Saturday, August 27, 2011

8 insurgents killed, 8 injured in Afghanistan

Report From: http://www.dap-news.com/en/

KABUL, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- Security forces have killed eight insurgents and injured eight more throughout the country over the last 24 hours, Afghan Interior Ministry said on Saturday.
"Afghan National Police (ANP) with the assistance of the national Army and Coalition forces launched 10 joint and independent operations over the past 24 hours in surrounding areas of the Kabul, Balkh, Khost, Logar, Farah, Helmand, Ghazni and Paktiya provinces," said a statement issued by Interior Ministry here.
"As a result of these operations, eight armed insurgents were killed, eight wounded and 21 others were arrested," the statement said, adding during these operations ANP discovered and seized large amount of light and heavy weapons.
Separately, ANP during separate operations around the country discovered and defused seven rounds of anti-vehicle mines and apprehended an explosive-laden motor bike besides seizing hundreds of weapons and ammunition in the same timeframe.
Afghan officials often use the word "insurgents referring Taliban.
However, Taliban insurgents have not made comments so far.
Taliban insurgents, whose regime was toppled in a U.S.-led incursion in late 2001, have intensified activities since the militant group announced to launch spring offensive against Afghan security forces and NATO-led troops stationed in Afghanistan on May 1.

U.S. senior defense official to visit Cambodia to boost ties

Report From:http://www.dap-news.com/en/

PHNOM PENH, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Brigadier General Richard Simcock, Principal Director for South and Southeast Asia in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, will visit Cambodia on August 29-31 to boost Cambodia-U.S. defense relationship, according to a press release from the U.S. embassy in Phnom Penh on Friday.

During the visit, Simcock will have a series of meetings with the Cambodian Ministry of National Defense and representatives of the U.S. Embassy to discuss the growing U.S.-Cambodia bilateral defense relationship, it said.

Discussions will focus on opportunities for future cooperation in the areas of peacekeeping, maritime security, humanitarian assistance, defense reform and counter-terrorism.

During the trip, Simcock will underscore the Department of Defense's continued commitment to working with the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) to develop a professional force that contributes to regional and international peace and stability.

"The U.S. Department of Defense looks forward to assisting in building up the professional capacity of the RCAF while encouraging the RCAF to continue on a path of improved transparency and respect for human rights and the rule of law," stated Simcock in the press release.

He will also participate in a defense ministry's workshop in Sihanoukville to discuss the development of Cambodia's maritime security strategy.

In addition, he will visit sites that have benefitted from U.S.-Cambodian defense cooperation, e.g. the National Counter-Terrorism Special Force, Peacekeeping Training Center, and Maritime Security Operations Center.

Russia hopes pipeline through Korean Peninsula improves economy, political climate

Report From:
MOSCOW, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- Russia hopes that a gas pipeline project from Russia to South Korea via the Democratic Republic of Korea (DPRK) will bring both economical and political fruits for the Korean Peninsula, said Russian Deputy Energy Minister Anatoly Yanovsky on Thursday.
"Any infrastructure projects linking the two countries of the Korean Peninsula, including railroads, gas pipelines, or electric grids, will not only be economically efficient but also would work for normalization of their bilateral relations," Yanovsky told a news conference here.
Earlier this week, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said he has reached an agreement with Kim Jong Il, the top DPRK leader, about building a gas pipeline from Russia to South Korea via the DPRK.
The 1,100-km pipeline will have a capacity of transporting 10 billion cubic meters of gas per year. Some 700 kilometers of the pipeline will be built on the DPRK territory, Russia's Energy News website reported.
Russia's Gazprom and South Korea's Kogas signed an agreement in June 2009 on the joint gas project. Seoul also proposed an alternative project envisaging gas transportation directly from the port of Vladivostok to South Korea by sea.

Russia hopes pipeline through Korean Peninsula improves economy, political climate

Condoleezza Rice to release new memoir in November

Report From: http://www.dap-news.com/en/

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will release a new memoir in November to give "a vivid and forthright account" of her roles under the Bush administration, the publisher Crown said Thursday.
The new book, titled "No Higher Honor: A Memoir of My Years in Washington", is set to be published Nov. 1, the publisher said in a statement. It will provide insights on her former roles as National Security Adviser and later Secretary of State under President George W. Bush.
"(The book) reveals new details about the contentious debates in the lead-up to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq," Crown said. It also "reveals the behind-the-scenes maneuvers that kept the world's relationships with Iran, North Korea, and Libya from collapsing into chaos."
It will be the second memoir of Rice, who now teaches at Stanford University. Her first, "Extraordinary, Ordinary People: A Memoir of Family", was published last October.

