo.

He stressed that the multi-lateral talks would be used only in the border dispute with Thailand. All the meetings, even the JBC (Cambodian-Thai Joint Commission on Demarcation for Land Boundary ) meeting, must have the participation of the ASEAN chair or representative, Thailand should not be afraid of the third party.

"While other forums, besides border dispute and Preah Vihear temple, will be done bilaterally, such as trades, tourism, culture...," Hun Sen said

"I appeal that we don't push the situation into the confrontation on all sectors," he said. "We should contain the dispute, not let it spread further."

However, on the issue of Preah Vihear temple, Hun Sen said that "we cannot walk back on this issue, it's the heritage left by our ancestors--I just maintain and protect it for our next generation.We don't want any land from the other."

Cambodia will welcome all types of observers from ASEAN, he said. "Observers can be civilians, military or police, they can be in group of ASEAN or each country can send their observers to the disputed areas."

Cambodia and Thailand have had border conflict just a week after Cambodia's Preah Vihear temple was enlisted as World Heritage Site on July 7, 2008.

The conflict is due to Thai claim of the ownership of 1.8 square miles (4.6 sq km) of scrub next to the temple, which also result in a military build-up along the border, and periodic clashes between Cambodian and Thai soldiers have resulted in the deaths of troops on both sides.

The latest clashes on Feb. 4-7, unleashed a barrage of artillery shells on both sides of the border had claimed the lives of soldiers and civilians on both sides and also caused ten of thousands of the two countries' villagers nearby the disputed areas fleeing for safe shelters.

The United Nations Security Council on Monday urged Cambodia and Thailand to display maximum restraint and to establish a permanent ceasefire. It also expressed support for the active efforts of ASEAN in the matter and encouraged the parties to continue to cooperate with the organization.

Editor: Liu Yaqiong

Hun Sen clings to Asean option

via CAAI

Published: 17/02/2011

Cambodia wants foreign ministers of the Assoication of Southeast Asian Nations, or the Asean chairman, to sit in on bilateral talks with Thailand, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said on Thursday.

Hun Sen said this during his meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Trairong Suwannakhiri and Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Polabutr, who called on him in Phnom Penh, news reports said.

Mr Trairong and Mr Alongkorn were in the Cambodian capital for the opening of the Thai trade fair.

They discussed trade and border issues withe the Cambodian leader.

Hun Sen said he did not want the Thai-Cambodian border conflict to escalate and wanted both sides to jointly establish demarcation posts and comply with the United Nations Security Council's call for a permanent ceasefire agreement through bilateral talks.

The Cambodian prime minister proposed that each bilaterial talk be witnessed by representatives of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or the Asean chairman.

He asked Mr Trairong to convey the message to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva that he did not want the two countries to engage in a war of words.

Mr Trairong said the Thai government had been careful about what it said, but could not stop some groups from speaking their minds.

The two sides agreed to promote trade and investment cooperation and agreed that the problems between them had affected trade and tourism.

At a separate press conference, Hun Sen also said Cambodia would propose that foreign ministers of Asean or the Asean chairman witness the signing of a permanent ceasefire agreement with Thailand, expected to be reached in Jakarta on Feb 22.

He said it would be much better if the Asean chairman, Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, could co-sign the agreement.

Vietnamese Refugees Face New Risks

A Vietnamese Montagnard family moved to a United Nations safe house in Phnom Penh on July 26, 2004. (Photo: Getty Images)

via CAAI

By IRWIN LOY / IPS WRITER

Thursday, February 17, 2011

PHNOM PENH—Cambodia must ensure it offers a safe haven to asylum seekers, rights groups say, following the government’s closure this week of a United Nations-run refugee centre, home to dozens of Montagnards from Vietnam.

The 75 Montagnards, part of ethnic minority tribes from Vietnam’s Central Highlands, had been housed at the facility in Phnom Penh – some for up to six years. The government had ordered the centre shut late last year, saying that the Montagnards would either need to be resettled or forcibly returned to Vietnam.

The government gave the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) until this week to find new homes for the asylum seekers.

The UNHCR said 55 of the Montagnards had been resettled in Canada or the US by this week’s deadline. A further ten are awaiting emigration, while the remaining ten were judged not to meet refugee criteria and are to be returned to Vietnam.

But there are still concerns over the safety of future asylum seekers. Human Rights Watch (HRW) says Cambodia’s recent track record on asylum seekers has been "dismal". And it says the south-east Asian country’s regulations governing refugees may not ensure their safety.

