Cambodia to boost rice spending, eyes 7 pct 2011 growth

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Published: 26 Nov 2010

PHNOM PENH, Nov 26 - Cambodia's parliament approved a $2.4 billion national budget bill on Friday, which aims for economic growth of 7 percent next year by investing more in agriculture to boost rice exports.

The bill, backed by four-fifths of the lawmakers present, would see an 18.7 percent increase in the national budget from this year, with increased spending on agriculture and defence.

Prime Minister Hun Sen told parliament the bill would help achieve the government's target for gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 7 percent and reduce poverty by more than 1 percent each year in one of Asia's poorest nations.

He also said the budgetary increase would help keep inflation at around 4.5 percent and maintain the riel currency at around 4,100 riel to the dollar.

The 2011 bill sets aside around $23 million for the Ministry of Agriculture, up from $3 million last year, to meet plans to reform the rice sector and export one million tonnes of the grain within the next five years [ID:nSGE67G0A9].

That goal is still small compared with neighbours Thailand and Vietnam, which are aiming to ship 8.5 million tonnes and 6.1 million tonnes, respectively, this year.

Cambodia is looking for foreign investors to boost its fledgling rice milling sector so that it can reap higher dividends from its grain crop. Much is currently sent to Vietnam to be milled and re-exported [ID:nSGE6730AT].

The budget also sets aside about $297 million for defence and security spending, up from $274 million last year, which Hun Sen said was necessary for "protecting territorial integrity".

The International Monetary Fund has criticised the high level of military spending in the past and it could again be a bone of contention with international aid donors, who contribute a large proportion of Cambodia's state budget.

The Ministry of Health will get $165 million and the Education Ministry will get $218 million next year.

Cambodia to hold festival next year despite stampede

This year's festival in Phnom Penh ended in tragedy after crowds panicked on an overcrowded bridge

via CAAI

PHNOM PENH — The Cambodian capital will continue to host an annual water festival despite the deaths of nearly 350 people at this year's event in a stampede on a bridge, an official said Friday.

"The ceremony will still be held as usual," said Chea Kean, deputy secretary general of a government festival committee, adding that it was an "age-old tradition" in the country.

He said it was too soon to say whether Cambodia's most popular festival would attract as many visitors next year in the wake of Monday's disaster, in which 347 people lost their lives, 221 of them women.

"Let's wait and see when we get nearer to the event," said Chea Kean.

The three-day event, which marks the reversal of the flow between the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers, usually draws millions of visitors to the capital to enjoy dragon boat races, fireworks and concerts.

The festival ended in tragedy after crowds panicked on an overcrowded bridge leading to an island that was one of the main event sites.

Authorities said a full report on the incident would be released next week.

Initial findings from an investigating committee suggest the stampede occurred after rumours rippled through the crowd that the suspension bridge to Phnom Penh's Diamond Island was about to collapse.

The crossing, where people have been gathering to mourn and lay out candles, flowers and food offerings for the souls of the deceased, remained closed to the public on Friday although an official has said it will reopen soon.

Prime Minister Hun Sen has described the disaster as Cambodia's worst tragedy since the Khmer Rouge's 1975-1979 reign of terror, which killed up to a quarter of the population.

National Mourning for Cambodia’s dead

November 26th, 2010
Jessie.Wright

via CAAI

Thursday was declared a day for national mourning in the honor of the 456 people that were killed in the stampede on Monday night, on the last day of the water festival.

The ceremony was held in front of the suspension bridge and hundreds of Cambodians came with flowers and candles to mourn for those who lost their lives in the stampede. The government declared this Thursday a day for national mourning, following a very dark Wednesday when most of those who had died in the incident were buried by their families.

Memorial services and funerals were held all over the country as family members took their loves ones to be buried in their home provinces. The government promised to help transport the bodies of their loved ones and to pay 5 million riel to every family that lost someone in the incident. The situation is more drastic for other families who still haven’t heard about the fate of their loved ones and do not know whether they are dead or only injured.

On Wednesday government officials issued a statement confirming the fact that the stampede was a result of people’s panicky reaction when crossing the bridge. It seems that the bridge swayed and many of the people on it reacted in panic thinking it would collapse. They started pushing each other and the result was the terrible stampede that killed 456 people and injured more than 800.

The water festival is held every November and it lasts for three whole days. It honors the victory of the Cambodian naval forces during the 12th century and it includes boat races and prayers for a good harvest and rich rain.

Cambodian NA passes extradition agreement with S Korea

via CAAI

November 26, 2010

Cambodia's National Assembly on Friday unanimously adopted the extradition agreement between Cambodia and South Korea.

The agreement states the each party has obligation to extradite to another party for whoever found in the country of any party, and is wanted for accusation or trial.

"The extradition agreement is very important for two sides to push effective cooperation to eliminate cross-border crimes, terrorism, money laundry, weapon trafficking and human trafficking, " Pen Panha, chairman of the national assembly's legislation and justice commission, said during the debate.

The extradition agreement was signed by the two countries' foreign ministers on October 22, 2009 in Phnom Penh during the official visit of the President of South Korea Lee Myung-bak in Cambodia.

Cambodia has signed extradition agreement with China, Australia, Laos, and Thailand.

Ang Vong Vathana, the justice minister said that the ministry also plans to sign extradition agreements with countries such as Russia, India and other countries.

After the debate, all the 97 lawmakers during the session unanimously passed the extradition agreement.

Source: Xinhua

TV Raises More Than $1 Million for Victims of Tragedy

Heng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh Friday, 26 November 2010

via CAAI

Photo: Courtesy of CNN
CTN and Bayon have continuously taken donations, at time broadcasting pleas for aid and running donation totals during regular programming.

"...but what I’m worried about is that the expenditure of funds will not be transparent for the victims.”

Following Monday’s Diamond Bridge tragedy, nearly $1.5 million has come in from concerned Cambodians via fund drives by two TV stations, for both the families of the dead and for those injured.