New CEO Tim Cook: Apple not to change

Report From: http://www.dap-news.com/en/

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- Apple's new chief executive officer (CEO) Tim Cook on Thursday sent a company-wide email, assuring employees that the technology giant is going to be the same under his leadership as it was under Steve Jobs, U.S. media reported.
Apple on Wednesday announced that Jobs has resigned as the company's CEO and its board has named Cook as the replacement, raising new concerns about Apple's future development.
"I want you to be confident that Apple is not going to change. I cherish and celebrate Apple's unique principles and values. Steve built a company and culture that is unlike any other in the world and we are going to stay true to that -- it is in our DNA," Cook wrote in the letter.
The letter was first published by technology news site Ars Technica and its authenticity has been verified by several news sources.
Cook, 50, once served in IBM and Compaq before he joined Apple in 1998. He was promoted to the chief operating officer in 2007 and has been de facto CEO responsible for most of Apple's day-to- day operations during Jobs' medical leaves.
Although Cook is different from the showman type that Jobs is, it is widely believed that he is the best and ideal candidate with whom Apple could use to replace the irreplaceable.
Analysts said the replacement will not affect Apple's business at least in short term, but it is unclear whether Apple's innovation and operational efficiencies will continue unabated.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Former Refugees Celebrate 60 Years of UN Convention

Report From: http://www.voanews.com

The UN human rights agency held the 60^th anniversary of its convention of refugees in Washington this month, where delegations of former refugees, including Cambodians, and policymakers met to encourage governments to continue to shelter refugees worldwide.
The Refugee Congress included stories from those who fled their home countries and made good in their host nations, including Alejandro Mayorkas, director of the US Citizen and Immigration Services.
Mayorkas, who fled Cuba in 1960 with his parents and his sister, said at the congress he had seen “first hand the extraordinary work of UNHCR.” But Mayorkas said he was concerned with the US budget crisis, an increase in funds for refugee assistance was doubtful.
Also on hand was Alek Wek, a refugee from Sudan who is now a British super model and an activist for refugees

“We struggled throughout the civil war, which became worse and worse,” she told the congress. “People were disappearing, people were getting killed, and nobody would take responsibility for it.” There was, she said, “no law and no safety whatsoever; you are a prisoner in your own home.”
Fear continued to haunt her even after she fled Sudan, she said. She would have nightmares, waking in a sweat, only to realize that, “it is OK now, that nobody is going to attack you.”
“It didn’t go away straight away,” she said. “It took some time to finally realize that, you know, it is going to be my new home.”
Wek said her experiences taught her that refugees contribute to the societies that take them in. “They are doctors, lawyers, teachers, business owners, helping support businesses and existing projects for education or the arts,” she said. “It is just endless.”
Former refugees at the congress said they wanted to share in the freedoms they were given.
“It’s great to be here in the US,” said Basmt Ahmed, who fled the Darfur region of Sudan in 2009. “And it is great to have freedom and dignity. I have opportunities to practice many different things that I couldn’t practice back home. But the point is, there’s no place like home.”
He was expecting US citizenship soon, he said. But he didn’t want to be an American for its own sake, he said, “but to make a difference in my country.”
Former Cambodians at the congress said they too wanted to help new waves of refugees from other countries.
Tauch Sokhom, a former soldier of the Lon Nol regime, fled a marine base in today’s Preah Sihanouk province in 1975. He made it to Portland, Oregon, and was made a US citizen in 1982.
“When I first arrived in the US, I couldn’t help [any one],” he said. “I couldn’t speak English. I lost my way countless times on the buses in Portland. Now at my association, we have bus training for newly arrived refugees, so that they won’t lose their way like I did.”

