Upsets rock the Super 4 semis

Naga Corp team members celebrate their 2-0 shock defeat of Phnom Penh Crown in the semifinals of the 2009 CPL Super 4 playoffs Saturday at Olympic Stadium.

The Phnom Penh Post
Monday, 14 September 2009 15:00 Andy Brouwer

Saturday's Super 4 semifinals saw two surprise results, with Naga Corp beating reigning champions PP Crown 2-0 and Khemara Keila also winning 2-0 over PKR

THE first of the Cambodian Premier League's Super 4 playoff games to decide the season's final rankings attracted a large Phnom Penh Crown contingent of red-shirted supporters in the main grandstand Saturday, but they were kept quiet for most of the match by a Naga team who held the upper hand from the start. With both teams at full strength, Crown decided to leave Mohamadou Ousmanou on the bench, preferring teenager Keo Sokngorn to partner Tunji Ayoyinka in attack. Meanwhile, underdogs Naga went with a five-man midfield formation leaving Sunday Okonkwo to plough a lonely furrow up front, and it worked a treat.

Okonkwo fired over the crossbar from thirty yards and then shot weakly with another opportunity before getting it right at the third attempt after 15 minutes. Fellow Nigerian Friday Nwakuna sliced the Crown defence open with a sublime through ball for Okonkwo to outpace his marker and poke the ball into an empty net, after goalkeeper Peng Bunchhay saved his initial shot. It was the striker's 12th goal of the season.

Crown had the ball in the net on 22 minutes when Tieng Tiny headed in a Chan Rithy free kick, but a flag for offside cancelled out the effort, much to the chagrin of the Crown management team and players. They suffered a further blow seven minutes before half-time, when Beng Panhcharong was booked twice in a minute. The second caution, a needless pull on the shirt of Okonkwo, sent the Crown defender for an early bath, leaving Crown a man short and a mountain to climb.

Phnom Penh Crown manager Makara Be (left) congratulates his Naga Corp counterpart Michael Thachnen after their Super 4 playoff semifinal match.

In time added on at the end of the first half, Okonkwo, who was revelling in the space provided by the opposition defence, tried an audacious chip that bounced off the top of the crossbar as his team went into the break with a deserved lead.

Naga went close to extending their lead within 30 seconds of the restart when Okonkwo's goal-bound shot was deflected wide and Nwakuna headed the resultant corner just inches over. Crown began to exert some pressure, which Naga goalkeeper Chaom Veasna brought upon himself when he was twice penalized with indirect free kicks in his own penalty area for picking up a passback. Fortunately for the stopper, the dangerously positioned free kicks came to nothing.

Crown threw on Mohamadou Ousmanou to add some beef to their attack, and it appeared to pay dividends on 80 minutes, when he crossed for Tunji Ayoyinka to stab the ball home, only for the goal to be ruled out again for offside. Keo Sokngorn also went close with a couple of half-chances, but Naga weathered the brief storm and remained dangerous on the break.

It came as no surprise when Naga sealed their place in the Super 4 playoff final with a second goal 10 minutes from time. Nwakuna had worked his socks off throughout the match, so it was fitting he should score and signal mass celebrations on the touchlines when he fired home a cross from Chin Chum.

It was no more than Naga had warranted against their much-fancied opponents, who had ended the regular season in top spot, whilst Naga finished fourth.

Naga's manager Michael Thachnen was understandably overjoyed with his team's success. "It was a great victory for us," he said. "We played to the plan we set out, and on our day we can beat anyone.

"I was very happy with my players' performance today," he continued. "My midfield players worked so hard, and Phnom Penh [Crown] found my striker too hard to control. Now I have to get the team ready for the final. It won't be easy, but I know we can win."

Preah Khan Reach's Olisa Onyemerea (left) fires a shot past Khemara Keila’s Joel Omoraka during their Super 4 semifinal Saturday.

Khemara Keila 2 - PKR 0
Khemara welcomed back talismanic striker Kuoch Sokumpheak to their starting lineup after injury, and he proved to be the difference in quality between the two well-matched teams. Preah Khan Reach (PKR) finished second in the regular season and fancied their chances of winning the Super 4. Khemara, with their threadbare squad, rely heavily on Kuoch, who was doubtful right up until kickoff, so his inclusion gave them that extra spring in their step at the start of the game.

With the two teams fearful of conceding early, the first real threat on either goal came after 22 minutes, when Nelson Oladiji's header was stopped on the goal line by PKR keeper Ouk Mich. Moments later, Khemara centre-half Joel Omoraka rose above everyone at a corner, but he headed just over.

In the closing stages of an edgy first half, Khemara continued to press, with Ty Bunvicheth volleying over when well-placed, and Kuoch heading weakly at Ouk Mich from close range.

Two minutes before half-time, Khemara got the goal that their dominance deserved. A quick corner caught PKR napping with Ty Bunvicheth whipping a low cross into the near post. As Oladiji challenged, Sok Rithy got the final touch past his own keeper.

PKR woke up after the interval and came more into the game, with Oladiji turning defender when he scooped an Olisa Onyemerea effort off the goal line.

After half an hour, Khemara goalkeeper Mak Theara dived full length to keep out a 25-yard free kick by Prak Monyoudom, but it was Khemara who stole a second and decisive goal seven minutes before the end of the game.

Kuoch Sokumpheak broke into the area, outwitted his marker and fired in a fierce, low drive that the keeper blocked, only for the ball to fall at the feet of Oladiji, who picked his spot before setting off on a celebratory dance to the corner flag. It was the leggy striker's 13th goal of the CPL campaign.

In a frantic last few minutes, PKR went close a couple of times. Khemara's Mak Theara blocked a Keo Kosal shot with his chest, and Samuth Dalin cleared a Zila Seidu header off the goal line.

However, Khemara emerged victorious to set up an unexpected meet with Naga in the playoff final at 4pm September 26. Earlier the same day, PKR will meet Phnom Penh Crown to decide third and fourth places.

Photos by Nick Sells (www.nicksellsphotography.com)

Khmer Rouge, The Killing Fields

September 11, 2009: MP Mu Sochua met Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at her office at the State department.

Mr. Adam West (L), Cambodia Desk Officer, Sec. Clinton (R),Mu Sochua met with the Deputy Assistant Secretary, East Asia and Pacific and Ambassador for ASEAN Affairs Scot Martiel.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton instructed the Chief of the US State Department on Asia and Pacific to work out the visit to Cambodia of Ms. Melanne Verveer, President Obama's Ambassador on Women and Children's Affairs, following the request made by Mu Sochua during the visit. The purpose of the trip is to assess the situation on human rights in Cambodia . Mu Sochua asked that US aid be tied to the respect for human rights and democracy.

