KRQE
It's taking the state longer to test possible cases of H1N1 flu, also known as swine flu, because state officials don't yet have the equipment to positively identify the strain.
Friday, 1 May 2009
NM awaits H1N1 'swine' flu test kits
HEALTH-ASIA: Swine Flu Threatens To Be Deadlier than Bird Flu, SARS
By Marwaan Macan-Markar
BANGKOK, Apr 29 (IPS) - When the World Health Organisation (WHO) raised the influenza pandemic alert from phase three to an ominous phase four warning this week, it went beyond the alarm associated with the killer avian influenza virus in Asia.
The global health body’s warning came as the outbreak of a lethal strain of swine flu has killed more than 150 people in Mexico - the epicentre of the virus - and has also been detected in parts of the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
The WHO warning for a possible global pandemic emerging from avian influenza always remained a "phase three alert," says Peter Cordingley, spokesman for the WHO’s Western Pacific division. "The difference now is that we have raised the pandemic alert to phase four."
"This is WHO’s way of saying [the lethal virus] has edged close to a pandemic situation," he added during a telephone interview from Manila, where the WHO’s regional office is based. "It can spread internationally."
A phase four alarm is often sounded when there are reports of "community- level outbreaks," which has been the case with the recent strain of the H1N1 strain of the swine flu virus, but not so with the cases of human-to-human transmission of the H5N1 strain of bird flu virus across Asia.
According to the WHO, a phase five alert is sounded when there is human-to- human transmission of a deadly virus "into at least two countries in WHO region." And the final phase six alert is declared when the virus enters the "pandemic phase," where community level outbreaks are detected in "at least one other country in a different WHO region in addition to the criteria defined in phase five."
It was fear of the avian influenza virus mutating and re-assorting itself with other viruses and emerging as a global pandemic that promoted the WHO to first sound the alarm in early 2004 that the world was on the brink of a public health crisis. At the time, grim pictures were painted, including mention of the 1918 "Spanish" flu pandemic that killed over 50 million people across the world.
But when and where such a lethal virus would emerge remained elusive.
"The current situation was, at least technically, what we were worried about at the height of the avian influenza scare," says Cordingley. "It was a situation we were always worried about: the virus going through pigs - the mixing vessel - and emerging as a new virus, infecting humans."
Such a scenario is behind the current lethal virus that is spreading between humans. "There has been a re-assortment of genes from poultry, swine and human virus strains," says Subhash Morzaria, regional manager of the Bangkok-based emergency centre for trans-boundary animal diseases at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). "It has been confirmed that human and poultry viruses infected swine and got mixed."
"This combination is not rare. Re-assortment of viruses in swine is frequent," he told IPS. "But the re-assortment of the virus we have now is new; we have not seen this before."
Worries that the new virus is more potent than the bird flu virus are not out of place. In the over six years since the H5N1 strain emerged in Asia and then spread to other corners of the world, there have been 257 reported deaths out of 421 cases. The worst affected country has been Indonesia, where 115 people have died out of the 141 infected.
Even the 2003 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, which prompted concern in the region, did not trigger a pandemic alarm with the speed that the H1N1 virus has. SARS spread to humans from animals and was associated with flu-like symptoms, such as high fever, headaches and respiratory problems.
By the time it was contained, SARS had killed 774 people out of the 8,000 who had been infected in over 20 countries in Asia, Europe and the Americas.
Yet as Asian countries take preventive measures to respond to the latest threat of a global pandemic, the region’s experience - having combated SARS and contained bird flu - sees it at a better level of readiness. The Association of South-east Asian Nations (ASEAN), a 10-member regional bloc, reflects this confidence.
"ASEAN member states are better prepared now following the experience from recent SARS and avian-influenza outbreaks," states the regional grouping, which includes Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. "ASEAN has the existing mechanisms and networks for strengthening preparedness and response to a possible pandemic."
Such resources include "500,000 courses of antivirals stockpiled in Singapore, while 500,000 more courses have already been distributed," reports ‘The Nation’, an English-language daily in Thailand. There is equipment that "is readily available for ASEAN countries for rapid response and containment of outbreaks that may occur in the region."
The picture is also true for most of Asia, confirms the WHO’s Cordingley. "Each country has committed resources to strengthen their health systems. Doctors and nurses have been trained and hospitals have been improved."
"The health systems in Asia are vastly different than in 2003, when SARS struck," he added. "Now they will have to monitor the virus. We don’t know what this virus will do."
BANGKOK, Apr 29 (IPS) - When the World Health Organisation (WHO) raised the influenza pandemic alert from phase three to an ominous phase four warning this week, it went beyond the alarm associated with the killer avian influenza virus in Asia.
The global health body’s warning came as the outbreak of a lethal strain of swine flu has killed more than 150 people in Mexico - the epicentre of the virus - and has also been detected in parts of the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
The WHO warning for a possible global pandemic emerging from avian influenza always remained a "phase three alert," says Peter Cordingley, spokesman for the WHO’s Western Pacific division. "The difference now is that we have raised the pandemic alert to phase four."
"This is WHO’s way of saying [the lethal virus] has edged close to a pandemic situation," he added during a telephone interview from Manila, where the WHO’s regional office is based. "It can spread internationally."
A phase four alarm is often sounded when there are reports of "community- level outbreaks," which has been the case with the recent strain of the H1N1 strain of the swine flu virus, but not so with the cases of human-to-human transmission of the H5N1 strain of bird flu virus across Asia.
According to the WHO, a phase five alert is sounded when there is human-to- human transmission of a deadly virus "into at least two countries in WHO region." And the final phase six alert is declared when the virus enters the "pandemic phase," where community level outbreaks are detected in "at least one other country in a different WHO region in addition to the criteria defined in phase five."
It was fear of the avian influenza virus mutating and re-assorting itself with other viruses and emerging as a global pandemic that promoted the WHO to first sound the alarm in early 2004 that the world was on the brink of a public health crisis. At the time, grim pictures were painted, including mention of the 1918 "Spanish" flu pandemic that killed over 50 million people across the world.
But when and where such a lethal virus would emerge remained elusive.
"The current situation was, at least technically, what we were worried about at the height of the avian influenza scare," says Cordingley. "It was a situation we were always worried about: the virus going through pigs - the mixing vessel - and emerging as a new virus, infecting humans."
Such a scenario is behind the current lethal virus that is spreading between humans. "There has been a re-assortment of genes from poultry, swine and human virus strains," says Subhash Morzaria, regional manager of the Bangkok-based emergency centre for trans-boundary animal diseases at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). "It has been confirmed that human and poultry viruses infected swine and got mixed."
"This combination is not rare. Re-assortment of viruses in swine is frequent," he told IPS. "But the re-assortment of the virus we have now is new; we have not seen this before."
Worries that the new virus is more potent than the bird flu virus are not out of place. In the over six years since the H5N1 strain emerged in Asia and then spread to other corners of the world, there have been 257 reported deaths out of 421 cases. The worst affected country has been Indonesia, where 115 people have died out of the 141 infected.
Even the 2003 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, which prompted concern in the region, did not trigger a pandemic alarm with the speed that the H1N1 virus has. SARS spread to humans from animals and was associated with flu-like symptoms, such as high fever, headaches and respiratory problems.
By the time it was contained, SARS had killed 774 people out of the 8,000 who had been infected in over 20 countries in Asia, Europe and the Americas.
Yet as Asian countries take preventive measures to respond to the latest threat of a global pandemic, the region’s experience - having combated SARS and contained bird flu - sees it at a better level of readiness. The Association of South-east Asian Nations (ASEAN), a 10-member regional bloc, reflects this confidence.
"ASEAN member states are better prepared now following the experience from recent SARS and avian-influenza outbreaks," states the regional grouping, which includes Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. "ASEAN has the existing mechanisms and networks for strengthening preparedness and response to a possible pandemic."
Such resources include "500,000 courses of antivirals stockpiled in Singapore, while 500,000 more courses have already been distributed," reports ‘The Nation’, an English-language daily in Thailand. There is equipment that "is readily available for ASEAN countries for rapid response and containment of outbreaks that may occur in the region."
The picture is also true for most of Asia, confirms the WHO’s Cordingley. "Each country has committed resources to strengthen their health systems. Doctors and nurses have been trained and hospitals have been improved."
"The health systems in Asia are vastly different than in 2003, when SARS struck," he added. "Now they will have to monitor the virus. We don’t know what this virus will do."
KRouge Pol Pot 'crueller than China's Gang of Four': Duch
Former Khmer Rouge prison commander, 66-year-old Duch, whose real name is Kaing Guek Eav (C), at the UN-backed war crimes court in Phnom Penh. The former Khmer Rouge prison chief said regime leader Pol Pot was worse than China's "Gang of Four" as he admitted further "cowardly" deeds at Cambodia's UN-backed war crimes court. May 1, 2009
PHNOM PENH (AFP) - A former Khmer Rouge prison chief on Thursday said regime leader Pol Pot was worse than China's "Gang of Four" as he admitted further "cowardly" deeds at Cambodia's UN-backed war crimes court.
Duch -- real name Kaing Guek Eav -- is on trial for overseeing the torture and extermination of 15,000 people who passed through the regime's Tuol Sleng prison, also known as S-21.
He told the tribunal on Thursday that the regime's hardline communist theory was worse than China's cultural revolution, led by the so-called "Gang of Four" who orchestrated extremist social reforms over ten years up to 1976.
"Pol Pot evacuated all the people from Phnom Penh city, smashed the former regime officials, smashed the capitalists, smashed the intellectuals. So... only the peasant worker class remained," Duch said.
The Khmer Rouge regime used the word "smashed" to refer to killing.
"This 'Gang of Four' went one step forward, but Pol Pot went ten steps forwards... Pol Pot's theory was even crueller than the theory of this group of four," Duch said.
Duch said his appointment as chairman of S-21 prison meant that his "duties became crimes against humanity by way of (overseeing) killing", but said his early sympathy for the victims gave way to an instinct for self-preservation.
"I was compelled to go on," Duch told the court.
"I was rather cowardly in that I did not contest but went on carrying out their orders and sometimes even exercised my power... to ensure that myself and the lives of my family would be out of danger," he said.
"Therefore, I committed all kinds of crimes, serious crimes. In S-21 no one is considered to have committed more crimes than me," he added, saying that he "regretted" the killings.
Earlier Duch told the court he knew the hardline communist regime would eventually be brought to justice.
"It is clear that the communist party (Khmer Rouge) could not avoid being prosecuted for the crimes they have committed," Duch told the five-judge panel, while saying he had lived in fear of being beheaded if he spoke out.
