Cambodia Calls for National Solidarity against Cultural Wars

http://english.cri.cn/

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2011-03-03

Xinhua

Web Editor: haodi

Cambodia on Thursday celebrated the 13th national cultural day by calling for a national solidarity to protect and uplift national cultures against any cultural wars.

The celebration was held at the capital's Chaktomuk Hall with some 1,000 participants, who are mostly artists from across the country.

It was under the theme: "Cambodia, the kingdom of cultures, everything for the safety of cultures".

Speaking at the event, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said that the event is vital to encourage a national unity to maintain, protect and develop the country's cultural heritages.

"This year's theme aimed mainly at eliminating every campaign causing cultural war against Cambodia," said the premier, adding " at this point, I referred to Thai's attacks on our Preah Vihear temple."

"Take this opportunity, I'd like to call on our compatriots and all line ministries and institutions to join forces and closely cooperate to achieve the theme,"he said.

The premier said, "during the war on Feb. 4-7 between Cambodian and Thai troops, 414 shells of mortar and artillery fired by Thai troops had fallen on Preah Vihear temple, the World Heritage site. "

Jailed Thais won't appeal verdict

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The Nation/Asia News Network

Thu, Mar 03, 2011

"They decided days ago not to file an appeal against the verdict," an official at the office of Ros Aun, the attorney, told The Nation via telephone. "The case is final."

Activists Veera Somkwamkid and Ratree Pipatanapaiboon were sentenced by the Phnom Penh Capital Court of First Instance on February 1 to eight and six years imprisonment respectively.

They had 30 days to file an appeal.

They were arrested along with five other Thais, including Democrat lawmaker Panich Vikitsreth, on December 29 while inspecting a disputed border area near Sa Kaew's Ban Nong Chan village.

Veera had initially vowed to keep on fighting for justice on grounds that Cambodia had no authority to try him and he had been arrested on Thai territory.

Panich said relatives of his clients have submitted a request for a royal pardon.

"The royal pardon is the only channel now to free them," he said.

Veera should be released as soon as possible as he was not in good health, he said.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen had said earlier that the activists could not seek a royal pardon until they had served two-thirds of their terms.

However the case was still mired in confusion yesterday as the colleagues of the two from the Thai Patriot Network (TPN) said they would file an appeal.

TPN's Karun Saingam said he just returned from Cambodia and learned that Veera and Ratree would lodge an appeal to carry on their struggle in court. The pair would never ask for a pardon from the Cambodian king, he said, but noted that he did not actually meet the two detainees during his visit to Phnom Penh.

The TPN has been camping out near Government House for more than two months to protest the government's stance in the conflict with Cambodia. They want the government to put pressure on the other side to free the activists, rather than allow the Cambodian court to judge them.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Karun was not authorised to make an appeal for the two activists.

"If any party really cared about Veera and Ratree's fate, we should respect their decision," he said.

Thailand and Cambodia have been at loggerheads over their boundary for a long time. Border skirmishes near Preah Vihear Temple erupted early February claiming some 10 lives, including those of three civilians on both sides.

-The Nation/Asia News Network

PM: Government not avoiding helping Veera, Ratree

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BANGKOK, March 3 - Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Thursday defended his government's over an alleged negligence on the help of two Thailand Patriots Network activists jailed in a Cambodian prison on espionage charges, saying that it is now coordinating with the detainees and their families to decide the next move.

The Thai premier made his remarks attempting to clarify the matter to the House of Representatives after the government was blamed for being negligent or even purposely ignoring giving help to free Veera Somkwamkid, Thai Patriots Network coordinator, and his secretary Ratree Pipattanapaiboon.

A Cambodian court on Feb 1 ruled that the duo were guilty of espionage, illegal entry, and trespassing in a military zone. Mr Veera was sentenced to an eight-year jail term and a 1.8 million riel (US$450) fine while Ms Ratree was handed a six-year jail term and a 1.2 million riel (US$300) fine. An appeal could be filed within 30 days.

Mr Abhisit explained that there are only two solutions left; appealing the court verdict or asking for royal pardon, but the problem is , he said, that the two detainees have two legal teams which have different approaches to fighting the case.

The premier said his government has directly coordinated with the detainees and their families to determine their decision so that help from the government could proceed.

Mr Abhisit added there are also some difficulties in helping Mr Veera and Ms Ratree as they face three charges and more severe punishment than the five Thais who were already released and returned to Thailand as they faced only illegal entry and trespassing in a military zone.

The premier earlier admitted that renewed Thai-Cambodian border tension has affected the legal proceedings to help the two Thais jailed in Cambodia.

"We must be cautious in addressing the case because if we misjudge, the opportunity will not return," stated Mr Abhisit.

"Please be assured that the government will by all means get the two Thais freed and bring them back home," he said.

Permanent-Secretary for Foreign Affairs Theerakul Niyom on Wednesday confirmed Mr Veera and Ms Ratree are not appealing their sentences in the Cambodian court, adding that seeking royal pardon is individual decision.

Democrat MP Panich Vikitsreth, one of the five Thais convicted for illegal entry by the Cambodian court and returned to Thailand, said Mr Veera's health is now deteriorating and his family wants him to seek a royal pardon from the Cambodian king as they believed it was the way to bring him back to Thailand as soon as possible.

Mr Panich’s remark contrasts to that of the Thailand Patriots Network which earlier insisted that the pair appeal the verdict as they were arrested in Thai territory. (MCOT online news)

P.Penh takes 12 attaches to P. Vihear

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Published: 3/03/2011

Online news:

Ignoring Thailand's protest, Cambodia on Thursday took military attaches from 12 countries to visit Preah Vihear temple and the 4.6 square kilometre disputed area.

Thai soldiers could not do anything but make another protest, a military source said.

The source said the military attaches from the United States, France, Russia, China, Japan, Australia, Singapore, New Zealand, Malaysia, Burma, Vietnam and Laos were taken from Phnom Penh to the temple ruins about noon.

"The Suranaree Task Foce sent another protest to Cambodia. Cambodia violated an agreement by taking a group of people to the disputed area without Thailand's consent," the source said.

Cambodia's intention was to let the attaches see damage it claimed was caused by Thai shelling in the cross-border fire from Feb 4-7.

"We could not do anything else but lodge a protest. We are ordered not to fire, because doing that will only cause tension and allow Cambodia to make publicity out of it.

"This indicates that Cambodia has no fear at all, even though Thai soldiers have been deployed along the border," the source said.