"It’s very possible that in the future we may see more Montagnard asylum seekers coming in to Cambodia," said Phil Robertson, deputy director of the Asia division of HRW. "And the question is, what sort of reception are they going to receive?"

Rights groups say the Montagnards, who are comprised of a number of highland tribes, face harassment and persecution in Vietnam. The mostly Christian Montagnards are targeted because of their beliefs, HRW says, and because members of the community sided with the US during the Vietnam War. HRW estimates there are currently 300 Christian Montagnards imprisoned in Vietnam because of religious or political beliefs.

Cambodia is unique among its immediate neighbors in that it is a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, which sets a definition for who can qualify as refugees and obliges States Parties to protect them. However, critics say refugees in Cambodia have not always been treated fairly.

In late 2009, Cambodia issued a sub-decree that effectively gave it the final say in determining refugee status. But HRW believes the new regulations are wide open to interpretation.

"We’re concerned that (future asylum-seekers) might not receive a fair hearing," Robertson said. "If there’s a political impetus to try to keep refugees out, to try to toe the government line from Vietnam that these people aren’t refugees, we’re worried Phnom Penh will just go along."

Critics say there is a precedent for such concern. Days after the government passed the sub-decree, it forcibly returned 20 ethnic Uighur asylum seekers to China in a move rights groups widely condemned. At the time, the group’s refugee claims were still being assessed.

Their fates remain unclear today, but China has issued lengthy prison terms or even death sentences to other Uighurs accused of participating in ethnic riots earlier that year. China and Cambodia later announced trade deals worth roughly 1.2 billion dollars.

The government, however, says the Montagnard refugee centre has served its purpose. Koy Kuong, spokesman for Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the UN-administered facility has processed the claims of almost 1,000 asylum seekers since it was formed as part of an agreement with the UNHCR in 2005.

"Now we need to close it down," he said. "We do not want it to stay open any longer. The longer it stays open, the more problems we will face."

Koy Kuong rejected claims Montagnard asylum seekers would be persecuted in Vietnam.

"Vietnam is a lawful country, not a country of barbarians," he said. "Millions of people live there and their economy is growing very fast. Vietnam has no civil war right now."

The group Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) has worked extensively with Montagnards and other people seeking asylum in Cambodia. Denise Coghlan, JRS’s Cambodia director, said the move to close the Montagnard refugee centre was a positive step; it was an imperfect set-up that essentially saw the claimants confined to the centre, living in limbo as their refugee statuses remained up in the air.

"Some people were in a closed site for six years, so I think it’s very good that it’s now finished," she said.

Coghlan was among the most vocal critics when Cambodia chose to deport the Uighurs in late 2009. Now, she said, she’s hopeful the government will give due process to future asylum seekers.

"Like most laws, something’s written down and we have to see how it’s implemented," she said. "I hope it will be implemented in a humane way and according to the principle and spirit of the UN conventions."

Cambodian closure of camp welcomed

via CAAI

February, 17 2011

HA NOI — The Vietnamese Government highly values the Cambodian Government's closure of its temporary camp in Phnom Penh for ethnic minority people of the Central Highlands of Viet Nam, in accordance with the schedule Cambodia had previously announced, said a spokesperson from the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry.

Nguyen Phuong Nga told reporters yesterday that "the Vietnamese State always prioritises promoting socio-economic development in remote and mountainous areas in order to improve all aspects of the lives of ethnic minorities, including those in the Central Highlands."

"In reality, the Central Highlands has been one of the regions that has enjoyed a high economic growth rate and the lives of ethnic minorities in all fields have been further improved over recent years," she went on to say.

"Ethnic minority people who returned from Cambodia are not discriminated against and have always been assisted in stabilising their lives and reintegrating into the community," she added.

"The Vietnamese Government highly values the close co-operation of the Cambodian Government and the United Nations Refugee Agency in settling people in the temporary camp on the basis of the tripartite Memorandum of Understanding signed on January 25, 2005, as well as its closure of the camp as scheduled," said Nga.

The 10 remaining ethnic minority people of the Central Highlands were welcomed back to Viet Nam and returned safely to their locality, where measures were taken to reintegrate them, she added.— VNS

Abhisit and Hun Sen, get on the hotline now

via CAAI

By Suthichai Yoon

The Nation
Published on February 17, 2011

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) session on Monday on the Thai-Cambodian conflict proceeded more or less along the scripted scenario. It was no more than a long detour for the two parties concerned to return to Square One.