Duch later confirmed that "all prisoners sent to S-21 must be killed", including those mistakenly arrested in order to ensure "secrecy and security."
He said the party had an "absolute" rule that meant those sent to S-21 would never be released.
"No one was entitled to release them, (not) even Pol Pot," Duch said.
Tribunal judge Nil Nonn late Thursday announced the trial would adjourn and resume hearings on May 18.
Duch is charged with crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture and premeditated murder over the extermination of thousands of people between 1975 and 1979 at Tuol Sleng and the nearby "Killing Fields."
However, he has denied prosecutors' claims that he played a central role in the Khmer Rouge's iron-fisted rule, and maintains he only tortured two people himself and never personally executed anyone.
Duch faces life in jail at the court, which does not have the power to impose the death penalty.
Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot died in 1998 and many believe the UN-sponsored tribunal is the last chance to find justice for victims of the regime, which killed up to two million people.
The tribunal was formed in 2006 after nearly a decade of wrangling between the United Nations and the Cambodian government, and is scheduled to try four other senior Khmer Rouge leaders.
PHNOM PENH (AFP) - A former Khmer Rouge prison chief on Thursday said regime leader Pol Pot was worse than China's "Gang of Four" as he admitted further "cowardly" deeds at Cambodia's UN-backed war crimes court.
Duch -- real name Kaing Guek Eav -- is on trial for overseeing the torture and extermination of 15,000 people who passed through the regime's Tuol Sleng prison, also known as S-21.
He told the tribunal on Thursday that the regime's hardline communist theory was worse than China's cultural revolution, led by the so-called "Gang of Four" who orchestrated extremist social reforms over ten years up to 1976.
"Pol Pot evacuated all the people from Phnom Penh city, smashed the former regime officials, smashed the capitalists, smashed the intellectuals. So... only the peasant worker class remained," Duch said.
The Khmer Rouge regime used the word "smashed" to refer to killing.
"This 'Gang of Four' went one step forward, but Pol Pot went ten steps forwards... Pol Pot's theory was even crueller than the theory of this group of four," Duch said.
Duch said his appointment as chairman of S-21 prison meant that his "duties became crimes against humanity by way of (overseeing) killing", but said his early sympathy for the victims gave way to an instinct for self-preservation.
"I was compelled to go on," Duch told the court.
"I was rather cowardly in that I did not contest but went on carrying out their orders and sometimes even exercised my power... to ensure that myself and the lives of my family would be out of danger," he said.
"Therefore, I committed all kinds of crimes, serious crimes. In S-21 no one is considered to have committed more crimes than me," he added, saying that he "regretted" the killings.
Earlier Duch told the court he knew the hardline communist regime would eventually be brought to justice.
"It is clear that the communist party (Khmer Rouge) could not avoid being prosecuted for the crimes they have committed," Duch told the five-judge panel, while saying he had lived in fear of being beheaded if he spoke out.
Duch later confirmed that "all prisoners sent to S-21 must be killed", including those mistakenly arrested in order to ensure "secrecy and security."
He said the party had an "absolute" rule that meant those sent to S-21 would never be released.
"No one was entitled to release them, (not) even Pol Pot," Duch said.
Tribunal judge Nil Nonn late Thursday announced the trial would adjourn and resume hearings on May 18.
Duch is charged with crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture and premeditated murder over the extermination of thousands of people between 1975 and 1979 at Tuol Sleng and the nearby "Killing Fields."
However, he has denied prosecutors' claims that he played a central role in the Khmer Rouge's iron-fisted rule, and maintains he only tortured two people himself and never personally executed anyone.
Duch faces life in jail at the court, which does not have the power to impose the death penalty.
Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot died in 1998 and many believe the UN-sponsored tribunal is the last chance to find justice for victims of the regime, which killed up to two million people.
The tribunal was formed in 2006 after nearly a decade of wrangling between the United Nations and the Cambodian government, and is scheduled to try four other senior Khmer Rouge leaders.
I knew KRouge could not avoid prosecution: Duch
A tourist looks at portraits of victims of the Khmer Rouge regime at the Tuol Sleng genocide museum in Phnom Penh. The former Khmer Rouge prison chief said regime leader Pol Pot was worse than China's "Gang of Four" as he admitted further "cowardly" deeds at Cambodia's UN-backed war crimes court.(AFP/File/Tang Chhin Sothy)Thu Apr 30
PHNOM PENH (AFP) – The former Khmer Rouge prison chief has told Cambodia's UN-backed war crimes court he knew the hard-line communist regime would eventually be brought to justice.
Duch -- real name Kaing Guek Eav -- is on trial for overseeing the torture and extermination of 15,000 people who passed through the regime's Tuol Sleng prison, also known as S-21.
"It is clear that the communist party (Khmer Rouge) could not avoid being prosecuted of the crimes they have committed," Duch told the five-judge panel.
"Everyone was involved, including I myself," he said.
As he detailed the regime's ruthless killing policy, the former maths teacher said party members lived in fear of reprisal by senior officers.
"We did not betray the party. We did not want to say anything about the party or we would be beheaded," Duch said.
He said the party also imposed an "absolute" policy that ruled those sent to S-21 would never be released.
"When people were perceived as enemies and arrested and sent to S-21, no one was entitled to release them, (not) even Pol Pot, the most senior person of the Khmer Rouge," Duch said.
Duch is charged with crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture and premeditated murder over the extermination of thousands of people between 1975 and 1979 at Tuol Sleng and the nearby "Killing Fields."
However, he has denied prosecutors' claims that he played a central role in the Khmer Rouge's iron-fisted rule, and maintains he only tortured two people himself and never personally executed anyone.
Duch faces life in jail at the court, which does not have the power to impose the death penalty.
Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot died in 1998 and many believe the UN-sponsored tribunal is the last chance to find justice for victims of the regime, which killed up to two million people.
The tribunal was formed in 2006 after nearly a decade of wrangling between the United Nations and Cambodian government, and is scheduled to try four other senior Khmer Rouge leaders.
Asean Ministers To Meet Over Swine Flu
By Poch Reasey, VOA Khmer
Original report from Washington
30 April 2009
Health ministers of the 10 Asean countries will meet in Thailand within the next 10 days to discuss the region’s collective response to the growing numbers of swine flu cases worldwide, officials said Wednesday.
The statement follows public remarks by Prime Minister Hun Sen on Tuesday urging a meeting of Asean member states while at the same time calling for calm in Cambodia.
On Thursday, the World Health Organization warned countries to prepare for the possibility of a pandemic of the H1N1 influenza, which so far may have killed more than 150 people, most of them from Mexico, the center of the outbreak.
Asean Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan told VOA Khmer Wednesday Thai authorities had passed along Hun Sen’s message. Thailand is currently the head of Asean, which has a rotating chairmanship.
After some discussion, it was agreed the health ministers should meet in Bangkok during the first 10 days of May, he said.
Cambodia has already installed thermal monitors at its two international airports, and Hun Sen encouraged people to wear masks to prevent the spread of the disease.
But officials say an Asean response could help mitigate the effects of a potential global outbreak.
“In my opinion, such a meeting is very appropriate,” said Sry Thamarong, a senior adviser to Hun Sen. “We can find a way to prevent the disease from getting into our countries. Prevention is better than a cure.”
Countries reporting cases are Austria, Britain, Canada, Germany, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, the US, Spain and Switzerland, according to media reports. No cases have so far been confirmed in Asia.
Time Will Tell for Obama, Cambodians Say
By Win Thida, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
30 April 2009
As US President Barack Obama passed his 100th day in office, Cambodian officials, businessmen and diplomats said the new administration had little impact for them so far, but they were looking to him to help the world recover from the economic crisis.
Government spokesman Khieu Kanharith said the Obama administration has had no influence on Cambodia.
“Our small country has not felt any influence,” he said. “If it does, it will take a long time.”
Thun Saray, director of the rights group Adhoc, said no big changes had yet occurred in economics, politics, diplomacy or human rights.
“I don’t see any big change so far,” he said. “I think it’s probably too short a time, because economic issues need more time.”
During the US election, Obama vowed to Americans he would lead them in change, as large problems such as the financial crisis and prolonged wars in Iraq and Afghanistan loomed.
As a global economic and military power and significant donor to countries around the world, the president’s personality has been of importance for other countries.
Phnom Penh businessman Mong Rithy, whose Mong Rithy Group invests in agro-industry, said even though there was not yet a big change, in one year’s time Cambodia could see improvements.
“A hundred days is really a short time, but he came into office during the financial crisis and we are far away,” he said. “We have to wait until next year to see. From what we hear, Obama has made a lot of effort.”
Opposition leader Sam Rainsy shared a similar view and said he hoped Obama’s administration would soon produce good results for Cambodia.
“Obama cannot do things immediately in Cambodia, but we see in his political agenda that he wants peace, and that is a good sign,” Sam Rainsy said. “Another thing is that he has taken proper action in dealing with the global economic crisis, so he will help restore the world’s economics, and that means he’s helping restore Cambodia’s economy as well.”
Obama, who is 47, came into office during a world financial crisis that is affecting the lives of Cambodian people. He has remained under the gaze of many around the world who believe that improvements in the US economy will improve their own situation.
Original report from Phnom Penh
30 April 2009
As US President Barack Obama passed his 100th day in office, Cambodian officials, businessmen and diplomats said the new administration had little impact for them so far, but they were looking to him to help the world recover from the economic crisis.
Government spokesman Khieu Kanharith said the Obama administration has had no influence on Cambodia.
“Our small country has not felt any influence,” he said. “If it does, it will take a long time.”
Thun Saray, director of the rights group Adhoc, said no big changes had yet occurred in economics, politics, diplomacy or human rights.
“I don’t see any big change so far,” he said. “I think it’s probably too short a time, because economic issues need more time.”
During the US election, Obama vowed to Americans he would lead them in change, as large problems such as the financial crisis and prolonged wars in Iraq and Afghanistan loomed.
As a global economic and military power and significant donor to countries around the world, the president’s personality has been of importance for other countries.
Phnom Penh businessman Mong Rithy, whose Mong Rithy Group invests in agro-industry, said even though there was not yet a big change, in one year’s time Cambodia could see improvements.
“A hundred days is really a short time, but he came into office during the financial crisis and we are far away,” he said. “We have to wait until next year to see. From what we hear, Obama has made a lot of effort.”
Opposition leader Sam Rainsy shared a similar view and said he hoped Obama’s administration would soon produce good results for Cambodia.
