Police Blotter: 25 Nov 2009

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

Wednesday, 25 November 2009 15:02 Bun Tharum and Phak Seangly

BAD MEDICINE BLAMED FOR DEATH

A mother of 10 children died unexpectedly after taking medication in Ratanakkiri province’s Banlung town on Saturday. The 52-year-old had been receiving treatment from a local clinic for an arthritic hand. The woman’s husband, however, sent her to the hospital when he saw that she was not getting better despite taking the medicine. When he checked in on her later, he found that she had died. Police say they are investigating the death.

KAMPUCHEA THMEY

MAN ACCUSED OF ATTEMPTED RAPE

A 24-year-old man was arrested after he allegedly tried to rape his neighbour in Kampong Cham province’s Suong town on Sunday. Police said the attack happened when the 19-year-old victim came home after helping her parents at a local market. When she entered her home, she was attacked and lost consciousness after the suspect allegedly used “brute force” to restrain the girl. The girl was saved when bystanders heard the commotion. The suspect told police he wanted to have sex with the girl because he was in love with her, authorities said.

KAMPUCHEA THMEY

SISTER-IN-LAW DEAD; RELATIVE BLAMED

A 27-year-old man has been accused of raping and killing his 23-year-old sister-in-law while her husband was out at sea. Police in Koh Kong province’s Dang Tung district say the suspect went to the victim’s house Thursday night when her husband was away on a multi-day fishing trip. The suspect is currently in custody. Police say he has not admitted to the crime.

KOH SANTEPHEAP

BOOM IN TRADE FOR BORDER BROTHELS

Brothels are flourishing near the border with Thailand in Oddar Meanchey province’s Anlong Veng district, area residents say. Some in the area expressed concern about the growing number of brothels and beer gardens, saying that authorities have paid little attention to the trend. Residents said they fear that such businesses will increase the crime rate in the area because the establishments could attract dodgy characters.

KAMPUCHEA THMEY

MAN ESCAPE SERIOUS INJURY IN COLLISION

A man who rammed a borrowed car into a motorcyclist in Phnom Penh’s Chey Chamneah neighbourhood has not been charged because he was not drunk and he has offered to pay compensation. Police said the 50-year-old victim sustained only minor facial injuries after the Saturday collision, although his helmet broke when he hit the ground.

KAMPUCHEA THMEY

Banging the drum for regional art festival

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

Wednesday, 25 November 2009 15:00 Ou Mom

THE loud drums outside Chinese House on Sunday evening were part of a hullabaloo created by artists from Phare Ponleu Selapak to hail the opening of this year’s Mekong Arts and Media Festival.

The Phare Ponleu Selapak circus school’s executive director, Mao Kosal, said he was optimistic the five-day celebration would succeed in its objective to exchange ideas among the participating artists.

“This festival will get artists to learn from each other,” Mao Kosal said.

“Art is the best medium in reaching the masses. It can be used to educate people on issues like HIV/AIDS, human trafficking, and drugs.”

Artists from Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and non-Mekong region countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines and Japan will hold performances, conferences and workshops until Saturday.

Workshops include basic circus skills and puppetry, and academic conferences at the Cambodiana Hotel address ways to better integrate art into the community, with themes such as “Transforming Communities Through Arts and Creative Media”.

Evening performances at the Chaktomuk Theatre feature Cambodia’s Apsara Department of Arts, Laotian puppeteers Kabong Lao and Stereo Man, a modern dance group from Vietnam.

A series of free films will also screen nightly at 7:15pm at Chinese House until Friday.

Media student Lay Ratana, who leads the children’s groups performing at the festival, said the event was a great opportunity to showcase local talent.

“The youth who participate can use this opportunity to express themselves in ways not possible before,” Lay Ratana said.

The festival programme is available online at www.mekong-artsfest2009.com.

Crossroads lose their way

Photo by: Marc Engelhard

ASPECA's Friedrich Huttner (left) scores the decisive penalty goal past Crossroad’s Tit Engsroun (front) during their match.

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

Wednesday, 25 November 2009 15:00 JESSICA FRANCIS

ASPECA beat Crossroads 1-0 Saturday in Battambang league

BATTAMBANG

ASPECA and Crossroads were both well aware that Saturday’s match was one of the most promising and important matches of the season, and arrived at the Institute of Technology in Battamabang an hour before kickoff. After a draw against Baitong FC, and victory against winless KCD Rangers, the ASPECA team had their sights set on leapfrogging Crossroads into the top spot.

The early stages of the game were dominated by the bright orange of ASPECA, who chipped neat passes down the middle to put pressure on the Crossroads defence. However, efforts at goal were either off target or held by the goalkeeper. Crossroads’ sporadic attacks were competently dealt with by a well-marshalled ASPECA defence.

In the 20th minute, ASPECA’s left midfielder Saom Sereyvatana sped down the left wing and hit the ball high into the penalty area. To the surprise of all spectators and players, defender Pov Leangheng panicked and played the ball with both hands, leaving the referee no choice but to award a penalty. ASPECA’s German volunteer Friedrich Hüttner stepped up to take the spotkick, striking confidently into the bottom-left corner to give keeper Tit Engsroun no chance. Crossroads failed to find an equaliser for the remainder of the game as ASPECA held on to grab a vital three points.

