AKP - Agent Kampuchea Press

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Vietnamese Prime Minister Concludes Visit to Cambodia

Phnom Penh, November 17, 2010 AKP -- Vietnamese Prime Minister H.E. Nguyen Tan Dung left here this morning after concluding his official visit and attending the 6th CLV, the 5th CLMV and the 4th ACMECS Summits in Cambodia.

H.E. Nguyen Tan Dung and Madame together with his entourages were seen off at Phnom Penh International Airport by H.E. Ouch Borith, Secretary of the State at the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and other senior officials.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Ngo Anh Dung was also on hand.

During his stay in Phnom Penh, H.E. Mr. Nguyen Tan Dung was received in a royal audience by His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia.

Moreover, he also paid courtesy calls on Cambodian Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Thamma Pothisal Chea Sim; National Assembly President Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samrin, and held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen. --AKP

(By KEO Chandara)

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4th ACMECS Summit Opens

Phnom Penh, November 17, 2010 AKP -- The 4th Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) Summit was held here this morning at the Peace Palace.

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, and his counterparts from Laos, H.E. Bouasone Bouphavanh; Myanmar, H.E. Thein Sein; Thailand, H.E. Abhisit Vejjajiva; and Vietnam, H.E. Nguyen Tan Dung; presided over the summit.

ASEAN Secretary-General H.E. Surin Pitsuwan, foreign ministers, delegate ministers, relevant ministers and business representatives from the ACMECS countries also attended the event.

On the occasion, Cambodian Premier Samdech Techo Hun Sen recalled the past history of ACMECS, saying that the Bagan Declaration at the 1st Summit put forth five priorities for ACMECS cooperation including trade and investment facilitation, agricultural and industrial facilitation, communication system linkage, tourism cooperation, and human resource development.

In 2006, he said, the field of public health was included in the ACMECS cooperation while the field of agriculture and industry were divided into two separated fields to reflect their importance. After that, at the summit in Hanoi, environment became the 8th field of the cooperation, aiming at resolving issues related to environmental threats.

The broadening of the cooperation has shown the significance the member countries have given to this sub-regional economic cooperation strategy, said Samdech Techo Hun Sen, adding that the most important thing is that ACMECS cooperation has been integrated into the master plan of ASEAN. “The link of ACMECS contributes not only to the vision of ASEAN link, but also to the establishment of ASEAN Community by 2015,” he stressed.

The Cambodian prime minister believed that the continued efforts in trade, investment and tourism facilitation will help promote social economy and prosperity,” he said.

He also spoke of the climate change which he termed as life-and-death factor for the ACMECS countries’ future. Last month, ACMECS member countries, including Cambodia, were badly affected by abnormally heavy rain and flooding in several areas of the country.

As the ACMECS courries can be considered as a world important rice stock, the Cambodian leader hoped that the agricultural production domain, especially rice production, will become an important composition of our cooperation in the future.

He further emphasized the importance of support and participation of the private sector in achieving the ACMECS’ joint visions. He then asked the governments of ACMECS member countries to provide more opportunities to private sector so that it can participate in the ACMECS cooperation.

The development and prosperity of ACMECS are also inseparable from the support of the development partners.

ACMECS was officially established by the four member countries, namely Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, at their first Summit Meeting on Nov. 12, 2003 in Bagan, the Union of Myanmar. With Vietnam’s accession to the group in 2004, ACMECS currently consists of five member countries. --AKP

(By OUK Kimseng)

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Thai Prime Minister Arrives in Cambodia

Phnom Penh, November 17, 2010 AKP -- Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand H.E. Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva arrived here this morning to attend the 4th ACMECS Summit to be held here on the same day.

H.E. Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva and his accompanied members were warmly greeted on their arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport by H.E. Ouch Borith, Cambodian Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and other senior officials.

Thailand’s Ambassador accredited to Cambodia H.E. Mr. Prasas Prasavinitchai was also present.

According to the schedule, the Thai premier will hold bilateral talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen this afternoon. This will be the 4th meeting between both premiers after the two neighboring countries have restored their full diplomatic relations by resending their ambassadors to resume their duties in last August.

An agreement on visa exemption between the two Kingdoms for holders of ordinary passports is also expected to be signed after the bilateral meeting.

Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation (ACMECS) currently consists of five member countries – Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. --AKP

(By KEO Chandara)

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Cambodia Dispatches Troops for UN Mission in Lebanon

Phnom Penh, November 17, 2010 AKP -- Cambodia sent this morning 197 troops, of them four women, to participate in the peacekeeping mission under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) framework.

The departure ceremony of the Cambodian Field Engineering Contingent 513 was held at Phnom Penh Military Airbase in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense H.E. Tea Banh; Minister Attached to the Prime Minister and Chairman of the National Coordination Committee H.E. Prak Sokhon; and UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Douglas Broderick.

According to H.E. Prak Sokhon, the Engineering Unit 513 is a construction unit, attached with a mechanical and manual demining unit. An advance team of 21 persons had departed for Lebanon 10 days ago to settle the ground and receive equipment and supplies that were shipped out of Sihanoukville port in mid October.

Cambodia has so far trained and dispatched five demining units to Sudan and one order keeping unit of 42 men strong for movement control for the UN missions in Chad and Central African Republic, he said.

“A total of 627 of armed forces, command officers and military observers have been sent to the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO) mission in Sudan, Chad, and Central African Republic. Coupled with today’s departure of engineering unit 513, our total forces participating in the UN peacekeeping mission have reached 845 persons,” he indicated.

For his part, UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Douglas Broderick applauded the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces Peacekeeping Teams for their dedication to providing assistance abroad, to sharing their skills and experience with countries that are suffering due to conflict.

“Your work, and the work of other Cambodian peacekeepers, will help make development possible and give opportunities and hope to the people and to the communities in which they serve,” he added.

Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Tea Banh has reaffirmed the royal government’s strong determination in humanitarian contributions to the world peace and security through the process of sending its troops to different countries under UNPKO.