By Friday evening, Bayon TV had raised more than $1.08 million and CTN had brought in more than $500,000.

A total 347 people died on the bridge and another 395 were injured, when a mass of Water Festival revelers stampeded on the crowded bridge Monday night.

The country’s worst tragedy in decades was felt across Cambodia and in expatriate Cambodian communities abroad, culminating in a national day of mourning Thursday.

CTN and Bayon have continuously taken donations, at time broadcasting pleas for aid and running donation totals during regular programming.

Officials from both stations said they would end their fund drives Friday and aim to distribute the money to families of the dead next week.

Hout Kheang Heng, deputy director general of TV and Radio Bayon, which is operated by the prime minister’s daughter, said 100 percent of the fundraising would go directly to victims as cash. Teams will travel to the villages where the families or survivors live or to hospitals to deliver the money, he said.

Chhun Kosal, deputy director of CTN’s fundraising committee, said so far with about 85 percent of the donations counted, the station has raised $420,000 and 373 million riel, or $93,000. They will also deliver 100 percent of the cash to survivors and relatives next week, he said.

Both said the relatives of the dead would receive more than survivors.

However, members of the opposition Sam Rainsy Party and a workers union representative said they are skeptical the money will reach the hands of those it was meant for.

That’s because during similar fundraising for soldiers stationed near a border dispute with Thailand since 2008, there was little transparency and it remains unclear where the money went, said Rong Chhun, president of the Cambodian Teacher’s Association.

A similar problem could plague the donation efforts for the bridge victims, he said.

“I really admire both stations for opening fundraising,” he said. “It shows that Khmer love Khmer. But what I’m worried about is that the expenditure of funds will not be transparent for the victims.”

Survivors Recall Horrifying Hours on Bridge

Men Kimseng, VOA Khmer
Washington, DC Friday, 26 November 2010

via CAAI

Photo: by Heng Reaksmey

From left to right: Ros Kong, Bun Sophal, and Math Seila. The Diamond Bridge survivors were guests on Hello VOA, on Thursday.

"The whole crowd became like trees bent in a gust of wind, to the left or right, as the wave of pushing surged.”

On Monday night, there were sounds of joy, as revelers spent the last few hours of the three-day Water Festival on Diamond Island. But as they crossed the bridge, those sounds were replaced by groans, as more and more people packed onto the structure.

People were pressed from all sides, three survivors of the tragedy, which claimed 347 lives, told “Hello VOA” on Thursday.

“When the crowd became more and more narrow, with people pushing in, it was hard to breathe,” said Ros Kong, who was stuck among the mass of people that would eventually panic and stampede. “People then tried to push upwards to breathe. The whole crowd became like trees bent in a gust of wind, to the left or right, as the wave of pushing surged.”

Authorities have not found a definitive moment when the overcrowding devolved into something more dangerous, but an investigative committee official said Wednesday he suspected people thought the swaying suspension bridge was close to collapse.

As panic ensued, people began to climb over each other. Those who could not stand fell beneath the feet of the others. Health officials say most of the casualties were crushed or suffocated.

For survivor Bun Sophal, the stampede led to an arduous wait on the bridge, as police and medical responders fought a heavy crowd to reach the bridge.

“I almost made it to the end of the bridge,” Bun Sophal said. “But because it was too narrow, I got stuck right there. I had to wait until I almost died for police to come.”

The survivors spoke live following a national day of mourning that brought some comfort to relatives of the victims. But serious questions remain as to who was responsible for allowing thousands of people to crowd onto the bridge.

Callers to “Hello VOA” said they wanted to know what caused the panic and who was to blame for the deaths. So far there have been few answers. The government’s inquiry is expected to issue results next week.

“I don’t know if there were police at both ends, because I was trapped in the middle of the bridge,” Math Seila, a third survivor said. “Had there been, they would have been able to save us on time.”

She eventually jumped from the bridge, escaping the crush of people but injuring herself in the process.

Ros Kong said it took almost two hours for police to reach the bridge.

“I could only see the authorities coming to help us after people started fainting and died,” Math Seila said. “Had there been security forces close by, they would have helped us long before. I just wonder why.”

US-Cambodians Join Mourning for Bridge Tragedy

Men Kimseng, VOA Khmer
Washington, DC Friday, 26 November 2010

via CAAI

Photo: by Men Kimseng

Yap Kimtung, president of Cambodian American for Human Rights and Democracy, signed in, while at the embassy.

“I am so sorry, and it is not me alone, but many other Cambodian-Americans are also sad for such a tragedy.”

Cambodian-Americans gathered at their embassy in Washington on Wednesday to pay their respects to those who died in Monday’s bridge tragedy.

Though none had relatives among the 347 dead from the Diamond Bridge stampede that has shocked the country, many wept openly at the incident.

“I feel deeply sad,” said Keo Tom, the main organizer of the gathering. “I am really sorry that there was such a horrible tragedy, and it has never happened before. We are so touched that we have to be here today to pay our respect to their souls.”

“I am so sorry, and it is not me alone, but many other Cambodian-Americans are also sad for such a tragedy,” said Yap Kimtung, president of the Cambodian Americans for Human Rights and Democracy.

Organizers will also hold a religious ceremony at a local temple to pray for the dead, who were trammeled Monday night on a crowded bridge following Water Festival celebrations.

The Cambodian Education Excellence Foundation will create scholarships for children whose parents died at the bridge, the foundation’s president, Kchao Sarang, said.

The Cambodian Embassy made an appeal for aid.

“There is still time for people to donate funds to support the victims,” Cambodian Ambassador Hem Heng told VOA Khmer. “If they don’t have the means to send it to Cambodia, the embassy will help facilitate that.”