Thousands of Homes Flooded in Northeast Provinces

Report From: http://www.voanews.com

Flooding has inundated thousands of homes in northeast Cambodia, after heavy rains swelled the Mekong River, provincial officials said Friday.
As many as 5,000 homes have been flooded, while hundreds of disaster officials have been mobilized, even as the river’s level continues to rise.
Hardest hit are the provinces of Stung Treng and Kratie, where families have been evacuated and where roads and towns are flooded, though so far no deaths have been reported.
Stung Treng Governor Loy Sophat said 37 villages there have been affected, along with 40 kilometers of road and flooding in the provincial capital.
“We deployed more than 150 provincial police, military and military police, as well as road-crossing agents, to the flooded districts, to help evacuate villagers and transport their animals to safety,” he said. “In general, the water is still rising, and we are still concerned.”
Kratie Governor Kham Phoeun said about 4,000 homes were flooded, along with five pagodas, 26 schools and 5,000 hectares of rice fields across five provinces.
Chhoung Seang Hak, the provincial police chief, said people were still in their homes, despite the flooding. Some 500 police were on alert to help with the emergency. Landslides were also a worry, he said.
Chan Yutha, cabinet chief for the Ministry of Water Resources, said water level will recede in Stung Treng on Saturday, Kratie on Sunday, and Kampong Cham on Monday.

Aging Leaders To Have Tribunal Hearing on Health Issues

Report From: http://www.voanews.com
Two jailed Khmer Rouge leaders are expected to appear before tribunal judges later this month, to discuss their health difficulties in the face of an impending atrocity crimes trial.
Nuon Chea, who is now 85 and was the chief ideologue of the regime, and Ieng Thirith, 79, the former social affairs minister, will go before the Trial Chamber.
Two other leaders, Khieu Samphan and Ieng Sary, will not appear, as they have not filed against upcoming hearings on account of health.
The trial of all four leaders, who are accused of atrocity crimes including genocide, is the tribunal’s second, its largest and most complex to date. A full trial is expected later this year

PM: It's a new era for Cambodia, Thailand Read more: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2011/08/12/PM-Its-a-new-era-for-Cambodia-Thailand/UPI-44891313159341/#ixzz1UtUpBUu7

Report From: http://www.upi.com/

BANGKOK, Aug. 12 (UPI) -- Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to discuss troop withdrawals from the area near the Preah Vihear temple, where clashes killed several people.
The agreement to meet is a sign relations between the neighboring countries are improving, the Bangkok Post reported Friday.
Commanders from Thailand's Second Army Region and Cambodia's Division 4 will lead the Regional Border Committee meeting, which is set for Aug. 23-24 in Nakhon Ratchasima province in Thailand.
"I declare a new era of cooperation between [the countries] now that Thailand is ruled by the Pheu Thai Party," Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said.
"What was going on in the last few years, which I considered nightmarish cooperation between the two countries, is now over. Now we have to start negotiations at a bilateral level in order to ease the tensions," Hun Sen said.
Hun Sen urged the two sides to set up a General Border Commission to settle disputes near the ancient temple, where border clashes earlier this year left several people dead.

Third draft of Cambodia's associations and NGO law overlooks key concerns

Report From: http://www.guardian.co.uk

New legislation threatens to hinder the delivery of development aid to Cambodia by curtailing fundamental rights

A Mith Samlanh education centre run by NGO Friends-International. A law requiring NGOs to register threatens such projects. Photograph: Paula Bronstein/Getty Images

Civil society groups in Cambodia finally received a glimpse of the third draft of the law on associations and non-governmental organisations (NGO law) on 29 July.
Cambodia's citizens had previously only been able to speculate on what the draft law might contain, and how it might ultimately be enforced. The international community and civil society in Cambodia have criticised previous versions of the law as having a restrictive effect on civil society, effectively weakening citizen accountability for poverty-focused efforts.
Co-operation between the Cambodian government and civil society has long been central to the country's evolution from a war-torn country to a peaceful, vibrant, developing one. While government and civil society organisations have often had different opinions, they have held constructive discussions and co-operated.
However, the latest draft of the NGO law puts this relationship at risk by severely restricting freedom of expression and potentially reducing the voice of many organisations that represent and protect the marginalised: farmers, labour unionists, land activists, students, sex workers, and the disabled.
From the perspective of civil society, the third draft of the NGO law has not changed significantly from the second and first draft. The NGO law still fails to respect fundamental rights, including freedom of association and freedom of expression. In its present form, the draft law will have a severe, negative impact on domestic NGOs and associations as well as foreign NGOs, and will dramatically hinder the delivery of development aid to Cambodia. The result: valuable public services will be curtailed, development at the community level will be stunted, and poverty and corruption will increase. Moreover, the draft law will affect government programs. Major concerns about the current draft include:
• Registration is mandatory and complex, rather than voluntary and simple.
• No safeguards to ensure that denials of registration or involuntary dissolutions are imposed objectively.
• The law does not include a period for an appeal process when a request for registration is denied.
• Key terms in the law are undefined, and many sections are vague.
Ambiguity as well as the complex registration process and reporting requirements will add to the burden of government agencies responsible for administering new regulations, especially the ministry of the interior and the ministry of foreign affairs and international co-operation.
Civil society groups understand the government's need for a legal framework to ensure the stability and security of the country, and to facilitate the effective delivery of development and humanitarian aid. However, such a framework also needs to give citizens the freedom to engage in law-abiding activities without undue restrictions or burdens. To improve the law, the government should:
• Eliminate mandatory registration except for domestic NGOs and associations that wish to take advantage of the benefits of registration.
• Allow the NGO and association registration process to "be truly accessible, with clear, speedy, apolitical, and corruption-free procedures".
• Clearly outline a transparent process for the evaluation of registration applications. Any government decision to deny registration should be in writing and take effect over a reasonable and manageable time frame. The appeal process should be explicit and quick. It should also coincide clearly with objective legal standards for the purposes of review.
• Exclude or simplify reporting procedures for small, provincial, community-based development organisations and alliances in articles 44, 46 and 48.
• Incorporate a glossary explanatory notes for every article in the draft.
Cambodia's past development success - social and economic - would never have happened if the opportunities to freely organise and express opinions had been curtailed. It is, therefore, not only in the best interest of Cambodia's citizens but also to the advantage of the national government to make registration optional for domestic NGOs and associations, to make it simple and to define terms. Successful development of societies worldwide goes hand in hand with increased openness.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Cambodia urged to promote human capital

