Sep 17, 2010
Facing Double Discrimination: Cambodian Lesbians Are Breaking the Silence
Pride Poster designed by Amy Sanford for RoCK.
Gender and Sexuality Art Exhibition, New Art Gallery, Phnom Penh. Photograph by Nick Sells.
Pheang Sanh and Noy Sitha with a colleague from Women’s Network for Unity. Photograph courtesy of Khmer HIV/AIDS NGO Alliance, Cambodia.September 17, 2010
By Meghan Lewis, Cambodia
TheWIP.net
By Meghan Lewis, Cambodia
TheWIP.net
“Feelings, oh feelings, please accept this. I have not wronged - even in law. We wish to have a place in this world and to love one another freely.” -Noy Sitha, 58, Women’s Network for Unity
More than 200,000 Cambodian garment workers halt strike
September 17, 2010
Reuters
Reuters
PHNOM PENH -- More than 200,000 Cambodian garment workers demanding higher wages halted a strike on Thursday after the government proposed talks to end the deadlock, a union leader said. Ath Thorn, president of the Coalition of Cambodian Apparel Workers Democratic Union (CCAWDU), told workers to suspend their strike action and work normally from Thursday.
Faced with a crisis in a sector that is the impoverished country's third-largest currency earner, Cambodia's government called for an end to the stoppage that began on Monday to avoid huge losses to the economy, the workers and their families.
Faced with a crisis in a sector that is the impoverished country's third-largest currency earner, Cambodia's government called for an end to the stoppage that began on Monday to avoid huge losses to the economy, the workers and their families.
Opposition MP demands justice for Khmer Krom men killed by Viet mob
Chau Net, one of the two Khmer Krom victims killed by a Viet mob in Raung Damrey (Tay Ninh) province16 Sept 2010
By Sok Serey
Radio Free Asia
Translated from Khmer by Soch
Click here to read the article in Khmer
By Sok Serey
Radio Free Asia
Translated from Khmer by Soch
Click here to read the article in Khmer
The death of two Khmer Krom men at the beginning of September 2010 has not been legally resolved by the Viet authority yet.
On 16 September, A SRP MP asked high-ranking Viet officials to intervene in order to arrest the suspects or the murderers who led a mob beating and killing on 2 Khmer Krom men, and injuring 11 others at the beginning of September. The beating and killing was done by a mob of Viet villagers in Raung Damrey province (renamed Tay Ninh in Vietnamese) on Kampuchea Krom land (South Vietnam).
SRP MP Yont Tharo sent a letter to Son Son Song, a member of the Vietnamese Communist party central committee and deputy chairman of the southwest region of Vietnam, through the intermediary of the Viet embassy in Phnom Penh. However, no Viet diplomat dare came out to accept this letter.
Yont Tharo told RFA on 16 September: “I am asking him to help intervene for the family of the victims in order to provide justice for them, because, up to now, the Khmer Krom men were victimized for more than two weeks already. The cops still have not arrested the culprits, nor charge them according to the law yet.”
The killing took place on 02 September 2010 at a Viet rubber plantation in Raung Damrey province. The family of the victims claimed that the killing was due to a racial discrimination dispute. A mob of several dozen Viets used batons and knives in the killing.
Chau Net, a 22-year-old Khmer Krom man who was born in Rolaing commune, Svay Tong district, Motr Chrouk province (renamed An Giang in Viet) was killed on the spot, and another Khmer Krom man, Chau Phat, who was born in Banteay Svay commune, Svay Tong district, Motr Chrouk province, later died at the hospital.
A Viet embassy official in Cambodia who can speak Cambodian, said briefly that he heard the information about Yont Tharo’s protest also: “We cannot accept it. The information heard was as such, but the truth about it, the embassy did not receive it.”
Chau Net’s father said that he demanded a compensation amounting to 60 million dongs (about $3,000) and he also demanded that the authority arrest and bring to justice the suspects in this case: “Now, they told us to bring a complain, they told us to complain like that. We also complained to the lower level so that the group of killers pays for the compensation.”
Chau Net’s father was summoned by the Viet authority to clarify this case in the upcoming few days in order to provide his report and his complaint about his son’s murder.
On 16 September, A SRP MP asked high-ranking Viet officials to intervene in order to arrest the suspects or the murderers who led a mob beating and killing on 2 Khmer Krom men, and injuring 11 others at the beginning of September. The beating and killing was done by a mob of Viet villagers in Raung Damrey province (renamed Tay Ninh in Vietnamese) on Kampuchea Krom land (South Vietnam).