Mu Sochua raised the issue of safety and security of opposition MPs, in fulfilling their duties as elected representative of the people. Secretary Clinton assured Mu Sochua of US concern for her case and all will be made possible to ensure for her safety.

Thai soldiers burnt one Cambodian alive and seriously wounded another one

http://khmerization.blogspot.com

Source: Deum Ampil newspaper

Reported in English by Khmerization

A group of Thai soldiers, parachuted from a helicopter, have reportedly shot at 12 Cambodians, wounding two, of which one was burnt to death alive.

Mr. Chhin Sivuthy, director of Inspectorate of Ouddor Meanchey province, said the 12 Cambodians went foraging for food and to work to remove logs for Thai traders in the border areas. Suddenly on the morning of 11th September, a Thai helicopter from Forestry Department flew over the areas and dropped a group of soldiers. The soldiers immediately began shooting at the Cambodians, wounding two. One wounded Cambodian, 18 year-old Mao Kloeng, has been rescued by his friends, while the second wounded person, 16 year-old Yon Rith was arrested and reportedly burnt alive. "In the crackdown, two Cambodians were seriously wounded. One was rescued back into Cambodian territories by his friends, but unfortunately the second person, who was unable to escape, was arrested by Thai soldiers. They poured petrol over his body and burnt him alive", he said.

Mr. Chhin Sivuthy said that after the Thai shooting, 50 Cambodian border soldiers rushed to the scene to help those Cambodians attacked by the Thai soldiers. They found the almost unrecognisable charred body of 16 year-old Yon Rith in the areas.

Mr. Chhin Sivuthy added that during the search for the Cambodians who have been attacked by the Thai soldiers, those 50 heavily armed Cambodian soldiers found 6 houses built by Thai soldiers in the areas considered "disputed". The Cambodian soldiers demanded the Thai soldiers to dismantle those houses and move out of the areas by Monday 14th September. If not, they will launch the attack.

China military spotlighted in national day parade

In this photo taken Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009, Chinese made Self-propelled 155mm Howitzers at left and trucks with a DF21 medium range ballistic missile, in front and a DF31 Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, at right making their way to a military parade rehearsal for the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic held in Beijing, China.(AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

By CHRISTOPHER BODEEN, Associated Press Writer – Sun Sep 13

BEIJING – China's biggest military parade in a decade will show off an army bristling with formidable new capabilities and deliver a potent message to the U.S. and others not to underestimate Beijing's determination to defend its interests at home and abroad.

The military display is expected to be the centerpiece of a grandiose parade through Beijing on Oct. 1 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic. A preview rumbled through the Chinese capital a week ago, giving an excited citizenry and foreign military analysts a first-time glimpse at some cutting-edge weaponry.

Upgraded intercontinental DF-31 nuclear missiles capable of striking Washington rolled on long-bed trucks along with advanced short-range DF-11 and DF-15 missiles, sea-skimming YJ-83 anti-ship missiles and DH-10 long-range cruise missiles — intended to strike targets in rival Taiwan and deter the U.S. Navy from coming to the island's defense. Not seen in the preview but expected to appear in a fly-over above Tiananmen Square are domestically produced J-10 jet fighters.

The advanced equipment is the fruit of a 20-year military buildup fueled by annual double-digit percentage increases in defense spending and buoyed by rapid economic growth that has enabled the government to spend lavishly.

The Communist leadership's willingness to put so much equipment on public display reflects its growing faith in the People's Liberation Army's capabilities and its belief that the defense muscle will translate into new strength for Beijing internationally.

"The exercise is aimed at not only showing the Chinese people some of the symbols of China's new great power status, but also showing foreigners that policies based on the presumption of Chinese weakness must be changed," said Denny Roy, an expert on the Chinese military at Hawaii's East-West Center.

Chief among Beijing's targets is U.S. support for Taiwan, the self-governing island that China considers its own territory, and the American military's continued naval and airborne surveillance missions off the Chinese coast, Roy said. Japan, Vietnam and other nations with territorial disputes with Beijing in the South China and East China Seas are also likely audiences for the display of Chinese military might.

Officially, Beijing says the parade is nothing more than a move to boost patriotism and showcase the PLA's modernization drive — an explanation that fits with the oft-repeated government line that the Chinese military buildup poses no threat to others. Chinese defense spending officially reached $71 billion this year, though analysts believe the actual figure is much higher. The spending is second to the U.S. but a fraction of American defense spending.

The parade will "demonstrate the positive image of China as a country seeking peaceful development," Senior Col. Guo Zhigang, a deputy commander of the event's training camp, was quoted as saying by the official China Daily newspaper.

Aside from armaments, the parade will feature thousands of goose-stepping troops from the PLA and the People's Armed Police, a paramilitary force whose mission is to quell domestic unrest, as they did in Tibet last year and Xinjiang this summer. President Hu Jintao is expected to review the assembled marchers, standing in an open-top Red Flag limousine as his predecessors have.

Still, the event marks a profound change from past decades when China shrouded its relative military weakness in secrecy. Despite being the world's largest standing military with 2.3 million members, the PLA was long derided as under-equipped and underfunded. For decades, its plans to invade Taiwan, when Beijing had little air or naval power, were mocked as the "million-man swim."

The paraded armaments will further feed into an ongoing reassessment of Chinese military capabilities in Washington and other capitals, which began noticing the more muscular PLA earlier this decade. Aside from the hundreds of tanks, armored personnel carriers and self-propelled artillery featured in last week's rehearsal, the plethora of missiles on display represented some of Beijing's most advanced and potent weaponry, analysts said.

The anti-ship cruise and ballistic missiles are capable of striking U.S. Navy aircraft carrier battle groups and bases in the Pacific, said Russell Smith, a former Australian defense attache in Beijing and an analyst with Jane's.

Among the less flashy but significant equipment likely to appear are those that give the PLA the ability to operate far from home, something it has never had before. Expected in the fly-over are Kongjing airborne warning and control planes that gather and send intelligence to forces and Hong-6 bombers and tankers that would allow Chinese fighters to refuel while in flight for longer-range missions.

"Obviously, Taiwan and Japan are going to feel this, and perhaps even U.S. forces in Guam, Okinawa, and perhaps even Hawaii," said Richard Bitzinger, a senior fellow at Singapore's Rajaratnam School of International Studies.

Foreign nations need not be unduly alarmed by these new capabilities, but should "at least be very, very watchful," Bitzinger said.