He also advised the Cambodian troops to respect and obey the military disciplines, ethics, and other international laws and regulations. --AKP

(By SOKMOM Nimul)

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Journalists Play Vital Roles in Country's Development

Phnom Penh, November 17, 2010 AKP -- Journalists have played important roles in contribution to the development of the country, said Secretary of State at the Ministry of Information H.E. Thach Phen at the opening of the training course on “Community Radio Program Production” held here on Nov. 15.

The five-day training course was organized by the Media Training Center of the Ministry of Information under the sponsorship of UNESCO.

Altogether 15 information officials from 15 provinces across the country have been attending the course, said Mr. Meas Kim Suon, acting director of the Media Training Center. --AKP

(By LIM Nary)

German man faces molestation charges

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Wednesday, 17 November 2010 15:02 Chrann Chamroeun

PREAH Sihanouk provincial court yesterday tried a German national in absentia on charges of committing indecent acts last year against two boys aged 11 and 14.

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.

Novak was absent during the hearing yesterday, which has been postponed on two previous occasions due to his absence.

But Nuon Phanith, a lawyer provided to the victims by APLE, said the hearing went ahead, with Novak’s lawyer Khun Sophal standing in for his client.

“In my conclusion, I requested that the court sentence the man according to the law because there is enough evidence,” he said.

He requested that the court order his immediate arrest if he is found guilty, and pay a combined $7,000 in compensation to the victim’s families.

If found guilty, Novak faces one to three years in prison.

He said court officials were unaware of Novak’s current whereabouts because he has since changed addresses without notifying local authorities.

Presiding judge Im Manith said a verdict would be announced on November 25.

Villagers decry title tax

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Wednesday, 17 November 2010 15:02 Mom Kunthear

RESIDENTS of Kandal province’s Kandal Stung district lodged a complaint with the rights group Adhoc yesterday, claiming they have been hit with an exorbitant “tax” to obtain land titles from the provincial Department of Land Management.

“I went to get my land title at the land management department after my mother divided up her land ... but the officials asked me to pay a tax of US$150 at the tax department in order to obtain the land title,” said Touch Meakkea, a representative of about 200 families in Prek Sleng village, in Prek Sleng commune.

Touch Meakkea, whose mother gave her a 9-by-50-metre plot of land, said that a tax official later suggested that the fee might be negotiable.

“The tax official told me that I cannot get my land title if I don’t have the money to pay them, but they said I could discuss the price with them again,” she said.

“I can give some money to obtain the land title, but I can’t give as much money as they require because I am poor,” she said.

In addition to Touch Meakkea, two other families lodged complaints with Adhoc yesterday requesting official intervention after they were also told to pay a $150 fee for title deeds.

Men Makara, Adhoc’s provincial coordinator, said yesterday that he would investigate the complaints and write to the Department of Land Management about the issue.

The people who have filed complaints have “proclaimed that there are many more families in Prek Sleng village who are having the same problem with the tax officers”, he said.

He said it was suspicious that the tax official had allegedly referred to the fee as negotiable. “No one can reduce or increase the cost of the tax, which has already been approved by the government,” he said.

Prek Sleng commune chief Meas Sokkhem said yesterday the amount demanded by officials was excessive.

“I have not seen any complaints from my villagers yet, but as far as I know, land owners only have to pay tax officers about 10,000 to 20,000 riels [between $2.50 and $5] to receive their land titles,” she said.

Chhim Kan, chief of the Kandal provincial Department of Land Management, said he did not know how much the three families had been asked to pay or the official fee typically paid to obtain a land title.

“I really asked them to pay to get the land title, but I’m not the one who notes the price for receiving [them],” he said.

Police chief accused of land grab

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Wednesday, 17 November 2010 15:01 Chhay Channyda

A border police chief in Mondulkiri has been accused of clearing protected forest to make way for a private cassava farm, according to about 100 Phnong families who filed a complaint with a local rights group yesterday.

Thoeung Thveuk, chief of the O’Kleur community in Dak Dan commune, accused police chief Keo Dan of encroachment in a forest where the families live. “Keo Dan destroyed forest for his own property, and such activity greatly affects our traditional cash crops,” he said.

Adhoc provincial coordinator Kul Midy confirmed he received the complaint and said the issue was important for many indigenous communities.

Keo Dan dismissed any wrongdoing, but admitted he had cleared half a hectare of forest with two other villagers. “I know the land belongs to the state. I just need a small plot of land for farming. If the state wants to take it back, I will give it back,” he said.

Mondulkiri forestry administration official Song Kheang said he had just received word of the complaint and would work with local officials to investigate it. If convicted, Keo Dan could face a sentence of 12 months to 10 years in prison.

Strike for fired union heads

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Wednesday, 17 November 2010 15:01 Mom Kunthear

ABOUT 500 garment workers from the Zhen Yun Factory in Phnom Penh’s Russey Keo district held a protest yesterday to demand the reinstatement of four union leaders fired over the weekend, as well as better working conditions.

Yang Sophorn, deputy director of the Free Trade Union of Workers of the Kingdom of Cambodia, said the company fired the four workers on Friday after learning the factory’s employees had elected them as union leaders.

“We informed the company owners on Friday who won the vote to become union leaders, but the company doesn’t allow union leaders, so they were fired,” said Yang Sophorn.

A general manager for the Zhen Yun Factory, who would only identify herself as Horng, said she didn’t know if the fired employees would be allowed back to work.

“My boss has not decided yet whether we will accept those four union leaders back to work or not,” she said.

On Monday, representatives from the Free Trade Union met with the factory owners to demand the reinstatement of the workers, in addition to 11 basic working conditions, such as increased wages for overtime work and health services for sick employees.

Yang Sophorn said the factory owners were willing to accept 10 of the working conditions, but refused to re-hire the ousted employees or pay higher rates for overtime hours.

“The employees won’t continue working if the company owners refuse to accept the four union representatives and don’t add more money for overtime work,” she said.

One of the fired employees Seng Bora said “the workers need union leaders in the factory to protect them when they have problems with the owners”.

Horng said she didn’t know if the factory owners would set another date of negotiations with the union representatives.

Thief faces murder charges

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Wednesday, 17 November 2010 15:01 Chrann Chamroeun

PHNOM Penh Municipal Court yesterday tried a man on charges of attempted murder and possessing an illegal weapon, in relation to the theft of a motorbike last year for which he has already been convicted on robbery charges.