“Obama cannot do things immediately in Cambodia, but we see in his political agenda that he wants peace, and that is a good sign,” Sam Rainsy said. “Another thing is that he has taken proper action in dealing with the global economic crisis, so he will help restore the world’s economics, and that means he’s helping restore Cambodia’s economy as well.”
Obama, who is 47, came into office during a world financial crisis that is affecting the lives of Cambodian people. He has remained under the gaze of many around the world who believe that improvements in the US economy will improve their own situation.
Seven Parliamentarians Invited for US Tour
By Sok Khemara, VOA Khmer
Original report from Washington
30 April 2009
Seven Cambodian lawmakers from three political parties will be invited to a weeklong study trip to Washington in June, where they will meet with US representatives and learn more about US Congress.
The seven lawmakers, from the Cambodian People’s, Human Rights and Sam Rainsy parties, will travel June 1, with support and organization from the National Democratic Institute and the Institute of Representative Government.
No firm schedule has yet been fixed for the lawmakers: the CPP’s Cheam Yiep, Sik Bun Hok, Nin Saphon and Ho Naun; the SRP’s Eng Chhai Eang, Kouy Bunroeun and Mao Monyvann; and the HRP’s Yem Ponhearith.
“We are inviting a delegation of Cambodian parliamentarians to come to DC in the first week of June to participate in a study mission,” said Raissa Tatad-Hazell, a senior program manager for Asia at NDI. “We are still in the process of arranging the group’s logistics and schedule.”
Original report from Washington
30 April 2009
Seven Cambodian lawmakers from three political parties will be invited to a weeklong study trip to Washington in June, where they will meet with US representatives and learn more about US Congress.
The seven lawmakers, from the Cambodian People’s, Human Rights and Sam Rainsy parties, will travel June 1, with support and organization from the National Democratic Institute and the Institute of Representative Government.
No firm schedule has yet been fixed for the lawmakers: the CPP’s Cheam Yiep, Sik Bun Hok, Nin Saphon and Ho Naun; the SRP’s Eng Chhai Eang, Kouy Bunroeun and Mao Monyvann; and the HRP’s Yem Ponhearith.
“We are inviting a delegation of Cambodian parliamentarians to come to DC in the first week of June to participate in a study mission,” said Raissa Tatad-Hazell, a senior program manager for Asia at NDI. “We are still in the process of arranging the group’s logistics and schedule.”
Pol Pot a Committed Communist: Duch
By Kong Sothanarith, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
30 April 2009
Not even Pol Pot had the right to release prisoners held by the Khmer Rouge, jailed prison chief Duch told judges on Thursday. Pol Pot was too respectful of communist principals, Duch said, and not even he dared to make unilateral decisions.
“Everybody who had been accused as an enemy and who had been imprisoned at S-21, none had a right to release,” Duch said. “Not even Pol Pot himself, who was the top leader of the Khmer Rouge.”
Pol Pot did not release prisoners, but he would issue orders for some not to be killed, Duch said.
Only a handful of people survived the facility, which was the Khmer Rogue’s top torture center, and prosecutors say more than 12,000 people who were sent there were later executed.
Duch, 66, whose real name is Kaing Kek Iev, faces charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity, torture and murder for his role as chief of the prison, as well as its connected execution site, Choeung Ek.
Duch’s trial at the UN-backed court has been ongoing for a full month now, and the prison chief’s testimony, combined with others, is painting a picture of the regime as an organization whose principles and decisions led to mass killings.
The forced eviction of Phnom Penh when the Khmer Rouge came to power in April 1975 was a challenge to the social classes adopted by the Khmer Rouge, Duch said Thursday.
The march out of city centers, on April 17, began what the Khmer Rouge called Year Zero, and was one of many policies that would lead to the deaths of nearly 2 million people in three years and less than eight months.
However, Duch said Thursday that killing undertaken by Khmer Rouge cadre began even earlier, just after the US-backed coup of Lon Nol, in 1970, as the revolutionaries sought to protect their respective zones.
Usually, those killed were accused as spies, he said.
Original report from Phnom Penh
30 April 2009
Not even Pol Pot had the right to release prisoners held by the Khmer Rouge, jailed prison chief Duch told judges on Thursday. Pol Pot was too respectful of communist principals, Duch said, and not even he dared to make unilateral decisions.
“Everybody who had been accused as an enemy and who had been imprisoned at S-21, none had a right to release,” Duch said. “Not even Pol Pot himself, who was the top leader of the Khmer Rouge.”
Pol Pot did not release prisoners, but he would issue orders for some not to be killed, Duch said.
Only a handful of people survived the facility, which was the Khmer Rogue’s top torture center, and prosecutors say more than 12,000 people who were sent there were later executed.
Duch, 66, whose real name is Kaing Kek Iev, faces charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity, torture and murder for his role as chief of the prison, as well as its connected execution site, Choeung Ek.
Duch’s trial at the UN-backed court has been ongoing for a full month now, and the prison chief’s testimony, combined with others, is painting a picture of the regime as an organization whose principles and decisions led to mass killings.
The forced eviction of Phnom Penh when the Khmer Rouge came to power in April 1975 was a challenge to the social classes adopted by the Khmer Rouge, Duch said Thursday.
The march out of city centers, on April 17, began what the Khmer Rouge called Year Zero, and was one of many policies that would lead to the deaths of nearly 2 million people in three years and less than eight months.
However, Duch said Thursday that killing undertaken by Khmer Rouge cadre began even earlier, just after the US-backed coup of Lon Nol, in 1970, as the revolutionaries sought to protect their respective zones.
Usually, those killed were accused as spies, he said.
CAMBODIA: Corruption Allegations Undermine Khmer Rouge Tribunal
Comrade Duch gives testimony to the Khmer Rouge tribunal during his trial this week. Credit:Carmichael/IPSBy Robert Carmichael
PHNOM PENH, May 1 (IPS) - The voice of Comrade Duch reverberates daily through the speakers at the 500- seat courtroom in Phnom Penh as he gives testimony in his trial for crimes against humanity.
Duch was the former commander of the notorious Khmer Rouge execution centre S21 in Phnom Penh in which 17,000 people are thought to have died between 1975 and 1979.
Another four senior surviving Khmer Rouge leaders are in custody awaiting trial.
The tribunal, a hybrid creation between the United Nations and the Cambodian government, has seen a number of controversies in its long gestation and brief life. The latest - and also one that crops up often - involves plausible allegations that Cambodian staff on the administration side of the tribunal paid kickbacks to senior staffers in return for their jobs.
This led donor nations to refuse to release more funds until the government established a mechanism to allow local staff to report corruption without fear of being fired. It hasn’t yet done so to the U.N.’s satisfaction, so the result is that Cambodian tribunal staff - some 250 people - have been paid late a number of times in the past year. That has happened again this month.
In early April a senior U.N. negotiator arrived in a final bid to hammer out a deal with the government to set up the anti-corruption mechanism. One day of talks became two days, which went into a third. But out of the blue the Australia government stunned observers by announcing during the U.N. negotiations that it wanted the U.N. Development Programme (UNDP), which is holding back a half-million dollar Australian loan, to release that cash to pay court salaries.
The government saw the move as an endorsement of its position. The U.N. was undermined, and the meeting broke up without a deal.
Observers of the trial process were staggered. Was Australia’s timing accidental or by design they wondered?
Heather Ryan is a trial monitor for the Open Society Justice Initiative (OSJI), an NGO funded by billionaire George Soros.
"It is inexplicable to me why the Australian government would take a step like that," Ryan says. "It so obviously does undermine the negotiating position of the U.N. [and others] who are trying to eliminate or reduce corruption in the court."
The Australian embassy in Phnom Penh would not comment - by its own admission the matter is too sensitive - and referred enquiries to Canberra. An emailed reply from the Australian government department of foreign affairs did not directly answer questions over what had happened. Instead the reply laid out a series of broader strokes.
The government spokesman wrote that Australia’s request that the UNDP release the money was based on two points. The first was the "broad progress" made by the Cambodian government to address the corruption issue. The second was to ensure that the court’s work would continue at this critical juncture."
"Australia’s decision to make this request took into account the views of other donors and the United Nations, including in Phnom Penh," the spokesman wrote - although he did not say whether the other partners agreed with the decision. "The Cambodian government is keenly aware of the need to ensure that corruption concerns are addressed."
If the undermining of the U.N.’s negotiating position was the first surprise, then the second was the refusal by UNDP to release the funds.
UNDP country manager Jo Scheuer explains that the organisation can only release the money once the corruption allegations are addressed by Phnom Penh, reforms are put in place to make sure it cannot happen again, and money previously released by UNDP is accounted for.
Scheuer says one reason UNDP rejected Australia’s request is because the tribunal must meet international standards on the dispensation of justice. Allegations of corruption undermine that.
"The second reason is because we are the fund manager. We are the ones accountable for the proper use of what at the end of the day is taxpayers’ money," Scheuer says. "We have said for the last nine months that we need to see allegations resolved and mechanisms put up before we can resume our role."
Court-watchers are concerned that the allegations could damage the trial - possibly fatally.
Perhaps more significant than corruption allegations on the administration side, are several reports in the media that some Cambodian judges paid kickbacks to secure their posts. As Scheuer points out, some of the defence lawyers have already stated that the corruption allegations mean their clients cannot get a fair trial.
But Scheuer says UNDP has seen no evidence of corruption involving Cambodian judges. "I can 100 percent say of all the work we have done, the extent of our knowledge of the allegations is limited to the administration of the court," he says.
That leaves the court’s immediate concern the payment of April salaries. They will certainly be paid late, says tribunal spokesperson Helen Jarvis, but she is confident money will come in to cover the salaries.
But, it won’t come from UNDP. Scheuer says that even if funds were approved for immediate release - and they have not been - it would take another eight weeks to work through the disbursement process. The only logical conclusion is that someone else will pay this month’s bill.
Ryan at the OSJI says it is distinctly possible that other donor nations could follow Australia’s lead in disbursing funds before an anti-corruption mechanism is set up. And she fears that could further undermine the U.N.’s position.
"We are watching carefully to see if other donors follow suit with [Australia] or if they continue to stand firm [on] an adequate agreement before they release any additional funds to the Cambodian side," Ryan says.
Monthly salaries aside, more important is the damage this episode has done to the court’s reputation. Scheuer says all parties want to see the problem resolved so that comment about the court can revolve around the delivery of justice rather than corruption.
There remains much concern that the court could yet collapse. If that happened sooner rather than later, it would leave Comrade Duch as the only one to face trial for the crimes of the Khmer Rouge regime that killed as many as two million people.