Army uneasy about PAD's preah vihear protest plan

http://www.nationmultimedia.com

By The Nation
Published on September 14, 2009

The Army yesterday urged restraint from the People's Alliance for Democracy when it demonstrates on Saturday at Preah Vihear Temple for the eviction of Cambodian troops and villagers occupying a disputed area near the ancient site.

"We should be careful about the protest as such an activity, despite its good intentions, could affect operating strategy on the ground," Army spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaeowkamnerd said.

People should have confidence in the Army's ability to secure Thai sovereignty over the territory, he said.

The conflict should be solved peacefully through talks, not by force, he said, adding that it could be settled by the joint border commission.

The PAD, led by Veera Somkwamkid, plans to call a rally this week to demand the removal of Cambodian troops and communities from the area.

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya inspected the overlapping zone adjacent to the temple. He met Cambodian commander Cheat Dara and some Thai field commanders. He told the commanders that his government wants to maintain good relations with Cambodia and would employ peaceful means to resolve claims over the area.

He also visited military and border-police outposts in the area.

Kasit, who is a former PAD member, also questioned the group's motives.

"I have explained several times via both the PAD's ASTV network and the national network of Channel 11 that the best way to solve the problem is through negotiation," Kasit said.

"We cannot use the military to take over the contested area," he said.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said his government would not do any thing that could concede sovereign rights over the territory. "We will do our best for the national interest but we should prevent misunderstandings that could lead to clashes and losses," he said.

China's growth locomotive for regional development :Hun Sen

www.chinaview.cn

2009-09-13

PHNOM PENH, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- China has made itself a locomotive for regional growth through its efforts to combat the world economic crisis, said Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

"It is obvious that the Chinese leaders are far-sighted in having China integrated into the global economy, which is in fact contributing to regional and world development," he said in a recent written interview with Xinhua.

Hun Sen said he believed China's success has been due to a gradual and consistent reform. "I think China has made a right strategy in participating in the global economy with a continued improvement of its institutions and productivity," he said.

While many countries around the world are having recessions, China's economy remains remarkably stable, Hun Sen said. This showed that the development model and economic policy of China are more effective than some of the developed economies, he added.

"All economic activities worldwide are, in fact, having direct or indirect links with China, and China thus played an important role in ensuring development across the Asian region," he said.

The transparency of the Chinese economic policy is another reason why it has maintained growth and built confidence among investors.

He also extended his congratulations on the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China which falls on Oct.1.

Editor: Lin Zhi

China owes its success to political stability: Hun Sen

www.chinaview.cn

2009-09-13

PHNOM PENH, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- China's success is mainly credited to its political stability, which has also contributed to regional and world peace and development, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said.

Hun Sen spoke highly of the Communist Party of China's governance of the country, in a recent written interview with Xinhua.

"I highly commend the wise and professional leadership of the Communist Party of China, which takes China's population of 1.3 billion to a sustained and rapid economic growth," Hun Sen said.

"I have also observed that since early this year, Chinese leaders have taken firm and effective actions" in dealing with natural disasters and the global economic crisis, he said.

Hun Sen said China has formed its own social, economic and political development model, which features high adaptability between the political system and economic activities.

Such adaptability has become more manifest in the country's efforts to address the global economic crisis. "This model is considered socialism with Chinese characteristics," he said.

In the international arena, "China deals with problems with more professional and accountable ways by adhering to the international standards and this bring regional stability," he said.

"I believes that the stability and development in China is not only good for China, but also benefit the regional and global economy," Hun Sen said.

Related Story

China's growth locomotive for regional development

China has made itself a locomotive for regional growth through its efforts to combat the world economic crisis, said Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

"It is obvious that the Chinese leaders are far-sighted in having China integrated into the global economy, which is in fact contributing to regional and world development," he said in a recent written interview with Xinhua. Full story

Cambodian-Chinese friendship benefits two peoples

The friendship and cooperationbetween Cambodia and China have brought continued benefits to the two peoples, said Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

The two countries forged diplomatic ties in 1958 under their then leaderships -- His Majesty King Norodom Sihanouk and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai, he said in a recent written interview with Xinhua. Full story

Editor: Lin Zhi

Cambodian-Chinese friendship benefits two peoples:Hun Sen

www.chinaview.cn

2009-09-13

PHNOM PENH, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The friendship and cooperation between Cambodia and China have brought continued benefits to the two peoples, said Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

The two countries forged diplomatic ties in 1958 under their then leaderships -- His Majesty King Norodom Sihanouk and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai, he said in a recent written interview with Xinhua.

"Until now, the Cambodian people always consider the relations a valuable legacy of the two leaders," he said, adding that "such good relations have been constantly strengthened by their succeeding leaders and their peoples."

He said the Kingdom of Cambodia have always staunchly adhered to the one-China policy and regard Taiwan and Tibet as inalienable parts of China.

Hun Sen said that over the recent years, there have been frequent exchanges of high-level visits between both countries. "And as for myself, since 2004, I, as a Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, have paid eight visits to China," he said.

"Obviously, such visits have further strengthened the friendship" between the two countries and promoted their economic, trade, culture and tourism cooperation.

He noted that China has provided huge financial assistance in the forms of grants and loans for major infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges and hydro power stations.

From 1992 to June 2009, China's financial aid to Cambodia has totaled some 923 million U.S. dollars, Hun Sen said.

He also extended his congratulations on the 60th anniversary of the birth of New China which falls on Oct. 1.

Editor: Lin Zhi

FM Kasit meets Cambodian officers, Thai troops at Preah Vihear

MCOT English News
http://enews.mcot.net

SI SA KET, Sept 13 (TNA) – Thailand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Kasit Piromya on Sunday met with senior Cambodian military officers and later visited Thai military posted near the ancient Preah Vihear temple to boost their morale.

Before his talks with Gen Chea Dara, deputy commander-in-chief of Cambodia’s armed forces, Mr Kasit attended a briefing by officers from Thai Army Region 2, responsible for security affairs in northeastern Thailand, on disputes between Thailand and Cambodia in the area near the 11th century temple.

He was told that clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces have taken place four times since July last year, immediately after UNESCO—the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization—granted Cambodia’s application for Preah Vihear temple to be designated a World Heritage Site because Thailand and Cambodia use different maps on which to base their territorial claims and negotiations are needed to solve the problem.

The officers said that the Thai government had repeatedly asked the Cambodian government to follow the joint agreement both countries signed on June 14, 2000 after local Cambodian residents built a market and homes near the contested Wat Keo Sikha Kiri Savara.

Admitting that he still did not know when the border row over Preah Vihear temple might end, Mr Kasit told journalists that he would try to accelerate negotiations, including reducing the number of troops posted at the temple, as soon as possible.