In the second game Saturday, Solar FC beat Catholics 2-0 to claim a share of second place with Crossroads and Jerusalem on six points.

The only team that could catch up with ASPECA that weekend was Baitong FC. They played their third game Sunday against KCD Rangers, who are turning into the league whipping boys. Baitong FC started the match in their best formation, and the goals came thick and fast. However, in the second half, the Baitong FC coach fielded a second-string squad, allowing KCD Rangers to pull two goals back, doubling their tally for the season. Baitong FC eventually emerged comfortable 11-2 victors in the match.

After three games played, ASPECA and Baitong FC lead the league on seven points a piece, although Baitong hold the edge with a superior goal difference. Next weekend the competition continues, with the standout fixture being Solar FC v Baitong FC on Sunday.

Table Tennis Fed pick four to try for medals

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

Wednesday, 25 November 2009 15:00 Ung Chamroeun

THE Cambodia Table Tennis Federation (CTTF) announced Friday the name of four players who will compete in the 25th SEA Games in Laos, set to officially start December 9. The players include Ngoy Bunthang, Khun Phanith, Taing Hav and Sam Boroath.

Unlike other SEA Games athletes, the players have had no chance to train abroad, instead honing their skills at the National Sports Training Centre at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport.

Ngoy Bunthang and Taing Hav will participate in both men’s singles and men’s doubles, while Sam Boroath and Khun Phanith are partners for men’s doubles. Cambodia has yet to claim a medal in Table Tennis at any of the previous SEA Games.

Sun Sothearith, general secretary of the CTTF, told the Post by phone Tuesday that he is not so confident that his players will yield success at the upcoming event, citing a lack of training opportunites.

He said it was “quite difficult to bring players together because most of them are busy with study”.

“For example, Taing Kim Hong who has won three national championships has chosen not to participate at the SEA Games because he thinks his priority is his university studies.”

At previous SEA Games, Cambodia has always finished near the bottom. However, the federation secretary hopes that players will achieve better results than before.

“The performance of our younger generation has improved a lot,” he said. “They can play well on both the right and left side. Before, the weakness of Cambodian players is the left side, and they always had difficulties when their opponents tried to play that side.”

The CTTF has accepted the request of the Southeast Asia Table Tennis Federation for organising a regional tournament for age categories of under-15 and under-18 in the Kingdom during 2010. “As the host country, we will try our best to get medals, and we have asked for sponsorship from the Chinese embassy in Cambodia to allow our players to train in China for a year,” stated Sun Sothearith, adding that he sincerely hopes to receive a positive response from them.

According to the table tennis official, Singapore has the most potential for SEA Games medals, due to many of their players originating from China.

The Phnom Penh Post News in Brief

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

Super Singles' ace stars

Wednesday, 25 November 2009 15:00 Ung Chamroeun

THE Super Singles tournament, part of the weeklong Tep Khunnah Memorial Cup tennis tournament at the Cambodian Country Club, begins its first round of group matches today from 5pm. Three Cambodians, three Vietnamese, an American and a Thai will vie for a place in Saturday’s final. Chea Poev, national team assistant coach, said he has high hopes for his players to make the final round. “[The Cambodians] have trained regularly and will play with determination because it will be the biggest test for them before the SEA Games,” he said by phone Tuesday. “However, it won’t be easy for them to play against good players, especially the ones from Vietnam who will also be participating at the SEA Games. I’ve noted that the Vietnamese players have worked very hard because they really want to get a positive result in this tournament.”

K Speu jatropha oil

Wednesday, 25 November 2009 15:00 Soeun Say

JCT Jacam Energy Co, a joint venture between Cambodia and Japan, has begun producing jatropha oil from its US$400,000 factory in Kampong Speu province, company President Chheuy Sophors said. He said the company received approval to begin production last month. Chheuy Sophors said the factory was producing 100 litres per day but planned to boost production to 5,000 litres per day next year. He said the company was still discussing how it would price the oil, which can be converted into biodiesel. Ministry of Mines, Industry and Energy Undersecretary of State Sath Samy warned the company against setting prices itself, saying pricing was a matter for the government.

Dangkor villas planned

Wednesday, 25 November 2009 15:00 Soeun Say

South Korean builder Vogo plans to begin constructing an 80-villa residential development next year on 2 hectares in Dangkor district on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, General Manager Tan Socheath said. Prices for villas will range from US$140,000 to $220,000 per unit, he said. It will be the developer’s second major development after a similar $3 million project near Phnom Penh International Airport. Only six of 79 villas remain to be sold in Vogo Village 1, Tan Socheath said.

CAMBODIA'S SPYING CHARGE: 'I'm not a spy, flight details were public'

By The Nation

Published on November 25, 2009

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

Sivarak

The Foreign Ministry released a hand-written letter yesterday from Siwarak Chutipong detailing his account of the allegations that landed him in jail in Cambodia.

The letter, dated Monday (Nov 23), said the information about fugitive ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's flight schedule he had sent to a Thai diplomat was not out of the ordinary and could be accessed by the public.

"I have worked in Cambodia for eight years and have done nothing wrong. I have never been involved in politics and have no ill intention against Cambodia, otherwise I would not have worked here for this long," Siwarak said in the letter.

He said he had no idea what had happened, and that there might have been some misunderstandings between the two governments.