National Assembly Passes $2.4 Billion Budget

Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer
Washington, DC Friday, 26 November 2010

via CAAI

Photo: by VOA Khmer

The 2011 budget, totaling $2.4 billion, allocates military and security spending of $304 million, including $190 million for the Ministry of Defense.

“The sectors of the government considered a priority, like the Ministry of Agriculture, received 1.8 percent of the total expenditure.”

With a day of mourning for the Diamond Bridge tragedy behind it, the National Assembly took up debate and passed next year’s budget, approving an increase of nearly half a billion dollars.

The 2011 budget, totaling $2.4 billion, allocates military and security spending of $304 million, including $190 million for the Ministry of Defense. The Interior Ministry received $114 million, health $169 million, and education $223 million.

Ouk Rabun, secretary of state for the Ministry of Finance, told lawmakers his ministry would accept recommendations from the National Assembly on “better public finance management.”

The main opposition, the Sam Rainsy Party, said it did not support the budget, claiming it had misplaced funding priorities.

“The sectors of the government considered a priority, like the Ministry of Agriculture, received 1.8 percent of the total expenditure,” Yim Sovann, a spokesman for the party, said. The ministries of rural development, land management and water resources each only receive 1 percent of the total, he said.

Cambodia to hold festival next year despite stampede

AFP) – PHNOM PENH — The Cambodian capital will continue to host an annual water festival despite the deaths of nearly 350 people at this year's event in a stampede on a bridge, an official said Friday.

"The ceremony will still be held as usual," said Chea Kean, deputy secretary general of a government festival committee, adding that it was an "age-old tradition" in the country.

He said it was too soon to say whether Cambodia's most popular festival would attract as many visitors next year in the wake of Monday's disaster, in which 347 people lost their lives, 221 of them women.

"Let's wait and see when we get nearer to the event," said Chea Kean.

The three-day event, which marks the reversal of the flow between the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers, usually draws millions of visitors to the capital to enjoy dragon boat races, fireworks and concerts.

The festival ended in tragedy after crowds panicked on an overcrowded bridge leading to an island that was one of the main event sites.

Authorities said a full report on the incident would be released next week.

Initial findings from an investigating committee suggest the stampede occurred after rumours rippled through the crowd that the suspension bridge to Phnom Penh's Diamond Island was about to collapse.

The crossing, where people have been gathering to mourn and lay out candles, flowers and food offerings for the souls of the deceased, remained closed to the public on Friday although an official has said it will reopen soon.

Prime Minister Hun Sen has described the disaster as Cambodia's worst tragedy since the Khmer Rouge's 1975-1979 reign of terror, which killed up to a quarter of the population.

Cambodian NA passes extradition agreement with S Korea

http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/

via CAAI

November 26, 2010 

Cambodia's National Assembly on Friday unanimously adopted the extradition agreement between Cambodia and South Korea.

The agreement states the each party has obligation to extradite to another party for whoever found in the country of any party, and is wanted for accusation or trial.

"The extradition agreement is very important for two sides to push effective cooperation to eliminate cross-border crimes, terrorism, money laundry, weapon trafficking and human trafficking, " Pen Panha, chairman of the national assembly's legislation and justice commission, said during the debate.

The extradition agreement was signed by the two countries' foreign ministers on October 22, 2009 in Phnom Penh during the official visit of the President of South Korea Lee Myung-bak in Cambodia.

Cambodia has signed extradition agreement with China, Australia, Laos, and Thailand.

Ang Vong Vathana, the justice minister said that the ministry also plans to sign extradition agreements with countries such as Russia, India and other countries.

After the debate, all the 97 lawmakers during the session unanimously passed the extradition agreement.

Army extends help to Cambodia

via CAAI

Published: 26/11/2010 :

The army has donated 300,000 baht to Cambodia to provide assistance to families of festival-goers killed and injured in a riverside stampede on Monday night.

Army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha handed the donation to Col Tea Sorachhay, the Cambodian military attache to Thailand on Friday.

The army also offered its condolences to the victims and their families.

Panic spread through a crowd using a bridge to reach an island in the Bassac River in Phnom Penh for the annual festival marking the reversal of the flow of water between Tong Le Sap lake and the Mekhong River, resulting in a stampede which killed 347 people and left hundreds more injured.

Malaysian couple arrested for allegedly abusing Cambodian maid

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Nov 26, 2010

Kuala Lumpur - Malaysian police have detained a man and his wife for allegedly beating and whipping their Cambodian maid for almost a year, a newspaper reported Friday.

The unnamed couple, aged 42 and 43, were arrested late Wednesday, a day after the maid ran away from their Kuala Lumpur home and sought help from a neighbour to alert the police, said district acting police chief Abdul Rahim Hamzah Othman.

The 25-year-old maid, who has been working for the couple for slightly over a year, told police she had been abused since January, he said.

'Initial investigations revealed that the couple used a stick and wire to beat the maid,' Abdul Rahim was quoted as saying by the Star newspaper.

He said the alleged victim had bruises on her hands, feet and body, adding that she received treatment at the hospital and was now staying at the employment agency pending investigations.

Police said the maid's employers are likely to be charged with causing injuries with a weapon.

Malaysia is home to more than 320,000 foreign domestic workers, mostly from Indonesia and the Philippines but with a growing number from its less-affluent neighbours Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam.

Rights groups say the maids lack protection under labour laws and claim that every year, hundreds of maids lodge complaints against their employers, ranging from physical abuse to nonpayment of salaries.

AKP - Agent Kampuchea Press

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EL Salvador Newly-Appointed Ambassador Presents Credentials to the King

Phnom Penh, November 26, 2010 AKP -- His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia received here on Nov. 24 credentials from the newly-appointed Ambassador of El Salvador to Cambodia H.E. Ignacio Zamora Rivas.

Speaking on occasion, King Norodom Sihamoni thanked the government and people of El Salvador for their support to the Cambodian nation and expressed his hope that the ties of friendship and bilateral cooperation between Cambodia and El Salvador will be further strengthened and consolidated.