Kheng Pov, 21, was arrested in October last year in Kandal province’s Ksach Kandal district in connection with the robbery of a motorbike taxi driver in Phnom Penh’s Tuol Kork district in September.

Police said a separate driver was wounded after the suspect allegedly shot him several times in the leg when he came to the victim’s defence. Kheng Pov was found guilty of robbery and sentenced to seven years in prison earlier this year.

Presiding judge Ker Sakhorn said during the hearing yesterday that the case was reopened so the suspect could face attempted murder and illegal weapon charges.

But Kheng Pov called the decision to try him twice an “injustice” and denied that he ever opened fire on the victim, claiming his accomplice, known as Chek, fired the handgun at the ground, which ricocheted and struck the victim in the leg.Chek has so far eluded police.

A verdict will be announced on November 29.

Police Blotter: 17 Nov 2010

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Wednesday, 17 November 2010 15:01 Sen David

Student dies after being knifed by gang

A 17-year-old student was stabbed to death by a group of “gangsters” in Phnom Penh’s Prampi Makara district on Monday. Police said the victim was also a gangster at high school, and that he had fought with the group on a public road. The gangsters stabbed him, and he was immediately sent to hospital. Doctors reported that they had “cured” him, but just three days later he died. Police said the gangsters were constantly playing truant from school, and this was not the first time they had stabbed someone.

RASMEY KAMPUCHEA

Man denies rape of underage sweetheart

A 36-year-old Vietnamese man was arrested after being accused of raping a 13-year-old girl in Phnom Penh’s Meanchey district on Monday. Police said the suspect, a cricket seller, persuaded the victim to come with him to a guesthouse, where he raped her. She decided to tell her mother despite the man warning her against it. The mother filed a complaint to police, but the suspect denied that he raped the girl, insisting that they were in love and agreed to have sex.

KOH SANTEPHEAP

Guard steals bike from hospital’s carpark

Police arrested a man accused of stealing a motorbike from the Russian-Cambodian Friendship Hospital carpark in Phnom Penh on Saturday. Police said the man was a guard for the motorbikes, and that a fellow guard had shouted for help when he saw his colleague driving off. The suspect admitted he was “fraudulent”, and police sent him to court.

KAMPUCHEA THMEY

Governor’s house set ablaze, child at fault

The house of the governor of Kampong Speu’s Thporng district caught fire on Sunday after his great-grandson was playing with a lighter. The governor said the family was having lunch together, but his great grandson went upstairs, intrigued with the cigarette lighter. A neighbour saw the fire and informed the governor downstairs. A fire engine soon arrived, but a witness said it was “so late”. Police said it was lucky the fire didn’t spread to nearby houses.

KAMPUCHEA THMEY

Drug dealer caught pushing pills in capital

A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of selling drugs in Phnom Penh’s Daun Penh district on Sunday. Police said the man was selling the drugs in a “quiet place”, when they saw him and arrested him. Another man managed to evade officers. Police confiscated 198 unknown pills, a motorbike and a phone. The suspect admitted that he “really did this many times”. Police sent him to court for further questioning.

RASMEY KAMPUCHEA

Elephants on parade

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Wednesday, 17 November 2010 15:01 Khouth Sophakchakrya

PUTANG village, an ethnic minority community in Mondulkiri province, plans to hold a traditional elephant parade tomorrow in order to attract more tourists to visit the area. Py Ngouk, the chief of Romnea commune, said the parades were traditionally held annually to ask the spirits for health and happiness, but would this year be used to promote tourism. Putang villagers will decorate 12 of their 20 elephants for the event, he said.

Regional strategy on agenda

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Wednesday, 17 November 2010 15:01 May Kunmakara

BUSINESS leaders are hopeful that their recommendations for greater regional economic cooperation will be adopted at a summit of heads of state, set to take place in Phnom Penh today.

The joint business council of the five-nation Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) met yesterday to discuss economic cooperation among its member states of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand.

About 350 delegates and businesspeople attended the forum, held at the Cambodiana Hotel, ahead of the ACMECS summit.

Delegates raised concerns and discussed proposals on economic issues including strengthening investment and cooperation, cross-border trade, tourism, agriculture, transport links, industry, human resources development and bilateral relations.

Joint business council chairman Kith Meng, president of the Cambodian Chamber of Commerce, said the council would make its recommendations to regional leaders, including Prime Minister Hun Sen, today.

“I am sure that ACMECS leaders have been briefed on our discussion of economic cooperation on the borders, agriculture, human resource, transport and tourism,” he said.

Among the proposals was a single visa for each of the five member countries, which Kith Meng said would improve bilateral relations.

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There is a need to review the present situation and to explore and formulate good practices for beneficial contract farming.

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Thai chief delegate Tanit Sorat, vice-chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, urged the joint business council to focus on transportation links and improved logistics.

He said member states should accelerate the ratification of the Greater Mekong Sub-region cross-border trade agreement, and establish an alliance to create a sub-regional network of logistics.

“I hope the said recommendations would help promote the goal of ASEAN connectivity,” he said.

Tanit Sorat also said each member state would benefit from establishing business centres that would disseminate and publicise trade and investment information, as well as provide business-matching services to interested parties.

Member states should also speed up the implementation of existing and future plans to improve resource mobilisation.

Myanmar delegate Win Aung, head of the Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the development of small and medium-sized enterprises should be taken into account.

“SME development is playing a very important role for high growth of the economic of the country so we should think about this,” he said.

Laos delegate Chinda Vongsouly, president of the Champasak Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also urged a greater focus on contract farming and tourism marketing.

“There is a need to review the present situation and to explore and formulate good practices for beneficial contract farming projects.”

Kith Meng said he hoped the ACMECS leaders would consider approving the proposals to better the economies of the five member states.

The ACMECS sub-region ranks fifth in the world in terms of population, which currently stands at about 230 million people, and has a combined GDP of more than US$400 billion.

Hun Sen proposes regional fund

Photo by: Heng Chivoan
Myanmar Prime Minister Thein Sein, Vietnamese PM Nguyen Tan Dung, Cambodian PM Hun Sen, Laos PM Bouasone Bouphavanh and ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan of Thailand link arms at the Peace Building yesterday.