He said that future approaches to resolving the border disputes would be carried out in accordance with the existing legal framework. Mr Kasit emphasised that the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia would have an opportunity to meet again during the summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Thailand next month.

Regarding requests for reopening a Thai national park near the temple which would help boost tourism, Mr Kasit said its opening would depend on the talks which the two countries will conduct.

Reopening the national park would benefit both tourism and ASEAN’s stability, and both countries should resolve the temple problem reasonably, he said.

Both Thailand and Cambodia are members of ASEAN. (TNA)

Cambodians pray in front during a blessing by Buddhist monks in front of skulls of Khmer rouge victims

Cambodians pray in front during a blessing by Buddhist monks in front of skulls of Khmer rouge victims near a temple in Phnom Batheay village, Kampong Cham province, north of Phnom Penh during the eighth day of the 'Pchum Ben' festival September 13, 2009. Cambodians visit temples during the "Pchum Ben" 15-day festival, festival of the dead, to offer prayers to loved ones who have passed away

Buddhists monks bless skulls of Khmer rouge victims with water near a temple in Phnom Batheay village, Kampong Cham province, north of Phnom Penh during the eighth day of the 'Pchum Ben' festival September 13, 2009. Cambodians visit temples during the "Pchum Ben" 15-day festival, festival of the dead, to offer prayers to loved ones who have passed away.REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

A man sweeps in front of skulls of Khmer rouge victims near a temple in Phnom Batheay village, Kampong Cham province, north of Phnom Penh during the eighth day of the 'Pchum Ben' festival September 13, 2009. Cambodians visit temples during the "Pchum Ben" 15-day festival, festival of the dead, to offer prayers to loved ones who have passed away.REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

Buddhists monks bless skulls of Khmer rouge victims with water near a temple in Phnom Batheay village, Kampong Cham province, north of Phnom Penh during the eighth day of the 'Pchum Ben' festival September 13, 2009. Cambodians visit temples during the "Pchum Ben" 15-day festival, festival of the dead, to offer prayers to loved ones who have passed away. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

Oakmont man establishes Christian global community

Children study at Rongko school in Cambodia. The school was established by the South East Asia Prayer Center of Oakmont. The nation's leaders are impressed with the Christian-based educational system, rooted in academic excellence and high morals the center is establishing in this country where Buddhism is the official religion.
Mark Geppert of the South East Asia Prayer Center of Oakmont baptizes a young girl in a river in Cambodia. Geppert spends about 75 per cent of the year away from the Alle-Kiski Valley, traveling in Asia and Latin America as he oversees an organization that he founded in 1991 -- the South East Asia Prayer Center -- which is changing lives and giving hope to many.

Mark Geppert, of Oakmont, talks with children at the school in Cambodia that was established by the South East Asia Prayer Center of Oakmont. As president of the Center, Geppert logs more than 150,000 miles in visits to at least 10 countries each year, intent on demonstrating that the power of prayer is more than just a theoretical exercise. South East Asia Prayer Center

The efforts of South East Asia Prayer Center of Oakmont helped to establish this school --Rongko Christian University in Cambodia. The center responded to the minister of education's invitation to reform the educational system by creating a model school in the rural area.

These young girls take advantage of a beautiful day to study outside near a school in Cambodia that was established by the South East Asia Prayer Center of Oakmont. The center's educational efforts are lauded at the parliamentary and prime minister level as a "model organization for cooperation in Cambodia."

http://www.pittsburghlive.com

By Rex Rutkoski, VALLEY NEWS DISPATCH
Sunday, September 13, 2009

In many ways, Oakmont resident Mark Geppert's life has been a literal leap of faith.

After active military duty in 1970, he sold insurance and owned Cosmo's Pizza in Murrysville, then took that first springboard into uncharted spiritual waters, responding to a call to ministry.

After completing Bible school and licensing, he and his young family left Oakmont to begin mission work in Guatemala in 1976 with the support of Oakmont Baptist Church.

Today Geppert spends about 75 per cent of the year away from the Alle-Kiski Valley, traveling in Asia and Latin America as he oversees an organization that he founded in 1991 -- the South East Asia Prayer Center -- which is changing lives and giving hope to many.

This veteran of 35 years in international mission work has authored four religious books -- including "The Attack Lambs," which has been translated in to 10 languages.

As president of the Center, Geppert logs more than 150,000 miles in visits to at least 10 countries each year, intent on demonstrating that the power of prayer is more than just a theoretical exercise.

In fact, the South East Asia Prayer Center, whose support includes Alle-Kiski Valley residents and churches of various denominations, is committed to changing lives through prayer, channeling resources into humanitarian projects, establishing prayer teams that take the message of Christian faith to those who have not had the opportunity to hear it and nurturing new ministries worldwide.

"We are a Christian global community presenting the love of Christ on the platforms of health, education, parenting and micro-economics," Geppert says.

Those goals translate into very real, very human terms, including experimental farms in Laos, impacting hundreds of families, to lessons in marketing and how to use money wisely.

In Cambodia, where the center has its largest human resources, it is winning respect and encouragement even from the government. The nation's leaders are impressed with the Christian-based educational system, rooted in academic excellence and high morals the center is establishing in this country where Buddhism is the official religion.

The center responded to the minister of education's invitation to reform the educational system by creating a model school in the rural area. "(Former Valley High and Riverview High principal) Rick Rosenberger (of New Kensington) stepped up and designed the program and we instituted it with the help of people from our Singapore Church," Geppert szys. It has been a learning and growing process each year.

"Rick's educational program has lifted national standards. There are not sufficient words to express how very much we appreciate his hard work," Geppert says. (Rosenberger now works with Light of Life rescue mission.)

"We have been consistently number one in academic achievement, and the government wants us to replicate that school in 24 provinces."

Geppert very much would like to do that if the money can be raised. "That is our greatest need. There is a tremendous sense of urgency, as the girls who do not get an education and proper moral training will end up in the flesh trade in Thailand, and also are shipped to other nations for prostitution," he says.

The center subsidizes teachers, making them accountable for lesson plans, academic performance, ongoing education and bible training.

Education also is crucial for a "very serious AIDS situation" in Cambodia, he says.

In addition, the prayer center cares for orphans.

The sponsorship is $40 per month, with the full amount going to the ministry to care for the child, says Tina Tomes of New Kensington, who is the center's United States/Cambodia coordinator. (Those who would like to help the cause can find more information at www.seapc.us).

"These children are orphaned, abandoned or have parents who are disabled or too poor to care for their child," she says.