In reply, the newly-appointed ambassador thanked the Cambodian monarch for granting the royal audience to him.

He pledged to do his best to strengthen the friendship, relationship, and close cooperation between both countries during his diplomatic mission in Cambodia. --AKP

(By CHEA Vannak)

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Foreign Humanitarian Assistance to Victims of Koh Pich Tragedy

Phnom Penh, November 26, 2010 AKP -- The Chinese government has extended US$500,000 to Cambodia to help the victims of the Koh Pich stampede tragedy last Monday.

The donation was given here today to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers H.E. Sok An by the Embassy of China in Cambodia.

In addition, the Chinese Red Cross Society last Wednesday donated US$50,000 humanitarian aid to the Cambodian Red Cross for the same purpose.

For its part, the French government has decided to provide a humanitarian assistance in medicine and medical equipment with the total value of 10,000 Euro (about US$13,300) to Calmette and Kossamak Hospitals in Phnom Penh, said a press release of the Embassy of France dated Nov. 25.

The assistance will be used to help the injured victims of the tragedy in the two hospitals, it added.

On the same day, Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, sent a condolence message and handed over 2 billion VND (more than US$100,000) to the Embassy of Cambodia in Vietnam, according to Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

Earlier on Nov. 24, Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam also provided US$50,000 medical equipment and some US$100,000 to Phnom Penh Municipality to assist the victims.

In addition, the Embassy of Vietnam in Cambodia has contributed US$3,000, collected from the embassy’s personnel and Vietnamese charitable people in Cambodia, to help the victims of the tragic incident.

The stampede tragedy occurred on the night of Nov. 22 on Pich Bridge of Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Center in Phnom Penh when millions of Cambodian people were celebrating the last day of the annual Water Festival, leaving 347 dead and 395 injured. --AKP

(By KHAN Sophirom)

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Stampede Accident Not to Affect Tourism Industry: Spokesman

Phnom Penh, November 26, 2010 AKP -- The Cambodian government said Thursday that the large casualties in human lives resulted from a stampede accident during Water Festival will not affect the country's tourism industry.

Chinese News Agency Xinhua quoted Phay Siphan, spokesman of the Office of the Council of Ministers, as saying that tourism industry will not be affected by this accident.

He said it was just an accident and that had nothing related to terrorism, security or safety of foreign tourists.

Phay Siphan said foreign tourists are safe to travel to Cambodia at all time and they can enjoy cultural, and eco-tourism in the country, especially the visit to Angkor Wat temples complex, one of the world's attractive destinations.

He added that Cambodia is a peaceful country without having had any natural disasters like earthquakes, volcanoes, or tsunami.

In the stampede accident occurred on Monday night, the last day of the three-day Water Festival held in Phnom Penh, 347 Cambodians died and 395 others were injured.

The stampede occurred at a small bridge linking to Koh Pich Island, and thousands of people were on this bridge when the accident took place.

Cambodia is promoting tourism industry because it is one of the largest income earners for the nation.

Cambodia is proud to see her tourism industry has gradually improved from year to year and this sector contributes “10 percent to GDP”.

Cambodia's Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen has announced that his government has set tourism as one of the priority sectors for his country's rectangular strategy for development, saying it is considered as “green gold” which is helping alleviate the good living standard of the people, especially, those who are living in the touristic sites.

Statistic provided by Ministry of Tourism said in seven months this year, 1.4 million foreign tourists visited the country.

The number showed a significant increase of 13.85 percent compared to the same period in 2009.

It is expected that Cambodia will receive around 2.4 million tourist arrivals in 2010, an increase of approximately 12 percent. --AKP

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S. Korea Confers Honorary Cup upon Cambodia

Phnom Penh, November 26, 2010 AKP -- South Korea has conferred an Honorary Cup upon Cambodia for a good partnership in receiving loans and using proper loans, according to a news release of the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

The Ministry of Strategy and Finance and the Export-Import Bank of Korea gave the Cup to Cambodia through Mr. Chhieng Yanara, Cambodian delegate minister attached to the prime minister and general secretary of the Cambodia Rehabilitation and Development Board at a time when he participated in the first Asian Development Cooperation Meeting held on Nov. 18-19 in Seoul, the Republic of Korea.

The cup was offered to the good partnership due to the great endeavor made by Cambodia in cooperation with the Republic of Korea in the national economic development in Cambodia under the leadership of Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, said the news release.

The cup also showed the prestige of Cambodia on the international arena in the national development and the poverty reduction.

Moreover, it reflected the strong cooperation between the two nations as partnerships.

The Asian Development Cooperation Meeting takes place every year in South Korea to discuss assistance for the world’s impoverished countries. --AKP

(By THOU Peou)

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18th Meeting of ASEAN Task Force On AIDS Held in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh, November 26, 2010 AKP -- The 18th Meeting of the ASEAN Task Force On AIDS (ATFOA) was kicked off here yesterday at Phnom Penh Hotel under the presidency of H.E. Dr. Mam Bun Heng, minister of Health.

The meeting was attended by AIDS program officials from nine ASEAN countries.

The two-day meeting is aimed to find ways to reduce HIV/AIDS spreading in the region and to prepare the fourth strategic plan for 2011-2015.

According to a report of UNAIDS, there were 1.58 million people living with HIV/AIDS in 2008 in the region, of them 25 percent were young people aged 15 to 24 and 75 percent of transmission cases were found in the high-risk groups including drug users, Men having sex with Men (MSM), sex workers and their clients, said Mrs. Dr. Patchara Sirivongrangson, head of Disease Control Department of Thai Ministry of Public Health.

Cambodian Health Minister H.E. Mam Bun Heng said Cambodia is one of the successful countries in the region in fighting HIV/AIDS. The prevalence rate among adults aged 15 to 49 decreased from 2 percent in 1998 to 0.7 percent in 2010, he said.