Report From: http://www.dap-news.com/en/

PHNOM PENH, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's recovery from the economic crisis provided an opportunity to re-evaluate and promote the human capital in order to secure the sustainable of economic growth and poverty reduction. In a statement released Friday, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Cambodia said one of the main elements constraining Cambodia's economic development, as outlined in the Cambodia Country Competitiveness report, has proven to be human capital. "Cambodia can no longer rely on an abundant supply of inexpensive skilled and semi-skilled workers to propel its economic development," it said. "The country's future will rely on a pool of skilled workers able to take part in the diversification and expansion of its current industrial base." "Planning for the future needs of Cambodia's economic and social development, however, needs to begin now, in both education and sectoral plans, to produce the quality and quantity of skills that will be needed," the statement added.
The Supreme National Economic Council and UNDP Cambodia jointly issued a report titled "Human Capital Implications of Future Economic Growth in Cambodia: Elements of a Suggested Roadmap" Friday. The report identifies weaknesses in the linkages between the country's future economic growth and the education and skill formation needs of the workforce, as well as opportunities to be seized in order to support human capital development. The report describes immediate, short-, medium-, and long-term policy options to improve Cambodia's human resource development and ensure the country's future competitiveness and poverty reduction efforts. "The continuing effort towards preparation and implementation of the Human Capital Development Roadmap will represent the ongoing commitment to ensure that human capital priorities are set forth and aligned with the country's development agenda for diversified, equitable and resilient growth," said UNDP Cambodia Country Director Elena Tischenko. "As Cambodia moves forward on its path of further development and economic diversification, the Human Capital Roadmap, and the momentum that it will hopefully create, will help prepare the workforce and educational capital to support this progress. The road-mapping and planning process will require a new level of coordination and cooperation across ministries, with research and academic institutions, civil society and the private sector, and with development partners," she added.

Japan loans $47 million to upgrade irrigation canal in Cambodia

Report From: http://www.dap-news.com/en/

CAMBODIA, PHNOM PENH, August 12, 2011-Minister of water resources and metrology of Cambodia, Mr. Lim Kean Hor announced on Thursday that Japan will offer $47 million loan agreement on August 15 at ministry to improve the irrigation canals at the western part of great lake, the biggest fresh water lake (Tonle Sap lake) and it will also contribute the development of agricultural crops.
The finance will contribute to strengthening the capacity of the country in producing the agricultural crops especially rice production which the country plans to export one million ton in 2015 and it will also help improve people’s living condition. On Thursday Japan also gave 114 trucks to upgrade agricultural sector in the country and prevent the natural disaster. The cost of trucks totally was worth about $11 million.
“Japan is in confidence with Cambodia and Japan also helps Cambodia to be ownership. Japan is biggest donor for Cambodia.” Japan also helps build two biggest bridges over Mekong River to help facilitate local people in transport and also inspire the regional integration for economic growth.

Cambodia plans to buy medical materials for storing Blood

Report From: http://www.dap-news.com/en/

CAMBODIA, PHNOM PENH, August 12, 2011-Cambodian PM Hun Sen on Thursday recommended the health ministry to consider about the ability to buy the medical materials for storing blood for long term to serve humanitarian affairs in the country.

