Tuesday, 27 July 2010

DAP News. Breaking News by Soy Sopheap

via Khmer NZ

Donors welcome verdict for Duch

Monday, 26 July 2010 14:27 DAP NEWS

Ambassadors from France and Japan, The Co-Chairs of the Friends of the Court on Monday make this statement on behalf of the donors to the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) with welcoming the verdict ruled by the court.

The donors welcome the completion of the trial in the Trial Chamber for case 001, Monday 26th of July, against Kaing Guek Eav, known as Duch, former director of the detention center S21 in Phnom Penh for crimes against humanity, grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions, homicide and torture, the statement from co-chairs signed by the French and Japanese ambassadors.

“The donors recognize the commitment of the national and international judges as well as all those working for the ECCC and their independent and comprehensive work, in order to uphold high standards of law and due process, it added, noting more than 30 years after the atrocities committed under the Khmer Rouge regime, this judgment gives hope that the ECCC will ultimately fulfill its promise as a vehicle for justice and national reconciliation for all Cambodians.

The donors reaffirm their confidence in and support for the ECCC in delivering justice to the Cambodian people and in helping Cambodia strengthen further its efforts for the rule of law, the statement said.

EU Gives Two Million Euros to Khmer Rouge Tribunal

Monday, 26 July 2010 13:20 DAP-NEWS / Vibol

CAMBODIA, PHNOM PENH, JULY 26, 2010-The European Union and the Royal Government of Cambodia on Monday have agreed a contribution worth 2 million euros (US$ 2.6 million) in support of the Cambodian side of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal. The funding will go to pay the salaries of the Cambodian judges, prosecutors and legal support staff serving at the Trial and Appeals Chambers for the next year. It will be managed by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) on behalf of the EU.

The two million euros is part of a 7.7-million-euro package supporting legal reform and governance in Cambodia and comes on top of one million euros donated by the EU to the Extraordinary Chambers of the Courts in Cambodia (ECCC) in 2007.

"The first sentencing of the Tribunal is a historical occurrence and a unique opportunity to help to bring to closure a dark chapter of the Cambodian modern history. I hope that it will also be a start for the introduction of international law in Cambodia. The EU is the main supporter of the Cambodian side of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal. We believe that this process is important to increase the standards and perceptions of justice in Cambodia. Failure to resolve governance issues is a major obstacle to poverty reduction, growth and effectiveness of aid and these issues must be addressed." said HE David Lipman, Ambassador and Head of EU Delegation to Cambodia.

HE Tony Kranh, Acting Director of Administration expresses his “deepest gratitude” to the EU which, as the ECCC’s substantial donor, plays an essential role in the peace-building process and socio-economic development of Cambodia.

“EU’s contribution participates directly in bringing justice and strengthening national judicial reform in Cambodia,” HE Kranh said.

“The successful completion of the trial phase in Case 001 was widely welcomed both nationally and internationally. Investigations in Case 002 concluded in January, and we are expecting the Closing Order by September.

I hope that EU will continue its engagement with the ECCC in the future so that the Court is able to complete its mandate in line with the indicative timelines while respecting the due process.” Tony added.

Foreign diplomats to Cambodia visits Khmer Preah Vihear Temple

Monday, 26 July 2010 13:15 DAP-NEWS / Vibol

CAMBODIA, PHNOM PENH, JULY 26, 2010- Foreign diplomats on Monday visited 11th century Khmer Preah Vihear temple after two years of listing as world heritage site on 7 July 2008.

“ it is a great honor for us and thanked the foreign diplomats taking a trip here to see Preah Vihear and seek understandings about Preah Vihear temple,” Chea Dara, deputy commander in –chief of Royal Armed Forces to region of Preah Vihear said by phone.

He added that the foreign ambassador delegation about 20 people including the United Kingdom, Australia, Cuba, Philippines, Laos, Vietnam, and Burma go through to Preah Vihear temple today , see market in front of Preah Vihear temple which Thai forces fired during the previous armed clash.

Thai forces invaded Cambodian territory in July 15 2008, a week after the world heritage site recognized Preah Vihear temple. Armed clashes happened several times left dozen of soldiers from both sides died.

A new development, Thai claimed it had a 4.6 kilometer square disputed area with Cambodia near Preah Vihear temple and Thailand will oppose development and conversation plan of Preah Vihear temple with Cambodian delegation which will explain about development plan in a meeting in Brazil.

Deputy prime Minister and Minister of council of ministers Dr. Sok An late last week left here to attend the meeting in Brazil from 25 July –august 3. “We have never had a fear from Thai side in opposition with us because we know Thai stance,” he added.

He said Thailand used unilateral map that drew secretly by themselves to take Cambodian soil. And Thailand claimed it as buffer zone. “ We have never had buffer zone with Thailand, he said, adding that Thailand must recognize international laws such French –Siam treaty in 1904-1907 on border map and verdict of international court of Justice that ruled in 1962 Preah Vihear temple as belonging s to Cambodia.

“Foreign partners will accept development and conservation plan of Preah Vihear temple because Cambodia also is permanent member of world heritage site. And the development management plan of Preah Vihear from Cambodian side already recognized from foreign partners for that plan because foreign and local experts help Cambodia to do it, a political analyst said, adding that extremists in Bangkok urged Thai government to boycott the meeting in Brazil.

Analyst added “That is act equaling a foolish and cheap concept “for Preah Vihear temple because the temple will attract foreign tourists and from the tourists, Thai residents in Surin and Sra Keo and other places will get benefits from that from Thai side. But the nationalists and extremist in Bangkok detroyed value of Thai reputation on Preah Vihear temple. Foreign partners have not supported Thai side since the beginning of their opposition on issue of listing Preah Vihear temple as a site with world heritage committee in 2008.

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