Duch “stands up very well for himself” and mocks Civil Party lawyers
Kambol (Phnom Penh, Cambodia). 29/04/2009: First photograph of the reconstitution held with the accused at S-21 on February 27th 2008, released on the screens of the ECCC. ©John Vink/ MagnumKa-set
http://cambodia.ka-set.info
By Stéphanie Gée
30-04-2009
On Wednesday April 29th, Duch continued to impress the audience with his ability to maintain his stamina and focus and with his skills as a strategist. The accused is not an easy catch. He will at times modify an answer he has already given – when questioned by the international co-Prosecutor, he eventually admits that a majority of teenagers recruited at S-21 were employed as guards, while others were assigned the task of looking for food for rabbits, or says the contrary of what he told on Monday April 27th – or at other times, he will establish himself as a well-tried master in the art of dodging. Besides, he openly mocks Civil Party lawyers and does not conceal his delight as they are constantly sent packing.
The trust of the Communist Party of Kampuchea (CPK)
Among all the answers Duch was due to provide, he pointed out once more that he put all his trust into his superiors. He repeated what he had already said before the Trial Chamber earlier this week: “They [CPK cadres] considered me as their shepherd, as their faithful dog”. And indeed, when he was deputy chief of S-21, his superior always asked to be able to meet the director, Nath, together with him. But once he was appointed chief of the centre in March 1976, Duch was called up on his own by his superiors. “That is why I was asked to take the lead of S-21: for me to be their eyes and ears.”
Duch left his mark at S-21
“When I became head of S-21, things changed, the way we reported our activity changed”, Duch declared during Wednesday’s hearing. During another, he mentioned that as head of S-21, the reports he made to his superiors about confessions of detainees were much thicker than those issued by his predecessor...
Mr Werner, co-Lawyer for Civil Parties – Group 1, reminds him that by his own admission during a hearing, Duch declared he was “the creator of interrogation and torture techniques at M-13”. “Is it true, then, that when you talked to Nath [chief of S-21 before Duch, who was then deputy chief, took over] just before the creation of S-21, Nath thoroughly relied on you for the establishment of those techniques because before, precisely, you were the one who created them at M-13?” The accused confirms this role and says once again he used to train his staff in interrogation techniques. As for those who came from a rural farming background, he later said, training them in torture techniques was important otherwise “we feared they might beat prisoners to death”.
When called up by the Swiss lawyer to make a list of his tasks when he started work at S-21, Duch says: “The first one was to prepare all documents, obtained from the Lon Nol regime and drafted, and make sure they were classified as they should be. Secondly, I had to single out the relevant points so they could be sent to my superiors. Thirdly, when we started working together, I began providing interrogators some teaching. Fourthly, I reported confessions to my superiors. Here are the main tasks I was assigned when S-21 was created.” Forever loyal to his same old motto, he adds: “When we received orders from above, we had to follow them”.
On his own initiative, Duch had teenagers come to S-21, as well as former staff from the M-13 security centre which he used to lead; he also had individual prison cells built there and also chose the Pohnea Yat high school, which was to be the final location for S-21, and Choeung Ek, to turn it, between 1976 and 1977, into the place where S-21 detainees were to be buried. The Swiss lawyer then tries to make the accused face his own contradictory declarations: “If you did not like what you were doing at S-21 and wanted to do something else, then why did you take so many initiatives [when you were head of the centre]?” Duch pretends he does not understand and perfectly reformulates the question he is being asked and urges Mr Werner to “buttress the elements of evidence”. Duch finally chooses to answer beside the point: “It is true that I did not like doing those tasks. But the question as to whether or not I could object those tasks and instructions – I could not! If we questioned instructions, it did not mean we were unfaithful to the party but it would have been considered as a direct attack against the Communist Party of Kampuchea. When we were asked to carry out such or such mission, we had to comply. We were not brave enough to say no!”
S-21: a centre unlike any other?
Mr Werner continues: “Do you agree with the fact that S-21 was not at the same level as other security centres since cadres from the central committee went to S-21 because the permanent committee decided to arrest them? Is that right?” The accused: “I would like to reiterate what I said. S-21 never communicated with horizontal levels or other security bureaus. Never! As for the persons who were sent to S-21, these were persons whom the permanent committee sent to S-21 via me”. “Which made S-21 unique compared to other centres in the provinces?” The accused: “We are talking about unique character... In what way? [...] If we analyse decisions made by the permanent committee, we can see that S-21 is not a unique police bureau since the people who are allowed to give orders to all of the security bureaus in the country were the people who were part of four groups: zone secretaries – there were seven of them – the president of the committee of bureau 870, the permanent committee and the brain trust, namely Son Sen. To conclude, [...] when any of the persons from those groups issued an order, all the security bureaus in Cambodia had to obey and implement that order. If it was decided that a person should die, it is that order which had to be implemented [...]. That is why [those persons] had to be referred to as ‘main persons accountable for crimes by virtue of the Cambodian Law’”.
The release of prisoners was ordered in the security centres of Democratic Kampuchea, but never at S-21. Duch explains: “The rule at S-21 since its creation was that every time a prisoner got there, he had to be interrogated and smashed.” “Whoever was sent to S-21 had to be considered as already dead. Nobody was released from S-21 otherwise we would have been beheaded!”, he later repeated. He nevertheless mentioned one exception. From whom did this decision to systematically smash come? “It is difficult to tell who gave us that rule since it was already in place when M-13 was set up. This is therefore the policy of the party towards enemies”, Duch said.
Duch acting with a little disrespect towards Civil Party lawyers
When Ms Studzinsky, co-lawyer for Civil Parties - Group 2, starts questioning the accused, the discussion turns into some sort of a vain struggle. “Mr Duch, answer my question!”, the German lawyer says, losing her patience. “I am asking you to prove patient”, Duch retorts. He chooses to answer, or not, by speaking to the president of the Chamber. Duch does not reveal anything. “No, I cannot remember”, “Please do not interrupt me!”, “Since you are asking a question which has already been asked, I am allowed not to answer!”. Confused, Silke Studzinsky turns to the president: “I am asking Mr President to ask the accused to answer”. The president does not come to a decision: “Accused, it is up to you to choose whether or not you wish to answer...” Duch: “Since this is a recurring question, I choose to remain silent!” A few minutes later, the lawyer leaps in again: “Here again, this is not an answer to my question!”
Ms Studzinsky then asks Duch if he happened to take part in interrogations in order to check on his staff and make sure they worked in compliance with his instructions. “No, I did not take part in them. I encouraged them to interrogate and I used to stay in my office to study confessions.” The lawyer repeats: “You never personally controlled the way these persons did their job?” “I have already told you that in the organisational chart, there was this chewing group, the leader of which was responsible for interrogations.” “How were interrogators checked on?”, she insists. Duch frowns and openly sneers at her with intimidating confidence. “I think Miss Studzinsky has not worked in the military sector or been into senior positions! As head of S-21, I could not take part in everything that went on, it was not possible!”
The international co-Prosecutor intervenes to remark that questions relating to techniques of interrogations and more generally speaking to the functioning of S-21, will have to be tackled later on, since the current subject is for the time being the establishment of S-21 and the Ta Khmau prison. The president then adds, weary, that every day, parties are reminded of that point, i.e. of the need to follow the schedule of debates, and notes that “irrelevant questions are being asked”.
Then comes the turn of Mr Canonne, co-Lawyer for Civil Parties – Group 3. Duch still speaks with a sarcastic tone and once again seems to be leading the debates. The French lawyer asks him to confirm some information but Duch answers: “Yes, what you have just said is correct but quite rough!” He then remains silent, his eyes blazing with insolence. The lawyer asks him who was in charge of getting the prisoners who arrived at S-21 and, as Duch was engaging into a reply, the president cuts him off: “The accused does not have to answer that question since it is about the functioning of S-21... That question will be tackled later when we talk about that topic...” Mr Canonne, disappointed: “That is a shame to block this spontaneity [on the part of Duch]”... The president did not quite appreciate this remark and suggests Mr Canonne do not comment upon the Chamber’s decision.
Duch takes advantage of the loophole. “If I answer that question, we will then be dealing with the functioning of S-21, so I will not answer that question!” Mr Canonne takes note and then adds, for every question he asks, “Concerning the preparation, the establishment of S-21”. Duch seems to be gloating at the situation. “Ha, if we use the word ‘preparation’, let’s keep using that word!”, he says, as quick as a flash.
After the break, Duch is eventually reprimanded by the president of the Chamber, who asks him to maintain “an appropriate behaviour” and reminds him that laughter, with which he received several of the lawyers’ questions, are not acceptable during a hearing.
Mr Canonne resumes questioning. To understand what it was about, he asks Duch about the Angkar, which was the only name of the leading authority which Cambodians knew under Pol Pot’s regime and behind which the CPK hid. Mr Kar Savuth steps in before his client answers: “Could the Trial Chamber ask the lawyer to only ask questions relative to the creation of S-21 and the Ta Khmau prison...?” The president accepts the objection. One of Mr Canonne’s Cambodian colleagues, Mr Mengkhy, takes the floor, but does not meet any more success. Duch almost invariably answers his questions by saying that he will answer “later” or that he has already answered during a hearing.
As a Civil Party Lawyer said as a joke on his way out: “Duch does not need his French lawyer [Mr Roux, currently away]; he stands up very well for himself!”
Thursday, 30 April 2009
Mu Sochua-Hun Sen: prime Minister portrays himself as victim, NGOs condemn his threats
Phnom Penh (Cambodia). 24/09/2008: Mu Sochua, Sam Rainsy Party MP, during prime Minister Hun Sen’s press conference, after the opening session of the new parliamentary mandate. ©John Vink/ MagnumBy Duong Sokha, with LLG
29-04-2009
In a speech he gave on Wednesday April 29th in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s prime Minister presented himself as a victim in the case pitting him against Mu Sochua, the Sam Rainsy Party MP, who lodged a complaint against him on grounds of defamation and insults. Hun Sen particularly reminded his opponent that having her parliamentary immunity lifted would be easy, since a majority of MPs are affiliated to the Cambodian People’s Party and therefore agree with the cause of the head of the executive power. Several organisations from the Cambodian civil society reacted strongly and condemned pressure and threats coming from the ruling power against the opposition.