It all is an uphill battle, Geppert says. "But we have learned to be happy in what we can do and not get frustrated with the remaining enormous task," he adds.

Tomes admires Geppert's "great passion for people" and his desire to see them embrace faith in their lives. "He has an ability to connect with and inspire people and a willingness to adapt to many different situations," she adds. "It is a privilege to be a small part of this wonderful ministry."

The center's educational efforts are lauded at the parliamentary and prime minister level as a "model organization for cooperation in Cambodia."

After success with a kindergarten (starting at age 3) through 12th grade program -- 3,500 students on seven campuses -- the center is chartered to establish two technical universities, using Penn State University programs as models.

The center's largest financial expenditure is in Tibet, funding the Touching Hearts health care project, which surveys and treats children with congenital heart disease.

Geppert describes it as an environmental rather than genetic problem resulting from living at 14,000 to 18,000 feet. The center has funded the first pediatric cardio-care facility in the region, providing on-site care. The organization has spent more than $4 million in a 10-year period successfully treating 300 children and surveying 14,000, he says.

"No matter what I do, the greatest feel-good moment for me is when the job is done; a building is built, a class is taught, a sermon is delivered," he says. "Knowing you bring help to someone who otherwise had no chance is the most satisfying. Heart procedures were just performed on seven children in Tibet in June. Each one was going to die. Now they will live. "

He is awed by the sense of teamwork exhibited by people from diverse backgrounds and nations who come together to save the life of a child. That is just one example, he says, of the power of prayer.

Geppert: "We are sent to a nation to pray. Then we ask the Lord how do we reach this nation. He opens up an avenue: health care in Tibet, microeconomics in Laos, education in Cambodia, etc. The projects come out of prayer."

Although the projects receive all the attention, he says, the center, at its heart, is a prayer ministry dedicated to creating new and networking existing prayer groups. "Through books and teachings and our Web site, we resource thousands of more people," he says.

Its goal is one million people praying daily for the nations of the world.

"I think we are past the halfway point of that goal," he says.

"When we pray, we invite God into our situation. We begin to think that, even though a task seems enormous, maybe there is a way to do it," Geppert says. "Only projects born in prayer and sustained in prayer will succeed."

More information about Geppert, the programs of the South East Asia Prayer Center and how to get involved is available at: www.seapc.us

Luxury Travel to Discuss at Tourism Investment Conference at ITE Ho Chi Minh City

http://www.pr.com

Tony Pham Ha, a keynote speaker at TIC The Tourism Investment Conference 2009.

Hanoi, Vietnam, September 13, 2009 --(PR.com)-- HCM City’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism will work with tourist agencies to hold an international tourism investment conference, which will present Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam as destinations, on September 30 and October 1.

The Tourism Investment Conference 2009 (TIC) will be a chance for cities and provinces in the country to introduce their major tourism projects to more than 100 international investors.

Pham Ha has been invited for being a keynote speaker at TIC The Tourism Investment Conference 2009 (TIC) about the luxury tourism marketing. Luxury Travel’s founder Ha Pham has been interviewed by a number of newspapers and magazines published at the event.

The exposition will focus on developing tourism for the three countries, presenting tourism investment opportunities in “Three Countries, One Destination,” and creating a stable tourism development strategy.

The organizers hope the conference will open effective cooperation opportunities between the state and private travel firms.

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For more information, visit www.luxurytravelvietnam.com

Kasit still friend with PAD

http://www.bangkokpost.com

Writer: BangkokPost.com
Published: 13/09/2009

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya insisted he and the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) were not in conflict.

Earlier, the yellow-shirt PAD accused the foreign minister of failing to protect the country's terrority adjacent to Preah Vihear temple.

Mr Kasit said before visiting the area around the disputed Thai-Cambodian border near the ancient temple on Sunday morning that he had invited PAD core members for a meeting so he could explain his work an the border situation to them.

On the yellow-shirt supporters' plan to gather near Preah Vihear on Sept 19, he said they have the right to do so, and believed police and military forces would be able to maintain peace and order during the demonstration.

"The purpose of this visit is to meet people in Si Sa Ket. I will give moral support to the soldiers at the disputed border area," the minister said.

The government will continue to follow the framework agreement with all neighbouring countries to bring about peace, he said.

PM: No sovereignty loss

http://www.bangkokpost.com/

Writer: BangkokPost.com
Published: 13/09/2009

Thailand has not lost any territory in the disputed Thai-Cambodian border area near Preah Vihear temple, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva insisted.

The premier said in his weekly broadcast programme on Sunday that the joint statement between Thailand and Cambodia on the listing of the ancient temple as a World Heritage site had been revoked by then foreign minister Tej Bunnag.

"As a result, both countries have no treaty on this issue," Mr Abhisit said.

He said the government will not do anything to make Thailand lose its sovereignty.

"The government does not want misunderstandings and conflicts to erupt as they would damage both sides. The continuing disputed border problem will be solved through peaceful means to prevent it from affecting the bilateral ties between the two countries," he said.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen also understood the situation, Mr Abhisit said.

Since there were communities, markets and roads in the disputed border area, both Thai and Cambodian people had been residing there peacefully for a long time, he said.

Tension mounted after military forces from both sides were dispatched to the area, and the situation should be restored to normal, he said.

PM probing soldiers gaining from Thai-Cambodian temple dispute

MCOT English News
13 September 2009

BANGKOK, Sept 13 (TNA) -- Just six days before the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) rallies at the area contested by both Thailand and Cambodia near the ancient Preah Vihear temple, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Sunday he is probing reports that Thai soldiers are making personal profits from the area.

Mr. Abhisit said during his weekly television and radio address that his government does not recognise all structures built in the disputed area and the army and government agencies are moving in to make the “environment like before through peaceful measure.”

“We can discuss it if anybody still doesn’t understand. However, it must be made cautiously because if any clashes take place, the repercussions would be at a large-scale,” said Mr. Abhisit.

Thai media reports showed that Cambodian villagers had built shops and homes in the disputed area amid rumours that Thai soldiers had benefited from the Cambodians by allowing them to stay.

Mr. Abhisit said he wanted to see the proof and investigate as his government does not permit such actions.

His remarks were made as the PAD plans a demonstration at the 4.6-square kilometre disputed area Saturday, and have demanded that Thailand push the Cambodians into their homeland.

Reiterating that his government would protect Thai sovereignty around Phra Vihear temple, Mr. Abhisit said he had assigned Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti to closely monitor the temple so that Thai territory in the area would not be affected.