SRP MP Yont Tharo sent a letter to Son Son Song, a member of the Vietnamese Communist party central committee and deputy chairman of the southwest region of Vietnam, through the intermediary of the Viet embassy in Phnom Penh. However, no Viet diplomat dare came out to accept this letter.
Yont Tharo told RFA on 16 September: “I am asking him to help intervene for the family of the victims in order to provide justice for them, because, up to now, the Khmer Krom men were victimized for more than two weeks already. The cops still have not arrested the culprits, nor charge them according to the law yet.”
The killing took place on 02 September 2010 at a Viet rubber plantation in Raung Damrey province. The family of the victims claimed that the killing was due to a racial discrimination dispute. A mob of several dozen Viets used batons and knives in the killing.
Chau Net, a 22-year-old Khmer Krom man who was born in Rolaing commune, Svay Tong district, Motr Chrouk province (renamed An Giang in Viet) was killed on the spot, and another Khmer Krom man, Chau Phat, who was born in Banteay Svay commune, Svay Tong district, Motr Chrouk province, later died at the hospital.
A Viet embassy official in Cambodia who can speak Cambodian, said briefly that he heard the information about Yont Tharo’s protest also: “We cannot accept it. The information heard was as such, but the truth about it, the embassy did not receive it.”
Chau Net’s father said that he demanded a compensation amounting to 60 million dongs (about $3,000) and he also demanded that the authority arrest and bring to justice the suspects in this case: “Now, they told us to bring a complain, they told us to complain like that. We also complained to the lower level so that the group of killers pays for the compensation.”
Chau Net’s father was summoned by the Viet authority to clarify this case in the upcoming few days in order to provide his report and his complaint about his son’s murder.
China, Cambodia Agree to Further Military Ties
Xinhua
Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Liang Guanglie made the remark in a meeting with visiting Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Tea Banh in Beijing.
Liang hailed the good relations between China and Cambodia, with close high-level contact and expanding areas of cooperation.
Recent years had witnessed the smooth development of China-Cambodia military ties, with frequent visits on various levels and exchanges in military training, education and logistics, said Liang.
China would like to work with Cambodia to continuously deepen the friendship and cooperation between the two nations and two armed forces, Liang added.
Tea Banh said Cambodia appreciated China's support and help with Cambodia's development and national defense building and was ready to enhance cooperation with China.
Cambodia would continue to firmly adhere to the one-China policy, Tea Banh said.
He also expressed the hope to further promote military cooperation and exchanges between Cambodia and China.
Sep 14, 2010
Obama’s Cairo Speech (Full)
5 June 2009
The full transcripts of President Obama’s speech in Cairo in June 2009.
I am honored to be in the timeless city of Cairo, and to be hosted by two remarkable institutions. For over a thousand years, al-Azhar has stood as a beacon of Islamic learning, and for over a century, Cairo University has been a source of Egypt’s advancement. Together, you represent the harmony between tradition and progress. I am grateful for your hospitality, and the hospitality of the people of Egypt. I am also proud to carry with me the goodwill of the American people, and a greeting of peace from Muslim communities in my country: assalaamu alaykum.
Sep 9, 2010
Trade Unions To Hold General Strike After Talks
Ath Thun (Photo: The Phnom Penh Post)Kong Sothanarith, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh Wednesday, 08 September 2010
“We won't have it any other way if no negotiation happens beforehand.”A group of garment factory workers has decided to hold a general strike for five days next week, following a meeting with managers on Monday that did not bring about a wage increase.
Workers voted to strike despite assurances from the Garment Manufacturers Association of Cambodia for more talks in November and into next year.
Sam Rainsy Tried for Alleging Land Loss on Web Map
Opposition leader Sam RainsyHeng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh Wednesday, 08 September 2010
“But if they make their sentence according to politics, Sam Rainsy will be sentenced to jail.”Phnom Penh Municipal Court on Wednesday held a hearing for opposition leader Sam Rainsy on charges related to his posting of a border map on the opposition party's website that the government says is illegal.
or Kim Sy, top finishing high school student in Cambodia in 2010
Tor Kim Sy, an outstanding student who achieved the topmost score in the final high school exam test in all of Cambodia in 2010 (Photo: Orm Uddom, RFA)07 Sept 2010
By Orm Uddom
Radio Free Asia
Translated from Khmer by Soy
Click here to read the article in Khmer
Read about the US secret bombing campaigns in Cambodia ... courtesy of Uncle Sam
Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume VII, Vietnam, July 1970–January 1972
Sam Rainsy clarifies on the merger between the SRP and the HRP
(Photo: The Phnom Penh Post)In this undated (most likely 2009?) audio question, opposition leader Sam Rainsy provided clarifications on the merger between the SRP and the HRP. The audio portion was provided by Visal R.