The visit followed a visit by military attaches to the Thai side of the border on Feb 21, organised by the Defence Ministry. They did not enter the disputed area.

UN envoy meets Thai and Cambodian leaders over Preah Vihear heritage site

Damage to Preah Vihear temple

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2 March 2011 – A special envoy of the United Nations agency tasked with preserving the world’s cultural heritage has concluded meetings with the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia to discuss the safeguarding of Preah Vihear, a Hindu temple inscribed on the World Heritage List that was damaged during border clashes between the two countries last month.

Koïchiro Matsuura, special envoy for the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), travelled to Bangkok, the Thai capital, and Phnom Penh, the seat of Cambodia’s Government, from Sunday to Tuesday, at the request of Irina Bokova, the UNESCO Director-General.

In Bangkok, Mr. Matsuura met with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, Foreign Affairs Minister Kasit Piromya, and National Resources and Environment Minister Siwit Khunkitti. He was also received by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who is a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.

In Phnom Penh, Mr, Matsuura met with Prime Minister Hun Sen and Deputy Prime Minister Sok An, and was also received by King Norodom Sihamoni.

In his discussions with the leaders and officials, Mr. Matsuura stressed the need to create conditions necessary for the safeguarding of the 11th century temple.

Mr. Matsuura, a former UNESCO Director-General and Chair of the World Heritage Committee from 1998 to 1999, expressed the hope that the two countries will engage in dialogue that will lead to the establishment of long-term conservation arrangements.

The temple was inscribed on the World Heritage List for its outstanding universal value, in keeping with the 1972 World Heritage Convention, which has been ratified by both Cambodia and Thailand.

Cambodia takes military attaches of 12 countries to see damages of Preah Vihear temple

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English.news.cn

2011-03-03

PREAH VIHEAR, Cambodia, March 3 (Xinhua) -- A group of military attaches of 12 countries on Thursday paid a two-hour visit to Preah Vihear temple and surrounding areas to see the damages caused by mortar and artillery shelling during the deadly clashes early last month between the Cambodian and Thai troops.

The team of military attaches from 12 embassies in Phnom Penh included the United States, France, Russia, China, Japan, Canada, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, New Zealand, Malaysia and Australia.

Cambodian four-star general Neang Phat, secretary of state of the Ministry of Defense, led the group during the visit.

The group was welcomed at the temple by four-star general Chea Dara, deputy commander-in-chief of Royal Cambodian Armed Forces for Preah Vihear Direction, and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen' s eldest son Hun Manet, deputy commander of the Headquarters of Infantry.

"Cambodia wanted the military attaches to see with their own eyes the damages caused by Thai shelling in the recent war," Chea Dara said during the delegation visit.

He has ushered the delegation to see craters, cracks, broken pieces of Preah Vihear temple caused by Thai artillery shelling.

"At the behest of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Cambodian troops vow to defend our territory from any invasion of Thailand," he said.

"Cambodia has never invaded into other countries, we want a border of peace and cooperation, but if they invade into ours, we have to exercise self-defense rights."

The visit followed a similar visit by military attachs to the Thai side of the border on Feb. 21, organized by Thai Defense Ministry.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said Thursday that 414 shells of mortar and artillery fired by Thai troops which had fallen on the temple in the war on Feb. 4-7.

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 4.6 sq km of scrub next to the temple, which resulted 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, 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: Lu Hui

Marines, Sailors conduct bilateral training with Cambodian service members

PEACE KEEPING OPERATION TRAINING BASE, Kingdom of Cambodia-A Marine with Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, sets a stake while putting up a net over a mortar system Feb. 27. Throughout the day, the Marines familiarized Cambodian forces with crew served weapons, MCMAP, small arms, mine and improvised explosive device detection, combat lifesaving skills, and mortar systems. The 31st MEU visited and conducted bilateral training as part of the U.S. Pacific Command’s Theater Security Cooperation program with the Kingdom of Cambodia. The program provides a unique and dynamic opportunity for cooperation between the U.S. and Cambodian military, while also promoting relationship-building between militaries and local communities., Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch, 2/27/2011 5:19 AM

PEACE KEEPING OPERATION TRAINING BASE, Kingdom of Cambodia-Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, practice Marine Corps Martial Arts Program moves with Cambodian service members Feb. 27. Throughout the day, the Marines familiarized Cambodian forces with crew served weapons, MCMAP, small arms, mine and improvised explosive device detection, combat lifesaving skills, and mortar systems. The 31st MEU visited and conducted bilateral training as part of the U.S. Pacific Command’s Theater Security Cooperation program with the Kingdom of Cambodia. The program provides a unique and dynamic opportunity for cooperation between the U.S. and Cambodian military, while also promoting relationship-building between militaries and local communities., Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch, 2/27/2011 8:14 AM

PEACE KEEPING OPERATION TRAINING BASE, Kingdom of Cambodia-Cambodian Sailors practice methods of detaining suspects taught by Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. Throughout the day, the Marines familiarized Cambodian forces with crew served weapons, MCMAP, small arms, mine and improvised explosive device detection, combat lifesaving skills, and mortar systems. The 31st MEU visited and conducted bilateral training as part of the U.S. Pacific Command’s Theater Security Cooperation program with the Kingdom of Cambodia. The program provides a unique and dynamic opportunity for cooperation between the U.S. and Cambodian military, while also promoting relationship-building between militaries and local communities., Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch, 2/27/2011 6:26 AM

PEACE KEEPING OPERATION TRAINING BASE, Kingdom of Cambodia-A Marine with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, teaches a Cambodian sailor how to operate an M4 assault rifle, Feb. 27. Throughout the day, the Marines familiarized Cambodian forces with crew served weapons, MCMAP, small arms, mine and improvised explosive device detection, combat lifesaving skills, and mortar systems. The 31st MEU visited and conducted bilateral training as part of the U.S. Pacific Command’s Theater Security Cooperation program with the Kingdom of Cambodia. The program provides a unique and dynamic opportunity for cooperation between the U.S. and Cambodian military, while also promoting relationship-building between militaries and local communities., Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch, 2/27/2011 6:02 AM