Neither side could claim victory. That was probably the whole idea behind the UNSC members' decision to invite the Thai and Cambodian foreign ministers to offer their versions of what has actually happened.

In the end, it must be a matter for the two sides to try to negotiate an agreement. And if Asean can serve as the facilitator, that would help. But first, a "permanent ceasefire" must be in place and the opposing parties must realise that no third party can effectively resolve the conflict for them.

The Thai prime minister has called them "border skirmishes" but his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen insists it's a "real war".

Abhisit Vejjajiva called for bilateral talks to settle the issue. Hun Sen said only an international forum could solve the two countries' problems. Both probably knew that they couldn't have their way without reaching a stalemate. And a prolonged stalemate will weaken their respective positions.

In more ways than one, the ongoing spat between Thailand and Cambodia is bizarre, bordering on the absurd.

Why? This is probably one of the few cases of an international incident in which diplomats on both sides talk like warriors while their military colleagues hold "peace talks" in the disputed area.

How do you explain this scenario?

Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya and his Cambodian counterpart Hor Namhong met and shook hands during the so-called Thai-Cambodian Joint Commission meeting in Siem Reap earlier this month. Both sides agreed to revive the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meetings, and tentatively scheduled the next one for later this month. But a week later, the president of Cambodia's JBC, Var Kimhong, was quoted by the Xinhua News Agency as saying: "There will be no meeting of the JBC later this month. Now, bilateral mechanisms cannot resolve the issue."

On the same day, when the question was posed to him, Thai Premier Abhisit was quoted as saying: "I believe the JBC meeting will proceed as scheduled."

But Thailand's JBC chief, Asda Jayanama, is busy with something else. He has not focused on boundary work. Instead, the veteran diplomat has been busy lobbying Unesco in Paris to try to get officials from the UN cultural body to stay away from the disputed Preah Vihear Temple and adjacent area.

Thai authorities claim that Cambodian soldiers fired the first shots that triggered this round of skirmishing. Hun Sen says it doesn't matter who pulled the first trigger - because he is telling the whole world that Thailand is the "invader".

Abhisit hit back: "It's not true that we are the invaders. Their call for a third party to intervene, or for a UN peacekeeping force, is irrelevant."

So, can Asean chairman Marty Natalegawa, Indonesia's foreign minister, who accompanied the Thai and Cambodian foreign ministers to the Security Council meeting this week, be described as a "third party?"

Apparently not. Both Abhisit and Hun Sen seem ready to make use of his presence for their respective benefit - as long as his "neutrality" means that Asean won't take a stand and that the scheduled meeting of foreign ministers in Jakarta on February 22 ends with the usual call for restraint and good neighbourly relations. Even the term "bilateral discussions" could become controversial.

Marty says it's going to be a "brief, urgent and informal" gathering with his Asean counterparts. Yes, there is such a thing as measuring up to what he calls "the expectations of the international community". But then, despite Hun Sen's attempt to internationalise or "regionalise" the conflict, any real and lasting solution can only be concluded at the bilateral level.

What transpired from the UNSC meeting on Monday wasn't what Cambodia had demanded. Thailand didn't get what it wanted either. The UN wasn't sending a team of observers or a peacekeeping force. But then, it didn't rule in favour of Thailand's request for bilateral talks either. Asean would be involved, which means that it's not going to be strictly a bilateral affair.

The ball is now back between Bangkok and Phnom Penh. Asean can at best serve as cheerleader. No matter how Herculean the task at hand, the leaders of the two countries will have to hammer out a solution with the current joint committees at various levels.

And unless Abhisit and Hun Sen get on the hotline to signal to their respective people that they have entered talking mode, the war of words and real military skirmishes will continue, and probably get worse before the general atmosphere improves.

DAP News. Breaking News by Soy Sopheap

via CAAI

Cambodia- Thailand Trade Increases to $2.54 billion

Thursday, 17 February 2011 10:41 DAP-NEWS/VISAL KUN

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA, FEB 17, 2011-Cambodia and Thailand trade increased to $2.54 billion in 2010 even the two countries have had difficulties for border issues at the area near the 11th century Khmer Preah Vihear temple, the trade relation is processing as normal, officials said on Thursday.

Trade volume between Cambodia and Thailand increased to 2.54 billion and the bilateral trade was worth about 1.65 billion in 2009, and in 2010 Cambodia exported $241.7 million and $2.34 billion US dollars, the statement from Thai embassy and Cambodian trade ministry.