Up to the third quarter of 2010, some 41,669 people living with HIV/AIDS received ARV, among them 4,003 were children, or 90 percent of those in need of ARV. --AKP

(By LIM Nary)

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Labor Demand Rising in Rattanakiri

Phnom Penh, November 26, 2010 AKP -- Increasing companies investing in especially agricultural sector in Rattanakiri encounter labor shortage, while other production aspects are not their concerns.

With just around 150,000 residents, 25 to 30 percent of whom are temporary migrants, Rattanakiri cannot supply sufficient labor for many big plantations of cassava, rubber, bean, and cashew. As a result, labor cost in the province is increasingly high.

Some companies have managed to bring hundreds of families who reside in other provinces to their plantations in Rattanakiri, yet they cannot keep them at this mountainous and remote province for long.

According to administration director of Rattanakiri provincial hall Nap Bunheng, as many as thousands of workforces are in demand in agricultural sector, let alone tourism which is also an advantage of this northeastern province of Cambodia. --AKP

(By MOM Chan Dara Soleil)

EL Salvador Newly-Appointed Ambassador Presents Credentials to the King

Prahok flock

Photo by: Rick Valenzuela

via CAAI

Friday, 26 November 2010 15:02 Uong Ratana

Fishemen in boats and along the banks of the Tonle Sap river hunt for the schools of small, silveryfish that will be fermented and transformed into the national delicacy.

Keeping an epidemic at bay

Photo by: AFP
An anti-retroviral drug on display at a California pharmacy. A new UNAIDS report shows substantial drops in new infections.

via CAAI

Friday, 26 November 2010 15:02 Thomas Miller

THE global AIDS epidemic is now being reversed, according to the 2010 Global Report of UNAIDS released on Tuesday, though challenges remain.

For the estimated 33.3 million who currently live with HIV, as well as those at risk of infection in the future, the fight is not yet over. The report acknowledged stigma, discrimination, a flat-lining of funding for the AIDS response and lack of access to treatment for an estimated 10 million who need it as serious obstacles. Nevertheless, “the world has turned a corner”, the report said.

Cambodia received a United Nations award this year for success in battling the epidemic. According to UNAIDS, the adult HIV prevalence declined to 0.5 percent in 2009, down from 1.2 percent in 2001.

But various factors recently reported – including alarming practices among at-risk youth and a potential loss of generic medicine from a looming India-EU trade pact –indicate the risk of resurgence lingers.

UNAIDS Country Director Tony Lisle spoke with The Post about the against fight against HIV/AIDS in Cambodia.

What’s the bottom line for Cambodia with regard to this report

The bottom line is we’re certainly one of the 56 countries that have stabilised and declined in rates of new HIV infections.

The report strikes an optimistic tone, but there are some serious challenges ahead. How should we read this in Cambodia?

I think the report basically resonates well with the situation in Cambodia. As far as UNAIDS is concerned, I think we cannot be complacent, and that is also the position of the Royal Government, and in particular the National Aids Authority.

We’re also seeing saturated concentrated epidemics. For injecting drug users, for example, we have a prevalence rate of 24.4 percent, which is very worrying. In any key population with over 5 percent prevalence, that’s a source of concern, because a concentrated epidemic in that population [is an] opportunity for the epidemic to grow.

If we look at men who have sex with men, the latest data we have is a prevalence rate of 5.1 percent, and the most recent data on sex workers shows around 14.7 percent prevalence.

So we continue to have stubborn and concentrated epidemics, and if we don’t continue to see high rates – 80 percent plus – of consistent condom use amongst these populations, and if we don’t see continuing capacity to have full coverage for antiretroviral treatment for all those in need, we could see a new wave of infections, we could see another epidemic.

India and the EU are working on a trade pact that could restrict access to cheap generic medicines. What will be the impact on Cambodia?

This is a global issue. There are many countries that benefit enormously from generic drug production in India, not only for opportunistic infections but also anti-retroviral treatment. There are very specific exemptions under the TRIPS formula, [the WTO agreement on trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights], to ensure compulsory licensing, to ensure that countries will continue to enjoy the import of generics from India. Now we would hope that the [free trade agreement], if and when it is signed, will ensure that those exemptions will apply.

There is no doubt that if Cambodia does not have access to cheap antiretroviral therapy drugs, or to cheap generics for opportunistic infections, and also allied generics for example for TB treatment, then we’ll have some extremely significant challenges.

[In Cambodia,] there are 67,000 people living with HIV, 37,000 on treatment and 10,000 projected to be on treatment. Cambodia has done a remarkable job in getting over 95 percent of those in need on treatment.

We need to ensure that we continue to enjoy affordable treatment options.

The importance of human rights was stressed in this report. What would be the impact on the fight against HIV if the Cambodian government closed down the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights?

I couldn’t comment on the question. The OHCHR works closely with all the partners … and we continue to enjoy their contribution to the response to HIV and their technical expertise.

How about off the record?

I don’t comment off the record.

Is the fight against HIV improving the health system in Cambodia more generally? How so?

Hugely. I think the fact that the work we’re doing for linked response prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV is actually strengthening overall results for maternal and newborn health. It’s actually HIV dollars that have rekindled and regenerated paediatric health care in Cambodia.

Through paediatric AIDS care, we now have something like 20 operational district referral hospitals that now have comprehensive pediatric health care referral facilities.

We’re seeing a lot more women coming for HIV testing and being referred to other health services.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

When we think about Cambodia emerging from years of genocide and the years of challenges it has faced in building a stable, secure society, and facing the most serious epidemic in the region with 2 percent [infected with HIV], the achievements were and are remarkable. The important thing is to build on them.

interview by Thomas Miller

State grants three groups ethnic status

via CAAI

Friday, 26 November 2010 15:02 Chhay Channyda

Government officials have identified 21 communities of indigenous peoples from two provinces in Cambodia as ethnic minority groups, with a further 10 communities awaiting similar approval.