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Wednesday, 17 November 2010 15:00 Vong Sokheng and Thomas Miller

PRIME Minister Hun Sen suggested to the leaders of Laos and Vietnam yesterday that a fund to help development of a triangular region between the three countries be created.

Speaking at a meeting at Phnom Penh's Peace Building, the premier highlighted plans to deepen cooperation through the 2010 to 2020 “master plan” for economic growth in the CLV-Development Triangle Area.

“Since financing remains a big challenge for all of us, I would suggest that we address this issue by initiating the establishment of a CLV Fund to mobilise financial resources to fund projects,” he said.

“Japan has already provided a US$20 million grant for the development of the area in order to ensure concrete and fruitful outcome of this cooperation,” he said.

The cross-border CLV region was created in 1999 to support agriculture, energy, tourism and trade industries through coordinating infrastructure projects, developing human resources and facilitating the flow of people and capital.

It comprises 13 provinces and 6.5 million people across the three countries, including Mondulkiri, Rattanakiri, Stung Treng and Kratie provinces in Cambodia.

The need for joint development was emphasised during yesterday's meeting, as the regions economies emerged from the effects of the world economic crisis.

Hun Sen said yesterday: “The strengthening of cooperation is truly crucial in the regional and global context after the recent global financial crisis.”

He also urged his counterparts to adopt a proposal for preferential policies to benefit business and investment.

The prime minister also said that prioritisation was key to the area’s success.

“CLV countries are facing the shortages of financial resources for the implementation of many programs and projects,” he said.

“I believe that, firstly, we should commit to primarily short-listing a number of prioritised projects from our cooperation sectors – such as infrastructure, trade and investment, social development and cultural conservation, agro-industry, tourism and the environment.”

High-ranking Cambodian officials stated that progress had already been made.

Minister of Commerce Cham Prasidh, who chairs a CLV coordinating committee, said CLV countries had already made improvements by signing agreements to loosen visa restrictions. Citizens from the three countries are free to visit neighbouring areas without visas for 30 days, while border passes have been extended from three to seven days, he said.

CLV countries have also reduced temporary work visa fees to $80 per year, and Cambodian and Vietnam have increased the daily quota of vehicles crossing the border. Looking ahead, he said, the neighbours had agreed to develop a common border pass for tourism, business and social purposes.

Minister of Information Khieu Kanharith said he thought that the promotion of local currency instead of the dollar in cross-border trade was an example of strong cooperation amongst the three

countries.

The fifth Cambodia-Laos-Myanmar-Vietnam summit also convened at the Peace Building in Phnom Penh yesterday. ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan attended the meeting and “saluted” the four premiers for their cooperation.

“Only through full participation in the activities of the [free] market can we expect to unleash all the potential that each of the four countries has to offer,” he said.

SALT Academy leagues kick off

Photo by: Sam Schweingruber
FC Basel Chairwoman Gigi Oeri sits with the Battambang Province U13 girls team, who are wearing their new uniforms of a replica strip of FC Basel.

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Wednesday, 17 November 2010 15:00 H S Manjunath

Battambang’s reputation as a major footballing hub in the Kingdom was further enhanced when SALT Academy launched its fifth annual junior league for boys and girls, sponsored for the second year running by ANZ Royal Bank, with great fanfare on Sunday.

More than 1,000 players representing 62 teams drawn from local organisations, orphanages, schools and communities will vie for honours in five different categories – Boys U11, U13 and U16, and Girls U11 and U16 – over the next four months in a season stretching right up to March.

Many of the teams have been brought through the Indochina Starfish Football Program. Matches will be played every Sunday at the Institute of Technology pitch and Baek Chan ground in Battambang, while some matches will also be staged at the University of Battambang field.

The U16 events for boys and girls will feature nine-a-side games using one half of a regular pitch. All other categories involve seven-a-side fixtures on quarter of a pitch. All matches will be played over two halves of 30 minutes each.

An impressive and well attended opening ceremony on Sunday included special guest Gigi Oeri, Chairwoman of Swiss League champions FC Basel. Oeri was on a four-day visit to oversee the activities of the SALT Academy and also to support some of its developmental ideas and plans. Battambang province’s U13 girls team where given FC Basel shirts to wear during their matches this season.

Coaches from both SALT Academy and ISF were given another round of intensive coaching by FIFA Grassroots Instructor Fritz Schmid of Switzerland on his second trip to Battambang in less than three months. Schmid, who had a long association with FC Basel as well as a short stint with English Premier League club Tottenham, has been a coaches educator for FIFA and the Swiss FA for many years. The thrust of the coaches workshop was on the Magic Square – an offensive formation of four players – as well as defensive movements.

Deputy Director of Battambang Province Sok Kung was among the dignitaries attending the gala opening. Representatives from the government, city administration and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Education were also in attendance.

As part of the inaugural bash, a seven-a-side knockout tournament was held in five categories. ASPECA won the girls U13 event, and SOS triumphed in U16 girls. The Catholics team, meanwhile, took top honours in the boys U11 division, KCD emerged victorious in the U13 group, while Asia Hope needed penalties to clinch first in the U16s.

Crown wrap up search for future stars

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Wednesday, 17 November 2010 15:00 Dan Riley

Sunday afternoon saw the culmination of Metfone C-League champions Phnom Penh Crown’s nationwide search for the best young footballing talent. Forty boys under 13 years were selected to attend a weekend of further scrutiny in Phnom Penh following 17 trials in as many provinces last month.

The lads knew that 22 places were at stake at the new PPCFC Elite Football Academy. The club’s coaches, led by Academy Chief Bouy Dary, were assisted in the selection process by Graham McMann, chief scout with the Asia Pacific Football Academy in New Zealand, who partnered Crown in setting up the Academy, as well as former Chelsea manager Ken Shellito, who is a coach and analyst for the Asian Football Confederation in Malaysia.

The 22 boys who gained selection will spend the next two years getting high-quality football coaching every morning and attending Beltei International Institute in the afternoons, all funded by Phnom Penh Crown. They will live together at the club’s training headquarters in Tuol Kork in specially built dormitories, with intake commencing in January 2011. They will also get the chance to represent Crown in regional tournaments. The 18 boys that didn’t make the grade will also be invited to the academy for coaching every few months.