The announcement about increasing trade was made during the trade Fair in Phnom Penh, which attended by Thai deputy Prime Minister Trairong Suwankiri and vice minister Alongkorn Ponlaboot. And Cambodian side joined by deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Keat Chhon and senior minister and trade minister Cham Prasidh.

Hundreds of Cambodians attended trade fairs and several Thai companies showed their products and attracted local buyers.

“War produced nothing for the two countries” Samdech Prime Minister Hun Sen said, adding that we have difficulties on diplomatic and political ties but we shorten the border issues to avoid affecting to other fields for bilateral cooperation.

Thai troops invaded Cambodia soil near 11th century Preah Vihear temple on July 15, 2008.

______

Road Map Towards Permanent Ceasefire – Thailand and Cambodia, PM Hun Sen Proposed

Thursday, 17 February 2011 10:27 DAP-NEWS/CHAN VIRAK

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA, FEB 17, 2011-Cambodian Prime Minister on Thursday initiated the four -point proposal to build permanent ceasefire as road map towards peace for area near the Preah Vihear temple where Thai troops invaded Cambodian soil since 2008 July 15. Cambodia needs the situation there prior to July 15, 2008.

“We need to see the peaceful means and permanent ceasefire for border issues near the temple of Preah Vihear,” Samdech Hun Sen said.

PM Hun Sen proposed that firstly, Cambodia and Thailand must agree to cease fire permanently. It means that no further weapon eruption. Secondly, all troops along border do not mobilize. But they needs to stay in the station “not move into” waiting until the resolution on border demarcation. Thirdly, both sides encourage the frontier military commanders to discuss to ease tension. Fourthly, we ask to have the working group to monitor the permanent ceasefire from other eight ASEAN countries because it has been exchanging fire. Cambodia is not afraid of that.

The four point message was sent to Thai government through Deputy Prime Minister Sovankiri, who visited Cambodia to join the trade fair in Phnom Penh.

Thailand must stop using the own map to invade Cambodia soil,” He said, adding that Thailand failed to block the UN Security Council’s statement and call for the urgent meeting. Cambodia proposed the urgent meeting at the UN Security Council.

ASEAN FM meeting on Feb 22 will touch on that issue to have ceasefire permanently at the area near the temple.

Thailand invaded Cambodia on July 15, 2008 after Cambodia enlisted the temple successfully with world heritage site. In 1962, the world court ruled that the temple belongs to Cambodia based on the border treaty in 1904-1907 that Thailand (Siam) and France (protectorate of Cambodia) inked the agreement.

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Behind the Curtain of ASEAN FM Meeting on Feb 22

Thursday, 17 February 2011 07:26 DAP-NEWS/ SOPHAT

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA, FEB 17, 2011-Cambodian PM Hun Sen on Thursday said that his country needs the third party as witness to involve in the border talk between Cambodia and Thailand.

We want the third party to engage in the border talk (at the area near the temple) and want the third to know who will not follow the agreement, “Samdech said in a rare media conference at his office.

“Cambodia wants to have permanent ceasefire on border issues, he said, adding that Cambodia needs the situation prior to July 15, 2008, the date that Thai troops invaded Cambodia at the area near 11th century Preah Vihear temple.

He warned Thailand about using own map to invade neighboring country like area near Preah Vihear temple. “Thai troops are like Hitler (Troop),” Samdech noted.

“Cambodia needs third party because the previous three diplomatic notes on border with Cambodia, Thailand has not ratified yet”.

He also appealed ASEAN to deploy the police or soldiers at the areas at the temple to allow the border committee to measure land. No further meeting for border committee unless Thai side approved the previous three notes.

“ I also already sent a message that has four points to Thai PM Abhisit through Thai deputy prime minister Mr. Trirong Suwannakiri who come here to attend the trade fair in Phnom Penh on Feb 17,”.

“We have 10 km of 800 km of border issues”. “We have to shorten the border issues and expand cooperation. I told the Thai side already that we have to continue the cooperation on tourism, investment, culture, and trade as usual.

The people alliance of democracy “PAD) group in Bangkok is working instead of Thai government; they cursed Cambodians and demanded the temple but the Thai government did not manage them. What pity for Thai media, that they were blamed about reporting.

“ASEAN does not have muscle but the ASEAN has will to implement its work.” He stresses. Dr. Surin is flying the ASEAN flag and he could not talk on behalf of Thai government, Samdech said, adding that he needs to fulfill his duties as ASEAN secretary general.