Seng Narong, a consultant at the Department of Ethnic Minority Development at the Ministry of Rural Development, said yesterday during the sixth National Forum on Indigenous Participation in Development that the 21 groups in Mondulkiri and Ratanakkiri provinces were approved as ethnic minorities.

The recognition of their ethnic minority status makes them eligible for officials to register their communal lands and preserve their cultures.

“It means we recognise them as Kreung, Tumpuon and Jarai ethnic minority groups,” he said, and added that the government had been working on the three communal land registrations since 2009 and that a further 10 communities would be recognised by the end of the year.

But more than 100 representatives from indigenous groups across 15 provinces gathered outside the forum to express their concerns that their rights have been violated by economic land concessions awarded by the government to local businessmen.

Fired reporters to get payment from RFA

via CAAI

Friday, 26 November 2010 15:02 Chrann Chamroeun

Phnom Penh Municipal Court yesterday ordered Radio Free Asia to pay collective indemnity to two broadcast reporters who were fired without notice last year.

Presiding judge Oeung Sien ordered RFA to pay US$44,946 to former reporter Ath Bony, who had worked for the media organisation for 12 years prior to his termination. Thai Sophea, who was fired after serving four years at RFA, was awarded US$12,482.

The payments took into account unpaid annual leave, future earnings, court costs and damages.

Sum Chamrong, a lawyer representing both complainants, said his clients were happy with the verdict.

“We applaud the court’s verdict, which is acceptable and right and in accordance with the labour law,” he said. “The court’s decision has followed the Arbitration Council’s decisions and those made by lower labour departments.”

He said he hoped the RFA “would follow the court’s conviction and voluntarily pay all indemnity money to the two reporters”.

Ath Bony said the decision provided justice for him and Thai Sophea.

“The decision will ensure all public enterprises and private companies ... to follow the labour law,” he said.

Hem Hounarith, a lawyer representing RFA, said he “was not happy” with the verdict, because he lost.

“But it is normal for the judicial court to have winners and losers,” he said.

“I will give time to my client to decide whether or not to appeal the verdict.”

Workers want refund

via CAAI

Friday, 26 November 2010 15:02 Buth Reaksmeay Kongkea

WORKERS from Kandal province who filed a complaint against a company for failing to provide job placements in Thailand aren now refusing to collect work visas that have just been prepared by the company, a police official said yesterday.

The workers said they have been waiting too long for jobs from the labor placement firm CDM Trading Manpower Company, and lost other work opportunities as a result, said Ros Savin, chief of the anti-human trafficking and juvenile protection department in Kandal province, adding that they have demanded their money back with interest.

Forty-two workers filed a complaint earlier this month against the company alleging fraud and breach of trust, saying that they each paid US$150 for help securing employment in Thailand, but had seen no results for six months.

Kandal police officials interviewed all 42 workers as part of an investigation into the matter and confirmed the payment had been received by the company.

“We have just completed our investigation this week”, Ros Savin said. “We have found that all workers in fact paid $150 to CDM Trading Manpower Company, and the company’s representatives also recognised that they have received this money for finding jobs.

Touch Manak, General Manager of the Toek Thla branch of CDM, said the company had prepared passports for the workers as well as arrangements to work with various construction companies in Thailand.

“They can leave for work this December”, he said.

He declined to offer details about the companies or where precisely they operate.

Touch Manak said 18 visas had arrived as of yesterday, and the rest would be ready on December 10. He blamed delays on political tensions between Cambodia and Thailand.

Ros Savin said the police had urged both parties to reach a compromise and resolve the issue.

Novak trial postponed by court

via CAAI

Friday, 26 November 2010 15:02 Chrann Chamroeun

PREAH Sihanouk provincial court yesterday postponed the announcement of a verdict in the case against a German national charged with committing indecent acts against two underage boys last year, because both the suspect and his lawyer were absent.

Walter Orson Novak, 46, was arrested in March last year from a guesthouse in Sihanoukville, where he was renting a room.

He is accused of taking the boys down to a beach on multiple occasions to molest them, and paying them up to US$5 each time, according to a statement released by child protection NGO Action Pour Les Enfants.

He was freed on bail after serving a month of pretrial detention.

Presiding Judge In Manith said yesterday that a request from defence lawyer Khun Sophal, who called the court earlier and said that he could not attend because he was busy mourning the dead at Diamond Island, was granted without scheduling a new date.

Nuon Phanith, a lawyer provided to the victims by the child protection NGO Action Pour Les Enfants, said he was “disappointed and bored” by the court’s decision to postpone the verdict.

“It is unreasonable, even thought the defence lawyer was absent,” he said.

“It must go ahead because it was just the verdict.”

Defence lawyer Khun Sophal could not be reached for comment yesterday.

If the court finds him guilty, Novak faces one to three years in prison.

Police Blotter: 26 Nov 2010

via CAAI

Friday, 26 November 2010 15:02 Phak Seangly

Three arrested for murder at celebration

Stung Treng provincial police on Monday arrested three men suspected of killing a man during a local celebration in Thala Barivat district. Police said that four men caused an argument when they joined the festival held at a pagoda last Saturday. One thing led to another, and a man was found dead soon after. Police said the main suspect, believed to be the son of a local government official, fled the scene and has since evaded arrest. The three detained suspects were sent to the provincial court for further questioning. KAMPUCHEA THMEY

Two men nabbed for punching wobbly dancerTwo men were arrested in Kandal’s Ang Snuol district on Monday after being accused of injuring a man during a dance party on Saturday night. Police said the victim was dancing the night away when he accidentally bumped some nearby music equipment, which fell to the ground. He neglected to pick it up, and the suspects approached him, demanding an explanation. An argument ensued, during which the victim was punched in the nose. The suspects were sent to court, but denied the charges. KAMPUCHEA THMEY