“I request to ministry of health to consider about the ability to buy medical materials to keep blood for long term, PM Hun Sen said, adding that currently the blood bank could store blood for only a month and a half and ability to store 1,000 packages of blood.
He also expressed his sincere thank for local people who donated blood after he made appeal recently because the hospitals in the country need blood to survive the patients, who need blood urgently.
Dengue fever, operation and road accident stand in hot spot for blood donation.

On Facebook- Exploring the Political Will of Hun Xen: Will Hun Manet be groomed to power in the future?

Report From: http://ki-media.blogspot.com/

Khmer Sovannaphumi

There is no official confirmation about the leak information that Hun Xen has planned to put his son, Hun Manet, in power after three more mandates. Hun Xen thinks that he is still young and energic to be in power for three more consecutive mandates and after that it is the right time for his son to be groomed to power.

To us we do believe that it is the move that Hun Xen is strategically planning in order to keep the Hun Dynasty in power to secure his family, wealth and pay back gratitude to Vietnam.

After his graduation from West Point, Hun Manet was appointed to two-star general, deputy infantry commander-in-chief in the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and currently serves as chief of his father’s bodyguard unit as well as head of the anti-terrorist unit at Cambodia’s Ministry of Defense.

It is also interesting that we are not alone to predict this, but also in the Thai military leadership and public who have voiced such a move of Hun Xen.

Bangkok Post:

“Hun Manet is no stranger to the Thai military. Even ordinary Thais know about the eldest son of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen from the border conflicts near Preah Vihear temple. The Thai military top brass has kept a close watch on Hun Manet since he went to West Point in the United States more than a decade ago.

The Cambodian strongman attended the graduation ceremony of his son at the famous US military school in 1999. Since then the Thai army has known that Hun Sen has a long-term plan to place his son in control of the Cambodian armed forces and succeed him in the top job of the Cambodian government.

[...]

The first step was fulfilled when Hun Sen defied criticism from opponents to promote Hun Manet to the rank of a two-star general, as deputy chief of the unit assigned to specifically protect Hun Sen.

[…]

"Hun Manet is down-to-earth even though he is the prime minister's son. He is an easy-going guy and very friendly," one of his Thai friends in the army said. "We all know that he is destined to be the next Cambodian prime minister.

[…]

"Hun Sen loves his son, always listens to him and sometimes gives his son some advice," the same officer added.

[…]

Thai army officers believe that Hun Sen's decision to send his son to lead Cambodian soldiers in the border clash was intentional. "Hun Sen wanted his son to get credit and recognition from the Cambodian people, to pave the way for him to be promoted in the army," one Thai army source noted.

Will Hun Xen be able to stay in power for three more mandates?
What do you think if Hun Manet to be groomed to power?

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Thailand, Cambodia to hold border talks

Report From: http://en.europeonline-magazine.eu/

Thai Defense Minister Yutthasak Sasiprapa on Thursday said Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to hold a meeting later this month to try to resolve their border dispute, Thai News Agency MCOT reported on Friday. Yutthasak told reporters that his Cambodian counterpart had called him to request the meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC). He said he will move ahead on the request once the new Thai government delivers its policy statement to Parliament, which is due within 15 days. "[Cambodian Defense Minister] Tea Banh told me that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen wanted the two countries` defense ministries to hold border talks first," Yutthasak said, adding that he believed after the meeting the situation will gradually improve and he would pave the way for a summit between Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her counterpart. "The border talks will focus on reducing troops at the border, allowing both Thais and Cambodians living along the border area to lead a normal life. That will be a win-win situation for us both," he said. Both Cambodia and Thailand claim the 4.6 square kilometer (1.7 square miles) area near the ancient Preah Vihear temple on their shared border, which has never been formally established. Cambodia requested Indonesian observers to mediate in the conflict but Thailand denied. Tensions first escalated between the two countries in July 2008 following the build-up of military forces near the 900-year-old Preah Vihear temple. The United Nations Security Council urged both sides to establish a permanent ceasefire after at least 10 people were killed. Clashes resumed earlier this year as both nations claim the lands surrounding the ancient Hindu Temple, which has been damaged due to the conflict. The Preah Vihear temple dates back to the 11th century and is located on the Cambodian side of the border. In 2008, the temple was inscribed on the World Heritage List in recognition of its outstanding universal value. It is considered an outstanding example of Khmer architecture and consists of a complex of sanctuaries linked by pavements and staircases on an 800-meter-long axis.