Cambodian monk received UNDP award for forest protection
Ven. Bun Saluth, recipient of the Equator Initiative Prize 2010 for his forest protection work (Photo: Leang Delux, RFI) Sep 2, 2010
What was Thaksin’s real impact as advisor?
Michael Hansen
Letter to The Phnom Penh Post
Dear Editor,
Steve Finch asserts that senior trade and finance officials may have heard, as undergraduates, the kind of instruction given by Thaksin Shinawatra (“Thaksin’s advisory role caused economic woes”, August 27).
This may be an accurate comment, but it would have been useful to know what line Thaksin actually took in these conversations. Denigrating past theory is a natural part of economic evolution, but perhaps one reason the world finds itself in a financial fix is that senior officials in many Western financial institutions chose to ignore lessons of prudence and circumspection they learned as students. Bald figures clearly show that investment from Thailand was very much reduced in 2009, but whether or not this was because of the creation of a “climate of fear” by the appointment of Thaksin is open to question.
What was Thaksin’s real impact as advisor?
Michael Hansen
Letter to The Phnom Penh Post
Dear Editor,
Steve Finch asserts that senior trade and finance officials may have heard, as undergraduates, the kind of instruction given by Thaksin Shinawatra (“Thaksin’s advisory role caused economic woes”, August 27).
This may be an accurate comment, but it would have been useful to know what line Thaksin actually took in these conversations. Denigrating past theory is a natural part of economic evolution, but perhaps one reason the world finds itself in a financial fix is that senior officials in many Western financial institutions chose to ignore lessons of prudence and circumspection they learned as students. Bald figures clearly show that investment from Thailand was very much reduced in 2009, but whether or not this was because of the creation of a “climate of fear” by the appointment of Thaksin is open to question.
NGOs ready a slew of graft complaints
Chheng Sophoan, 23, Banking studentPM says border still an issue
Prime Minister Hun Sen speaks at the National Institute of Education yesterday. (Photo by: Pha Lina)Cheang Sokha
The Phnom Penh Post
Hun Sen said yesterday that the meeting would touch on trade and economic issues in addition to concerns about the border.PRIME Minister Hun Sen chided the Thai government yesterday for its inaction in resolving an ongoing border dispute with Cambodia, taking up a familiar rhetorical pose in remarks before a graduation ceremony in Phnom Penh.
Although Cambodia and Thailand restored full diplomatic ties last month following the resignation of fugitive former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra from his position as economics adviser to the Cambodian government, Hun Sen said yesterday that discord between the two countries will not be resolved until Thailand withdraws its troops from disputed territory near Preah Vihear temple.
NGOs say sugar deal may lead to evictions
Irwin Loy
The Phnom Penh Post
LOCAL rights groups plan to meet with European Union officials this week to warn that an EU scheme aimed at fostering trade from developing countries might be fuelling evictions in the Kingdom.
David Pred, executive director of Bridges Across Borders Cambodia, said local groups would meet with EU officials Friday to outline concerns about the EU’s Everything But Arms scheme, which allows Least-Developed Countries to export duty-free goods to Europe.
Rights groups say the government has issued land concessions to private companies, including some that are using disputed land to make way for sugar plantations – with the sugar destined for EU nations. One major dispute has pitted 2,000 families in Kampong Speu’s Omlaing commune against Ly Yong Phat, a ruling party senator whose holdings include the Phnom Penh Sugar Company, the recipient of a 9,000-hectare concession.
“Villagers are losing their farms to land-grabbing, and this needs to be addressed,” said Mathieu Pellerin, a consultant for Licadho, one of the concerned groups. “Hopefully the EU ... will do the right thing.”
David Pred, executive director of Bridges Across Borders Cambodia, said local groups would meet with EU officials Friday to outline concerns about the EU’s Everything But Arms scheme, which allows Least-Developed Countries to export duty-free goods to Europe.
Rights groups say the government has issued land concessions to private companies, including some that are using disputed land to make way for sugar plantations – with the sugar destined for EU nations. One major dispute has pitted 2,000 families in Kampong Speu’s Omlaing commune against Ly Yong Phat, a ruling party senator whose holdings include the Phnom Penh Sugar Company, the recipient of a 9,000-hectare concession.