"I know that Thai people are concerned about me and I appreciate that, but I don't want my case to ignite any conflicts between Thai and Cambodian people," he said. "My problem can be solved peacefully."

He also thanked the Thai government for providing assistance.

Siwarak's letter was delivered to the Foreign Ministry by his lawyer Kao Soupha on Monday, though the ministry only publicised it yesterday after the lawyer told reporters Siwarak had confessed to giving Thaksin's flight information to a Thai diplomat, who was later expelled.

In the letter, Siwarak said he was not a spy and hoped the Cambodian court would be just and release him so he could be with his family.

"I work to help develop Cambodia. I never expected such a bad thing to happen to me," he said.

Siwarak was arrested on November 12 when Thaksin was in Phnom Penh to deliver a lecture on economic matters to Cambodian economists and businesspeople. His visit fuelled tensions between Thailand and Cambodia.

In another development, a fishery boat owner in Trat province said provincial authorities in Koh Kong Cambodia had hiked fishery concession fees from Bt60,000 per boat per expedition to Bt80,000. The fisherman, Kitti Surarith, said Cambodian waters had been sealed off until the new fees could be put into effect.

Prosecutor seeks long jail term for Duch

Duch. Photo / Supplied

Wednesday Nov 25, 2009

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

PHNOM PENH - Prosecutors in the genocide trial of a former Khmer Rouge prison chief demanded a lengthy jail term last night, calling him the personification of ruthless efficiency in the killing of thousands of Cambodian prisoners.

Kaing Guek Eav commanded the notorious S-21 prison, where those accused of disloyalty to the xenophobic communist regime were held.

He oversaw the torture and execution of about 16,000 men, women and children during the Khmer Rouge's 1975-79 rule.

If the United Nations-assisted tribunal, that includes New Zealand judge Dame Silvia Cartwright, finds him guilty, the former schoolteacher faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Prosecutors did not specify how much time Kaing Guek Eav, also known as Duch, should serve.

"The crimes of which he will stand convicted are of such an extreme seriousness and were committed against so many people that it is inconceivable that anything other than a lengthy sentence of imprisonment should be imposed upon him," prosecutor Chea Leang told the court.

"He was the personification of ruthless efficiency," she said.

"He was totally indifferent to the suffering of the victims. He was the perfect candidate to run S-21."

In his testimony, Duch has accepted responsibility for his role in overseeing the prison and asked for forgiveness from victims' families.

He also told the court he was ready to accept heavy punishment for his actions.

He has denied personally killing or torturing the S-21 prisoners, and said he felt compelled by fear for his own life to follow the orders of senior Khmer Rouge leaders.

Duch is expected to give his final statement as early as today.

He is charged with crimes against humanity, war crimes, murder and torture.

The closing arguments will conclude on Friday, while a verdict and sentence are expected early next year.

- AP

State’s meddling threatens Khmer Rouge trials: report

http://www.taipeitimes.com/

AFP , PHNOM PENH

Wednesday, Nov 25, 2009

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

Cambodian government interference threatens the Khmer Rouge war crimes tribunal, a report by an international monitoring group said yesterday, as the court heard final arguments in the trial of the regime’s chief jailer.

An Open Society Justice Initiative report noted the UN-backed tribunal had made progress in its first trial, against former Khmer Rouge prison boss Duch, but warned that concerns of political meddling could undermine the court.

“Political interference at the [court] poses a serious challenge to both the credibility of the court and its ability to meet international fair trial standards,” the report said.

A refusal by the court’s Cambodian investigating judge to summon high-ranking officials for questioning and statements against the court by senior government members have heightened concerns, the report said.

The organization also said that government delays in selecting a new international prosecutor after Canadian Robert Petit announced his resignation for family reasons in June has left the prosecution “without balanced and strong leadership.”

“While no reason for this delay has been stated publicly, it is becoming increasingly apparent that it will, and perhaps is intended to, weaken the office of the prosecutor by depriving it of long-term leadership,” the report said.

The troubled tribunal, which has also been hit by allegations that local staff were forced to pay kickbacks for their jobs, was created in 2006 to try leading members of the regime on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The process has often been hit by allegations that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen’s administration has attempted to interfere in the tribunal to protect former regime members who are now in government.

As the court has sought to investigate other suspects, Hun Sen has made fiery speeches warning further prosecutions could plunge Cambodia back into civil war.

After Duch, whose real name is Kaing Guek Eav, the court plans to try former Khmer Rouge ideologue Nuon Chea, head of state Khieu Samphan, foreign minister Ieng Sary and his wife, minister of social affairs Ieng Thirith.

Taiwan to set up trade offices in Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia

http://www.etaiwannews.com/

Central News Agency
2009-11-24

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

Taipei, Nov. 24 (CNA) Taiwan is planning to set up trade offices in Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia, which may signal a breakthrough in the country's bid to participate in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a ruling Kuomintang legislator said Tuesday.

At least one of the offices will be established by the end of the year, according to Justin Chou, a convener of the Legislative Yuan's Foreign and National Defense Committee.

Chou noted that Taiwan had difficulty setting up trade offices in these three countries in the past mainly because of China's obstruction.

However, as Taiwan's relations with China has improved significantly over the past year, ASEAN members are now more willing to develop economic and trade relations with Taiwan, he said.