PEACE KEEPING OPERATION TRAINING BASE, Kingdom of Cambodia-A Marine with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, teaches a Cambodian sailor how to operate an M240G machine gun, Feb. 27. Throughout the day, the Marines familiarized Cambodian forces with crew served weapons, MCMAP, small arms, mine and improvised explosive device detection, combat lifesaving skills, and mortar systems. The 31st MEU visited and conducted bilateral training as part of the U.S. Pacific Command’s Theater Security Cooperation program with the Kingdom of Cambodia. The program provides a unique and dynamic opportunity for cooperation between the U.S. and Cambodian military, while also promoting relationship-building between militaries and local communities., Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch, 2/27/2011 6:09 AM

PEACE KEEPING OPERATION TRAINING BASE, Kingdom of Cambodia-A Cambodian soldier practices Marine Corps Martial Arts Program moves on a U.S. Marine with 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Feb. 27. Throughout the day, the Marines familiarized Cambodian forces with crew served weapons, MCMAP, small arms, mine and improvised explosive device detection, combat lifesaving skills, and mortar systems. The 31st MEU visited and conducted bilateral training as part of the U.S. Pacific Command’s Theater Security Cooperation program with the Kingdom of Cambodia. The program provides a unique and dynamic opportunity for cooperation between the U.S. and Cambodian military, while also promoting relationship-building between militaries and local communities., Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch, 2/27/2011 6:06 AM

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3/3/2011 By Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch, 31st MEU

PEACE KEEPING OPERATION TRAINING BASE, Kingdom of Cambodia — More than 150 Marines and Sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit trained with Cambodian soldiers and sailors in a variety of different military skills, Feb. 27.

The training included classes on hand to hand fighting, crew served weapons, small arms, mine and improvised explosive device detection, combat lifesaving skills, and mortar systems.

“The training is geared towards familiarizing each other with our different techniques,” said Lance Cpl. Marshall C. Kerby, a mortar man with Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st MEU. “The language barrier is the biggest challenge we had to overcome. Because most of them do not speak English, we have to communicate mostly through hand gestures everyone understands.”

Kerby went on to say while it was challenging, it was fun to get to interact with the Cambodian forces and share ideas and experiences.

While the Cambodians were learning about the U.S. Marine Corps weapons and tactics, the Marines and Sailors were learning new things too.

“For pretty much all the Marines, this is their first time here,” said Staff Sgt. Daniel B. Linden, a mortar section leader with BLT 2/5. “We are just getting to know each other’s cultures, and this allows us to have a better understanding of what we can each bring to the table in terms of training.”

The training also built upon the Marines confidence in their abilities to teach other forces.

“The more the Marines get a chance to pass their skills onto other service members, Cambodian or U.S., the better and more comfortable they feel about their ability to do it,” said Linden. “They are not just learning the ability to work with foreign militaries, they are learning the basic teaching skills that will allow them to pass their knowledge on to their Marines as well.”

As the day and training came to a close, the Marines of Company G, BLT 2/5, felt they had accomplished their mission and everyone had learned some valuable skills. “Even with the language barrier I think we did really well,” said Kerby. “Everyone seemed to gain something from the experience.”

The 31st MEU visited and conducted bilateral training as part of the U.S. Pacific Command’s Theater Security Cooperation program with the Kingdom of Cambodia.

The program provides a unique and dynamic opportunity for cooperation between the U.S. and Cambodian military, while also promoting relationship-building between militaries and local communities.

The 31st MEU is the nation’s only continually forward-deployed MEU and remains a force-in-readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.

Cambodia says firms lining up to list on new bourse

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By Prak Chan Thul

PHNOM PENH, March 3 | Thu Mar 3, 2011

PHNOM PENH, March 3 (Reuters) - At least 10 private sector companies want to list on Cambodia's long-awaited bourse, which is due to open this year, the government said on Thursday, as debate continued over which currency the market should use.

"There are two state-owned companies and more than 10 private companies," Hang Chuon Naron, a secretary of state at the Finance Ministry, told journalists at a currency conference in Phnom Penh when discussing interest in the bourse.

He declined to give further details.

Earlier this week, Finance Minister Keat Chhon urged more private companies to seek a listing so they could raise funds to expand.

"The government has also considered tax incentives for companies that issue public shares and this work is in final technical discussion," Keat Chhon said on Monday after approving licences for firms that will work on the Cambodia Stock Exchange (CSX), such as settlement agents.

Keat Chhon said the government had signed contracts with two securities firms to help three state-owned companies, the Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority, Telecom Cambodia and Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, prepare listings.

The much-delayed market is now scheduled to open in July.

One big question is over what currency to use for listings, and a decision on that is expected within a week, said Huot Pum, a deputy director-general of the bourse regulator, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Cambodia (SECC).

Foreign investors want to see shares quoted in U.S. dollars, which is widely used for transactions in Cambodia and accounts for 90 percent of deposits and credits in its banking system, and say risk will be harder to gauge if the local currency, the riel, is used.

Hang Chuon Naron did not suggest what the decision would be, but he said a change in the reality of a 90 percent dollarised economy was unrealistic in the short term.

"This is a fact. If we make changes, we should do it gradually in accordance with reality. If we force the use of the riel or another currency, it will not reflect reality," he said. (Editing by Alan Raybould)

American Photographer Preserves Cambodian Temple Remains

ANCIENT:(L)Photographer McDermott captured a twisted tree at the temple site Ta Prohm, which is part of the archeological site Angkor, in Cambodia.(R)TEMPLE MOUNTAIN: Bakong is an early temple mountain constructed by rulers of the Khmer Empire in the 9th century. The photograph is taken in infrared to contrast the foliage of the trees to the stone ruins.(Courtesy of Sundaram Tagore Galleries)

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Reflections on Angkor on display in Los Angeles

By Robin Kemker

Epoch Times Staff

Created: Mar 3, 2011

LOS ANGELES—John McDermott, an American photographer, has been declared the “Ansel Adams of Angkor.” Stepping into the Sundaram Tagore Gallery, Beverly Hills, Calif., the visitor is easily caught off-guard by McDermott’s photo series “Elegy: Reflections on Angkor,” a study of the stone temple ruins in Cambodia.

The collection is on display in LA until March 12. There are a total of 30 prints.

McDermott wanted to preserve the temple site through photography in a form that would convey the “dark, mysterious spirit” of the area, which, at the time, was almost uninhabited.

To create this effect, he used black-and-white photography with specialized film. Several images were taken during an eclipse of the sun in 1995, giving the images a mysterious quality.

The gallery’s presentation uses silver gelatin prints and archival pigment ink prints that bring a surreal and unique visual experience to the photos. Some photos were taken in infrared to contrast the foliage and monks to the stone ruins. McDermott’s photos were taken over several visits to the area from 1995 to 2008.