“Villagers are losing their farms to land-grabbing, and this needs to be addressed,” said Mathieu Pellerin, a consultant for Licadho, one of the concerned groups. “Hopefully the EU ... will do the right thing.”
US president plans ASEAN summit on sidelines of UN assembly [-Hun Xen will most likely be in New York!]
Bangkok - US President Barack Obama has invited the leaders of South-East Asia to a summit on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, reports said Thursday.
Surin Pitsuwan, secretary general of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), told The Nation online news service that Obama had set September 24 for the meeting at a "special" venue in New York.
"The US recognizes the big shift from the West to the East after the global financial crisis," Surin said. "So far, most of the ASEAN leaders are positive" about the suggested meeting, Surin said.
He said the summit, which will last two hours, demonstrated the "growing momentum" of US-ASEAN relations.
When Obama took power, he vowed to "re-engage" with South-East Asia, which has been overshadowed by US interest in China and India over the past decade.
ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Surin Pitsuwan, secretary general of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), told The Nation online news service that Obama had set September 24 for the meeting at a "special" venue in New York.
"The US recognizes the big shift from the West to the East after the global financial crisis," Surin said. "So far, most of the ASEAN leaders are positive" about the suggested meeting, Surin said.
He said the summit, which will last two hours, demonstrated the "growing momentum" of US-ASEAN relations.
When Obama took power, he vowed to "re-engage" with South-East Asia, which has been overshadowed by US interest in China and India over the past decade.
ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Cambodian rights groups face worsening repression: activists
Thursday, September 02, 2010
AFP
PHNOM PENH — Human rights workers in Cambodia face "an increasingly hostile environment" as authorities use violence, intimidation and "trumped-up" criminal charges to silence them, activists warned Thursday.
Rights group Licadho said that as of mid-July around 60 activists were being held in Cambodian prisons on a range of charges.
"Cambodian human rights defenders have faced an increasingly hostile environment over the past two years, enduring physical violence, illegal arrests, trumped-up criminal charges," the group said in a statement.
Rights group Licadho said that as of mid-July around 60 activists were being held in Cambodian prisons on a range of charges.
"Cambodian human rights defenders have faced an increasingly hostile environment over the past two years, enduring physical violence, illegal arrests, trumped-up criminal charges," the group said in a statement.
China the Aggressor?
September 2, 2010
Michael J. Green
The National Interest (USA)
China’s recent assertiveness in the East and South China Seas and along the Sino-Indian border has prompted intense debate. Is Beijing finally showing its real irredentist colors? Is this a short-term display of nationalism as party leaders jockey for positions in the Politburo and Central Committee in 2012? Or are these disconnected episodes that represent more continuity than change? One way to frame our own thinking is to imagine how U.S. power looks from Beijing right now.
Appeal court plans to hold new hearing in Sam Rainsy’s case in October
By Sok Serey
Radio Free Asia
Translated from Khmer by Soch
The Cambodian Appeal court plants to open a new hearing in the case of opposition leader Sam Rainsy and that of two Cambodian villagers on 05 October after two successive delays.
Opposition leader Sam Rainsy and two Cambodian farmers are accused of destruction of public property and incitation to racial discrimination.
There were 2 successive delays in the hearing already due to (1) the two Cambodian farmers, Mrs. Meas Srey and Prum Chea, were not present during the hearing while they are important witnesses in the case, and (2) when the two farmers were brought to court, lawyer Sam Sokong was absent from the country and the two farmers refused to take another lawyer as his replacement.
Chuong Chou-ngy, Sam Rainsy’s defense lawyer, told RFA on 01 September: “I am prepared to defend H.E. Sam Rainsy at the Appeal court according to the law.”
Regarding the complex issues above, Chan Sok Yeang, the defense lawyer for the government and, in particular, that of the Svay Rieng province’s Chantrea district authority, indicated: “They delayed the case twice already, therefore I am prepared, I was prepared since the very first time.”
Opposition leader Sam Rainsy and two Cambodian farmers are accused of destruction of public property and incitation to racial discrimination.
There were 2 successive delays in the hearing already due to (1) the two Cambodian farmers, Mrs. Meas Srey and Prum Chea, were not present during the hearing while they are important witnesses in the case, and (2) when the two farmers were brought to court, lawyer Sam Sokong was absent from the country and the two farmers refused to take another lawyer as his replacement.