Military official found to have died in sleep

A 52-year-old deputy military police chief in Stung Treng’s Thala Barivat district was found dead in his home on Wednesday. The victim’s wife, 19, said her husband had shown no signs of illness, but she sent him to hospital after trying to wake him up. A doctor claimed the victim was dead before he arrived at hospital, and that a stroke was the probable cause. KOH SANTEPHEAP

Stepfather questioned over rape of 7-year-old

A 45-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of raping his 7-year-old stepdaughter in Preah Sihanouk’s Prey Nub district. Police said the victim was living with her stepfather after her mother was detained on charges of intentionally injuring her a few months ago. At around 10pm on Monday, the suspect allegedly raped the girl, who immediately told her grandmother. Police later arrested the suspect, who confessed to the accusations. KOH SANTEPHEAP

Jewellery seller nabbed on suspicion of robbery

Police stopped a man as he attempted to sell jewellery to a jewellery shop in Phnom Penh’s Prampi Makara district on Tuesday. Having received reports from a woman that her jewellery had been stolen by her male housemaid, police began to question the man on why he was selling four small packages to the shop. Their suspicions were confirmed when the man admitted to stealing the jewellery – worth an estimated US$10,000 – from the woman. KOH SANTEPHEAP

The Phnom Penh Post News in Brief

via CAAI

White ribbon campaign

Friday, 26 November 2010 15:02 Mom Kunthear

The Ministry of Women’s Affairs yesterday launched a white ribbon campaign to end domestic violence against women. “Our campaign will start to educate students in six universities and distribute leaflets to inform people … that we have to work together to end domestic violence,” said Sy Define, secretary of state at the ministry. The campaign runs through December 10.

Condom-carrying monk

Friday, 26 November 2010 15:02 Mom Kunthear

A 24-year-old Buddhist monk was detained in Siem Reap for carrying condoms and sex magazines in his bag last Friday, said Heng Sum, deputy chief of the Siem Reap Police yesterday, adding that the monk was later defrocked for his behaviour. “The monk was sent to the chief of Por Langka Pagoda in Siem Reap where he was given a lecture and punished. Later the same day he was dismissed from the pagoda,” Sum said.

Owners of half-built casino ‘taste’ Ratanakkiri market

via CAAI

Friday, 26 November 2010 15:02 Soeun Say

THE operators of a half-built US$3.5 million casino in Ratanakkiri province have opened in a temporary gambling centre in order to “taste the market” in northern Cambodia.

The operation – billed as the province’s first – will run for three months along the border with Vietnam, beginning today.

Officials from Vietnam and Ratanakkiri’s provincial authorities have been invited to an opening ceremony, in which five gaming tables will be opened before the casino is completed.

“We will open for three months to taste the market,” said Bee Chivoan Dara, representative from casino owners Try Pheap Import Export Company.

“We’re focusing on attracting clients from Vietnam,” he said, adding the firm would also look to gamblers from other countries such as Malaysia and China in the future.

Three stories of the six-storey Try Pheap Mittapheap Casino Entertainment Resort had been completed on some 150 hectares of land in Ratanakkiri’s O’Yadao district, about one kilometre from the Vietnamese border, he said.

“We want to develop the area to become famous, like Bavet City,” he said, referring to the popular gambling destination in Southern Cambodia’s Svay Reing province, near the Vietnamese border.

“This is the first casino in Ratanakkiri province. We hope it will attract lots of people,” he added.

The project – owned by Cambodian tycoon Try Pheap – would also include residential housing, a business centre, warehouses, a market and a bus station. Bee Chivoan Dara declined to comment on the cost of the entire project, but said the $3.5 million casino had received an official licence in 2005.

Officials from the Ministry of Economy and Finance – which is charged with managing the Kingdom’s casinos – declined to comment yesterday.

Meanwhile, Ratanakkiri provincial Adhoc coordinator Pen Bonnar said the provincial police had cracked down on a separate, unlicensed gambling site near the Try Pheap Mittapheap site on his petition.

The new Try Pheap Mittapheap had a licence to operate, he said, but added that opening the casino without completing the final building seemed unusual.

“I don’t understand why [they] are opening for a ‘tasting’ without a building,” he said.

“It will be hard to attract clients here, as the checkpoint [in Ratanakkiri province] with Vietnam is very quiet, not like Bavet City.”

Soaring demand for labour

Photo by: Sovan Philong
Workers trained by a local employment agency look back at relatives last year as they leave to take up jobs in Malaysia.

---------------------------------------------------------They trust the workers’ productivity, their respect for discipline and that they don’t run away from work.

---------------------------------------------------------

via CAAI

Friday, 26 November 2010 15:01 May Kunmakara

THE numbers of migrant workers leaving Cambodia for Malaysia and Thailand have soared so far this year, according to recruitment agents, despite welfare concerns.

Data released by the Association of Cambodia Recruitment Agencies to The Post showed that 22,425 workers left the Kingdom from January to October, compared to just 11,657 during the whole of 2009.

The sharp increase has coincided with mounting concern over the fate of Cambodian domestic workers in Malaysia, fuelled by a spate of complaints.

Earlier this year, rights group Adhoc said it has had 28 complaints from women claiming to have been abused while working as domestic servants, most of whom were based in Malaysia.

Nevertheless, demand for labour remains high.

An Bun Hak, president of ACRA, said that the reliability and strong work commitment of Cambodian workers meant that Malaysian employers were asking for more and more labour to be provided by the Kingdom.

“Now, we stand fifth [in terms of worker numbers] among the countries which send workers to Malaysia.

Employers “trust the workers’ productivity, their respect for discipline and that they don’t run away from work”, he said.

The data showed the number of workers going to Malaysia reached 14,339 in the first 10 months of this year, compared to a total of 8,114 in 2009. Of these, 4,341 people were working in factories and 9,998 in housekeeping.