“For Indonesia Foreign Minister, I believed him and he could not use sentiments to mix with his work “diplomacy”. A reporter raised the question that current Indonesia Foreign Minister Marty has Thai wife.

The current Indonesia President Yono is the former commander of Indonesian troops during the UNTAC (1991-1993) in Cambodia.

“I thanked him about his concern and he asked me to mediate about the border issues since the fighting has occurred,” Samdech revealed.

“ASEAN does not have muscle but ASEAN has good “will” to deal the peaceful means. ASEAN wants to resolve ASEAN’s matters.

ASEAN also needs the permanent ceasefires under the negotiation and under consensus.

Cambodia needs the statement from Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Fen 22 with permanent ceasefire at the border issues. The statement needs to have third party inked with Foreign Ministers from Thailand and Cambodia, ”Samdech stresses. “Goal of ASEAN turns the region to be Community under the chart,”

“We need to wait and see the process of ASEAN after the UN Security Council allowed the regional organization to play the role.

Last choice, Cambodia will send the complaint to the international court of justice in Holland to explain the verdict in 1962.

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Road Map Towards Permanent Ceasefire – Thailand and Cambodia, PM Hun Sen Proposed

Thursday, 17 February 2011 09:46 DAP-NEWS/CHAN VIRAK

“We need to see the peaceful means and permanent ceasefire for border issues near the temple of Preah Vihear,” Samdech Hun Sen said.

The four point message was sent to Thai government through Deputy Prime Minister Sovankiri, who visited Cambodia to join the trade fair in Phnom Penh.

ASEAN FM meeting on Feb 22 will touch on that issue to have ceasefire permanently at the area near the temple.

Thailand Should Not Fear or Avoid Multi-lateral Mediation to Resolve Preah Vihear Conflict

via CAAI

Phnom Penh, February 17, 2011 AKP – Phnom Penh has asked the UN to ensure a ‘permanent cease-fire’ at Preah Vihear area specially the Temple of Preah Vihear which was listed as a World Heritage Site in 2008.

The Un Security Council, by calling for a “permanent ceasefire” between Thailand and Cambodia after a border dispute erupted into a small war last week around a Hindu temple, did just that.

Thus, irrespective of how the Thai government and media want to spin this issue, it is clear and evident, that the United Nations has taken a serious view of the conflict created by Thailand, and has given ASEAN, which convenes a meeting on 22 February, to have the first go at conflict mediation.

Last Sunday, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said his foreign minister would insist that the crisis be settled on a bilateral basis without outside intervention.

“Cambodia is calling for [intervention by] a third country, the UN and peacekeeping forces. Thailand will call for a return to bilateral talks on border conflict” he said.

The prime minister has laid the blame for the crisis on Unesco’s decision to declare the temple ruins, the most celebrated example of ancient Khmer architecture outside of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, a world heritage site even though the land around it is supposedly disputed because of Thailand’s insistence on its own interpretation and unilateral, secret and internationally unrecognized map.

At the 35th meeting of the World Heritage Committee in July, Cambodia will be pushing for its Preah Vihear management plan, which also covers the area claimed by both countries.

For peace to prevail and for the ancient temple to be treated like a cultural heritage site in a sustainable manner, the international community should pay attention to Cambodia’s plea for multi-lateral mediation and reject outright, Thailand’s call for the Preah Vihear temple to be delisted or else Thailand will withdraw from Unesco.

These threats should not be entertained or even given any consideration by the international community and or the UNESCO as this is tantamount to blackmail and intimidation on the international community to abstain from intervening in the dispute, thus giving Thailand, the opportunity to annex the temple and claim it as its own.

This statement speaks of belligerent and deranged premier who has isolated or blinded by the spin pulled by his advisors and the pressure mounted on him by his one time allies, the PAD. The PAD is pushing for the military option.

And, when one side is pushing for a military option and at the same time, beefing up its armed forced on the conflict zone, not only with troops but also with heavy weaponry, the situation has become inherently dangerous and sufficient to precipitate an all out war with Cambodia.

At present, many see the issues related to Preah Vihear through the prism of territorial dispute, but they need to keep the borderline and world heritage issues separate. This, the Thais have failed miserably at doing.

If one follows the Thai press, like all of them-it is obviously pro-Thai to the maximum-as they say “The Truth is the first thing that gets killed in war.”

The conflict has led to the point that Cambodia asked for UN peace keeping forces and Thailand saying the matter is between Thailand and Cambodia.