Chuong Chou-ngy, Sam Rainsy’s defense lawyer, told RFA on 01 September: “I am prepared to defend H.E. Sam Rainsy at the Appeal court according to the law.”
Regarding the complex issues above, Chan Sok Yeang, the defense lawyer for the government and, in particular, that of the Svay Rieng province’s Chantrea district authority, indicated: “They delayed the case twice already, therefore I am prepared, I was prepared since the very first time.”
Sep 1, 2010
(lefrt-right) Prime Ministers Thein Sein from Myanmar, Samchai Wongsawat from Thailand, Nguyen Tan Dung from Vietnam, Hun Sen from Cambodia and Bouasone Bouphavanh from Laos at a summit summit in Hanoi (AFP/Hoang Dinh Nam)Business News (monstersandcritics.com)
Nov 7, 2008
Hanoi - The global financial crisis might bring economic benefits for countries in South-East Asia, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said Friday at a regional summit in Hanoi.
'The rich people in Europe, the buyers in America will not buy expensive clothes produced in Europe anymore but the cheaper goods produced in Cambodia and Vietnam,' Sen said.
Cambodia's plans for Asia's tallest building
Impoverished Cambodia plans to build a 555-metre skyscraper, according to its prime minister. The feat that would give one of the region's least-developed capitals the tallest building in Asia.
Prime Minister Hun Sen said he had approved a master plan for the skyscraper, which would be located about 1km from the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh - a dusty city of colonial villas, slums and one standout skyscraper, the recently completed Canadia Tower that is about 115 metres high.
Hun Sen did not say when construction would start, how much it would cost or give any other details, except that it would be built by a Cambodian company, Overseas Cambodia Investment Corp., owned by tycoon Pung Khiav Se.
The company's project manager, Touch Samnang, said preliminary estimates suggest the building would cost US$200 million, but the project was being studied by experts and government ministries. He said it would include a shopping mall, hotel, apartments and an entertainment centre.
That figure is dwarfed by the sum for what is currently Asia's tallest building, the Taipei 101 in Taiwan. Rising 508 metres, it cost about US$1.6 billion. It had been the world's tallest since 2004 but was overtaken in January when Dubai unveiled the Burj Khalifa, which rises 828 metres from the desert.
Cambodia, whose commerce is tiny by international standards, has been experiencing a real estate bubble for the past few years, but several ambitious construction projects have been delayed or suspended.
AP
Cambodia aims high with 555m skyscraper
Cambodia is aiming for the record books with an ambitious plan to construct Asia's tallest building, a 555-meter skyscraper worth US$200 million, Prime Minister Hun Sen said yesterday.
The building would be five times taller than the country's present highest structure, the new, 32-storey Canadia Bank Tower, which dominates the Phnom Penh skyline, where buildings of more than five floors stand out.
If the project goes ahead, it would top the Taipei 101 Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center and Kuala Lumpur's Petronas Towers - the world's three tallest buildings after the 828-meter Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
"It will be shorter than the one in Dubai and taller than any buildings in Asia, and I think we can do it," Hun Sen announced during a university graduation ceremony yesterday.
"We don't have to be too conservative and we also don't need to be too outdated," Hun Sen added, brushing off criticism from cultural groups concerned that a construction boom was threatening the capital city's French colonial architecture.
Hun Sen said the proposal had been made to the country's Land Management Ministry and local lender Canadia Bank would be involved in the project.
However, real estate companies questioned whether there was much demand for a building half a kilometer high in the capital of one of Asia's poorest countries.
"Where would the investors come from?" said Sung Bonna, CEO of Bonna Real Estate Group in Phnom Penh. "We are concerned about the shortage of demand and occupancy rates so we need time, but we hope this dream comes true."
Cambodia to build South East Asia’s tallest tower
Cambodia has announced plans to build South East Asia’s tallest skyscraper. The announcement made by Prime Minister Hun Sen, made this week, revealed that the master plan for the 1,820 ft, 555 m building, located about one kilometre from the Royal Palace has been approved.
Cambodia has been experiencing a property surge in recent years that has led to the development of several skyscrapers, including the recently completed Canadia and Phnom Penh Towers. The schedule for the construction of the building has not yet been announced, but it will be built by Cambodian company, Overseas Cambodia Investment Corp., owned by tycoon Pung Khiav Se.
Preliminary estimates suggest the building would cost $200 million, but the project’s design, which would include areas for retail, hotel, residential and entertainment, is still being studied by experts and other government ministers.