Cambodia urged to stop sending maids to Malaysia

Report From: http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Cambodia

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — A Malaysian workers' rights group urged Cambodia on Friday to stop supplying housemaids to Malaysia, claiming many are abused and made to work like slaves because of inadequate protection.
Malaysia has recruited thousands of Cambodian women since neighboring Indonesia barred domestic workers from coming to Malaysia in 2009 following a string of high-profile cases of assault by employers.
Officials estimate there are more than 50,000 Cambodian maids in Malaysia, including 30,000 who arrived this year.
A Cambodian maid was found dead in Malaysia last month under mysterious circumstances, while another was rescued by Malaysian police after she was allegedly abused and had her head shaved bald by her employer.
Irene Fernandez, director of the rights group Tenaganita, said her organization helped another 41 Cambodian maids, some as young as 15, after they were rescued or ran away from their employers in the past six months because of abuse or unpaid wages.
"Today, another nation of domestic workers goes through the same experiences of torture, control and denial of rights," Fernandez said in a statement. "Cambodian maids now remain in a condition of forced labor with practices of modern day slavery."
Tenaganita urged Cambodia to ban maids from coming to Malaysia until tougher laws are enacted to protect their rights.
Malaysia is among Southeast Asia's top importers of foreign labor, employing more than 200,000 mainly Indonesian maids. Many households rely on maids for cooking, cleaning and looking after children and the elderly.
Indonesia is expected to lift its ban on maids after signing a deal with Malaysia in May for better conditions to curb abuses.
Ung Vantha, an official with the Cambodian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, said his government is concerned about abuse and is working with authorities and activists to tackle the problem.
The embassy is investigating claims that the maid found dead last month was beaten by her employers, he said. Police have said the girl died of pneumonia.
Visiting Cambodian opposition lawmaker Mu Sochua said the maid, who was found dead outside her employer's house, was only 15, according to her family, and not 22 as stated on her passport. Domestic workers in Malaysia must be at least 21.
"We are talking about child labor here. Young girls from poor families are targeted by middlemen who falsified their age in their passport," she said.
Malaysian police and immigration officials familiar with maid issues could not be immediately reached.
Fernandez said about half of the 41 Cambodian maids helped by Tenaganita were under 21. All claimed they were overworked, not given days off and had their passports confiscated by employers.
More than half alleged they suffered physical abuse, while about one-fifth were believed to be sexually harassed.
Most returned to Cambodia after Tenaganita negotiated for compensation and wage settlements with their employers. They did not seek police help because they were depressed and eager to return home, Fernandez said.

Japan loans $47 million to upgrade irrigation canal in Cambodia

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

The finance will contribute to strengthening the capacity of the country in producing the agricultural crops especially rice production which the country plans to export one million ton in 2015 and it will also help improve people’s living condition. On Thursday Japan also gave 114 trucks to upgrade agricultural sector in the country and prevent the natural disaster. The cost of trucks totally was worth about $11 million.

“Japan is in confidence with Cambodia and Japan also helps Cambodia to be ownership. Japan is biggest donor for Cambodia.” Japan also helps build two biggest bridges over Mekong River to help facilitate local people in transport and also inspire the regional integration for economic growth.

Cambodia plans to buy medical materials for storing Blood

Report From: http://www.dap-news.com/en/

CAMBODIA, PHNOM PENH, August 12, 2011-Cambodian PM Hun Sen on Thursday recommended the health ministry to consider about the ability to buy the medical materials for storing blood for long term to serve humanitarian affairs in the country.
“I request to ministry of health to consider about the ability to buy medical materials to keep blood for long term, PM Hun Sen said, adding that currently the blood bank could store blood for only a month and a half and ability to store 1,000 packages of blood.
He also expressed his sincere thank for local people who donated blood after he made appeal recently because the hospitals in the country need blood to survive the patients, who need blood urgently.
Dengue fever, operation and road accident stand in hot spot for blood donation.

PM Hun Sen Informs about Danger from Mekong River’s Flooding

Report From: http://www.dap-news.com/en/

CAMBODIA, PHNOM PENH, August 12, 2011-Cambodia’s PM Hun Sen on Thursday said that the water level of Mekong River in the country is starting to rise subsequently and reach to the level of emergency about the danger.

He also urged local people to be cautious and especially the upper part of Mekong river in Cambodia because the water level of Mekong river rise to 10.7m in Steung Treng Province above the level of emergency of a half meter and Kratie province also in dangerous situation. Local people reported that some part of provincial town of Steung Treng province covered by the flooding from Mekong River.