This shows that it is not impossible for Taiwan to be included in ASEAN in the future, Chou said.

Also, he said, the signing of an economic cooperation framework agreement (ECFA) between Taiwan and China will encourage ASEAN members to forge free trade agreements (FTAs) with Taiwan. Singapore is likely to be the first ASEAN member to ink an FTA with Taiwan following the establishment of the ECFA, Chou said.

Economic integration between ASEAN and the East Asian economies of China, Japan and South Korea (ASEAN Ten Plus Three) is scheduled to be achieved in 2012.

For fear of being marginalized, Taiwan has been seeking to take part in the integration process and has put forth the concept of "ASEAN Ten Plus Four." (By Chou Yung-chieh and Y.F. Low)

CAMBODIA: Poachers turn gamekeepers in eco-tourism projects

Photo: Brendan Brady/IRIN

A community ranger riding an elephant in Srepok Protected Forest in Cambodia's eastern Mondulkiri province

Tuesday 24 November 2009

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

MONDULKIRI, 24 November 2009 (IRIN) - Poaching was a serious business for Chran Thabb - until his tracking skills were put to better use protecting his former prey. He is one of 45 rangers in the remote eastern province of Mondulkiri recruited for a grassroots tourism project that uses employment incentives to encourage environmental conservation.

"Before, whenever I saw an animal in the forest, my first thought was to shoot it," said Chran, now a guide for treks around Dei Ey village, in a protected forest area in Mondulkiri.

"I don't do that any more. The animals would become extinct and I want the next generation to see them," he said.

Because of its forests, mountains and rare wildlife, rugged Mondulkiri has been targeted by the Cambodian government as an area for eco-tourism development, after lobbying by WWF. The wildlife group launched conservation projects more than four years ago in this remote region, which has been likened to Africa's Serengeti for its abundant wildlife.

WWF has recruited former hunters to put their knowledge of the forest and expert tracking skills to good use. The overall aim is to establish an environment where wildlife can recover after years of hunting, poaching and neglect. Richer wildlife, conservationists hope, will attract tourists - and, in turn, create jobs for local communities.

Most of Mondulkiri's impoverished population comprises indigenous communities who practise shifting cultivation but also grow cash crops, although this is under threat from deforestation and changing climate patterns, according to a September 2009 report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Lack of access to education and primary healthcare are key development concerns in Mondulkiri, IOM says, with 59 percent of its population living below the poverty line, according to a 2004 study by the Cambodia Development Resource Institute and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).

"In a poor province such as Mondulkiri, eco-tourism offers a long-term alternative livelihood to combat the short-term illegal activities they do now to earn a living," said Olga van den Pol, head of WWF's eco-tourism operations in Mondulkiri province.

Wildlife in the area, which is near the border with Vietnam, was severely depleted in the 1970s and 1980s when battling Khmer Rouge and Vietnamese soldiers relied heavily on hunting for survival.

But since the launch of conservation projects, rangers are seeing an increase in wildlife for the first time in years.

Community values

Most people in the area belong to the Phnong ethnic group. Bill Herod, a development worker who works with Phnong youth, said cultural forces should operate in favour of conservation efforts.

"Phnong are more likely to see common ownership of the land, and less likely to want to hunt for wildlife on an individual basis," he said.

Given Cambodia's violent past, it is especially important to avoid using violence to deter poaching and instead focus on encouraging livelihoods, conservationists say.

In countries such as Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo, governments have resorted to heavily armed patrols in an attempt to combat poaching. But this method is increasingly being shunned.

"For a poor rural person who wishes to feed their family, no deterrent will be sufficient, but the chances of being killed are far higher," said James MacGregor, a researcher for the London-based International Institute for Environment and Development. "Guns raise the stakes but don't combat the poaching necessarily," he told IRIN.

Challenges

While those employed by the projects hope their fortunes will improve, the initiatives are no panacea for the area's poverty.

Krak Sokny, a teacher and farmer in Dei Ey village, doubted the eco-tourism initiatives would reach a sufficient scale to extend benefits to locals not directly involved, but said they would instil an active interest in conservation in villagers.

And while Dei Ey and other areas appear to be on the path to recovery, other lands in the province still face serious threats from speculators and slash-and-burn practices.

Local development workers also say police and well-connected officials continue to traffic wildlife and timber with impunity.

Against these forces, villagers in Mondulkiri's eco-tourism enclaves are trying to carve out a space for themselves and adventurous tourists.

"I'm hoping there will be more tourists so we can earn money that way and not have to go hunting in the forest," said Am Pang Deap, who previously made ends meet selling fried bananas in Dei Ey, but now works at a new eco-tourism resort. "People are trying to hunt less and maintain what's left for tourists."

bb/ey/mw

UNDP: Cambodia Should Diversify Economy to Ease Pressure on Vulnerable Groups

Photo: AP

Young shoe vendor waits for customers at the Central Market in Phnom Penh (file photo)

A new United Nations report says Cambodia needs to diversify the economy to help protect vulnerable groups, such as women workers, from downturns.

VOA (Voice of America)

Ron Corben | Bangkok

24 November 2009

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

"The quicker we can do to improve competitiveness, the economic diversification the better chance we will recover from the economic downturn," research consultant Chan Sophal says.