Meanwhile, 8,086 workers left for Thailand in the first 10 months, up from 3,543 last year.

According to An Bun Hak, the rise illustrated a move for illegal workers to apply for legal employment permits.

Labour demand, according to the organisation, is set to increase next year.

ACRA orders are on the rise, with Malaysia set to require 30,000 workers from Cambodia next year, and Thailand 50,000.

Pay conditions could also improve, An Bun Hak said.

He expected that salaries of Malaysia-bound workers would rise, as Chinese labourers return to their homeland due to an increase in domestic wages in the People’s Republic.

“Some employers have confirmed that salaries will be three times higher,” he said.

Salaries for workers going to Thailand and Malaysia currently range from between $180 to $350 per month, according to ACRA.

European Union tariffs are tailor-made for garments

via CAAI

Friday, 26 November 2010 15:01 Steve Finch

IN many ways the European Union’s recent revision of its own rules on preferential tariffs for least-developed countries is tailor-made for Cambodia’s all-important garment industry.

The new tariff system announced last week offers far greater leeway on country-of-origin status – meaning that countries that import raw materials before adding value, such as Cambodia, can still enjoy significant tax breaks when exporting to the EU.

From next year, added value needs be just 30 percent, down from 70 percent previously, which overly discriminated against countries unable to supply their own raw materials. The Garment Manufacturers Association of Cambodia estimates that the vast majority of garments to the EU will enjoy zero tariffs as a result of the new measures compared to less than half at the moment.

Although Cambodia’s main rivals Vietnam and Bangladesh will also benefit from the change in rules they do not rely so heavily on imported raw materials – Vietnam imports about 70 percent of its materials for garment production, for example, whereas Cambodia sources almost all required fabric from overseas.

The revision of these regulations, which better reflect a world economy that has diversified in terms of sourcing materials, allows Cambodia increased competitive advantage in a market with significant room for growth.

Whereas, Bangladesh sends nearly 60 percent of its total exports to EU countries already, for Cambodia this market represents less than a quarter of all shipments, according to official data for the first nine months of this year.

Greater access to the EU remains of paramount importance for Cambodia given the bloc’s size and scope, which is increasing all the time. Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Iceland and Serbia are all currently in negotiations to join the EU.

On the downside Cambodia has to make sure the EU’s relaxation of country-of-origin rules does not promote lethargy in terms of developing all-important light industry that can help provide raw materials for the domestic garment sector.

Economic analysts regularly cite the lack of fabric producers in Cambodia as one of the main structural weaknesses within the country’s garment export supply chain.

The EU’s revision of rules on tax preferences reduces the motivation for Cambodia to establish fabric production capacity when the longer term health of the sector is surely reliant on greater self-sufficiency.

The most mature garment exporting nations such as China, India and Taiwan have all developed supporting fabric industries – to follow suit should remain a target for Cambodia.

What the EU rule change does do is exactly what it was supposed to achieve all along: Afford least-developed countries lacking a wide export base the chance to enjoy zero or low tariffs on their goods so that they can build these industries.

It took Europe a long time to get this policy right but from January 1, when the new regulations take effect, Cambodia will be in a prime position to take full advantage.

KR survivor keeps on helping others

Photo by: Craig Miles
Ronnie Yimsut continues to work toward a better Cambodia after surviving the reign of the Khmer Rouge.

via CAAI

Friday, 26 November 2010 15:46 Craig Miles

One of Siem Reap’s favourite sons, US-based Ronnie Yimsut, is in town celebrating his 49th birthday today and overseeing one of his many projects, the construction of the massive Bakong Technical College on the edge of town.

A survivor of the Khmer Rouge, his story is chilling, remarkable and inspiring. As a boy, he was captured in 1977 and taken to Tonle Sap Lake in 1978 with his family and others, and became the only survivor in his group. He lived in the forest for 17 days before heading with a group of escapees to the Thai border, where they were detained in a Thai prison then sent to a refugee camp on the Thai-Cambodian border.

It wasn’t until Brian Ellis from CBS News turned up at the camp that Yimsut’s life began to turn around. Ellis made a documentary titled, What Happened to Cambodia, which featured Yimsut.

A cousin in the US saw the documentary and contacted him. Yimsut was then sponsored to travel to the States, where he finished high school and graduated from the University of Oregon. He

is now a landscape architect for the US Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service.

“A psychologist once told me I look for ways to cope with what happened to my family and I during the Khmer Rouge regime, so I try to make the world a peaceful place,” he remembers. “I seek solitude, nature and mentally to be in a good environment. Landscape architecture and working with the forestry department gives me that,” says Yimsut.

Besides this passion, Yimsut’s other obsession is working with not-for-profit organisations. In 2003 he became the project coordinator for the CowBank project, where donors can purchase a cow for an underprivileged Cambodian family. He also started a micro-lending project in Siem Reap in the same year, enabling residents to borrow money for a small amount of interest.

He also serves as an advisor for the Cambodian-American Community of Oregon, and is the international projects coordinator for Project Enlighten. Now, however, most of Yimsut’s energy is invested in his Siem Reap technical college project, of which he is the founder and chair.

Speaking at the construction site of the Bakong Technical College, he said: “The local people are impressed. They are fully embracing the project.”

Being a creative architect, Yimsut enjoys pushing the boundaries with his designs and his American way of thinking is also personified by his philosophy to give women a greater chance to study and work at the college.

“The goal is to help women in remote areas because they are the ones that run the economy, the ones that run the households, and yet they are not being educated enough. We want to give them that opportunity.”

When in Siem Reap, he often revisits the lake where his KR tragedy unfolded.

“I was there only yesterday,” he said. “In front of many people, I broke down. The wounds are still raw. I may become a Buddhist monk as payback and to honour my family, but this is my hatred.”

Ronnie Yimsut has written a book called Facing the Khmer Rouge, A Cambodian Journey, which will be available to buy this spring.