Taiwan, China clinch tennis team golds

Photo by: AFP
Taiwan’s Yang Tsung Hua won his doubles rubber with Yi Chu-huan yesterday against Uzbekistan to help his team win men’s gold.

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Wednesday, 17 November 2010 15:00 AFP & DAN RILEY

Taiwan shrugged off the absence of injured Wimbledon quarterfinalist Lu Yen-hsun to win their first Asian Games men’s tennis team gold yesterday with a 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan.

Chen Ti gave Taiwan a flying start in the final with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Murad Inoyatov before world No 40 Denis Istomin pulled Uzbekistan level with a comfortable 6-4, 6-0 win over Yang Tsung-ha.

Yang and Yi Chu-huan then defeated Istomin and Inoyatov 6-3, 6-4 in the deciding doubles, clinching the gold on a fourth match point.

Meanwhile, yesterday at the Aoti Tennis Centre, Li Na led China to their first Asian Games women’s tennis team gold with a crushing victory over defending champions Taiwan.

Peng Shuai saw off Chang Kai-chen 6-3, 7-5 before world No 11 Li, who is only playing the team event in Guangzhou, over-powered Chan Yung-jan 6-1, 6-1 to secure the title.

“At the last Asian Games in Doha in 2006 we lost in the quarterfinals to Uzbekistan, so this time we were fully prepared,” said Li, a semifinalist at the Australian Open and quarterfinalist at Wimbledon.

Li insisted that she was right to opt out of the singles tournament which starts today.

“I discussed it with the national team staff before the Games. It was a good opportunity for the juniors to play at the Asian Games.”

Photo by: AFP
World No 11 Li Na of China beat her Taiwanese rival 6-1, 6-1 to help her team clinch the women’s gold medal in Guangzhou yesterday.

World No 76 Peng, who had defeated Chang in their only previous meeting at Ponte Vedra Beach’s clay courts in the US earlier this year, admitted she can play better despite Li coming through the team event undefeated.

“I was very nervous. I didn’t play that well,” said the 24-year-old yesterday.

“I had played her before but today’s match was more important so I had a different feeling.”

Cambodia’s Bun Kenny and Orn Sambath return to the Guangzhou tennis courts this morning following their second round exit on Saturday to eventual gold medalists Taiwan in the men’s team event. Bun Kenny will take on Ageel Khan of Pakistan and Orn Sambath will come up against Qatari Jabor Al Mutawa in the first round of the men’s singles tournament.

The Cambodian pair are also slated to face Saudi Arabia’s Zaki Al Abdullah and Abdulmalek Burasais in the first round of the men’s doubles later today.

Park romps to 400m gold

Photo by: AFP
South Korea’s Park Tae-Hwan poses with his gold medal on the podium of the Asian Games men’s 400m freestyle swimming event.

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Wednesday, 17 November 2010 15:00 AFP & H S Manjunath

Olympic champion Park Tae-Hwan of South Korea stormed to victory in the men’s 400 metres freestyle yesterday to retain his Asian Games crown.

Park, swimming in lane two, led from the start and never looked troubled, clocking 3:41.53 to finish ahead of Chinese pair Sun Yang (3:42.47) and Zhang Lin (3:49.15).

It was the South Korean’s second gold of the games after his win in the 200m freestyle.

Zhang, whom Park beat to the 400m freestyle gold at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, will be bitterly disappointed with his swim, although he had complained of feeling tired ahead of the race.

Dubbed “Marine Boy” in South Korea, Park won three gold, a silver and three bronze medals in Doha four years ago.

His medal haul was the largest by a single athlete and he was named the most valuable player of the 2006 Games.

Defending men’s 50m butterfly champion Zhou Jiawei of China made it an Asian Games double yesterday, winning the gold to add to his victory over 100m.

The Asian record holder touched in 23.66sec, well clear of second-placed Masayuki Kishida of Japan, who clocked 24.13.

Photo by: AFP
Zhou Jiawei of China competes in the men’s 50m butterfly heats in the swimming event of the 16th Asian Games at the Aoti Aquatics Centre in Guangzhou yesterday. Zhou Jiawei went on to claim gold in the event.

China then underlined their dominance with comfortable wins over main rival Japan in both the men’s 4x100m and women’s 4x200m freestyle relays. The Chinese men’s team edged the Japanese quartet by less than half a second, while the women took their final by more than four seconds.

Yesterday morning at the Aoti Aquatics Centre, Cambodian swimmer Hem Thon Vitiny was completely out of depth in her women’s 50m freestyle heat, finishing behind all seven other competitors with a time of 33.01 seconds.

The 18-year-old Phnom Penh native, who crashed out of the 50m breaststroke despite beating her personal best on Saturday, found the going real tough against classy opposition which included heat winner Tang Yi of China.

Vitiny was nearly seven seconds slower than the required time to make the cut for the finals, and managed to place faster than just one other swimmer, Siriphone Veomany of Laos. In the evening finals yesterday, Tang Yi was pipped by compatriate Li Zhe Si, who took gold with a time of 24.97.

Preparing for the flood

Photo by: Sovan Philong

via CAAI

Wednesday, 17 November 2010 15:01 Soeun Say

Om Sereiroth, 18, arranges tables and chairs yesterday for a weeklong Leo beer concert series on Diamond Island, or Koh Pich. The Phnom Penh island is being prepared for the Water Festival, with a new night market and an innovative ice attraction. Developers Overseas Cambodia Investment Cooperation expect millions of visitors.

Festival readiness

Photo by: Sovan Philong

via CAAI

Wednesday, 17 November 2010 15:01 Sovan Philong

Motorists pass promotional marquees recently set up along Suramarit Boulevard yesterday, in anticipation of next week’s Water Festival, during which millions are expected to descend on the capital.

Official’s wife accuses him of bigamy

via CAAI

Tuesday, 16 November 2010 20:05 May Titthara

A woman who claims to be the wife of the deputy governor of Kandal province’s Takhmao district has asked rights groups to intervene and prevent him from marrying another woman this Friday.