“I am a simple victim and only wish to defend myself before the Law and find justice”, the Cambodian prime Minister declared loud and clear before an audience composed of brand new graduates. Hun Sen said he did “not despise any woman at all” and said he did not attack Mu Sochua directly. The words he said in Kampot at the beginning of April about a woman behaving in a “provocative way”, who “lunged towards a man to kiss him, so much so that the buttons [of her blouse] popped out”, were not about the SRP MP at all, he said…
The prime Minister insisted on justifying the fact that he filed a lawsuit in turn, against the opposition MP. “On Thursday [April 23], she held a press conference [on that case]. Therefore, I have enough evidence. I signed on Friday [April 24] a complaint [against her] for defamation before the start of the judicial proceedings [launched by Mu Sochua against Hun Sen]”, he declared, adding that his complaint was also aimed at Mu Sochua’s lawyer, Kong Sam Onn, who was with his client at her press conference. The prime Minister is asking each of the concerned persons for a compensation of ten million riels (2,500 USD). He announced he would give the money to charity in favour of orphans.
Hun Sen also said that if justice asked for the suspension of his own parliamentary immunity, he would be ready to accept it, and pointed out that such a procedure against him had few chances of succeeding. “I do not believe that MPs for the Cambodian People’s Party [CPP, going strong with 90 seats out of 123 in the National Assembly] will vote, by a show of hands, the suspension of my immunity. Like for Lok Chumteav Men Sam On [deputy prime Minister, CPP], they will not do it”, Hun Sen bet with confidence. However, Cambodia’s “strongman” did not fail to mention that if justice issued a similar request against Mu Sochua, having it approved would be easy, since the votes of almost two thirds are already secured.
Several Cambodian organisations for the defence of Human rights and the observation of political life reacted strongly, even before this very speech given by the head of government, to the threat to lift the Sam Rainsy Party (SRP) deputy’s parliamentary immunity.
“To issue arbitrary threats on the suspension of Mu Sochua’s parliamentary immunity without any evidence she may have committed any crime is a flagrant act of intimidation against an opposition MP”, president of the Cambodian Centre for Human Rights (CCHR) Ou Virak said in a communiqué dated April 29th and co-signed by nine local organisations. “This clearly aims at reducing her to silence and deterring her from claiming her legitimate right to file a lawsuit for defamation.”
For Kek Galabru, the president of the NGO for the defence of Human rights in Cambodia LICADHO, this “threat against Mu Sochua is yet another example of the dangerous milieu opposition MPs are faced with in Cambodia”. “MPs from all parties should be free to exercise their profession, to represent the interest of their voters and to express themselves in public without the fear of being arrested or detained arbitrarily”, she said, while Yeng Virak, director of the Community Legal Education Centre (CLEC) stressed that parliamentary immunity was “not something that can be lifted randomly by representatives of the government”.
“If Mu Sochua’s parliamentary immunity is lifted, this will simply prove that what she aims at showing is right: that opposition MPs are not free to do their job without fearing intimidation or persecution”, says Koul Panha, director of the Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (COMFREL). For her part, Thida Khus, executive director of the Silaka organisation, deplores a “threat that is [...] sad in many ways [...] against one of the rare active female politicians, in a country where women’s voices are frequently silenced or ignored”.
Reached by Ka-set, SRP MP for Kampot Mu Sochua simply indicated that she intended to leave justice to sort that case and that she would accept the eventual suspension of her parliamentary immunity, should judicial authorities decide to lift it. “I trust the will of MPs, of all the parties and I shall respect their decision”, she said. Her lawyer Kong Sam Onn explained that he only acted as he felt he should, as a lawyer, and denied having said any defamatory words about the Cambodian prime Minister.
Cambodia says hello to the BlackBerry
TeleGeography
Thursday, 30 April 2009
Telekom Malaysia International Cambodia (TMIC), which operates a GSM-900 network under the brand name hello, has announced what it claims to be the first commercial launch of the BlackBerry solution in Cambodia. The service will allow subscribers to access E-mail, browse the internet, make phone calls, send and receive text and picture messages, and access a variety of business and leisure applications on the move. hello offers its customers the choice between two handsets, the BlackBerry Pearl 8120 and BlackBerry Curve 8320, as well as the BlackBerry Enterprise Server and BlackBerry Internet Service. Based on its distribution agreement with the BlackBerry handset manufacturer Research in Motion (RIM), French vendor Alcatel-Lucent will provide the cellco with the end-to-end implementation, integration, launch, and on-going support services for delivering the solution to the Cambodian market. Syed Azmeer, chief marketing officer for hello, said: ‘We are pleased to offer BlackBerry smartphones and services to both corporate customers and consumers. It is an innovative and revolutionary solution that is already used by millions of people worldwide.’ According to TeleGeography’s GlobalComms database, hello was the country’s third largest cellco by subscribers at the end of 2008, with a total of 590,000, representing a wireless market share of 15.05%.
Telekom Malaysia International Cambodia (TMIC), which operates a GSM-900 network under the brand name hello, has announced what it claims to be the first commercial launch of the BlackBerry solution in Cambodia. The service will allow subscribers to access E-mail, browse the internet, make phone calls, send and receive text and picture messages, and access a variety of business and leisure applications on the move. hello offers its customers the choice between two handsets, the BlackBerry Pearl 8120 and BlackBerry Curve 8320, as well as the BlackBerry Enterprise Server and BlackBerry Internet Service. Based on its distribution agreement with the BlackBerry handset manufacturer Research in Motion (RIM), French vendor Alcatel-Lucent will provide the cellco with the end-to-end implementation, integration, launch, and on-going support services for delivering the solution to the Cambodian market. Syed Azmeer, chief marketing officer for hello, said: ‘We are pleased to offer BlackBerry smartphones and services to both corporate customers and consumers. It is an innovative and revolutionary solution that is already used by millions of people worldwide.’ According to TeleGeography’s GlobalComms database, hello was the country’s third largest cellco by subscribers at the end of 2008, with a total of 590,000, representing a wireless market share of 15.05%.
Ex-Khmer Rouge: Death was certain in his prison
PR-inside.com
http://www.pr-inside.com
http://www.pr-inside.com
2009-04-30
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) - Incarceration at the Khmer Rouge's most notorious prison was tantamount to a death sentence since not even the movement's supreme leader had the right to release prisoners, the center's chief told a special tribunal Thursday.
Kaing Guek Eav, alias Duch, commanded the Phnom Penh prison, where as many as 16,000 men, women and children are believed to have been tortured before being sent to their deaths. Only a handful survived.
Duch, 66, is being tried by a U.N.-assisted genocide tribunal for crimes against humanity, war crimes, murder and torture. An estimated 1.7 million Cambodians died under the 1975-79 radically communist Khmer Rouge regime from forced labor, starvation, medical neglect and executions.
«When people were perceived as enemies and arrested and sent to S-21, no one was entitled to release them. Even Pol Pot, the most senior person in the Khmer Rouge, acknowledged that he had no right to release any people,» Duch said.
«That was the party line,» he said.
Duch recalled that one prisoner, a dentist, was arrested and later petitioned Pol Pot to keep him alive, so he could treat the Khmer Rouge leaders. He did not say what happened to the dentist.
During the testimony, Duch said that before 1970, the Khmer Rouge had no internal purges and dared not harm people under their control because they needed their support to fight the war against the U.S.-backed central government.
The killings and purges began in 1973, two years before the Khmer Rouge victory in April 1975, he said. Then about a year later, thousands of people were arrested throughout the country and branded as «state enemies.
«It is clear that the Communist Party of Kampuchea (CPK) cannot avoid being prosecuted for the crimes it committed,» he said. «Everyone was involved, including myself, but the senior leaders, they were the direct perpetrators.
Duch said he never refused or failed to implement orders from above and thus was able to survive.
Duch is the first senior Khmer Rouge figure to face trial, and the only one to acknowledge responsibility for his actions. Senior leaders Khieu Samphan, Nuon Chea, Ieng Sary and Ieng Sary's wife, who are all being detained, are likely to be tried in the next year or two.
Flu precautions: 10 steps for keeping yourself safe from flu
The Phnom Penh Post
http://www.phnompenhpost.com
http://www.phnompenhpost.com
Written by ASEAN Secretariat Working Group for One Health
Thursday, 30 April 2009
Flu precautions
The following are general precautionary measures developed by the ASEAN Secretariat Working Group for One Health to prevent any type of influenza or any respiratory illness, which is spread from person to person.
Wash your hands frequently
- Wash with soap and water several times a day. Dry your hands after washing.
- There is no substitute for hand washing. But when water is not available, you may use alcohol-based disposable handwipes or gel sanitisers.
Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth
- Influenza viruses are often spread when a person touches surfaces that are contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.
Avoid close physical contact
- Avoid close contact with anyone who is ill.
- Temporarily refrain from shaking hands with or kissing other persons while there are reported outbreaks of influenza.
Stay home when you are ill
- If possible, stay at home and avoid crowded places when you are ill. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
Cover your mouth and nose
- Use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of the flu virus.
- If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
- You may be asked to put on a surgical mask to protect others.
Keep your distance
- When you are ill, keep your distance from others.
- When you are ill, keep your distance from others.
Practise good health habits
- Refrain from smoking
- Get enough sleep
- Exercise regularly
- Manage stress levels
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Eat nutritiously
- Refrain from smoking
- Get enough sleep
- Exercise regularly
- Manage stress levels
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Eat nutritiously
Consult a doctor if you are ill
- Seek medical care when you feel signs of serious illness such as difficulty breathing, confusion or severe vomiting.
Defer travel if you are ill
If you are feeling sick, you should refrain from boarding aeroplanes or other forms of public transport.
If you are feeling sick, you should refrain from boarding aeroplanes or other forms of public transport.
Listen to local health authorities
Keep yourself updated on any influenza outbreak or other health alerts and warnings.
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Police Blotter: 30 Apr 2009
The Phnom Penh Post
http://www.phnompenhpost.com
http://www.phnompenhpost.com
Written by Lim Phalla
Thursday, 30 April 2009
DIAMOND NECKLACE STOLEN FROM WIFE
A US$7,000 diamond necklace was stolen from a general's wife in their house on Street 516 in Boeung Kak 1 commune, Tuol Kork district, Phnom Penh at noon on Tuesday. The victims, Te Vi, 45, and Ngaet Vuthy, 42, were confronted at gunpoint by two robbers immediately after arriving home and exiting their car. The robbers shot twice before they escaped but no one was wounded.
KAMPUCHEA THMEY
NEIGHBOURS BATTLE WITH AX AND HOE
An ax and hoe fight between Kong Chuon, male, 73, and Chan Ry, male, 46, happened on Saturday afternoon in Kraing Daung village, Preah Khlang commune, Tbaeng Meanchey district, Preah Vihear province, because of a conflict over renting land. Kong Chuon was severely wounded with four cuts in the head and the back, and Chan Ry was arrested by the police.