According to UNESCO, Angkor is considered one of the most-important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia, stretching over some 100 square miles, including forested terrain. Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, which flourished from the 9th to the 14th century.

The remains include the Bayon Temple at Angkor Thom with its countless sculptural decorations and the famous Temple of Angkor. The area became overgrown with jungle and hidden from Western society for four centuries.

Of additional interest are the numerous reservoirs that supported the city and its agriculture for 1,000 years. Angkor Wat, which refers to the area, means “the city that became a temple.”

ANOTHER WORLD:(R)Huge stone faces at Bayon, Angkor Thom, Cambodia, are silent evidence of people's belief in Buddhism during the Khmer Empire, which flourished from the 9th to the 14th century. (L)MASSIVE REMAINS: An elephant in the West Gate of Cambodian UNESCO World Heritage Site Angkor Thom, meaning "Great City," gives an idea of the size of the remains from the Khmer Empire. elephant in the West Gate of Cambodia. (Courtesy of Sundaram Tagore Galleries)

The sheer massiveness of the architecture boggles the mind. Without an elephant shown in the entrance to the temple city, one could not perceive the size of the entrance by looking at the photos. Is it any wonder that the natives thought giants built the city?

McDermott could foresee the coming commercialization of the area and wanted to preserve the unspoiled nature of the site. Angkor has, in fact, become an international tourist attraction. Many of McDermott’s photos cannot be taken again at the same angles because of the subsequent development on the site.

UNESCO stabilized and repaired various ruins in two phases from 1994 to 2005, spending over $20 million. In 2004, Angkor was removed from the UNESCO list of endangered sites.

For those interested in ancient Asian history or unusual photography techniques and presentation, this exhibit is a must-see.

For more photos see: www.sundaramtagore.com/exhibitions/2011-02-17_john-mcdermott/

Cambodian PM appeals ASEAN chair to send observers urgently to Cambodian border

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March 03, 2011 

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Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Thursday appeals to Indonesia to urgently send its observers to Cambodian border side if Thailand is still reluctant to accept.

"I appeal to Indonesia, if Thailand hesitates to receive observers, please, sends the observers urgently to Cambodian side at the disputed border areas next to Preah Vihear temple," Hun Sen said during the celebration of the 13th national cultural day at Chaktomuk Hall.

The premier said that ASEAN chair, Indonesia, on Saturday had sent Cambodia and Thailand the terms of reference including procedures of control and obligation of Indonesian observers at the disputed areas.

"We replied the Indonesia's request not later than 24 hours, and provided 14 points to Indonesia to observe, and we will open further if necessary," he said. "The observers will be for 12 months and will extend further."

"Up to now the Bangkok government said that its foreign minister and defense minister have not met each other on this issue, and its army chief said the observers will not be allowed to observe inside, just in limited areas," said Hun Sen.

"If Thai does not receive observers, Cambodia will receive alone," he said.

The premier reiterated that there will be no any negotiation with Thailand bilaterally on border disputed area.

"I confirmed that if you (Thai) want to negotiate, you have to ask Indonesia, the ASEAN chair, to convene the meeting. No negotiation with you bilaterally," said Hun Sen.

"We continue to negotiate with Thailand only in the cooperation of economics, trades, investment, tourism and so on, but the border disputed area, must be the participation of the third party, " he said.

Hun Sen also said that he has never expected that Thai leaders asked UNESCO to de-list Preah Vihear temple from the World Heritage List.

"I have never expected that Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejajjiva and Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, dare to ask Koichiro Matsuura, the special envoy of UNESCO, to de-list Preah Vihear temple from the world heritage site," he said.

"At first I just thought they opposed only the temple's management plan, but the special envoy met me on Feb. 28, and told me Thai leaders ask UNESCO to de-list the temple."

Hun Sen said "414 shells of mortar and artillery fired by Thai troops which had fallen on the temple in the war on Feb.4-7. "

"This was is a real war. It was not only the war to invade Cambodian territory, but war to destroy culture," he said. "It was the worst disgraceful act by Thai government."

Preah Vihear Temple was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2008.

The conflict has occurred just a week after the inscription due to Thai claim of the ownership of 1.8 square miles (4.6 sq km) of scrub next to the temple, since then periodic clashes have happened between the two nations' troops, resulted in the deaths of troops on both sides.

Source: Xinhua

Ministry insists Thai pair will seek pardon

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Published: 3/03/2011

Newspaper section: News

The Foreign Affairs Ministry insists Thai Patriots Network coordinator Veera Somkhwamkid and his secretary Ratree Pipatanapaiboon want to submit a request for a royal pardon from Cambodia's king.

Permanent secretary for foreign affairs Theerakul Niyom yesterday said Mr Veera and Ms Ratree did not submit appeals to Cambodia's Court of Appeal after the deadline expired yesterday.

Instead they told the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh that they would seek a royal pardon.

"They told the Thai embassy there, and the Thai embassy sent a note to inform the ministry in Bangkok of their planned request for a royal pardon," said Mr Theerakul.

He could not confirm when the two would seek a royal pardon, saying that as far as he knew it might be in the process of being submitted.

The confirmation by Mr Theerakul could clear up public doubts over the status of the two Thais, detained at Prey Sar prison in Phnom Penh on spying charges.

Ex-Buri Ram senator Karun Sai-ngam, one of their legal advisers, sowed confusion in an interview yesterday when he said that he, on behalf of his clients, submitted appeals against their sentence to Cambodia's Court of Appeal on Tuesday.

Mr Karun said the pair had not signed their names to a request for a royal pardon as the Thai government had announced.

He also complained that he went to Cambodia last Tuesday but staff of the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh had blocked him from visiting Mr Veera and Ms Ratree.

Khwan (her last name withheld), a secretary to Mr Veera's family, said Mrs Wilaiwan, Mr Veera's mother, was confused about Mr Karun's remarks, because Mr Veera had not informed his mother of his decision to lodge an appeal before.

"The two met at Prey Sar prison on Feb 15, so why didn't his mother know about this matter?" she asked.

"It is impossible," she said.

Ms Khwan said Mr Veera's mother has a plan to help her son but it could not be revealed at the moment.

Regarding a report that Mr Veera was seriously ill, Mr Karun said ML Wanwipa Charoonroj, a legal adviser of the Thai Patriots Network, would make inquiries with the International Committee of the Red Cross, which acts as a coordinator on issues related to prisons in Cambodia.

