Thursday, 3 February 2011

AKP - The Agence Kampuchea Press


via CAAI

Germany Extends US$1.3 Million for Mine Clearance in Cambodia

Phnom Penh, February 2, 2011 AKP – Germany has agreed to provide 1 million Euro (US$1.3 million) to Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC) to support the mine and explosive remnants of war (ERW) clearance in Siem Reap and Oddar Meanchey provinces for one year.

The agreement was signed here on Feb. 1 by Mr. Prak Sokhon, delegate minister attached to the prime minister and vice president of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), and German Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Wolfgang Moser under the presidency of Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers H.E. Sok An.

The signing of the agreement clearly shows our firm determination to save our people from the fear of the danger of mines, and to clear and hand over the de-mined land to rural community for development, said H.E. Sok An.

For his part, the German ambassador affirmed that Germany will continue to help Cambodia in mine and ERW clearance.

The Federal Republic of Germany has assisted Cambodia in mine clearance since 1999.

Earlier last week, CMAA and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed the US$24-million agreement on “Clearing for Results” project’s phase II (2011-2015). –AKP

By LIM Nary

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Two Thais Respectively Sentenced to Eight and Six Years in Jail

Phnom Penh, February 2, 2011 AKP – Phnom Penh Municipal Court sentenced on Feb. 1 two Thais, Veera Somkwamkid, to eight years in jail and Ratree Pipattanapaiboon, to six years on charges of illegal entry into Cambodia, unlawful entry into military zone and spying.

They have to pay fines of 1.8 million riel (about US$450) and 1.2 million riel (about US$300), respectively, to Cambodia’s national budget.

The two Thai defendants were also allowed to have one month to appeal against the verdict.

Veera Somkwamkid, a former leader of the nationalist People’s Alliance for Democracy Movement and his assistant Ratree Pipattanapaiboon were arrested on Dec. 29, 2010, among other five Thais, who were released last month by receiving suspended sentence for illegal entry and have already returned to Thailand. –AKP

Article in Khmer by CHEY Phum Pul
Article in English by THOU Peou

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NPA Provides over US$350,000 to CMAC

Phnom Penh, February 2, 2011 AKP – The Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) has agreed to provide US$355,000 to Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC) to support 12 months implementation on explosive remnants of war (ERW) survey project in the eastern part of the country.

The MoU on this financial assistance was signed here on Feb. 1 by Secretary General of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) H.E. Chum Bunrong, CMAC General Director H.E. Heng Ratana and NPA Director Mr. Tang Sunhav.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, H.E. Heng Ratana said the project focuses on the eastern part of Cambodia, including Kampong Cham, Kratie, Svay Rieng, Prey Veng, Rattanakiri, Mondulkiri and Stung Treng provinces.

H.E. Chum Bunrong thanked the Norwegian government and people for their assistance to Cambodia’s development, especially to CMAC.

Norway has so far extended over US$6 million to support CMAC’s activities. –AKP

By Théng

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Statement from the Co-Investigating Judges regarding Case Files 003 and 004

Phnom Penh, February 2, 2011 AKP – Below is the full statement from the Co-Investigating Judges regarding Case Files 003 and 004 issued today:

“In accordance with Rule 56 (2) of the Internal Rules of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), the Co-Investigating Judges wish to make an update to the public on the ongoing work on Case Files 003 and 004.

In the spirit of cooperation envisaged in the ECCC Law and Internal Rules, the Co-Investigating Judges have established joint working groups. The work at present is focused on examining and analyzing the documents available on the Case Files, particularly the existing documents in the previous Cases Files 001 and 002. Therefore, at this stage, no field investigation is being conducted.

The Co-Investigating Judges hope that this communication could avoid any misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the current works of the OCIJ that would remain confidential.” –AKP

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