Then Cambodia wants outside mediation, but Thailand wants bilateral or 2 way talks.

“With mediation, the problem becomes more complex,” said the Thai prime minister, Abhisit.

With those attitudes, the matter reached the UN’s Security Council. But again, the old saying on how the truth dies in war.

Even with pictures of Thai bull-dozers going about making a road in the Thai Cambodian disputed territory that sparked this series of clashes between Thailand and Cambodia-Thailand the intransigent Thai army claimed that Cambodia started the attack.

“Thailand has witness to the UN Security Council that Cambodia started the war,” said many Thai press like Thai Rath.

So the Thai press, like the True TV-just said this morning-right there after the UN Security Council meet that “UN calls for bilateral talks” meaning between Thailand and Cambodia.

But then BBC, a global level media outfit, just reported that the UN Security Council told ASEAN to mediate the Thai and Cambodia talks.

So what is it, bilateral like the Thai press says or is it ASEAN mediation being multilateral?

And what now? Cambodia said it will not talk bilateral with Thailand and Thailand says it will only talk with Cambodia bilaterally.

To top it off, the Thai prime minister, Abhisit, said earlier, quote: “No outside mediation needed.”

Thailand is a much larger country than Cambodia, economic wise, military wise, and population wise.

By bringing in such body as the UN or ASEAN-that takes away Thailand’s advantage-and place the mediation and negotiation in the hands of a body like the UN or ASEAN-which stands for equitable and on the same level solution seeking.

Not a single Thai press dares to ask just a simple question, and that is, if the Thai security apparatus is right-why would Prime Minister Hun Sen, be asking for UN and EU peace keeping forces on its border with Thailand?

The following is from BBC:

The UN Security Council has urged a permanent ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand after deadly clashes in their disputed border area this month.

Four days of fighting left eight dead, displaced thousands and caused some damage to the World Heritage-listed Preah Vihear temple.

The council also backed mediation efforts by Asean, the regional grouping of south-east Asian nations.

The council’s president said there was “great concern” over the clashes.

Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti was speaking after after closed-door talks with the foreign ministers of Cambodia, Thailand and Indonesia.

Thailand opposes UN mediation, saying it can settled by the two states.

But Cambodia has described itself as being at war with Thailand and has suggested the UN send peacekeepers to the disputed area.

The council, Ms Viotti said, “called on the two sides to display maximum restraint and avoid any action that may aggravate the situation”.

Indonesia, as the current president of Asean, has been leading mediation efforts.

In recent days, the guns have fallen quiet, but the situation at the border between the two countries remains extremely tense, the BBC”s Rachel Harvey reports.

The two heavily armed militaries are ranged against each other across a 4.6-sq km (1130 acres) stretch of disputed land. Accordingly, the presence of a third Party to mediate and to observe the buffer zone as requested by Cambodian Prime Minister is a Must since it will build a transparent process and mutual confidence, and more importantly to stop once and for all the trading of who instigates the fighting first. Now, the Ball is in the court of Thailand and the Latter should not be afraid of third Party if they do have the goodwill and true intention to build a lasting peace and good neighbor with Cambodia.

By T. Mohan, a long term resident of Cambodia and political analyst

(The comments are solely the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Royal Government of Cambodia.)

AKP - The Agence Kampuchea Press

Cambodia To Ask for ASEAN Observers for the Ceasefire

Phnom Penh, February 17, 2011 AKP – Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H.E. Hor Namhong said during the upcoming ASEAN foreign ministers scheduled to be held on Feb. 22 in Jakarta, he will request ASEAN observers to control the ceasefire at Cambodian-Thai border.

From 21:00 on Feb. 15 to 05:00 on Feb. 16, 2011, Thai armed forces violated the resolution of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on 14 February 2011, by firing many grenades and numerous rounds of 81 mm mortars and machine guns into Phnom Trap area located approximately 1,600 meters from the border, in the vicinity of the Temple of Preah Vihear.

“I will also request the presence of a representative of ASEAN or of the chair of ASEAN in all Cambodia-Thailand discussions, even in the Joint Border Commission’s meeting,” H.E. Hor Namhong said yesterday at Phnom Penh International Airport upon his return from the UNSC’s meeting on Cambodia-Thailand border dispute in New York.

“Bilateral negotiations from 2008 to 2010 have failed. We have reached some agreements, but they have not been implemented because Thailand relied on pretext of waiting for the approval from its Parliament,” he explained, stressing that in addition, Thailand conducted in early February a war of aggression against Cambodia.