Democrat MP Panich Vikitsreth yesterday said relatives of Mr Veera and Ms Ratree had sought a royal pardon for both of them as this was the only way to secure their release quickly. The request was filed with the Thai Foreign Ministry and it would be sent to the Cambodian Interior Ministry, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni. Mr Panich said relatives of the detainees would ask to visit them tomorrow as Mr Veera was ill with a head wound, allergies, itching and respiratory problems.

Mr Panich was released from Prey Sar prison late in January after being imprisoned for trespassing on Cambodian territory on Dec 29 last year.

Border tension flares up again

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Plan for foreign military attache visit stirs Thai ire

Published: 3/03/2011 at 12:00 AM

Newspaper section: News

Border tensions have risen again following Thailand's opposition to Cambodia's plan to take 10 international assistant military attaches into the 4.6-square-kilometre disputed area.

Cambodia plans to take the 10 assistant military attaches from Phnom Penh to visit the Keo Sikha Kiri Svara pagoda and surrounding areas which are in disputed territory, said a Thai army source. Cambodia hoped to show the international community that those areas belonged to Cambodia.

"When Thailand led 14 military attaches on a border visit in February we went only as far as Pha Mor I Dang and Ban Phum Srol. We never set foot in the disputed area," the source said.

Although Cambodia had changed the border visit day from yesterday to today, the military would continue to object to the visit and has ordered troop reinforcements as a precautionary measure, said the source.

The Thai military attache to Phnom Penh contacted the international assistant military attaches in Cambodia and learned that they had asked to postpone the visit to avoid triggering more problems, said another army source.

The military has also received a report that the Cambodian prime minister was adjusting troops at the border, replacing the current contingent with soldiers from the former Khmer Rouge.

The Khmer Rouge effectively ceased to exist in late 1999 when most of its remaining leaders surrendered.

The replacement was seen as an aggressive rather than peaceful gesture.

Meanwhile, Threerakul Niyom, permanent secretary to the Foreign Ministry, said Indonesia has relayed to Thailand details of its plan to send military observers to monitor the disputed border area.

The Defence Minsitry is now considering the information.

Thailand and Cambodia agreed at an informal meeting of Asean foreign ministers in Jakarta on Feb 22 to allow a team of observers from Indonesia to assess the situation.

Unesco's director-general Irina Bokova yesterday said she was pleased at progress in a series of meetings between the Unesco special envoy Koichiro Matsuura, and the Thai and Cambodian leaders, held between Feb 27 and Tuesday, to safeguard the world heritage site of Preah Vihear.

She said Unesco would do everything in its power to keep talks going.

"The world's cultural heritage should never be a cause for conflict."

Thailand must show it is not an obstacle to peace

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By Supalak Ganjanakhundee

The Nation

Published on March 3, 2011

Cambodia took a step ahead of Thailand on the implementation of the United Nations Security Council and Asean plan to end the border conflict between the two neighbours when Phnom Penh quickly agreed to the terms of reference for Indonesian observers.

Bangkok might not like having third parties involved in the conflict. But as long as it sits on international forums, it has an obligation to follow the outcomes of those forums' meetings - otherwise it could lose international credibility.

Cambodia managed to get the border conflict in front of international forums at the UN and Asean shortly after skirmishes erupted over the area adjacent to Preah Vihear temple in early February. Thailand's preferred solution, to end the conflict bilaterally, has not yet worked.

The clash was the worst in decades, killing some 10 people, including three civilians, and damaging many properties along the border.

The UN Security Council suggested the two neighbours establish a permanent ceasefire at the border. It supported a role for Asean in implementing the plan.

Indonesia, as current chair of Asean, called an informal meeting in Jakarta on February 22 and agreed to send observers to assess the situation and monitor the ceasefire.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said in Jakarta that he had sent the terms of reference (TOR) for the observer mission to the two conflicting parties. Cambodia has already responded positively but Thailand has so far greeted the TOR with silence.

Natalegawa said he would send 30 Indonesian observers, placing 15 on each side of the border near the temple. A five-member advance team from Jakarta reportedly visited the area on the Cambodian side to collect information and prepare for the observers' mission.

It was not clear where the observers wanted to go. The Thai army does not want them to access the so-called "overlapping area" of 4.6 square kilometres, which both sides are claiming. Army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha has said he wants to restrict the Indonesians to areas outside the disputed area.

It is understood that Bangkok wanted more time for concerned agencies to discuss the TOR. But Prayuth said he also wanted the TOR to be discussed in a meeting of the military-run Thailand-Cambodia General Border Committee (GBC). The GBC is co-chaired by defence ministers of the two countries. Cambodia will host its next meeting in June.

Asean's plan is not free from time constraints. Diplomatic sources said Indonesia wanted to dispatch its observers to the Thailand-Cambodia border as early as possible, perhaps by early March.

It is impossible to wait until the GBC has considered the modality of observation in June, as long as large numbers of troops are still at the conflict areas near Preah Vihear. Another clash could erupt at any time. If there is more violence, Asean could be blamed for its failure to activate a regional mechanism to control the situation. And if that happened, the conflict would be sent back to the UN.

Moreover, Indonesia will hold the Asean chairmanship only until the end of this year. The next chair will be Cambodia. Things will get more complicated if the conflict drags on to Cambodia's turn, as the chair of Asean is also a party in the conflict. Phnom Penh could ask Indonesia to carry on, but it would be better if the conflict could be settled before this happened.

The burden is now on Thailand to prove it is not an obstacle to the peace plan.

Cambodia's Preah Vihear temple sees no tourists since recent deadly clashes

via CAAI

March 03, 2011

There has been no tourist visiting Preah Vihear temple, a World Heritage site, in February due to the deadly clashes on Feb. 4-7 between Cambodian and Thai troops over the border disputed areas next to the temple, said officials on Wednesday.

"It was the worst month for tourists, it was recorded that the temple saw no even a visitor in February," Kong Vibol, chief of tourism department in Preah Vihear province, told Xinhua by telephone.

"They're scared to visit the temple; they worry about their own safety," he said. "I believe that it will take loner time to encourage them to visit the temple."

He said that before the military clashes occurred, in January, the temple received 13,443 Cambodians and 690 foreign visitors.

Hang Soth, general director of the Preah Vihear National Authority, said Wednesday that policemen have returned to protect tourists at the temple since last week.

"We have opened the temple for tourists just a week after the military clashes, but they don't go to visit," he said.