A new United Nations report says Cambodia needs to diversify the economy to help protect vulnerable groups, such as women workers, from downturns. The report also calls for the government to see the current slump as an opportunity to speed up structural changes.

The United Nations Development Program urges the Cambodian government to shift away from relying on the garment industry, which is vulnerable to sharp economic shocks such as the recent financial crisis.

The report, released this week, focuses on Cambodia's challenges; the country has been among those in Asia hit hardest by the collapse in global exports.

It says the poor, especially those in debt, have felt the pain the most.

The garment sector accounts for about 70 percent of Cambodia's export income. The United States is the leading market but exports there fell by over 22 percent in the past year because of the recession.

Nearly all of the workers in Cambodia's garment factories are women, mostly from rural areas. At least 50 factories have closed in the past year, and more than 60,000 workers lost their jobs.

Chan Sophal, lead research consultant on the report, said Tuesday the lack of alternatives means more Cambodian women must work in the entertainment industry. The United Nations Inter-Agency Project on human trafficking sees more young women entering the industry.

"Karaoke parlor, the massage places and the beer promotion industry, and all of those have women at risk in terms of being a disguised sex worker and at the exposure of diseases," Chan said.

The global downturn also hit Cambodia's construction industry, tourism businesses and migrant workers.

But the UNDP report says the crisis should be seen as an opportunity that spurs efforts to address structural weaknesses in the economy.

Chan Sophal says the report calls for institutional reforms, and more equity in public spending to lift the economy and reduce the effects of external shocks.

"This crisis may represent an opportunity for the government to speed up the structural reforms which takes time - but now we have no time," Chan said. "The quicker we can do to improve competitiveness, the economic diversification the better chance we will recover from the economic downturn."

Recently, the International Monetary Fund said garment exports from Cambodia would fall by as much as 15 percent this year.

However, the Asian Development Bank forecasts that the economy will grow just over three percent next year, as the global recovery takes hold and increases clothing exports and tourism arrivals.

Japanese investors on tour in Cambodia

http://www.chinaview.cn/

2009-11-24

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

PHNOM PENH, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- A delegation of Japanese investors has arrived in Cambodia to learn about the country's economic potentialities and investment opportunities, official news agency AKP reported on Tuesday.

The 21-member delegation was received here on Monday by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers Sok An.

During the meeting, Sok An talked about Cambodia's agricultural sector, a priority of Cambodia, saying that the royal government has paid attention to build agricultural infrastructure and seek for markets for the agricultural products.

Sok An further informed his guests of other potential sectors in Cambodia, including tourism, garment and construction. "Cambodia has benefited from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) from many developed countries such as China, South Korea, Japan, the U.S and European countries", he said, adding that the royal government has been planning to operate the stock exchange market by 2010.

For its part, the visiting Japanese delegation said it has lots of investment experience in the fields of real estate and stock exchange market. Delegates also expressed their interest in the future Cambodian stock exchange.

Editor: Lin Zhi

Killing fields trial has little meaning today

http://www.smh.com.au/

ZOE DANIEL
November 25, 2009

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

Most Cambodians have no memory of life under the brutal Khmer Rouge.

THE wizened Comrade Duch has become the face of the Khmer Rouge trials. Known as the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, the clunky, UN-backed tribunal will wind up its first case this week with final arguments against Duch, otherwise known as Kaing Guek Eav. To a degree, Duch, 66, is the fall guy for the Khmer Rouge regime that's been held responsible for the deaths of about 2 million Cambodians in the late 1970s.

He was the head of the so-called death camp - s21, a former high school that became a prison where more than 14,000 people were held, tortured and exterminated for being enemies of the communist regime.

The court has heard horrendous tales of crimes against humanity; babies being bashed to death on tree trunks, women being raped, men having their fingers and toes cut off, their bodies stretched, their heads dipped into drums of water until they drowned, and worse.

But Duch was a mere mid-level leader of the Khmer Rouge. He has apologised for ordering mass murder and torture, but he argues that if he hadn't done it, he would have been killed himself.

Sitting as it does in the centre of Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh, s21, otherwise known as Tuol Sleng, has become a shrine to those killed under the extreme form of communism preached by the Khmer Rouge. The shabby complex is still in a relatively similar state to the days when the regime was ousted in 1979.

Steel beds rigged with shackles and instruments of pain remain in place, blood stains the floors and thousands of foreign tourists stare in horror at thousands more bleak mug shots of the men, women and children who entered but never left.

For that reason, a decisive verdict against Duch when the finding is delivered early next year would resonate internationally. The UN and the international donors who have spent hundreds of millions running the court say it's time for justice, and in Duch they have the perfect vehicle. If he's found guilty and sentenced to life in prison, photographs of him and the horrors of S21 will flood the world. The UN, which supported the Khmer Rouge killing machine at the time, will feel better.

The international community, which also gave the regime some backing, will be somewhat cleansed. The existence of the court will be justified - in part. But in most ordinary households around Cambodia, the completion of the Duch case will be barely noticed.

For starters, he's the most junior of the five Khmer Rouge leaders who have been charged by the court. Everyone knows that he wasn't the one pulling the strings of power that strangled, electrocuted, bashed and starved millions to death. Pol Pot, the leader, is dead. His key underlings who have been charged by the court, are aged, ailing and may not live through their trials. Five further suspects being targeted by the court may also never be tried due to a combination of local politics and lack of funds.