Tensions first flared along the border in July 2008 over the granting of a UN heritage site to the temple, although the countries have been at loggerheads over the site for decades. Subsequent talks between officials of the two countries have not resolved the dispute. (TNA)

FM: Thailand's stance on Preah Vihear temple unchanged

MCOT English News
http://enews.mcot.net

BANGKOK, Sept 13 (TNA) - Urging activists of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) who plan to gather at the ancient Preah Vihear temple Saturday to demand Cambodian civilians and military to leave the contested area around the temple to not approach the issue emotionally, Foreign Affairs Minister Kasit Piromya said Sunday that the border problem between the two countries must be solved through “peaceful means.”

Reiterating that the Thai government’s stance regarding the ancient temple remains unchanged, Mr. Kasit said the problem must be solved at the negotiating table by strictly following agreements made by the two countries and the United Nations charter.

“It is not proper to use emotions, feelings or excessive patriotism,” said Mr. Kasit, adding that the two countries are brothers.

PAD supporters earlier urged the Thai government to push back Khmer soldiers and civilians from occupying the contested 4.6 square kilometre contested zone surrounding the 11th-century temple. Mr. Kasit said the group has a right to express its opinion, while the government has a duty to promote positive international relations and reasserted that the border issue must be solved by peaceful means.

Mr. Kasit said before leaving to inspect areas around the temple that if the PAD gathers at the contested area, Thai police or military would provide security for them.

The ruins of the temple belong to Cambodia, but the most practical entrance begins at the foot of a mountain in Thailand, and both sides claim portions of the surrounding territory.

The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that Preah Vihear itself belongs to Cambodia. Tensions flared along the border in July 2008 after the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) granted Cambodia’s ancient temple status as a World Heritage Site status. (TNA)

Cambodia KRouge court leaves victims disappointed

A survivor of the Khmer Rouge regime's Tuol Sleng prison at the former detention centre in Phnom Penh

A visitor at the Tuol Sleng genocide museum in Phnom Penh

The former chief of Khmer Rouge prison, S-21, Kaing Guek Eav, in the court room of the Cambodian war crimes tribunal

By Patrick Falby (AFP)

PHNOM PENH — Hav Sophea hoped for a sense of closure after telling Cambodia's UN-backed war crimes tribunal how her father was killed in the late 1970s at the Khmer Rouge's Tuol Sleng prison.

But after testifying at the ongoing trial of former prison chief Kaing Guek Eav, better known as Duch, she is worried she was not allowed to properly put her father's memory to rest.

"The court does not treat civil parties like me, who are victims of the Khmer Rouge regime, well enough. They don't give us enough privileges to speak up about our pain," the 33-year-old told AFP.

Hav Sophea is one of 93 regime victims known as civil parties participating in the unique initiative at Duch's trial in which they have brought parallel civil cases against him.

The process has allowed them the right to be represented by lawyers, be part of investigations, call witnesses and ask questions during trial proceedings.

Most observers, however, conclude the well-intentioned experiment in victim participation, once touted as a possible model for future international criminal proceedings, has gone very badly.

Duch began his trial in March by accepting responsibility and apologising for overseeing the torture and execution of more than than 15,000 people at the regime's main prison, Tuol Sleng.

But civil party lawyers have often bogged down the process, taking individual turns posing often repetitive and irrelevant questions.

Furthermore, the defence has sought to dismiss 24 out of the 93 civil parties from the case against Duch after a number of them were gave dubious testimony in court.

Youk Chhang, director of the Documentation Centre of Cambodia, which gathers details of Khmer Rouge crimes, said many victim applications had not been properly vetted because the initiative was understaffed and lacked funds.

"The affected civil parties have no doubt been traumatised to some extent by these events," he said.

A number of court observers have also raised concerns about the June appointment of the head of the victims unit, Helen Jarvis, for her lack of experience and for her membership of Australia's Leninist Party Faction (LPF).

Jarvis signed a 2006 LPF statement which proclaimed: "Against the bourgeoisie and their state agencies we don't respect their laws and their fake moral principles."

The court recognised many shortcomings in the process when it announced earlier this month it would streamline victim participation for its next case against four more senior Khmer Rouge leaders.

Former Khmer Rouge "Brother Number Two" Nuon Chea, ex-head of state Khieu Samphan, former foreign minister Ieng Sary and his wife Ieng Thirith, who was minister of social affairs, are also awaiting trial at the war crimes court.

Analysts say the victims unit will require an overhaul so it is not overwhelmed by applications in a country that lost a quarter of its population to overwork, starvation, execution and torture under the Khmer Rouge.

Yet while future proceedings could be smoother, judges' efforts to rein in the role of civil parties has stoked the emotions of many who were worst affected by Cambodia's tragedy.

Chum Mey, one of the handful who survived imprisonment at Tuol Sleng, boycotted with some two dozen other victims after civil party lawyers were not allowed to ask Duch questions about his character and personality.

"I am very disappointed and that's why I had boycotted the court. The court the decision was very unjust," the 79-year-old said.

"Since the very beginning, the court has allowed us to participate in every proceeding but as the trial nears its end the court banned us."

Many of the victims are also frustrated that they have not been granted financial compensation for their suffering, as civil claimants would be in a normal trial.

"For the accused person, he can now live well enough...(but) what about us victims? We have been left traumatised. Who should look after us?," said Neth Phally, 52, who testified that his brother was killed at Tuol Sleng.

Peter Maguire, historian of international justice and author of "Facing Death in Cambodia", says the civil parties have been a distracting social agenda when the court's main purpose ought to be weighing criminal evidence.

"Some new details have been revealed, but the salient facts remain the same," Maguire said. "There's nothing earth-shattering. We know who Duch is. We know what he did."

Cambodia In Picture

America Suspects Four Products in Cambodia Related to the Use of Child Labor – Saturday, 12.9.2009

http://cambodiamirror.wordpress.com/

Posted on 13 September 2009
The Mirror, Vol. 13, No. 629

“Phnom Penh: A report of the Department of Labor of the United States of America suspects that four products from Cambodia are produced with child labor.

“According to a statement of the US Embassy to Cambodia, the four products are bricks and roof tiles, shrimps, rubber, and salt. Therefore, the United States of America cooperates actively with the government of Cambodia to reduce child labor at the places of those productions and in the whole economy. The government of Cambodia has made improvements in this work, for example by organizing a national level activity plan about the most serious cases of child labor (2008-2012).

“The national activity plan aims at reducing the number of children between the ages of 5 and 17 who are doing work in Cambodia to only 10.6% in 2010, and to 8% in 2015. Also, the Royal Government of Cambodia has joined in some programs led by the USA to stop the most serious forms of child labor in different sectors, as stated by the US Department of Labor.