Uy Thavy, 40, claims that she married 43-year-old Takhmao deputy district governor Huy Ath in 1993, and pointed out that an additional marriage would be illegal, as their divorce has not yet been approved.

“I was shocked when I saw the invitation card. I am his official wife. I will not allow him to get married whatsoever. I need a husband and my kids need a father,” she said, claiming that she is taking care of four of Huy Ath’s sons.

She said she discovered in September that her husband was having an affair with a woman from Tien commune in Kandal Stung district.

“If the authorities do not help me, I will find my own way to stop the wedding,” she said. “My husband filed a complaint to get a divorce from me after I found out that he was having a relationship with a new woman. But I did not agree to get a divorce.”

Uy Thavy said that after telling Huy Ath of her objection to the wedding, Huy Ath threatened to imprison her if she caused any problems during the ceremony.

Keo Sok Ros, Tien commune chief, said that Huy Ath had presented him with a legal document stating that he had been legally divorced from Uy Thavy.

“I issued a marriage letter for him because he has a legal document. If he did not have the document, we would not issue the letter,” he said.

However, Men Makara, a provincial coordinator for the rights group Adhoc, said that Uy Thavy had shown him a document indicating that the divorce had not been approved, fuelling speculation that the document her husband had presented to Uy Thavy was fake.

Huy Ath could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Under the 2006 Law on Monogamy, a person found guilty of bigamy can face anywhere between six months to a year in prison and fines of between 200,000 riel (US$49) and 1,000,000 riel.

Khmer Rouge cadres confront their past

Photo supplied
People gather in Pailin for an outdoor screening of videos documenting atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge era.

via CAAI

Tuesday, 16 November 2010 20:18 Cheang Sokha

About 300 Cambodian villagers filed into Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh on Tuesday, lingering over photographs and searching for relatives lost to the Khmer Rouge.

They paid rapt attention as their tour guides led them through the facility and expressed shock at the variety of torture methods on display.

“I saw the images of torture and I didn’t think it would be like that,” said Sor Song, 52. “I saw it with my own eyes, and I felt shocked to see it.”

The reactions of Sor Song and his fellow tour members are not so different from thousands of others who have visited Tuol Sleng over the years, yet their frame of reference is decidedly different: the Pailin residents are former supporters – and in many cases members – of the movement that operated the infamous prison.

“Hopefully, it will help in understanding why it is important for so many victims to see the persons alleged to be most responsible for the crimes committed … being prosecuted in a court of law,” said Khmer Rouge tribunal spokesman Lars Olsen, one of the court officials who arranged the trip. “We believe it is easier for people to see things and understand when they see things with their own eyes.”

Nestled in the Cardamom Mountains along the border with Thailand, the tiny province of Pailin served as one of the last redoubts for the Khmer Rouge.

On Monday night, several hundred Pailin residents – many of whom were once KR soldiers – gathered outside the provincial hall, where they watched in silence as court officials screened a documentary on the tribunal and the trial of former Tuol Sleng prison chief Kaing Guek Eav, alias Duch.

When court officials including international co-prosecutor Andrew Cayley came to Pailin in September for a community forum, the mood was lively, with questions ranging from why foreign governments will not be tried for their role in the Cambodian conflict to what sort of reparations will be available for victims.

On Monday, however, the mood was sombre as images of the Duch trial and the history of Democratic Kampuchea flashed by on screen.

“I was not aware at all that the Khmer Rouge killed so many people,” said former Khmer Rouge soldier Tok Keo.

The 55-year-old, who lost his left leg to a landmine in 1980, said he had joined the Khmer Rouge in Kratie province in 1975 before fleeing to Northwestern Cambodia with the overthrow of the regime in 1979.

During that time, he said, he had no idea about the thousands of Cambodians exterminated under Democratic Kampuchea.

“Our role was to fight against the Vietnamese troops because we were told that they had come to invade us and we had to protect our land,” Tok Keo said, adding that he and other low-level troops had no contact with KR leaders Nuon Chea and Ieng Sary.

The pair are now awaiting trial in what will be the tribunal’s second case, along with former Khmer Rouge social action minister Ieng Thirith and head of state Khieu Samphan; through the 1990s, Pailin served as their virtual fiefdom as they collected revenue from the then booming gem and timber trade in the area.

Pailin deputy governor Mey Meakk, a former secretary of KR leader Pol Pot, said at the screening that residents in his province supported the tribunal but were wary of pending investigations in the court’s third and fourth cases. Prime Minister Hun Sen has also expressed opposition to these cases due to concerns about national security, telling United Nations secretary general Ban Ki-moon last month that he would not allow them to go to trial.

“We completely agree with Samdech Hun Sen that we don’t want to see additional Khmer Rouge cadres be prosecuted,” Mey Meakk said. “If the court wants to make further arrests, it will cause fear.”

For the rank-and-file, the mood was less one of defiance than of regret.

“The crimes committed were so cruel, and we never believed it before,” Sor Song said.

Olsen said it was evident that many in the group were shocked as they walked the halls of Tuol Sleng during the visit.

“Although the people come from an area that is regarded as a Khmer Rouge area, several people said that they themselves had family members that were killed,” he said.

“Just because you were a Khmer Rouge soldier does not necessarily mean that you subscribed to all the ideology and all the policy implemented by the regime.”

Soldier summoned over shooting

via CAAI

Tuesday, 16 November 2010 21:27 Rann Reuy

Rann Reuy

The Siem Reap provincial court has summoned a military official who stands accused of shooting at a group of Forestry Administration officials in Varin district last month.

Rom Sa Eam, deputy director of the second office of Royal Cambodian Armed Forces Subdivision 5, has been ordered to appear in court on November 25.

“I heard [about the summons] through my boss, but I am not worried. I will answer according to what happened,” Rom Sa Eam said.

Rom Sa Eam and another soldier Roeun Sarim have been accused of firing a K-54 pistol at forestry officials and breaking the side mirror of a Toyota Camry driven by the officials during an incident on October 30.

The officials were pursuing the pair because they were suspected of working as accomplices for illegal loggers.

Earlier this month, Rom Sa Eam wrote a letter of apology to the officials, offering to pay for the broken car mirror.