Cambodia's Government, which is stacked with former Khmer Rouge operatives, wants the population to forget the past. Prime Minister Hun Sen has strongly and publicly opposed any further prosecutions, arguing that the court is about appeasing international guilt rather than national healing. With the majority of Cambodians under 30 years old, that view holds a grain of truth.

For them, the past is akin to a horror story because most weren't even born when the regime was in power. It would barely be believable, except for the fact that everyone is missing relatives, and in many cases, entire family trees have been wiped out.

It can be argued that the mere existence of the court as a forum for the telling of stories and as a tool in the search for truth is worthwhile. That in itself is a key part of any process of national healing. But unlike similar approaches used elsewhere - such as South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which was a cathartic way of dealing with national pain - many Cambodians don't feel the need to be healed, because they're so young that they simply weren't here.

The court's recent announcement that it would pursue further cases has already been shot down by the increasingly hardline Cambodian Government, which has shown a propensity for prosecuting its critics. It also argues that dredging up the past could lead to civil war.

So, much of the pressure for further prosecutions is coming not from inside Cambodia - but from outside.

During its closing arguments, the defence will argue that like Hitler's offsider Albert Speer, who avoided the death penalty after admitting his guilt during the Nuremberg trials, Comrade Duch should avoid life in prison because he's said sorry and helped foster reconciliation.

He claims that he's used his later years to seek redemption. He's co-operated with the court, and has asked the families of his victims for forgiveness. He's the only one of those charged so far to admit his guilt. But successfully prosecuting another case will be fraught for the court, which has been dogged by accusations of corruption and has spent 10 years and hundreds of million of dollars just to get to the end of this first trial.

This verdict may end up being its only chance to justify its existence.

Zoe Daniel is an ABC journalist who is on leave and living in Cambodia.

Source: The Age

CEDAC urges Cambodian farmers to follow ways to increase rice crops

http://www.chinaview.cn/
2009-11-24

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

PHNOM PENH, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Cambodian Center for Study and Development in Agriculture (CEDAC) issued a statement Tuesday urging Cambodian farmers to follow ways on to increase their rice crops.

CEDAC is an independent organization specializing in agricultural sector was established in 1997 for the purpose of helping Cambodian farmers to knowledge themselves on how to make better agricultural crops.

CEDAC made the statement just in a time that Cambodian farmers are starting their rice harvest, but at the same time finds that farmers still not yet understand well the importance of rice seed selection.

As it is the right time for farmers to select rice seeds for the next season, CEDAC is calling for some urgent technical measures for farmers and other stakeholders so that the rice yield can be increased, it said.

"With knowledge on how to have good rice seed selection, farmers can increase their yield up to 20 percent," said Dr. Yang Saing Koma, president of CEDAC.

Some 80 percent of Cambodia's 14 million populations are living in rural areas and are farmers.

Editor: Lin Zhi

Cambodian Khmer Rouge trial of Comrade Duch set to end

A vehicle carrying Kaing Guek Eav, former Khmer Rouge prison chief, aboard arrives at a U.N.-backed tribunal in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009. Cambodia's genocide tribunal continues its historic trial of the accused Khmer Rouge torture chief on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith) (CAAI News Media)

Chief Khmer Rouge interrogator Duch (R) talks with his lawyer Francois Roux of France before the start of the second day of closing arguments in his trial by a U.N.-backed tribunal at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) on the outskirts of Phnom Penh November 24, 2009. REUTERS/Mark Pitters-ECCC/Handout (CAAI News Media)

Chief Khmer Rouge interrogator Duch (R) talks with his Cambodian lawyer Kar Savuth before the start of the second day of closing arguments in his trial by a U.N.-backed tribunal at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) on the outskirts of Phnom Penh November 24, 2009. REUTERS/Mark Pitters-ECCC/Handout (CAAI News Media)

Cambodian students read document on Khmer Rouge outside the U.N.-backed tribunal court hall while Kaing Guek Eav, alias Duch, the former chief of the Khmer Rouge's notorious S-21 prison, known Tuol Sleng genocide museum, is being tried for war crimes and crimes against humanity, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith) (CAAI News Media)

David J. Schefer, an U.S. Professor of Law of Northwestern University, right, and Cambodian genocide victim Theary Seng, front left, walk through a gate at the U.N.-backed tribunal court hall where Kaing Guek Eav, alias Duch, the former chief of the Khmer Rouge's notorious S-21 prison, known Tuol Sleng genocide museum, is tried for war crimes and crimes against humanity, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith) (CAAI News Media)

VIDEO - Cambodian schoolchildren are only just starting to learn about the murderous Khmer Rouge regime with the help of new textbooks. The hardline regime killed up to two million people during its 1975-9 rule. Duration: 01:54. (AFPTV/ECCC/Rachel O'Brien) (CAAI News Media)

A Cambodian boy looks at skulls and bones inside a memorial for victims of the Khmer Rouge regime in Battambang province. Prosecutors called for the former Khmer Rouge prison chief to receive a long jail term for his role in the "Killing Fields" atrocities as they delivered final arguments in his trial. (AFP/File/Tang Chhin Sothy) (CAAI News Media)