"Since the clashes, there have been only charitable groups and high-ranking officials bringing food and cash-gifts to donate to soldiers and their families near the temple."

The four-day clash unleashed a barrage of artillery shells on both sides of the border and killed and wounded soldiers and people of both sides. Tens of thousands of the two countries' villagers nearby the disputed areas fled for safe shelters.

The conflict has occurred just a week after the inscription due to Thai claim of the ownership of 1.8 square miles (4.6 sq km) of scrub next to the temple, since then periodic clashes have happened between the two nations' troops, resulted in the deaths of troops on both sides.

Source: Xinhua

UNESCO Special Envoy meets Thai and Cambodian leaders

via CAAI

Thursday, 3 March 2011

Press Release: UNESCO

UNESCO Special Envoy for Preah Vihear meets Thai and Cambodian leaders

Paris, 2 March - UNESCO Special Envoy Koïchiro Matsuura met with leaders from Thailand and Cambodia to discuss ways to safeguard the World Heritage site of Preah Vihear, during his visits to Bangkok and Phnom Penh between 27 February and 1 March. Mr Matsuura travelled to the two capitals at the request of UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova, with whom he remained in close contact throughout the mission.

In Bangkok, Mr Matsuura met with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, Foreign Affairs Minister Kasit Piromya, and National Resources and Environment Minister Siwit Khunkitti. The Special Envoy was also received by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who is a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.

In the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, Mr Matsuura met with Prime Minister Hun Sen, and Deputy Prime Minister Sok An. He was also received by HM King Norodom Sihamoni.

During his discussions in both capitals, Mr Matsuura stressed the need to create the conditions necessary for the safeguarding of the 11th century Preah Vihear Temple. Mr Matsuura, a former UNESCO Director-General and Chair of the World Heritage Committee (1998-1999), expressed the hope for a lasting dialogue between the two countries with a view to establishing long-term sustainable conservation of the site.

The UNESCO Special Envoy did not travel to Preah Vihear during his mission.

Following the conclusion of Mr Matsuura's mission, Irina Bokova expressed her satisfaction that the meetings had taken place and stated that UNESCO would do everything in its power to maintain the dialogue. She reiterated her statement made just before the Special Envoy's mission that "the world's cultural heritage should never be a cause for conflict."

The 11th century temple of Preah Vihear was inscribed on the World Heritage List for its outstanding universal value in keeping with the 1972 World Heritage Convention, which has been ratified by both Cambodia and Thailand.

In keeping with the Convention, States parties undertake to recognize that "such heritage constitutes a world heritage for whose protection it is the duty of the international community as a whole to co-operate."

APT building orphanage in Cambodia

http://www.etravelblackboard.com/

via CAAI

Thursday, 3 March 2011

APT, in conjunction with ODA Orphanage and The Rotary Club of Atherton - Queensland, is currently building a school in an impoverished area near Siem Reap, Cambodia.

APT is supporting this venture through direct and indirect funding. The new school will facilitate the teaching of English, which will lead to wider employment opportunities for students.

According to APT General Manager Marketing, Deb Fox: “Offering both practical and financial support, we’re delighted to be making a difference to a place that provides our guests so much enjoyment.”

APT will include a visit to the ODA orphanage on tour-cruises that include Siem Reap touring.

Both sides not firing, just reinforcing

via CAAI

Published: 3/03/2011 at 12:00 AM

Newspaper section: News

Thai villagers living near Preah Vihear Temple are now familiar with Cambodia's BM-21 multiple rocket launchers, used in the border conflict with Thailand. The weapon can release 40 rockets at a time and these missiles can reach as far as 40 kilometres away.

The Thai army has its own teeth. It has the DTI-1 multiple rocket launchers jointly developed by the Thai Defence Ministry and China. With a shooting range of 60-180km, the DTI-1 is not suitable for armed border spats, however.

The main weapon for Thailand is the 155-mm Caesar self-propelled howitzer artillery, with a shooting range of 40km. The howitzer, made by Giat of France and used by the army since 2006, is the main weapon to counter Cambodia, in addition to the 105mm artillery. There is a joke among Thai soldiers that Cambodian troops hate "Caesar salad".

The howitzer was the main target of attacks in the field and in the diplomatic move by Cambodia. Phnom Penh has protested at the United Nations Security Council by alleging that the Thai army had used banned cluster bombs fired by the howitzer upon its soldiers. Thailand denied the allegation and in order to silence this claim for good, army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha has ordered all howitzer artillery to be returned to the depots.

The Cambodian government also told the Security Council that Keo Sikha Kiri Savara pagoda sitting in the 4.6 square kilometre disputed area near the 11th century Hindu temple, had been severely damaged by Thai weapons. But the fact is the pagoda and its vicinity have been only slightly damaged, after several rounds of artillery shooting. The pagoda, the Cambodian flag and pole still stand there.

But now border tensions have eased, thanks to the "gentlemen's agreement" between army Chief-of-Staff Gen Dapong Rattanasuwan, and Maj Gen Hun Manet, the deputy army leader of Cambodia and son of Prime Minister Hun Sen, at Sa-ngam Pass on the border in Phu Sing district of Si Sa Ket on Feb 19.

But Thailand is anxious that the agreement could be broken any day and continues to carry out troop and weapons reinforcements at the border in Kantharalak district of Si Sa Ket, due to signs that Cambodia is sending more soldiers and tanks at night and continues to use Keo Sikha Kiri Savara pagoda and Preah Vihear as an operations base. Such action already violates the agreement, as both sides had agreed that there would be no troop movements after 5pm.

In addition to troop and tank reinforcements, Thailand believes that Cambodia plans to order more BM-21s from Russia along with Chinese-made rockets.

Thai military leaders are not sure whether Maj Gen Hun Manet will be able to keep his promise, because he was rather quiet during the meeting, and nobody ever knows what his father has in mind.

"The talks [with Maj Gen Hun Manet] was not a ceasefire agreement. Thai soldiers have the right of self-defence and will retaliate if they are shot at first," Gen Dapong said.

As the border tensions eased, Thailand downgraded the alert under the "Chakrapongse Bhuvanath" plan from maximum alert to the second phase, meaning that while all units have to remain alert, some have been ordered to return to their camps.

The army has also restructured areas under the responsibility of Suranaree Task Force under the "Phra Viharn Plan", by dividing its fighting units into three sectors.