The Cambodian deputy prime minister considered the UNSC’s meeting as a great success for Cambodia, stressing that the country achieved its objectives of having the third party, especially ASEAN, in the discussion on border conflict with Thailand, and of revealing Thailand’s war of aggression against Cambodia.

In its press statement, the UNSC urged the two parties – Cambodia and Thailand – to establish a permanent ceasefire and it supported the active efforts of ASEAN in this matter, he recalled.

H.E. Hor Namhong further underlined Cambodia’s stance not to reject any negotiation with the Thai side. Thailand has proposed a Joint Border Commission’s meeting in late February, but we replied that the meeting could not be done before the UNSC’s meeting. However, Thai media has even reported that Cambodia wrote a letter to reject the meeting. “It’s all lies,” he said. –AKP

Article in Khmer by CHIM Nary

Article in English by SOKMOM Nimul

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DPM Sok An Informs Canadian Investors about Cambodia’s Investment Opportunity

Phnom Penh, February 17, 2011 AKP – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers H.E. Sok An told a group of 20 Canadian investors on Tuesday that Cambodia has potentiality of investment in the areas of extractive and agro-industry, garments as well as tourism sector.

He said that Cambodia has offshore and onshore oil concession blocs. As many of these are already being explored by foreign companies, foreign investors can see this as another investment opportunity, according to the Press and Quick Reaction Unit of the Office of the Council of Ministers.

The Cambodian deputy prime minister stressed that Cambodia’s exports have been enhanced by U.S.-based Most Favored Nation (MFN) trade status as well as quota free for export to China and EU.

More than 250 garment factories have been operating in the country, with an employment of more than 300,000 workers. Cambodia also has vast areas of red soil, which is suitable for rubber plantations, he said.

H.E. Sok An also encouraged Canadian investors to invest in Cambodia’s rice processing plants to improve the quality of rice for exports.

Agriculture is Cambodia’s biggest sector, which absorbs the country’s largest employment given the fact that more than 80 percent of the country’s population lived in the countryside. “We have lots of rice surplus. Our farmers, who live near the borders, sell the crop at low price to Vietnam and Thailand,” he said.

He further said that Cambodia, which is rich in cultural heritage of more than 800 ancient temples, has high potentiality in tourism sector.

Cambodia received more than 2.7 million tourists last year and expects a 15 percent increase per year.

In response, Canada’s ambassador Ron Hoffmann, who led the group, said: “We are keen to do businesses in Cambodia.” The visiting group represents various sectors: manufacturer of innovation transportation, pipeline and fitting manufacturers as well as solution provider, export development Canada, environmental consulting company, equity investment, telecommunication and financial service as well as consulting firms, engineering and the mining companies.

Deputy Prime Minister Sok An also told the group that Cambodia is expected to produce her first oil in late 2012 from offshore Block A, where the U.S. Chevron Texaco has found potential for production of crude oil and natural gas.

He said that Thailand is violating the International Court of Justice (ICJ) decision which ruled in 1962 that: the Temple of Preah Vihear is situated in territory under the sovereignty of Cambodia.

The Court found that Thailand is under obligation to withdraw any military or police forces, or other guards or keepers, stationed by her at the Temple, or in its vicinity on Cambodian territory.

Thailand is under an obligation to restore to Cambodia any objects of the kind specified in the Cambodia’s fifth submission which may, since the date of the occupation of the Temple by Thailand in 1954, have been removed from the Temple or the Temple area by the Thai authority, said ICJ’s Judgment. –AKP

Union murder verdict pushed back to March

via CAAI

Thursday, 17 February 2011 15:01 Chhay Channyda

The Supreme Court yesterday delayed its verdict in the case of Thach Saveth, the former soldier convicted of killing union leader Ros Sovannareth, an accusation rights groups say is likely false.

Ros Sovannareth, a Free Trade Union representative at a garment factory in Phnom Penh, was gunned down in May 2004, just a few months after FTU leader Chea Vichea was assassinated in similar fashion.

In 2005, Phnom Penh Municipal Court sentenced Thach Saveth to 15 years jail for the killing, a verdict upheld by the Appeal Court in 2009.

Members of Thach Saveth’s family who attended the hearing yesterday morning were joined by Christophe Peschoux, country representative for the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Also present was Surya Subedi, the UN’s special rapporteur for human rights in Cambodia, currently on an official visit to the country.