“The USA hopes that continued cooperation to solve this problem will totally eliminate child labor in Cambodia, and they hope that all forms of exploitation and human trafficking are being reduced.

“According to the statement, the Bureau of International Labor Affairs of the US Department of Labor released three reports about child labor and forced labor at some countries around the world on 10 September 2009. Those documents include ‘List of Goods Produced by Child or Forced Labor’ which is prohibited by the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2005 (TVPRA List).

“The list required by the TVPRA details 122 types of products from 58 countries which are believed by the Office of Child Labor, Forced Labor, and Human Trafficking, which is part of the Bureau of International Labor Affairs of the US Department of Labor, to be produced using also child labor and forced labor, violating international standards. Furthermore, the Office of Child Labor, Forced Labor, and Human Trafficking of the US Department of Labor released recent information, as it is required to put it into the ‘List of Goods Produced by Child or Forced Labor’ and its annual ‘findings … to eliminate the worst forms of child labor,’ as required by the Trade and Development Act of 2000, about efforts of local authorities of 141 countries in their fight against child labor exploitation.

“The major intention of the TVPRA list is to promote understanding among the public about child labor and forced labor in producing goods, in the countries listed, and to boost efforts to eliminate such practices.

“This report mentioned four products in Cambodia that are suspected to being made with child labor: bricks and roof tiles, shrimps, rubber, and salt. The USA has closely has cooperated with the Royal Government to reduce child labor at those places of production, and in the whole economy. The Royal Government of Cambodia has made improvements in this work by creating a national level activity plan about the most serious forms of child labor (2008-2012).”

Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol.17, #4997, 12.9.2009
Newspapers Appearing on the Newsstand:
Saturday, 12 September 2009

Vietnam to hand over more US MIA remains

http://www.thanhniennews.com

Sunday, September 13, 2009

The remains of what are believed to be US servicemen who died in the Vietnam War will be handed over to the US government on September 12 in the 111th repatriation ceremony held by the two nations.

The remains to be handed over at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport include those recovered by a

Vietnamese excavation team in central Vietnam, as well as remains turned over by Vietnamese citizens. The exact number of persons the remains account for will be released at the ceremony, according to the US Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City.

US Ambassador to Vietnam Michael Michalak and US Army Lieutenant Colonel Todd G. Emoto will represent the US government at the ceremony.

So far, the remains of 909 Americans have been identified in and around Indochina since US troops officially left Vietnam in 1973: 645 in Vietnam, 230 in Laos, 31 in Cambodia and three in China, according to the US Embassy in Hanoi.

There are 1,737 Americans still unaccounted for from the Vietnam War, including 1,322 in Vietnam, the embassy said in a statement.

Source: Thanh Nien

Thai PAD to Protest at Cambodia Border

http://www.dap-news.com

Written by DAP NEWS -- Saturday, 12 September 2009

Thais living near the Cambodian-Thai border are to be paid THB1,000 to join a People Alliance’s Democratic (PAD) demonstration, , a Cambodian Army officer told DAP News Cambodia on Saturday. The PAD wrongly claims that Thailand lost 4.6 square kilometers of land A\around Cambdia’s Preah Vihear temple to Cambodia.

“My plan is to visit troops stationed there as well as to inspect the disputed border area near the Preah Vihear temple,” the Bangkok Post quoted the PAD Kasit Phiromya as saying. “Army Region 2 Chief, Gen. Chavalit and other senior Thai army officials will company Kasit to the border,” Kasit added.

The PAD recently held a protest urging the Thai Government to solve problems over the alleged lost territory. However, Cambodian army officers claimed that PAD protesters are paid THB1,000 per day. “But, Thais at the border will protest back and stop this demonstration if PAD will act,” the army official added. The PAD’s protests come before a meeting between Kasit and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong, also Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in New York. Both will be attending the UN Security Council Summit over the next two weeks.

There was “no official information sent to the ministry,” Koy Kuoung told DAP News Cambodia on Friday.

Meanwhile, Bun Rany Hun Sen, head of the Cambodian Red Cross and wife of the PM, visited to Preah Vihear to donate 13,000 rain coats and 7,000 water boxes to Cambodian soldiers stationing at Region 4.

According to one army officer, the situation at the border is still normal, but all soldiers remain ready.

US Releases List of Child or Forced Labor Products

http://www.dap-news.com/

Written by Administrator -- Saturday, 12 September 2009

The US Department of Labor’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) released three reports on child labor and/or forced labor in countries around the globe on September 10. The documents include the initial “List of Goods Produced by Child or Forced Labor” required by the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2005 (TVPRA List), according to a Friday press release of US Embassy in Cambodia.

“The TVPRA List provides details on 122 goods from 58 countries that ILAB has reason to believe are produced by forced labor, child labor or both in violation of international standards,” said the press release. The ILAB has also released a proposed update to the “List of Products Produced by Forced or Indentured Child Labor” (EO List) and its 8th annual “Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor” as mandated by the Trade and Develo-pment Act of 2000 on the efforts of 141 countries and territories to combat exploitive child labor.

“The primary purpose of the TVPRA List is to raise public awareness about the incidence of child labor and forced labor in the production of goods in the countries listed and to promote efforts to eliminate such practices,” the press release claimed. “The report lists four items in Cambodia which are suspected of being produced through the use of child labor including bricks, shrimp, rubber and salt. The US is actively engaged with the Cambodian Government in an effort to reduce the use of child labor in these sectors and throughout the economy.”

According to the press release, the Cambodian Government has made progress in this area, including by the development of a National Plan of Action (NPA) on the Worst Forms of Child Labor (2008-2012). The NPA aims to reduce the number of children aged 5-17 working in Cambodia to 10.6 percent in 2010 and 8 percent by 2015.

It has also participated in a number of US-led programs designed to end the worst forms of child labor in the sectors mentioned in the report issued by the Department of Labor.

The US hopes that continued cooperation in this area will eventually end the use of child labor in Cambodia and to a decrease in all forms of human trafficking and exploitation.

Robber Arrests Give Cambodian Vendors Hope

http://www.dap-news.com

Written by DAP NEWS -- Saturday, 12 September 2009

A total of 18 robbers have recently been arrested, including robbers of an ACLEDA Bank customer, vendors at Prek Leap jewelry market and other cases, local police said on Saturday.

Phnom Penh Municipality Vice Police Chief Pol Pithey called the arrests “a victory for our police.”

“All our officers netted them and covered everywhere, so we got a positive result.” Two robbers who killed one jewelry vendor at Kandal market were nabbed and identified as Heng Paris and his associate Hun Samnang, he added.