The Viharn 1 Task Force is directly taking responsibility for the dispute area including Phu Ma Khua. The Viharn 2 Task Force takes care of the border area in Surin, opposite Cambodia' Oddar Meanchey province. The Viharn 3 Task Force is in charge of the area in Sa-ngam Pass in Phu Sing district of Si Sa Ket, opposite Along Veng of Cambodia.

The border situation will soon be monitored by observers from Indonesia to make sure that new fighting will not erupt. The agreement to dispatch the Indonesian delegation - which will stay on both sides of the border - was reached at the meeting of foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Jakarta on Feb 22. The army is reluctant about having Indonesian observers on Thai soil, due to concerns about that country's neutrality. But it has no choice since this is the government's policy.

Gen Prayuth has said that the observers will not have full access to information of the army, including a ban on entering strategic locations at the border. "The request [of Indonesia to visit Thai army border posts] will be considered on a case by case basis," he said.

The Second Army and Suranaree Task Force have prepared an area in Kantharalak district to accommodate the 15 observers to stay, though the details will be discussed in the Joint Boundary Commission between Thailand and Cambodia. The date of the meeting has not been set.

The JBC will be followed by a meeting of the General Border Committee led by Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon and his Cambodian counterpart Teah Banh, tentatively set for this month. The main issue on the GBC agenda will concern troop reductions and the role of the Indonesian observers.

Thailand has sent its soldiers to join UN peacekeepers in East Timor, Aceh in Indonesia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Burundi and Sudan. But the army is not comfortable having observers from Indonesia here, as it believes that this border issue can only be sorted out by Thailand and Cambodia.

And a solution does not seem likely to be reached in the near future.

Wassana Nanuam reports on military affairs for the Bangkok Post.

Soldiers endure an uneasy truce

via CAAI

Little time for sleep as Thai troops face a war of nerves with Cambodian military

Published: 3/03/2011

Newspaper section: News

With Cambodian forces in sight on the other side of the border, Thai troops stationed near Preah Vihear temple and on Phu Makhua mountain never have time to relax.

They have been living on a knife-edge since the last round of clashes with Cambodian troops ended on Feb 15.

Despite a gentleman's agreement to stop firing that was reached between army chief-of-staff Dapong Rattanasuwan and Maj Gen Hun Manet, the deputy army chief of Cambodia, on Feb 19, gunshots and explosions have still been heard from time to time.

The explosions were believed to be landmines, sometimes detonated by Thai or Cambodian soldiers and sometimes by wild animals.

But the nerve-racking sound of gunshots is heard almost every day - usually the result of Cambodian soldiers firing guns into the sky.

"[Those] Cambodian soldiers lack discipline. Sometimes they are drunk and shoot a gun [up to the sky] to challenge us to return fire, but we have enough discipline to not respond to their game," said Col Thanasak Mitraphanont, head of the 23rd military ranger special task force.

There are two types of Thai troops deployed at the border. The military rangers are dressed in black uniforms, while regular soldiers wear camouflage uniforms.

"The Cambodian troops appeared more at ease with the black-clad troops stationed in sight than when they saw soldiers in camouflage because they have known each other well through long-time close coordination at the border," said Col Thanasak.

The 2nd Army has maintained three task forces near the disputed area, but not many soldiers are assigned to be on duty at each spot along the border.

They face the lonely duty of constantly watching the movement of Cambodian troops around the clock. They cannot listen to a radio because it would produce an unwanted noise. Nor can they light up a fire at night because the Cambodians would easily see where they are.

But to Sgt Chatchai Chaemchuad, who is stationed at an outer area of Phu Makhua mountain, a stray dog named Chao Si Ta (Mr Four Eyes) has always been good company.

The dog has one black spot above each eye, making it look as if it has four eyes. It had been abandoned by its owner and came to the soldier one day. Sgt Chatchai felt sorry for the dog and gave it some food - and the dog has never left.

The soldiers rely mainly on tinned fish and instant noodles. Once in a while, a special meal such as som tam (green papaya salad) is delivered to soldiers on the front line uphill.

As for bathing, soldiers can only take a shower once in a period of seven to 10 days. The best they can do on a daily basis for the sake of personal hygiene is washing their faces.

"We've scarcely slept because we must always be watching out for signs of danger. Sometimes Cambodian soldiers simply climb up the cliff," said a military ranger.

As long as formal negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia fail to bring any concrete agreement, several thousand Thai troops will have to remain at the border, with their lives at risk from danger that can erupt at any time in such a tense environment.

DAP News. Breaking News by Soy Sopheap

via CAAI

Thailand Expressed Shameful for Listing Preah Vihear temple: PM Hun Sen

Thursday, 03 March 2011 07:18 DAP-NEWS/VORN SARUN

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA, MARCH 03, 2011-Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Thursday said that Thai side have started to play trick and expressed the shameful of the listing the Preah Vihear temple.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of a university in Phnom Penh, Thai (PM) told the UNESCO director general about delisting the temple. “It is so shameful” as neighboring countries and opposed the listing of the temple. PM Hun Sen met the director general of UNESCO earlier week.

Thailand has opposed the management and development plan. Thailand used troop to invade Cambodia at area near the 11th century temple which has universal value. Recently, Thai troop waged war to occupy the temple ad used heavy weapons to aggress Cambodia.

Cambodia collected 414 waste shells of Thai weapon from the fighting.

“Indonesian observers will come to monitor the situation soon, “He added. On Feb 22, Cambodia and Thailand agreed to allow the Indonesian observers to see the permanent ceasefire. Cambodia also submitted already the fourteen points to allow the observers to implement their duties smoothly.

Thai troops invaded Cambodia on July 15, 2008.

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Military Attaches Visits Khmer Preah Vihear Temple

Thursday, 03 March 2011 07:17 DAP-NEWS/VENG BOPHA

PREAH VIHEAR, CAMBODIA, MARCH 03, 2011-12 military attaches in Cambodia on Thursday visited 11th century Khmer Preah Vihear temple in a move to seek understanding about the damages of the temple by Thai troops in recent fighting.

Gen. Srey Deok presented about the damages of the temple and kinds of weapons that fired by Thai troops during the fresh fighting to the military attaches.

“Thai troops invaded Cambodian territory. They destroyed the world heritage temple. That is a crime, “He said, adding that Thai troops used the cluster bombs which banned by the international community.

“Now, the situation of border at the area is normal,” He added.

Thai troops have ambition to take the temple and the land of 4.6 square kilometers near the temple through unilateral map. Thai troops invaded Cambodia on July 15, 2008.