However, Thorng Sokhai, one of those allegedly fired on by Rom Sa Eam, said he and his colleagues had filed a civil complaint demanding US$25,000 in compensation.

“Rom Sa Eam and his colleagues stopped my car two to three times before shooting at me,” Thorng Sokhai said. “One shot at me and then turned to shoot at my colleagues and the car.”

Rom Sa Eam yesterday denied that he or his colleague had fired directly at the officials, claiming to have only shot once into the air before one of his soldiers broke the vehicle’s mirror by beating on it with a log.

He also said that he could not afford to pay $25,000 in civil compensation.

“I do not have money. If I had it, I would pay,” he said.

Plea to pardon jailed plotters

via CAAI

Tuesday, 16 November 2010 21:25 Meas Sokchea

Meas Sokchea

Lawmakers from the opposition Sam Rainsy Party have asked Prime Minister Hun Sen to pardon five party activists jailed for their involvement with an apparent coup attempt in 2000.

In a letter dated October 27, the SRP requested that Bun Chanto, Tomloab Mil, Chan Bunkhen, Seng Narin and Hem Em – each of whom received 15-year prison terms for their role in the coup plot – be granted amnesties during the upcoming Water Festival.

The activists have all served more than two-thirds of their sentences, making them eligible for pardons under Cambodian law.

“Please Samdech [Hun Sen], intervene to secure pardons for the five convicts, who have served over two-thirds of their convictions … so that they have the freedom to meet with their families and rebuild their future as ordinary Khmer citizens,” the letter read.

The five activists were among many jailed in connection with a botched uprising staged by the so-called Cambodian Freedom Fighters, a United States-based group led by Long Beach accountant Chhun Yasith.

In November 2000, about 70 CFF, armed with AK-47s, grenades and B-40 rockets, slipped into the capital and attacked several government buildings. Government troops quickly quelled the CFF’s ill-coordinated attack, leaving at least eight dead and 14 injured.

In June, a US court sentenced the 53-year-old Chhun Yasith to life in prison for his role in the coup. At the time, Foreign Minister Hor Namhong welcomed Chhun Yasith’s sentence, describing the CFF’s plot as a “clear terrorist act”.

In the wake of the 2000 attacks, rights groups and opposition politicians accused the government of arbitrarily jailing law-abiding Funcinpec and SRP members in connection with the plot.

Human Rights Watch reported in December 2000 that within two weeks of the attacks, more than 200 people were arrested across Cambodia, many without warrants.

SRP spokesman Kimsour Phirith said the government should release the five convicts, claiming that their activities did not affect national security or national interests but that they were lured in by a group of “tricksters”.

“Though they have made serious mistakes and been imprisoned for a long time, if it is possible it would be very kind of government leaders to understand and be tolerant of them,” he said.

Minister of Information and Government Spokesman Khieu Kanharith declined to comment in detail, but said that any person involved in terrorist acts was unlikely to be pardoned.

The SRP’s request has also been accompanied by personal pleas from the families of the five activists. Hem Em’s wife Ven Dara said yesterday that she had written to Hun Sen and King Norodom Sihamoni seven or eight times requesting her husband’s pardon, to no avail.

“I received a letter of response from the King once in 2009, but the King said he would ask Prime Minister Hun Sen to consider it,” Ven Dara said. “He did not ask the premier to release him, he just requested the premier to consider it.”

Mong Reththy thievery allegations

via CAAI

Tuesday, 16 November 2010 20:09 Phak Seangly

The chief accountant for Mong Reththy Group’s pig farms was in police custody yesterday after being accused of breach of trust and absconding with 11 million riel.

Ros Soly, who is believed to have begun work for the organisation a few months ago, was held in Interior Ministry police custody after being arrested in front of the Mong Reththy Group office in Chamkarmon district, Phnom Penh, on Monday. He is accused of breach of trust and stealing 11 million riel (around US$2,766) from pig-buying customers in Preah Sihanouk province.

Mong Reththy Group’s lawyer Tann Mengsroy alleged yesterday that the accountant “happily” spent the company money on “girls” and other entertainment.

“Of course, this money is small for the company, but we want to make an example,” he said.

The Group’s president, Mong Reththy, emphasised yesterday that the allegations related just to the Group’s pig business. He said the company had previously offered the accountant the opportunity to talk over the issue in person, but made little progress.

The company is now considering its options on pursuing litigation.

An official at the Ministry of Interior, who asked not to be named, said that withdrawing or continuing the case was up to the company involved.

Representatives for Ros Soly could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Cambodian PM suggests setting up fund to advance CLV development triangle area

via CAAI

November 16, 2010 

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen Tuesday suggested to establish a Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam (CLV) Fund to mobilize financial resources to fund the projects of the Master Plan 2010-2020.

The premier made the suggestion at the 6th Cambodia-Laos- Vietnam (CLV) Summit on Development Triangle Area (DTA) held on Tuesday morning in Phnom Penh, which is aimed to further strengthen the cooperation among three CLV countries.

With the financial difficulties, Hun Sen initiated to establish a CLV Fund in order to increase capitals for development projects.

He said that "Japan has financed 20 million U.S. dollars for the development triangle area, but we have to work with Japan and seek other development partners to mobilize capital for the triangle area."

In order to fulfill the programs and projects of the Master Plan, Hun Sen also suggested "to primarily shortlisting a number of prioritized projects from our cooperation sectors," such as infrastructure, trade and investment, social development and cultural conservation, agro-industry, tourism, and environment.

"The CLV Summit is not only to strengthen cooperation among the three countries, but also to contribute to the development in the region," said Hun Sen at the opening of the 6th CLV summit.

Cambodian leaders applaud close co-operation with VN

via CAAI

November, 16 2010

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung (left) meets Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen at Phnom Penh's Peace Palace. — VNA/VNS Photo Duc Tam

PHOM PENH — The Vietnamese and Cambodian Prime Ministers reached a consensus on all contents for increasing bilateral co-operation in the future at their talks in Phnom Penh yesterday.

The talks came after an official welcome ceremony Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen held for his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Tan Dung on the latter's official visit to Cambodia.

The two PMs showed their satisfaction at the developments in the two countries' relationship and expressed their determination to bring co-operation to a new level.