Samdech blasted the environment extremists who have always accused of the Mekong River’s flooding occurring from Hydropower power dams at upper Mekong River in China and Laos.
Some advanced countries could not prevent natural disaster either, he said. PM Hun Sen urged all radio and Tv channels to broadcast about the announcement letter from ministry of water resources and metrology about the general situation of flooding and temperature and danger.

We have to be cautious and informed local people who live along Mekong Rivers to put the situation in danger. So far, no life causalities for local people has announced yet. Cambodia in 2000 was hit by flood and damaged local infrastructure and in 2 008, the country also hit by Ketsana storm killed nearly 50 people and the country lost over $100 million cost of property.

A Cahier died of Restaurant Fire in Phnom Penh

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

CAMBODIA, PHNOM PENH, August 12, 2011- A restaurant fire in Phnom Penh downtown on Thursday killed a female cashier who trapped in a room, where the fire occurred at 11 AM.

Om Oun, 26, is the cashier for the restaurant died instantly in the room fire after rescue operation could not do on time and her body was covered by fire and the police could not confirm the cause of fire yet. But the Police blamed that the restaurant did not equip the fire extinguisher.

UN Convention Against Corruption

Report From: http://ki-media.blogspot.com/

United Nations Convention Against Corruption

(UNCAC)

In accordance with article 68 (1) of resolution 58/4, the United Nations Convention against Corruption entered into force on 14 December 2005. A Conference of the States Parties is established to review implementation and facilitate activities required by the Convention.

Cambodia acceded to the UNCAC
on 5 September 2007

Chapter I General provisions

Article 2. Use of terms

For the purposes of this Convention:

(a) "Public official" shall mean:

(i) any person holding a legislative, executive, administrative or judicial office of a State Party, whether appointed or elected, whether permanent or temporary, whether paid or unpaid, irrespective of that person's seniority;

(ii) any other person who performs a public function, including for a public agency or public enterprise, or provides a public service, as defined in the domestic law of the State Party and as applied in the pertinent area of law of that State Party; (iii) any other person defined as a "public official" in the domestic law of a State Party. However, for the purpose of some specific measures contained in chapter II of this Convention, "public official" may mean any person who performs a public function or provides a public service as defined in the domestic law of the State Party and as applied in the pertinent area of law of that State Party;

(b) "Foreign public official" shall mean any person holding a legislative, executive, administrative or judicial office of a foreign country, whether appointed or elected; and any person exercising a public function for a foreign country, including for a public agency or public enterprise;

(c) "Official of a public international organization" shall mean an international civil servant or any person who is authorized by such an organization to act on behalf of that organization;

(d) "Property" shall mean assets of every kind, whether corporeal or incorporeal, movable or immovable, tangible or intangible, and legal documents or instruments evidencing title to or interest in such assets;

(e) "Proceeds of crime" shall mean any property derived from or obtained, directly or indirectly, through the commission of an offence;

(f) "Freezing" or "seizure" shall mean temporarily prohibiting the transfer, conversion, disposition or movement of property or temporarily assuming custody or control of property on the basis of an order issued by a court or other competent authority;

(g) "Confiscation", which includes forfeiture where applicable, shall mean the permanent deprivation of property by order of a court or other competent authority;

(h) "Predicate offence" shall mean any offence as a result of which proceeds have been generated that may become the subject of an offence as defined in article 23 of this Convention;

(i) "Controlled delivery" shall mean the technique of allowing illicit or suspect consignments to pass out of, through or into the territory of one or more States, with the knowledge and under the supervision of their competent authorities, with a view to the investigation of an offence and the identification of persons involved in the commission of the offence.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

ASEAN poised to raise its profile amid global economic turmoil

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

MANADO, Indonesia, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) is expected to raise its profile amidst global debt crisis, as the bloc is relatively immune to the crisis with its significant growth and close connectivity between member states will make them less dependent on developed countries.

With its ambition to play a greater role in global arena, ASEAN keeps integrating its self with various dialogs, meetings and actions.

Meanwhile, ASEAN is experienced in dealing 1997-1998 crises that is certainly a capital to face upcoming crisis.

In 2009, ASEAN's economic growth dipped to 1.6 percent but it rebounded to 7.4 percent in 2010. Its success in dealing the impact of 2008-2009 global crises brings optimism among state officials that the bloc could counter the impact of ongoing crisis in developed countries.