KAMPUCHEA THMEY
Police Catch underwear thieves
Two garment workers were arrested by Phnom Penh police on Monday for stealing 1,200 pairs of underpants from a factory the previous week. The arrested were Suon Dara, male, 24, and Tob Poeun, male, 27. A third suspect, known only as Sein, evaded arrest. The suspects said they had sold the underpants for US$2 each. About $100 of the money was given to Sein, the one who escaped, and the rest was equally shared between the two detained men.
KAMPUCHEA THMEY
MAN ARRESTED AFTER RAPE COMPLAINT
Sem Pov, 17, living in Kumnor Beng village, Serey Meanchey commune, Sampov Loun district, Battambang province, was arrested by police on Sunday on suspicion of raping a 17-year-old girl, who also lives in the same village, on three separate occasions. The suspect was reported to police by the victim's mother, Chhin Sampach, 47.
RASMEY KAMPUCHEA
Report critiques trial pace
Photo by: SOVANN PHILONGCambodians who have watched the morning proceedings leave the war crimes court on Wednesday.
The Phnom Penh Post
http://www.phnompenhpost.com
Written by Georgia Wilkins and Cheang Sokha
Thursday, 30 April 2009
Says trial of Tuol Sleng chief Duch could drag on to 2010 if translation and other issues are not quickly addressed.
THE WAR crimes trial of former Tuol Sleng prison chief Kaing Guek Eav could drag on to 2010 if proceedings continue at their current pace, according to a court monitoring report posted online Tuesday evening that also highlights translation issues.
The delays are of particular concern in light of the court's precarious financial situation, which officials say will render the Cambodian side unable to pay staff salaries this month.
"Despite efforts from [Trial Chamber] President Nil Nonn to move proceedings swiftly to the testimony forming the substantive part of the case ... the initial estimates of the trial completing in 12 weeks now seem somewhat unrealistic," states this week's version of the KRT Trial Monitor, a weekly wrap-up sponsored by the Asian International Justice Initiative and the East-West Centre.
"Given the Chamber is yet to hear an estimated 49 further witnesses, proceedings may continue till at least the end of 2009," the report reads.
The report cites translation issues as a key contributor to delays, describing them as "of a magnitude significantly greater and more troubling than previously experienced by other international justice institutions".
"At points, it was impossible for non-Khmer speakers to understand the meaning of exchanges between the judges and the accused person," it reads.
The report also criticises the court for being slow to bring S-21 witnesses to the stand, noting that the trial was dominated by procedural arguments for much of the day on April 22 and adjourned early April 23 to consider outstanding motions.
"Although the accused began his testimony on the establishment of S-21 during Wednesday afternoon [of last week], after three weeks of trial the KRT is yet to hear any witnesses on S-21," it reads.
Ieng Sary at Calmette
Concerns about delays at the court come as Khmer Rouge foreign minister Ieng Sary was admitted Wednesday to Calmette Hospital in Phnom Penh for what court officials described as a routine medical check-up.
Court spokesperson Reach Sambath said the checkup was not conducted because of any "specific health concerns". Ieng Sary has suffered from an array of health problems - including the appearance of blood in his urine - during his pretrial detention.
Brother No 2 Nuon Chea and former head of state Khieu Samphan will soon receive similar checkups, officials said.
Khmer Rouge victims and court observers have repeatedly expressed concern that the other four detained leaders, who are all older than Duch, will die before facing the dock if the court's operations aren't expedited.
The Phnom Penh Post News In Briefs
In Brief: NEC lay down law ahead of campaign
Written by Khouth Sophak Chakrya
Thursday, 30 April 2009
The National Election Committee held a meeting Wednesday to clarify complaint resolution procedures ahead of the 15-day campaign for the May 17 municipal, provincial and district council elections. NEC member Moa Sophearith told political activists, NGOs and journalists that the campaign period will run from Friday to May 15. He added that any election-related complaints can be made to the Kingdom's Provincial Election Committees, with the NEC as a last court of appeal.
In Brief: PM threatens loss of immunity for MP
Written by Meas Sokchea
Thursday, 30 April 2009
To strip Sam Rainsy Party lawmaker Mu Sochua of her parliamentary immunity would be "easier than peeling a banana", Prime Minister Hun Sen said Wednesday. The comments, made during a speech at the National Institute of Education, relate to a lawsuit brought by Mu Sochua in relation to what she claims were defamatory remarks made by Hun Sen during a speech in Kampot on April 4. Hun Sen said he would also be prepared to have his own immunity suspended, but said he "did not believe" the majority-CPP parliament would vote to remove his protection.
In Brief: PM calls for early wet season harvest
Written by Sam Rith
Thursday, 30 April 2009
Prime Minister Hun Sen has called on people throughout the country to start planting rice, adding that this year had more rain in the early season and that there was now enough water for farmers to plant rice. "I would like to call on citizens throughout the country to start planting rice in order to increase rice crops ... to ensure food security for our citizens, ASEAN and the world," he said Wednesday. "We can do without other things, but we cannot live without rice."
In Brief: Cambodia 'flu-free'
Written by Kay Kimsong
Thursday, 30 April 2009
Cambodia is still "free from swine flu, pork is safe to eat and tourism is still in good shape", Minister of Tourism Thong Khon said Wednesday. "We have no swine flu," he told the Post. He said the Ministry of Health had already installed scanners at airports to screen for swine flu. However, some tourism operators called for measures to prevent flu from reaching Cambodia. Ho Vandy, co-chair of the Government-Private Sector Working Group, said Cambodia should screen any citizens who have returned from Mexico to prevent the virus from spreading.
In Brief: Kuwait flights discussed
Written by May Kunmakara
Thursday, 30 April 2009
Prime Minister Hun Sen on Wednesday proposed direct flights between Cambodia and Kuwait at a meeting with Kuwait's prince Sheikh Ahmad al-Fahad al-Sabah. The meeting took place during the prince's official visit to Cambodia, said the PM's advisor Ang Sophaleth. He said the prince was also pushing forward investment agreements between the two countries. Only 472 tourists from Kuwait visited Cambodia in 2008. Kuwait is increasing investment in Cambodia, particularly in agriculture.
Written by Khouth Sophak Chakrya
Thursday, 30 April 2009
The National Election Committee held a meeting Wednesday to clarify complaint resolution procedures ahead of the 15-day campaign for the May 17 municipal, provincial and district council elections. NEC member Moa Sophearith told political activists, NGOs and journalists that the campaign period will run from Friday to May 15. He added that any election-related complaints can be made to the Kingdom's Provincial Election Committees, with the NEC as a last court of appeal.
In Brief: PM threatens loss of immunity for MP
Written by Meas Sokchea
Thursday, 30 April 2009
To strip Sam Rainsy Party lawmaker Mu Sochua of her parliamentary immunity would be "easier than peeling a banana", Prime Minister Hun Sen said Wednesday. The comments, made during a speech at the National Institute of Education, relate to a lawsuit brought by Mu Sochua in relation to what she claims were defamatory remarks made by Hun Sen during a speech in Kampot on April 4. Hun Sen said he would also be prepared to have his own immunity suspended, but said he "did not believe" the majority-CPP parliament would vote to remove his protection.
In Brief: PM calls for early wet season harvest
Written by Sam Rith
Thursday, 30 April 2009
Prime Minister Hun Sen has called on people throughout the country to start planting rice, adding that this year had more rain in the early season and that there was now enough water for farmers to plant rice. "I would like to call on citizens throughout the country to start planting rice in order to increase rice crops ... to ensure food security for our citizens, ASEAN and the world," he said Wednesday. "We can do without other things, but we cannot live without rice."
In Brief: Cambodia 'flu-free'
Written by Kay Kimsong
Thursday, 30 April 2009
Cambodia is still "free from swine flu, pork is safe to eat and tourism is still in good shape", Minister of Tourism Thong Khon said Wednesday. "We have no swine flu," he told the Post. He said the Ministry of Health had already installed scanners at airports to screen for swine flu. However, some tourism operators called for measures to prevent flu from reaching Cambodia. Ho Vandy, co-chair of the Government-Private Sector Working Group, said Cambodia should screen any citizens who have returned from Mexico to prevent the virus from spreading.
In Brief: Kuwait flights discussed
Written by May Kunmakara
Thursday, 30 April 2009
Prime Minister Hun Sen on Wednesday proposed direct flights between Cambodia and Kuwait at a meeting with Kuwait's prince Sheikh Ahmad al-Fahad al-Sabah. The meeting took place during the prince's official visit to Cambodia, said the PM's advisor Ang Sophaleth. He said the prince was also pushing forward investment agreements between the two countries. Only 472 tourists from Kuwait visited Cambodia in 2008. Kuwait is increasing investment in Cambodia, particularly in agriculture.
Duo cycles Cambodia for environmental awareness
PHOTO SUPPLIEDRichard Ferge and Stani Martinkova in front of Wat Phnom.
The Phnom Penh Post
http://www.phnompenhpost.com
Written by Zoe Holman
Thursday, 30 April 2009
With 80,000 kilometres and 45 countries behind them, two determined cyclists take on the Kingdom’s highways
Between the exhaust fumes, colossal Land Rovers and hoards of hell-bent motorbike drivers, Cambodia's roads do not strike the visitor as particularly cyclist- or eco-friendly. Nonetheless, a duo of determined athletes are taking on the Kingdom's highways in the name of environmental awareness, armed only with their bikes, good will and a significant degree of road rage. In fact, with 80,000 kilometres and 45 countries under their figurative belts, "The Velomads", Richard Ferge and Stani Martinkova are taking on the globe.
Their journey started in 1996 in the Alaskan mountains when they embarked on a mission to Argentina with an eco-minded transport policy of travelling only by bicycle and, where necessary, train or boat. But what started as a cycling tour of America quickly evolved into an environmental campaign and an eight-year physical epic in which the pair aimed to traverse 100 countries and 100,000 kilometres.
"While we were travelling, we met so many people who were cycling around the world, that we realised it was quite an easy thing to do," said Martinkova, a Czech-British NGO worker and lifelong cycling devotee.
For her partner, sommelier Ferge, the progression from two legs to two wheels did not come so naturally.
"When I first met Richard, he hated cycling. His last experience of riding was when he used to puncture holes in the tyres of the bike he was forced to ride to school," Martinkova said. However, she quickly indoctrinated the Frenchman with the many economic and ecological virtues of cycling, and it seems he has taken to the pursuit with enormous zeal.