After evaluating the results of previous meetings of Vietnamese and Cambodian leaders, the two Prime Ministers agreed to increase visits at all levels.

They also agreed to boost bilateral co-operation in areas of high potential, including trade, investment, banking, power energy, mining, oil and gas, industrial crops, and transport.

The PMs consented to encourage trade, services and co-operation between localities, especially in the shared border areas.

They also agreed to continue working together in the areas of security and defence and reinforcing co-operation in combating terrorist activities, trans-national crimes, smuggling, and drug and human trafficking.

They reaffirmed that they would not allow any hostile forces to undermine the countries' relationship by using one's territory to harm the other's security.

The two leaders expressed their resolve to speed up land border demarcation and border marker planting in order to finish the work before the end of 2012. In addition, they exchanged views on ways to promote co-operation in ASEAN and sub-regional co-operative mechanisms.

Dung said he was pleased to visit Cambodia again and congratulated the Cambodian people on their achievements in developing the country and the country's growing position and prestige in the regional and international arena.

He spoke highly of the conditions Cambodia has created for overseas Vietnamese to stabilise their lives and do business.

Hun Sen highly valued Viet Nam 's role as the ASEAN Chair in 2010 as well as the country's successful organisation of the 17th ASEAN Summit and related meetings.

He took the opportunity to express his wishes for a successful 11th National Party Congress that Viet Nam will hold in early 2011.

The Cambodian leader praised Vietnamese investors in particular for raising direct investments in Cambodia at a time when many countries around the world met with difficulties in foreign investment due to the global financial crisis.

Following the talks, the two PMs witnessed the signing of a payment agreement between the State Bank of Viet Nam and the State Bank of Cambodia.

During his stay in Cambodia, Dung will attend the sixth Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Summit (CLV 6), the fifth Cambodia-Laos-Myanmar-Viet Nam Summit (CLMV 5), and the fourth meeting of the Ayeyawadi-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Co-operative Strategy (ACMECS 4).

Viet Nam a ‘good friend'

Dung was later warmly welcomed by King Norodom Sihamoni on his official visit to Cambodia. The king emphasised: "Cambodia has been lucky to have such a good friend in Viet Nam".

Sihamoni expressed his hope that bilateral relations would be lifted to a new level for the benefit of both countries.

He concluded by asking Dung to convey best regards from his father Norodom Sihanouk to General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Nong Duc Manh, President Nguyen Minh Triet and other Vietnamese leaders.

In his meeting with Senate President Chea Sim, Dung highlighted the traditional relations enjoyed by the two countries. He said that efforts to strengthen solidarity, traditional friendship and comprehensive co-operation played an important role in the development of both nations and contributed to peace, stability and co-operation in Southeast Asia and the world.

The Cambodian Senate leader, who congratulated Viet Nam for its development achievements, said Cambodia greatly appreciated close ties with its neighbour.

Chea Sim also appreciated co-operation between the two countries' border provinces, and said the two Governments should speed up planting of markers to meet the 2012 deadline.

"The Cambodian people engrave in their hearts the sacrifice of lives and blood by Vietnamese volunteers in their noble international mission during Cambodia's struggle against the genocidal regime, as well as in their national reconstruction and development," he said.

In a meeting with National Assembly President Heng Samrin of Cambodia, Dung expressed his satisfaction with the recent developments in relations between the two countries' legislative bodies, which was demonstrated by their support in regional and international forums.

The Vietnamese leader thanked the Cambodian National Assembly and its president for strongly backing Viet Nam in its capacity as the president of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly 2010.

Meanwhile, Heng Samrin praised Viet Nam for successfully holding the AIPA-2010 meeting and the 17th ASEAN Summit. He emphasised that Viet Nam's profile had risen internationally as a result.

In the afternoon, Dung paid floral tributes to Cambodia's fallen soldiers at the Monument of Independence and Vietnamese martyrs at the Monument of Vietnamese Volunteers. He visited the Phnom Penh office of the Bank for Investment and Development of Cambodia, a joint-venture with Viet Nam, and the Vietnamese embassy.

Prime Minister Hun Sen and his wife also held a party in Dung's honour. — VNS

Pharmacists Play a Significant Role in TB Control Schemes in Cambodia

via CAAI

By Bobby Ramakant

The private pharmacists are real partners in TB control. They help tremendously in increasing new TB case detection and treatment in Cambodia.

Senior TB advocate Hara Mihalea from PATH presented the best practice example of Cambodia at the 41st Union World Conference on Lung Health in Berlin, Germany.

Hara reported that just like India where close to 70-80% patients go to private sector on first symptom. In Cambodia, an assessment was conducted by the National TB Control Programme (NTCP)on 2004. The results showed that 75% of TB patients first seek healthcare in the private sector. These findings were very similar with the findings of the 2002 prevalence survey report.

Cambodia ranks in 21st position in the list out of 22 TB high-burden countries in the world. It is estimated that 64% of the total population in Cambodia has latent TB infection.

In Cambodia, pharmacies in the private sectors outnumbered the number of pharmacies in the public sector. More private clinics and private labs are cited.

In the year 2000, advocacy efforts began with the ministry of health and the national TB control program in Cambodia to involve other sectors. In 2004, the assessment mentioned above was conducted that clearly showed that 75% of individuals assumed to have TB first seek healthcare in private sector.

In response to this assessment, a private public mix (PPM) strategy was developed and approved in 2005. From 2006 to 2010, this PPM strategy was scaled up in 11 provinces and 42 operational districts.

Almost 2000 pharmacies from 11 provinces were engaged in TB control as partners. They were regularly referring, reporting and recording suspected TB patients. The sale of anti-TB treatment drugs went down in private pharmacies. Before PPM strategy, the team had confirmed the availability of anti-TB treatment drugs in private pharmacies. But in recent evaluation, it was found that there were no anti-TB drugs in the pharmacies participating in PPM activities. This reduces the risk of anti-TB drug resistance.

"PPM is not easy to implement. It needs persistence, collaboration and networking skills," said Hara.

There was no financial incentive for private pharmacies over the past years to help improve TB program performance. But they were recognized as equal partners in TB control. One pharmacist said that he makes merit by referring TB patients to the proper healthcare facilities.