Kaing Guek Eav reads a document at the Extraodinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia in Phnom Penh. Prosecutors called for the former Khmer Rouge prison chief to receive a long jail term for his role in the "Killing Fields" atrocities as they delivered final arguments in his trial.(AFP/ECCC/File/AFP) (CAAI News Media)

Kaing Guek Eav reads a document at the Extraodinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia in Phnom Penh. Prosecutors called for the former Khmer Rouge prison chief to receive a long jail term for his role in the "Killing Fields" atrocities as they delivered final arguments in his trial.(AFP/ECCC/File/AFP) (CAAI News Media)

Chum Mey, center, a Cambodian survivor of the S-21 prison during the Khmer Rouge regime, walks in front of the U.N.-backed tribunal court hall while Kaing Guek Eav, also known as Duch, the former chief of the Khmer Rouge's notorious prison, now known as Tuol Sleng genocide museum, is being tried for war crimes and crimes against humanity, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith) (CAAI News Media)

Cambodian Buddhist nuns line up in front of the U.N.-backed tribunal court hall while Kaing Guek Eav, the former chief of the Khmer Rouge's notorious S-21 prison, is being tries for war crimes and crimes against humanity, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith) (CAAI News Media)

Cambodian students line up as Buddhist monks, left, arrive at the U.N.-backed tribunal court hall while Kaing Guek Eav, the former chief of the Khmer Rouge's notorious S-21 prison, is being tries for war crimes and crimes against humanity, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith) (CAAI News Media)

Cambodian Buddhist monks line up in front of the U.N.-backed tribunal court hall while Kaing Guek Eav, the former chief of the Khmer Rouge's notorious S-21 prison, is being tried for war crimes and crimes against humanity, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith) (CAAI News Media)

Cambodian Buddhist monks line up in front of the U.N.-backed tribunal court hall while Kaing Guek Eav, the former chief of the Khmer Rouge's notorious S-21 prison, is being tried for war crimes and crimes against humanity, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith) (CAAI News Media)

Cambodian students line up in front of the U.N.-backed tribunal court hall while Kaing Guek Eav, the former chief of the Khmer Rouge's notorious S-21 prison, is being tried for war crimes and crimes against humanity, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith) (CAAI News Media)

Family on mend after a close call

Chamroeun Theam has pleaded not guilty to operating under the influence and other charges. Police say he plowed his car into a mother and two children as they crossed a Lowell street. (David H. Brow/ Lowell Sun via Associated Press)

http://www.boston.com/

By John R. Ellement
Globe Staff / November 24, 2009

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

Kin say DUI suspect survived Cambodia terror

LOWELL - A bruised and frightened 4-year-old boy sought comfort yesterday in the arms of his grandmother, who held him close 12 hours after an alleged drunk driver plowed into a double stroller carrying him and his younger sister as they were being pushed in a crosswalk.

The boy, Jonathan Dickie Jr., suffered the most serious injuries when his family was hit by the car, but he has been released from the hospital, as were his mother and sister.

“He could have been dead,’’ said the grandmother, Carol Dickie, as she held him outside her house in Lowell. “I am so glad that the Lord was watching over him. I believe someone up there pushed him out of the way and made sure nothing happened to him, because he could have been dead.’’

The mother, Nina Wilkin, 25, was crossing Fletcher Street about 5:30 p.m. on Sunday with Jonathan and his sister, Katelyn, 2. Two police officers, who were stopped at a red light, saw a car being driven by Chamroeun Theam plow into the family, authorities said.

The boy was knocked out of his stroller, and his mother and sister were knocked to the ground. All three were rushed to Lowell General Hospital.

With the help of a Cambodian interpreter, Theam pleaded not guilty to operating under the influence, second offense operating while under the influence, causing serious injury, and other charges. Judge Neil J. Walker set bail at $5,000 cash.

With tears in their eyes, two of Theam’s daughters and a daughter-in-law watched the court proceeding. Afterward, they spoke with reporters and said Theam has refused entreaties to get help for depression.

They said he grew up in Cambodia, survived the terror years of the Khmer Rouge in the 1970s, and remains haunted by that experience and often has nightmares.

“He needs help,’’ said Sochann Chea, his daughter-in-law. “He doesn’t want it.’’

Chea said the driver’s extended family is concerned for the health of the mother and her two children. Chea said Theam’s family - he has three sons and two daughters - does not want to see him driving any time soon.

“We don’t want anything like this to happen again,’’ Chea said. “We feel very bad, and we hope the family is OK.’’

In a report filed in court, Lowell police officers who witnessed the crash said Wilkin was in the crosswalk and was hurrying to get across Fletcher Street when the light turned green.

Although the family was still in the intersection, police said in the report, Theam accelerated and drove his Dodge Neon directly into them without slowing.

Police said the car struck Nina Wilkin, “throwing her into the air over the windshield, hitting the ground on the other side of the street.’’

The car struck the double stroller, police said, causing the boy to be “ejected out of the stroller and onto the Neon, bouncing off the Neon and onto the pavement.’’

Theam’s blood alcohol level was 0.26 according to the police report. The legal limit is 0.08. Police said he failed other sobriety tests. Citing him as an immediate threat to public safety, the Registry of Motor Vehicles revoked his license following the crash.