Driving passion
But it is primarily a passion for the environment that is driving the pair, who are using their journey to teach youth in classrooms in each country they visit about the dangers of climate change and environmental degradation.
The pair have had to contend with more than a few linguistic, cultural, political and legal barriers, but as Martinkova explains, the most difficult obstacle "The Velomads" have grappled with has been the degree of environmental degradation they've witnessed.
"The most difficult thing has been the extreme pollution that's going on everywhere. It's really heartbreaking on a daily basis and we get so frustrated," Martinkova said.
The state of the Cambodian roads and physical environment has been particularly troubling.
"Cycling and walking is seen as being for poor people here, so everyone is rushing out to get their own moto or Range Rover without awareness of the long-term consequences," she said. The Velomads will be living up to their name for sometime yet as they peddle their message at an average 80 kilometres a day from Phnom Penh through Southeast Asia and Australasia.
Cambodian artist creates love and peace
PHOTOS SUPPLIED Nasy Radet likes to draw peaceful scenes.
The Phnom Penh Post
http://www.phnompenhpost.com
http://www.phnompenhpost.com
Written by Mom Kunthear and Eleanor Ainge Roy
Thursday, 30 April 2009
"Orphan Smiles", a new exhibition by 22-year-old Cambodian artist Nasy Radet, is to open this Friday with a free barbecue and drinks at Equinox Bar and Cafe.
This will be Nasy Radet's first exhibition, with 40 pencil drawings portraying poor or orphaned children from the provinces as well as various temple scenes.
The profits of the exhibition will go towards schooling supplies for poor children in rural areas.
Nasy Radet, an untrained artist, is nervous about her first exhibition but keen for critical feedback to improve her skills.
"I like to draw pictures that are related to feelings, love and temples. When I draw pictures, I have to be feeling calm and quiet within myself. Sometimes I don't eat all day because I am so absorbed in my work. I am always very happy when I am drawing pictures," she said.
The young artist first began drawing when she was 10 years old, and early on did not consider developing her talent into a full-time career.
"As a child, drawing was no more than just an amusement for me," she said.
Nasy Radet thinks her talent is natural and may have been inherited from her mother, who is also an artist. However, despite the family lineage, she doesn't wish to be an artist forever - only as long as she is able to use her artwork to help Cambodia's rural poor.
"I will not draw pictures forever, but in the meantime I will not abandon it. I don't want it to become something I do just for money. I want to always do it for pleasure...and because I love it," she said.
High-end office space goes on sale
The Phnom Penh Post
http://www.phnompenhpost.com
http://www.phnompenhpost.com
Written by Soeun Say
Thursday, 30 April 2009
Prime office space to go on the market in capital for first time at 22-storey Phnom Penh Tower
THE Phnom Penh Tower, a 22-storey office building, is set to put its office space up for sale today at a grand opening at NagaWorld, according to Song Sung Young, president of C&D Global, the investor.
Song Sung Young said that C&D Global had invested US$25 million in Cambodia, but refused to reveal how much the company had spent on their first major project, the Phnom Penh Tower.
About 300 guests have been invited to the gala, including some of Cambodia's wealthiest, Song Sung Young said. He added that the space would sell for about $1,800 per square metre, making it the most expensive office space in the city.
Song Sung Young said that he is not worried about the property downturn because the Phnom Penh Tower offers something new to the Kingdom.
"Cambodia does not have high-class office buildings like Vietnam or Thailand. I am confident that many investors are looking to Cambodia for business, and all of them will need a high-class building," he said. The Phnom Penh Tower is constructed by AMCO Construction, a member of South Korea's Hyundai Motors Group.
The office building will be on Monivong Boulevard north of Sihanouk.
Sung Young calls it "the best location in the entire country", because it is surrounded by all the Kingdom's business infrastructure.
Phnom Penh Tower will have large parking spaces, a three-storey shopping mall, 18 storeys of office space and a penthouse restaurant, he added.
Construction started in December 2008 and is scheduled to be completed in 2011.
Im Chamrong, director general of the Ministry of Land Management, said Wednesday that his department welcomed anyone to invest in the construction sector and continue with projects in Cambodia, despite the economic crisis.
He pointed to projects like the Phnom Penh Tower as evidence that the construction sector is showing signs of a rebound.
Hello launches first Blackberry service
The Phnom Penh Post
http://www.phnompenhpost.com
http://www.phnompenhpost.com
Written by Steve Finch
Thursday, 30 April 2009
HELLO, Cambodia's third-largest mobile phone company by market share, rolled out BlackBerry handsets in Cambodia for the first time on Wednesday.
Cellcard Mobitel told the Post this month it planned to begin sales of the handsets by Canadian company Research in Motion (RIM) within a few months. But in launching sales on Wednesday, Hello became the first network to offer Blackberries in the Kingdom.
BlackBerry handsets have been available in Cambodia for some time but without offering their hallmark push email service, which requires a Blackberry email server.
"As Hello is the first and currently only operator in Cambodia offering the Blackberry solution, we are able to offer our customers a significant advantage," Hello's Chief Marketing Officer Syed Azmeer said in a press statement Wednesday.
Hello accepted presale orders on two Blackberry handsets - the Pearl 8120 and Curve 8320 - with more than three-quarters of stocks already sold out on the opening day of sales, brand manager Gary Foo said at the official launch of the product in Phnom Penh.
Hello plans to introduce 3G Blackberry handsets to Cambodia within the coming months, having established its 3G network a month ago, Foo added.
Alcatel-Lucent will offer a range of services as part of its distribution agreement with RIM, including end-to-end implementation and support services, said the press statement.
Hello, whose network is operated by Telekom Malaysia International Cambodia, holds the No 3 spot among mobile networks in the Kingdom with a 15 percent share of the market, according to private sector statistics at the end of last year. Mobitel was the leading operator with a 55 percent market share.
RIM has managed to weather the economic storm that his hit other major handset manufacturers since the financial crisis hit demand - such as Nokia, Motorola and Sony Ericsson - by expanding into new markets, including Russia this month, Bloomberg reported.
Blackberries are offered by more than 300 operators across the globe, gaining market share of global sales by competing strongly with high-end smartphones manufactured by Apple and Nokia, Bloomberg said.
RIM's stock price has increased more than 60 percent on the Nasdaq exchange this year.
WING gets A$1.5m grant from Australia
The Phnom Penh Post
http://www.phnompenhpost.com
http://www.phnompenhpost.com
Written by Hor Hab
Thursday, 30 April 2009
Money to be used for rural expansion project of mobile service
THE Australian government gave a A$1.5 million (US$975,000) grant Wednesday to WING, a mobile payment service and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ), through its Enterprise Challenge Fund.
This grant will help support financial literacy, increase income opportunities and provide millions of dollars worth of savings for Cambodians living in rural areas, said Margaret Adamson, Australia's ambassador to Cambodia.
"With this grant, WING will be able to extend its service to rural areas where it would otherwise not have operated," Adamson said.
"Wing will provide approximately 8 million rural Cambodians with the opportunity to access affordable and convenient payment services."
Brad Jones, managing director of WING, said that WING is available across 17 provinces and hopes to continue its expansion with the Australian grant.
"We will use this grant to extend our services to Laos and other Cambodian rural areas," Jones said.
According to Adamson, WING's technology has the potential to save 100,000 rural Cambodians $3 million in transaction costs when the mobile money transfer technology is used instead of traditional methods of transferring cash, often by taxi.
Currently, Wing has around 200 "Cash X-press" agencies, 120 of which are in Phnom Penh.
Earlier this month, WING partnered with mobile operator Hello.
It is also currently in discussion with other telecommunications companies to extend its services across multiple networks.
Regulatory commission for stock exchange opens
Photo by: Sovann PhilongFinance Minister Keat Chhon opens the Securities and Exchange Commission of Cambodia on Wednesday. The government says the stock exchange launch remains on schedule.
The Phnom Penh Post
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/
Written by Nguon Sovan
Thursday, 30 April 2009
Finance officials say global economic crisis will not prevent country’s first stock exchange from launching by end of year even if listings are minimal
DESPITE the global financial crisis, Cambodia is still committed to launching a securities market by the end of this year, the finance minister said Wednesday at the official launch of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Cambodia.
"The launch of the securities market in Cambodia is still on the schedule for 2009, but a suitable date will be determined by the government later," Keat Chhon said during the SECC launch Wednesday.
"We have eight months to launch the stock market. We will launch it, even if at the start only two companies list on it."
He said that only profitable companies that maintain high standards of accountability, transparency and corporate governance will be allowed to make public offers.
"There are tens of thousands of companies in Cambodia, but when we selected around 400 companies with accurate financial reports, there was an instant negative reaction because they worried they could no longer embezzle taxes," he said.
"That's why I always appreciate foreign investors because most of them maintain good governance."
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We will launch it, even if at the start only two companies list.
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To encourage companies to join the stock market, Keat Chhon said that the government will consider tax incentives that will be provided for the issuing companies, investors and securities intermediaries.
This will in turn push companies towards better business practices, he added.
Inpyo Lee, project director of the Korean Exchange, said Wednesday that the SECC launch was a step towards the stock market, but that Cambodia's stock market launch date could be changed depending on the global economic climate.
"It can be delayed ... but we will try our best to achieve it on schedule," he said.
In mid-February, at the Business Roundtable in Siem Reap, Prime Minister Hun Sen said that the absence of a stock exchange in Cambodia had helped the country escape the worst of the global economic crisis and that opening a stock market in this economic climate could be a mistake.
"If it is born just to die, we shouldn't let it be established at this time," he said.
Pung Kheav Se, president of Canadia Bank, said Wednesday that his bank was still deciding whether to list or not, but added that listing the company would be a good opportunity to build confidence among the public.
"We will discuss with our shareholders and board if we're to list on the upcoming market. Now our bank is sufficiently qualified for the stock market, in capital and profits, as well as in governance," he said.
Garment exports fall 20pc, say new figures
Photo by: Heng ChivoanA garment factory in Phnom Penh. Government officials say exports have fallen sharply.
The Phnom Penh Post
http://www.phnompenhpost.com
http://www.phnompenhpost.com
Written by Nathan Green
Thursday, 30 April 2009
The Ministry of Commerce says January-February garment exports tumbled nearly $100 million from last year on softer demand from key importer US
GARMENT, textile and footwear exports fell a combined 20 percent in the first two months of the year compared with 2008, Commerce Ministry figures released exclusively to the Post Wednesday show.