Court clerk Chhieng Vantha announced yesterday that the case had been delayed until March 2 without providing a reason. Thach Saveth’s lawyer, Sam Chamroeun, said outside the court that he was unsure of the reason for the delay.

“The court may think it’s a complicated case and so they need a long time before they announce the verdict,” he said.

Thach Saveth claims he was travelling to Anlong Veng district in Oddar Meanchey province at the time of Ros Sovannareth’s murder and thus had nothing to do with the crime.

Villager detained over mine disposal

via CAAI

Thursday, 17 February 2011 15:01 Thet Sambath

A villager from Banteay Meanchey province was charged yesterday with placing ammunition in a public place, following suspicions that he was plotting a bomb attack against Prime Minister Hun Sen.

The suspect, 42-year-old Kim Sath, discarded an anti-personnel mine unearthed by his wife on Sunday. Police arrested him later the same day, alleging he had placed the explosive close to a groundbreaking ceremony Hun Sen attended on Tuesday.

Long Cheab, deputy provincial prosecutor, rescinded prior suspicions about the case.

“I did not charge him of any attempt to assassinate Prime Minister Hun Sen,” he said.

Ung Oeun, governor of Banteay Meanchey province, said yesterday that he didn’t believe the suspect had any intention of targeting the Prime Minister.

“I don’t think he had any purpose to cause an explosion on Hun Sen’s trip,” said Ung Oeun. “He has no knowledge and he just threw [the mine] away.” The suspect’s wife, Chan Thorn, said on Tuesday that she had filed a request with rights groups Adhoc and Lichado to intervene on her husband’s behalf.

Kim Sath is being detained in Banteay Meanchey as investigations continue.

Officials hail court’s verdict

Photo by: Pha Lina

Seng Chenda enters Phnom Penh Municipal Court on Tuesday.

via CAAI

Thursday, 17 February 2011 15:01 Vong Sokheng

Government officials declared in a press conference yesterday that this week’s high-profile conviction of Seng Chenda, the wife of local tycoon Khaou Chuly who was sentenced on Tuesday on attempted murder charges, represents a model for the Kingdom’s courts.

Seng Chenda received a 20-year jail term on Tuesday for attempted murder for masterminding a plot to kill Suv Chantha, her husband’s daughter from a previous marriage, as well as Suv Chantha’s daughter.

Suv Chantha is married to Sun Chanthol, vice chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia and a former minister of public works and transport.

At a press conference yesterday at the Council of Ministers, Sun Chanthol appeared alongside government lawyer Pal Chandara and Suy Mong Leang, deputy director general of the secretariat for the government’s justice and judicial reform programme. The trio hailed the judgment against Seng Chanda as a bellwether of Cambodia’s strengthening judiciary.

“I have been monitoring the court and the court has conducted its work according to legal procedures without intimidation, threats or monetary influence,” Suy Mong Leang said. “We are proud of the result of judicial reform because we have trained many judges and prosecutors.”

Tuesday’s verdict capped a dramatic trial conducted over five hearings. Three accomplices – Khorn Lak, a 20-year-old security guard for Khaou Chuly, Chan Sokha, 38, a maid for Khaou Chuly and Neang Sinath, 25, a maid for Sun Chanthol – were also sentenced.

During the trial, several of the accused recanted confessions given in police custody, claiming they had been intimidated and forced to confess by law enforcement officials and Sun Chanthol.

Chan Sokha and Neang Sinath both said police forced them to meet with Sun Chanthol, whom they said had threatened them and their families. Sun Chanthol denied yesterday that he had influenced the case and rejected “painful” accusations that he had fabricated the affair in order to seize property from Khaou Chuly.

“The criminal attempted to kill my wife and my daughter,” he said. “[Tuesday’s] verdict brought me justice.”

Pal Chandara also rejected any allegation of impropriety on the part of Sun Chanthol.

“I have to defend the honour of a member of the government, and this verdict brought justice to a member of the government,” Pal Chandara said.

The Cambodian Centre for Human Rights had staff on hand to monitor the trial. CCHR president Ou Virak said yesterday that the case appeared to be procedurally sound, though he called the 20-year sentence “very, very harsh”.

“The fact that this case involves a very high-ranking government official … it’s certainly not a normal case, and the sentencing is certainly not normal,” he said. “I don’t think we can go as far as saying this is a beacon of how the judicial reform has taken place.”

Ou Virak said the allegations of forced confessions were “similar” to those made by defendants in other trials, though he urged the government to investigate the claims.