AKP - The Agence Kampuchea Press

via CAAI

NEC Announces the Fixed Date for Cambodia’s Senate Election

Phnom Penh, March 3, 2011 AKP – Cambodia’s National Election Committee (NEC) has announced the fixed date for the election of the Senate of the third mandate to be held on Jan. 29, 2012.

In a news release on Mar. 1 issued by NEC to all Cambodia’s political parties, local and international non-governmental organizations, and the public, the date for the election is set according to the approval made by the Cambodian Senate in a meeting held in late January on the set day of the election, the number of the seats and the division of the constituency seats.

In late February, the royal government also approved the date being fixed for Cambodia’s Senate election.

The number of seats for each regional constituency includes Region 1 (Phnom Penh capital city) with 6 seats, Region 2 (Kampong Cham province) 8 seats, Region 3 (Kandal province) 5 seats, Region 4 (Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap, Oddar Meanchey and Pailin provinces) 10 seats, Region 5 (Takeo, Kampot and Kep provinces) 7 seats, Region 6 (Svay Rieng and Prey Veng provinces) 7 seats, Region 7 (Kampong Speu, Kampong Chhnang, Pursat, Koh Kong and Preah Sihanouk provinces) 8 seats, and Region 8 (Kampong Thom, Preah Vihear, Kratie, Stung Treng, Rattanakiri and Mondulkiri provinces) 6 seats, according to the announcement of the Senate.

The election will not be by universal suffrage. Only commune councilors throughout the country and parliamentarians will take part in this election.

The Cambodian political parties will compete for 57 of the 61 Senate seats. The remaining four seats will be appointed by the National Assembly and the King, who can choose two representatives each.

The term for senators is six years, according to Article 102 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia. –AKP

By THOU Peou

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Cambodia Kicks Off Campaign to Attract Japanese Tourists

Phnom Penh, March 3, 2011 AKP – Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism held a seminar here on Mar. 2 with an aim to attract more Japanese tourists to visit the country.

The seminar was presided over by Minister of Tourism H.E. Thong Khon and Cambodian Ambassador to Japan H.E. Hor Moniroth.

Japanese tourists consider Cambodia as the Regional Tourist Main Gateway, which is rich of historical and cultural heritage sites that attract many tourists from over the world.

According to the tourism minister, the total number of foreign tourist arrivals in 2010 reached some 2.5 million, or an increase of 16.04 percent as compared with 2009, of them 151,795 were Japanese.

In January 2011 alone, the number of tourists increased to 274,471, or 18 percent up, including 15,474 Japanese tourists (an increase by 7 percent) if compared with the same period of 2010, he said.

Cambodia is expected to receive around 2.7 million foreign visitors this year, some 3.1 million in 2012 and 4.5 million by 2015. –AKP

By CHEA Vannak

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State-run Radio Gains More Popularity

Phnom Penh, March 3, 2011 AKP – The National Radio of Kampuchea (RNK) has gained more and more popularity while more than 90 percent of Cambodian people are entitled to access to information, NRK Director General H.E. Tan Yan said.

“Our three state-run radio stations (AM918, FM96 and FM105.75) are competing with other private radio stations and mass media in providing news to the public,” he said.

According to ABC’s Project Manager Mr. Roth Nhata in 2010, the number of NRK’s listeners reached 1.2 million and it is expected to increase from 1.5 million to 1.6 million this year. –AKP

By KHAN Sophirom

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Information Ministry Holds First-Aid Training Course

Phnom Penh, March 3, 2011 AKP – As many as 39 officials from the five General Departments of the Information Ministry have been attending a First-Aid Training Course jointly organized by the Information Ministry and the Cambodian Red Cross (CRC).

The opening ceremony was held here on Mar. 2 in the presence of Secretary of State at the Ministry of Information H.E. Thach Phan and CRC Deputy Secretary General Mrs. Men Nearysopheak.

The two-day training course focuses on the CRC’s seven basic principles including humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality in assisting the victims. –AKP

By Théng

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“Voices of Khmer Rouge” Exhibition To Be Opened on Friday

Phnom Penh, March 3, 2011 AKP — “Voices of Khmer Rouge” Exhibition will be opened on Mar. 4, at 6:30 pm at Bophana Audiovisual Resource Center (BARC), Phnom Penh.

“Voices of Khmer Rouge” by Thomas Weber Carlsen and Jan Krogsgaard, was filmed during 2002-2003, edited, translated and subtitled 2004-2008, and finalized in 2010, according to a BARC press release.

The 43 hour long audiovisual memory document/art-installation “Voices of Khmer Rouge” consist of 30 human stories, shown on 30 monitors, where 30 former ordinary Khmer Rouge soldiers tell about their personal life experiences during the Cambodian civil war: their upbringing, actions, battles, thoughts, believes, feelings, secrets, ideologies and human values, the press release pointed out.

“We wanted to know what kind of people the Khmer Rouge movement was made up of: Who are they? When, why and how did they become “Khmer Rouge”? How do they look at themselves, being a part of the Khmer Rouge organization, with the loss of millions of people from executions, workloads and starvation as a result of its fatal policies? How do they look at society today?,” said Thomas Weber Carlsen and Jan Krogsgaard.

When watching and listening to the “Voices of Khmer Rouge”, these are some of the questions you will be confronted with and have to answer for yourself, they said, adding that each of the 30 stories last somewhere between twenty-five minutes and two hours. You can watch each episode for as short or long time as you like, moving from one story/monitor to another, and doing so end up with your “own editing” of the 30 stories.

From a universal human perspective, “Voices of Khmer Rouge” raises questions outside the Cambodian sphere like: Who writes History? Who are our gatekeepers? Who produce and digest information before we receive it? And how does this process take place?

Through its size, 43 hour long, “Voices of Khmer Rouge” is intended to challenge representation as we know it and asks, among several questions: When do we know enough to reach conclusions, when are we overwhelmed by information and must refrain from concluding in general terms? A question that seems to be significantly stressed these years through the ongoing Wikileak story.

“Voices of Khmer Rouge” has a story to tell to anyone who is willing to open up their mind. This goes for the young generation of Cambodians who in many ways are removed from the realities that created the Khmer Rouge, as well as for seasoned international Khmer Rouge and Cambodia scholars looking to fill the little gaps in their general knowledge. Also people without any specific knowledge of the Cambodian history might step into another experience. –AKP