“He appeared to be completely unconcerned about what was going on around him,’’ Officer Neils Henry Christiansen wrote of Theam. “He sat in his motor vehicle talking to himself and yelling at no one in particular.’’

Theam was convicted of drunken driving in 1994 in Wisconsin, according to Lowell police. Details of that case were not immediately available.

He also has had two crashes and has been cited at least five times for driving violations since the 1994 drunken driving case, according to the Registry. He is due back in court Dec. 18.

John Ellement can be reached at ellement@globe.com.

Navy slams Chavalit for 'distorting, politicising' spat

Published: 24/11/2009

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

The navy has slammed Puea Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh for trying to "distort and politicise" the spat between Thailand and Cambodia.

The criticism by navy spokesman Prachachart Srisawat followed Gen Chavalit's statement that Cambodia had closed its waterways at the Cambodian province of Koh Kong , opposite Trat.

The navy and the government said Gen Chavalit's account was false. Gen Chavalit said he did not know why Cambodia closed the waterways but it was probably because there was conflict in the area or an illegal action had been committed.

But the navy spokesman said Cambodia was reviewing and regulating fishing concessions for Thai fishermen after the newly-appointed Koh Kong governor had scrapped the concession system initiated by his predecessor, Yuth Pouthang.

The move forced about 120 Thai fishing trawlers to stay anchored in port in Trat.

However, Capt Prachachart said Cambodia's regulating and reviewing of the new concession system was expected to be finished in a few days and the Thai trawlers could then resume operations.

The navy spokesman did not name the new Koh Kong governor. The Phnom Penh Post said on its website that Yuth Pouthang, who had been in the post for more than 10 years, was replaced by Bun Lert on Nov12.

Acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn confirmed checks had found Cambodia did not close the waterways.

He insisted the situation at Koh Kong had nothing to do with the Thai-Cambodian row.

The source said Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen wanted to adjust political game plans at Koh Kong, a bustling Cambodian border town.

The source said Hun Sen felt the former Koh Kong governor had been in the post for too long and had developed too close relations with Thais, particularly Democrat MPs in the area.

The source said Hun Sen also wanted the new governor to regulate Koh Kong to facilitate an investment plan by ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his business partners from the Middle East in order to develop Koh Kong into an entertainment complex.

PM: Imposing ISA is necessary

Published: 24/11/2009

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

The government needs to enforce the Internal Security Act (ISA) across Bangkok between Nov 28 and Dec 15 to deal with the red-shirt protesters if they split up and rally at different locations, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Tuesday.

The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) plans a prolonged anti-government protest from this Saturday to next Wednesday in front of Government House in its latest attempt to topple the Abhisit administration.

"There are reports that people, including foreign workers, have been gathered from different regions to join the demonstration," Mr Abhisit said.

He would continue to monitor the security situation before deciding whether to attend the Thai Chambers of Commerce annual national meeting in the northern province of Chiang Mai this weekend.

Speaking before his scheduled departure on a three-day investment-boosting visit to Qatar, the prime minister said he thought the diplomatic tension around the arrest of alleged Thai spy Sivarak Chutipong in Cambodia would ease now that a bail request had been made to the Cambodian court on Monday.

Mr Abhisit also extended his condolences to the family and supporters of former prime minister Samak Sundaravej, who died of liver cancer in Bangkok on Tuesday morning.

"He was a politician who had played key roles for a long time and this is a great loss to Thai politics," he said

SM Goh calls on Cambodian PM Hun Sen, reaffirming strong ties

SM Goh (R) meets PM Hun Sen

By Satish Cheney, Channel NewsAsia
23 November 2009

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

SINGAPORE: Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, who is now in Cambodia for a two-day official visit, called on Prime Minister Hun Sen at the National Assembly on Monday afternoon.

During the hour-long meeting, they reaffirmed strong bilateral ties.

Mr Goh also congratulated Mr Hun Sen for the significant economic progress Cambodia has achieved since his last visit in 2002.

He was also briefed on Cambodia's recent economic developments.

Both leaders exchanged views on Cambodia's tourism sector as well as how to attract more foreign investments.

They also agreed that investment in human resource was essential to ensure Cambodia's long-term economic development.

Mr Goh said Singapore would be pleased to continue contributing to Cambodia's development through the Singapore Cooperation Programme and the Initiative for ASEAN Integration.

In the evening, Mr Hun Sen hosted Mr Goh to dinner at his residence.

Mr Goh is expected to call on King Norodom Sihamoni on Tuesday.

After Cambodia, Mr Goh will proceed to Laos.

SM Goh meets Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni

Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong

By Dylan Loh, Channel NewsAsia

24 November 2009

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

SINGAPORE: Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong met Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni on Tuesday.

This is Mr Goh's first meeting with the King who ascended to the throne in 2004.

During the meeting at the Royal Palace of Cambodia in Phnom Penh, Mr Goh told King Norodom about the purpose of his two-day visit.

He wants to strengthen ties between the two countries and understand the latest developments in Cambodia.

According to Mr Goh's press secretary, the King in turn expressed appreciation for Singapore's contribution to his country, especially in human resource development.

In response to King Sihamoni's preoccupation with promoting education and culture, Mr Goh shared Singapore's experience and said that Cambodia is a country with great potential for tourism.

The Senior Minister has left for Laos and meets with Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh in Vientiane on Tuesday evening. - CNA/vm