ASEAN member states have indeed made significant progress to lower barriers in trade and investment among its members.

By 2010, for example, 99.11 percent tariffs of ASEAN-6 (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand) were already 0 percent, whilst 98.86 percent tariffs of ASEAN-4 ( Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam) were ranging between 0 and 5 percent.

Border row with Thailand no longer hot topic in ASEAN meetings: Cambodian PM

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

PHNOM PENH, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said on Thursday Cambodia will no longer raise the border dispute with Thailand in the meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The 19th ASEAN Summit will be held in Bali, Indonesia in November.

"I think that the topic of Cambodian and Thai border issues will be no longer covered in the meetings of ASEAN," he said during a graduation ceremony of students at the Human Resources University. "The dispute will not be the burden and the concern of ASEAN anymore."

In May during the 18th ASEAN summit in Jakarta, Hun Sen lashed out former Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva-led government for triggering the border conflict.

"From now on, the Cambodian and Thai border issues are probably no longer negotiated in the ASEAN meetings because the order of the International Court of Justice on July 18 has made a clear indication on both sides' troop withdrawals from the newly defined demilitarized zone of 17 kilometers surrounding Preah Vihear temple," he said. "I believe that Cambodia and Thailand can comply with it."

The border tension between the two countries has been eased since the former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's Pheu Thai Party won a landslide victory in the general elections in July.

Cambodia and Thailand have had sporadic border conflict over territorial dispute near the Preah Vihear temple since the UNESCO listed the 11th century Preah Vihear temple as a World Heritage Site in 2008.

Cambodian, Thai GBC Meeting To Be Held

Report From www.ki-media.blogspot.com

PHNOM PENH, Aug 11 (Bernama) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said on Thursday the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Commission meeting can be held bilaterally, except the talks on the provisional demilitarized zone of about 17 kilometers surrounding the 11th century Preah Vihear temple, reports Xinhua news agency.

"The GBC meeting will be held between Cambodian and Thai defence ministers without the presence of Indonesia after the visit of the new Thai defence minister (Yutthasak Sasiprapa) to Cambodia," he said during a graduation ceremony of students at the Human Resources University.

"But when saying about the 17 kilometers of the provisional demilitarized area defined by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), it's necessary to have the presence of Indonesia," he said.

However, he added, "If the Indonesia, Asean chair, has not attended the meeting, Cambodia and Thailand have to report her and the International Court of Justice about the results of the meeting."

"And when Cambodia and Thailand agree to withdraw troops from the area of 17 kilometers, there must be the presence of Indonesia too," he said.

Hun Sen said Cambodia and Thailand have to re-build confidence between each other to bring peace along the border and to bring the border situation to normalcy.

"The new era of cooperation between Cambodia and Thai government led by Pheu Thai Party has begun," he said. "In last few years, border conflict between the two countries can be considered as the nightmare, now it is over," he said.

The border tension between the two countries has been eased since the former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's Pheu Thai Party won a landslide victory in the July 3's general elections, said the premier.

Cambodia and Thailand have had sporadic border conflict over territorial dispute near the Preah Vihear temple since the UNESCO listed the 11th century Preah Vihear temple as a World Heritage Site on July 7, 2008.

The Xmer-Yuon navies boost ties ... to facilitate illegal Yuon fishing in Cambodia?

Report from www.ki-media.blogspot.com

Vietnamese and Cambodian naval forces will cooperate closely in all fields of mutual concern to promote the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries’ people.

This was affirmed at a meeting of the Vietnam Naval High Command’s delegation led by Colonel Pham Van Hoanh, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Navy with the Royal Cambodian Navy led by Rear Admiral Mien Va on August 10, in the framework of the delegation’s working visit to Cambodia from August 9-13.

Speaking at the meeting, Hoanh spoke highly of the Royal Cambodian Navy’s coordination with the naval zone 5 of Vietnam in maintaining security and order in historical territorial waters between the two countries and promptly addressing sea-related issues to contribute to preserving regional peace and stability.

Mien Va highlighted the significance of cooperation between the two countries’ naval forces at all levels in training and technological fields, which helped strengthen relations between the two countries’ armies and people.

Both sides agreed that after six years of enforcing the joint patrol regulations and conducting 23 joint patrol missions, Vietnam and Cambodia have maintained security and order, exchanged information and promptly prevented illegal actions in historical waters between the two countries.

They also agreed that the Royal Cambodian Navy would draw up a plan for the 24th joint patrol.