Exports during January and February were worth US$401.06 million, down 19.77 percent year-on-year from $499.88 million for the same period in 2008. Individually, garment exports were down 21.78 percent to $360.86 million, textile exports fell 47.5 percent to $3.92 million, while "other" exports increased 0.39 percent to $16.49 million.
Shoe exports bucked the trend, up 35.17 percent to $19.78 million on 3.92 million pairs of shoes exported.
The figures are for exports under the generalised system of preferences (GSP) and most favoured nation (MFN) schemes Cambodia has access to as a least developed nation, accounting for almost all of Cambodia's garment, textile and footwear exports.
The official figures bring to an end a series of contradictory announcements on the value of garment exports in recent months.
In March, Minister of Commerce Cham Prasidh told the Post that garment exports fell to $70 million in January this year from $250 million in January 2008. A Commerce Ministry official told Bloomberg the same month that exports in January plunged 25 percent from a year earlier to $185 million. Both figures have been shown to be incorrect.
The latest figures show total exports under all categories in January were $200.85 million, down 18.84 percent year-on year, while February's exports were $200.2 million, off 20.68 percent. Garment exports in January were worth $178.86 million, down 21.87 percent, while February's garment exports were worth $181 million, down 21.7 percent.
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The US is a very important market ... but we are trying to open new markets.
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According to the official who released the figures, the ministry relied on export figures supplied by garment exporters, which took up to two months to compile. Interim announcements of export values were likely to understate actual exports as they were drawn from incomplete data sets, the official, who asked not to be named, explained.
More timely information was held at customs, he added, but was not shared with the ministry. "Here we do not have eyes," the official said.
The official figures released Wednesday also show that total exports to the US fell 29.28 percent to 240.16 million in January and February, exports to the EU declined 12.28 percent to $89.18 million and exports to Canada fell 6.57 percent to $30.86 million.
In good news, exports to other markets climbed 59.76 percent to $40.86 million. "The US is a very important market for us, but we are trying to open new markets," the official said.
The Commerce Ministry official said export figures from March would not be available until the end of May, but added that early indications suggested the decline would be even greater than for January and February, possibly more than 35 percent down year-on-year.
Garment, textile and footwear exports amounted to $3.15 billion for the full-year 2008, up 5.06 percent from $2.99 billion in 2007. Exports increased every month on a year-by-year comparison with 2007 except April, when they fell 4.24 percent year-on-year, September, down 18.17 percent, and December, down 8.84 percent, indicating the complex relationship between the financial crisis and garment and footwear exports.
Kaing Monika, external affairs manager at the Garment Manufacturers Association of Cambodia (GMAC), said the association had not yet seen the official figures. He said that a "quick survey" of exporters suggested exports could fall 35-40 percent for the quarter. "But the actual figures in US dollars we don't know."
Siem Reap Scene: 30 Apr 2009
Photo by: Peter Olszewski EricCoronacion, general manager of HanumanAlaya.
The Phnom Penh Post
http://www.phnompenhpost.com
Written by Post Staff
Thursday, 30 April 2009
Lavish resort planned
Ten hectares of land near the new Siem Reap Lake Resort Golf Club on the outskirts of town have been marked for a large resort that will be unlike anything the town has seen, a real estate source told the Post.
The development is still in the early planning stages but is envisaged to contain 10 bungalows, designed for timeshare leasing, lush garden space and artificially constructed waterways.
French developer Corinne Bourgoin bought the land for the resort two years ago and decided this month to go ahead with the design process.
Sources told the Post that Bourgoin has plans to expand the resort if the bungalows sell.
Good deal for expats
As the tourist dollar dries up in Siem Reap with the onset of the wet season, many local businesses are wooing expat patronage, and hotel manager Eric Coronacion is leading the charge.
Coronacion, residence manager of the HanumanAlaya boutique hotel, is hosting an open-bar barbecue on the first and third Wednesday of every month, starting May 6.
He said "open-bar barbecue" translates as "all you can eat and drink", which indeed is the magic phrase for local expats. The Wednesday night pigouts will also feature live music from the local band, Cambojam.
The HanumanAlaya Hotel is part of the empire of Phnom Penh-based Hanuman Tourism. A hidden treasure at the hotel is the superb antiques store, arguably the best in Siem Reap. This is promoted to high-end guests at Siem Reap's leading five-star hotels, and in good months the antique store's revenue exceeds that of the host hotel.
New school program
Schools for Children of Cambodia (SCC) has "amicably" withdrawn support from Khnar Primary School in Siem Reap after the school's teachers and community members ruled that students will pay teachers for lessons on a weekly basis.
SCC's general manager, Andrea Messner, said this is "inconsistent" with the NGO's values.
This follows the phasing out of teacher sponsorship in February in the final stage of SCC's School Adoption Program, now replaced by a Primary School Development Program.
Four of the schools the NGO supports are encouraged to be more sustainable, with some support provided.
But support now does not include payment of teacher salary supplements, which, according to Messner, "is a big policy change and subsequent discussions with each school and community have resulted in mutually agreed decisions about how best to adapt".
Three of the four Siem Reap schools - Phoum Stung Primary School, Svay Dungkum Primary School and Wat Mon Thyean School - have mostly accepted the new policy changes.
But at the arrangement with Svay Dungkum school is under review for three months.
Teachers at this school need to supplement their low salaries, so are testing a school donation box for community members to optionally and voluntarily contribute for teachers.
The anonymity of a donation box takes away the need for students to pay their teacher each day, which could adversely affect poor students' access to education, officials said.
SCC is providing technical support to monitor the new solution for a period of three months, after which a mutual decision will be made on how to proceed.
Drag queen opening
Management and staff of the Golden Banana Hotel group are planning a pool party to celebrate the opening of their second boutique hotel in Siem Reap on May 9.
General Manager Dirk De Graaff said the new 16-room gay friendly Golden Banana Resort will officially be launched with a traditional Buddhist ceremony, followed by a party for local residents, expatriates, travel industry representatives and media.
The Golden Banana Group is known for its out-there parties and this launch promises to be no exception - it will include traditional dancing, Bangkok-based DJ Friso and a drag-queen revue.
De Graaff said he is proud to be opening another hotel and is confident that the new accommodation house will be as successful as the first.
"We have a steady stream of bookings currently, and I am pleased to be able to employ 17 additional staff members."
Nobel laureate's freebie
Siem Reap's Angkor Palace Resort & Spa has been named as "hotel partner" for the third ASEAN series, Bridges - Dialogues Towards a Culture of Peace, organised by the International Peace Foundation, a Vienna-based NGO.
Up to 50 major Bridges meetings will take place in Cambodia from November 2009 to April 2010, jointly chaired by King Norodom Sihamoni and Prime Minister Hun Sen.
Confirmed participants include Nobel laureates for economics, peace, physics, chemistry and medicine.
As well, other eminent speakers and artists, including world-renowned pianist and conductor Vladimir Ashkenazy and professor Lord Anthony Giddens from the London School of Economics, will attend the event.
Angkor Palace's ‘partnership' in effect means that the hotel will stump for free accommodation and breakfast for the estimated 10 Nobel laureates and speakers.
They visit Siem Reap sometime between November 2009 to April 2010.
I want to study at ... University of Southeast Asia, Siem Reap
From the halls of the The National University of Management
Oum Chorvy, 21, third-year finance and banking student, Pouk District, Siem Reap: "When I was in high school, I initially wanted to be a doctor, but when I decided to focus on studying finance, I looked at several different universities. My family thought studying in Phnom Penh would be too far away, so I decided to study here and have been very happy with my decision. Studying at USEA was a good decision for me."
Sinccheng Sean, 24, third-year international business student, Kralanh District, Siem Reap: "After I finished high school I knew what I wanted to study, but I wasn't sure which university best suited me. I was happy when I found out about USEA because it provided a good alternative to studying in Phnom Penh, which would have meant being a long way from my family. The university offers flexible study patterns and the buildings are big and new."
The Phnom Penh post
http://www.phnompenhpost.com
Written by Thomas Fearon
Thursday, 30 April 2009
What does it offer?
The University of South-East Asia (USEA) has grown rapidly since opening in 2006 to become one of Siem Reap's largest universities. The university campus, opposite Angkor High School, teems with state-of-the-art technology inside the classrooms and has sleek modern finishes outside.
The private university has 49 lecturers and three faculties: arts, humanities and languages; science and technology and economics; business and tourism.
USEA has more than 800 students enrolled for the 2008-09 academic year, including 70 studying for their master's, a program on the agenda for the first time this year. In 2007 USEA achieved top honours from the Accreditation Committee of Cambodia.
Running the show
Rector Sien Sovanna has been in charge of USEA since 2007. He is the owner of Siem Reap's booming language school chain, Future Bright Institute, and said the university's all-encompassing name aimed to make it famous within the region and internationally.
Vice Rector Rous Bunthy is one of the university's inaugural directors. Rous Bunthy, a Phnom Penh native, said the campus gave Siem Reap people a quality alternative to studying in the Kingdom's capital.
"The perception has changed more and more. People have recognised they can study in a quality learning environment right here without going to Phnom Penh," he said.
"Our aim is to provide education and training to the highest quality to meet national and international labour market needs."
Getting in
Students must have a high school diploma and take a placement test in English to be accepted to an associate's or bachelor's degree program. The two-year associate's degree covers 20 subjects, while the bachelor's degree covers up to 44 subjects over four years depending on the faculty.
Fees, scholarships and grants
An associate's degree costs $340 per year and a bachelor's degree costs $360 per year, but fees for studying English or information technology are slightly higher.
USEA offers students three graded scholarships. An A-grade scholarship covers all tuition fees for the duration of a Bachelor degree, a B-grade scholarship covers 50 percent and a C-grade scholarship 30 percent. USEA has an international student exchange program with Dhurakij University in Bangkok, Thailand.
The university has an incentive system for students who have a perfect attendance sheet for lectures.
Strength to strength
The modern buildings at USEA are fitted with state-of-the-art learning resources, courtesy of the US Embassy and the World Bank. There are two computer rooms in the five-storey classroom complex and a cafeteria.
The resource centre has an employment office, and provides counselling services and studying strategies to help before semester exams.
USEA Vice-Rector Rous Bunthy hinted there were plans afoot to introduce new faculties accommodating agriculture, law and political science some time in the near future.
Text and photos: Thomas Fearon
Contact
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University of South-East Asia
Phoum Wat Bo, Khom Salakomroek, Srok Siem Reap, Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Fax:/Phone : 063 963 853
Mobile : 016 386 638
Email : info@usea.edu.khThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Web: www.usea.edu.kh
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