At least 6 robberies have taken place in Phnom Penh over the past two weeks, resulting in the deaths of two jewelry vendors and another seriously injured. Robbers got awat many tens of thousands of dollars, many ounces of gold, as well as other valuable metals, Pol Pithey said.

Phnom Penh Municipal Governor Kep Chuktema instructed all authorities to protect businesses and ensure safety.

Daun Penh District Governor Sok Sambath said that he and staff, together with Cambodian vendors, held a meeting to find a good resolution to the issue.

“All Cambodian vendors expressed hope about the authorities’ measures and said they can manage by themselves in case no security guards are nearby.”

following good cooperation between authorities and vendors, there have been no robberies.

Some of the robbers were arrested three weeks ago making Cambodian vendors happier to run their businesses.

One jewelry vendors said he admired “the struggles and efforts by the local authorities to destroy and arrest robbery teams.”

Some also thanked the local polices.

Pol Pithey added that, “We are searching to arrest others. He said some of the offenders could be involved in drugs trafficking as well.

“We will continue to strengthen security daily,” he vowed. “There will be no more cause for concern for Cambodian vendors.”

UNESCO Registers Toul Sleng

http://www.dap-news.com

Written by Administrator -- Saturday, 12 September 2009

The Tuol Sleng Museum of Cambodian Genocide, well-known all over the world for its grim exhibits relating to torture and thousands of killings at a former school during the brutal Pol Pot regime, was registered by UNESCO as Global Documentary Heritage on Friday.

Toul Sleng, used as a detention centre 1975-79 and designated as S-21, holds 4,186 prisoner ‘confessions’, 6,226 biographies of prisoners and 6,147 photographic prints, according to an archive officer.

Secretary of UNESCO for Cam-bodia Tann Theany told DAP News Cambodia that the new Cambodian generation should be educated about the sorrows inflicted upon Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge years, as well as make sure the world never forgets the tragedy.

“All archives are kept in the museum,” she stressed. Director General of UNESCO Koichiro Matsuura announced the inscription of documentary heritage on the recommendation of experts during a three day meeting of the International Advisory Committee (IAC) of UNESCO’s Memory of the World Program in on July 31, 2009 in Bridgetown.

Cambodia’s Toul Sleng Museum Archives, the Royal Archives of Thailand and Madagascar, Anne Frank’s Diaries in the Netherlands and the Santa Fe Capitulations in Spain were also added to the register, Koichiro added.

“This bring the total number of inscriptions to 193 items since 1997.”

S-21 imprisoned over 15,000 people in the 1975-79 Pol Pot regime, according to the Toul Sleng archives.

New TV, Radio Broadcasts for Siem Reap Soon: Information Minister

http://www.dap-news.com

Written by DAP NEWS -- Saturday, 12 September 2009

The Information Ministry plans to open a new TV and radio stations in Siem Reap province soon to offer a wider choice of quality media in the Kingdom.

“We will open a television station with 2KW broadcasting power and an FM radio station with 5 KW power in Siem Reap province to expand the information field in the areas and serve the needs of information for the local residents,” Information Minister and government spokesman Khieu Kanarith said at the ceremony inaugurating the new director and deputy of Information Office of Siem Reap province. “The broadcasts will cover on whole area of Siem Reap province, and some parts of Pursat, Battamb-ang, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, and Kampong Thom provinces” he said. “We have to urge our officials to process the broadcasting smoothly.”

“We have to develop our information field for serving the people’s interests,” he added.

Siem Reap, home of the world famous temples of Angkor, will have a now have television stations besides Cable TV and TVK for the first time.

PM Hun Sen to Join Prek Kdam Bridge Ceremony on September 14

http://www.dap-news.com/

Written by Administrator -- Saturday, 12 September 2009

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen will join a ceremony to refurbish the Preak Kdam concrete bridge linking the East and West parts of Tonle Sap River on September 14, a Government press release obtained on Saturday said.

PM Hun Sen will ceremonially finish the Prek Kdam Bridge using cement to link the two parts as one, the release said. The bridge will soon be open to traffic as it is now 90 percent complete.

“This bridge has been constructed before the project schedule which needs 21 months to finish the bridge construction,” the statement said.

The bridge has a 981 meter span and is 13 meters wide. It was constructed with financial support from the Chinese Government and with funds from the Cambodian Govern-ment.

The bridge is located about 40 km north of Phnom Penh and it will be key in reducing traffic jams from National Road 6A and Phnom Penh, and drive poverty reduction for local people, the Government said.

One Killed, Three Injured by Drug User

http://www.dap-news.com/

Written by DAP NEWS -- Saturday, 12 September 2009

One girl, aged 18, was killed and her family and younger sister were injured seriously by a resident when the victims did not agree to give US$ 70 to pay off a debt incurred buying narcotics. The suspect was arrested by Phnom Penh military police.

The incident took place at 6:30 am on Saturday at St 272, behind Chhuk Leap restaurant, Toeuk Thla Commune, Sen Sok District, Phnom Penh.

The drug dealer was identified as Sok Pitou, 25, living with the family, Ket Sophat, Phnom Penh Municipal Armed Forces Chief, told DAP News Cambodia.

The female victim killed was identified as Ou Chan Thou, aged 18, and her father, Ou Kong, 60, and sister, Ou Sreypov, 9, were also injured.

An official statement said that drugs sellers called Sok Pitou about a debt of US$200, saying that if he did not come up with the money, they would kill him. Then, Sok Pitou went into the house to kill his victims, but the father and sister of the family were only injured.

The statement added that, when the father came out of the room to help, Sok Pitou continued to attack family members. With the help of victim’s brother, the killed was eventually overpowered. Soon after he was arrested.

Ya Kim I, Phnom Penh Armed Forces Chief, on Saturday told DAP News Cambodia he will send Sok Pitou to the court on this Sunday morning to be put on trial.

“Sok Pitou wanted to kill all the family members to rob property and money. It is related to drugs use that it makes him to brazen and careless,” Ya Kim I added.

Chea Vannath, a social analyst, on Saturday urged authorities to take action over places where young miscreants commit immoral acts together that damage the fabric of society.

“The Government now is making effort to take measure crack down on drug use and trafficking, but there are still negatives points, such as the flow of drugs to schools that causes some boys to use drugs sold by their friends,” said Chea Vannath. “Autho- rities must cooperate with their parents, urging them to give advice not to use drugs any more.”

Chan Soveth, senior investigator of rights group Adhoc, also urged the authorities and the courts to make more convictions. “The authority mostly arrests drug users, while the main drug traffickers are not arrested at all,” he claimed.