With an economy that was almost entirely rebuilt following Vietnam’s 1978 invasion that unseated the Khmer Rouge, Cambodia’s economy has enjoyed growth rates of 10 and 5 per cent in recent years, sinking to 1.5 per cent in 2009. A largely agrarian society with 31 per cent of the population below the poverty line, the necessity of this most recent urban development will undoubtedly face international scrutiny.
The announcement also comes weeks after Vietnam revealed a 528m tower to be built by PetroVietnam Construction Joint Stock Corporation (PVC) in Hanoi and to be completed by 2014.
Cambodia plans Asia’s tallest building
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Cambodia plans to build a 1,820-foot skyscraper, its prime minister said yesterday, a feat that would give one of the region’s least-developed capitals the tallest building in Asia.
Prime Minister Hun Sen said he had approved a master plan for the skyscraper, which would be about half a mile from the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh — a dusty city of colonial villas, slums, and one standout skyscraper, the new Canadia Tower, at about 377 feet high.
Hun Sen did not say when construction would start or how much it would cost. Nor did he give any other details, except that it would be built by a Cambodian company, Overseas Cambodia Investment Corp.
The company’s project manager, Touch Samnang, said preliminary estimates suggest the building would cost $200 million, but the project was being studied by experts and government ministries. He said it would include a shopping mall, a hotel, and an entertainment center.
That figure is dwarfed by the sum for what is currently Asia’s tallest building, the Taipei 101, in Taiwan. Rising 1,667 feet, it cost about $1.6 billion. It had been the world’s tallest since 2004 but was overtaken in January when Dubai unveiled the Burj Khalifa, which rises 2,717 feet.
Cambodia, whose commerce is tiny by international standards, has been experiencing a real estate bubble, but several construction projects have been delayed or suspended.
OIC backs tax break for pension policies
Newspaper section: Business
A new tax deduction for consumers buying pension policies will be proposed for cabinet consideration soon, says Chantra Purnariksha, the secretary-general of the Office of the Insurance Commission.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Chantra Purnariksha, secretary-general of the Office of the Insurance Commission, admire a display at an awards event held to honour outstanding insurers at Government House yesterday. PATTANAPONG HIRUNARD
The new measure would promote more usage of insurance policies for financial security and health coverage, which would lighten the government's financial burden.
The aim is to increase insurance penetration to 30-35% of the population over the next few years from 26%, she said.
Prosecutors hamstrung over Bout
Only court can decide to drop new charges
- Published: 2/09/2010 at 12:00 AM
- Newspaper section: News
Thai prosecutors say they can give no assurances to the US about whether they can drop charges against suspected Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout before he appears in court on Oct 4 on new charges.
Sirisak Tiyaphan, head of international affairs at the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG), yesterday said officials were working on the US request to have the six new charges withdrawn so Mr Bout can be extradited to the US, but a number of issues needed to be thrashed out first.
The fresh charges were brought against Mr Bout right after the Court of Appeal ruled on Aug 20 to extradite him to the US where he is expected to face charges including conspiracy to kill US nationals and to provide material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization.
International rights bodies demand Cambodian activist's release
Thu, 02 Sep 2010
DPA
Phnom Penh - A coalition of human rights organizations has called on the Cambodian government to release a human rights activist jailed this week.
In a statement released late Wednesday, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, the International Federation for Human Rights, and the World Organisation Against Torture, criticized Monday's two-year sentence handed down to Leang Sokchoeun.
Leang Sokchoeun, a staffer with local rights group Licadho, was arrested in May accused of involvement in the distribution of anti-government leaflets and charged with disinformation.
The coalition said his trial was "marked by numerous procedural flaws as well as violations of fair trial provisions in Cambodian and international law".
In a statement released late Wednesday, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, the International Federation for Human Rights, and the World Organisation Against Torture, criticized Monday's two-year sentence handed down to Leang Sokchoeun.
Leang Sokchoeun, a staffer with local rights group Licadho, was arrested in May accused of involvement in the distribution of anti-government leaflets and charged with disinformation.
The coalition said his trial was "marked by numerous procedural flaws as well as violations of fair trial provisions in Cambodian and international law".
Secret titanium mine threatens Cambodia's most untouched forest
Cardamom Mountain Range waterfall popular with ecotourists. Photo courtesy of the Wildlife Alliance.Three men assaulted at Thai market
Cheang Sokha
The Phnom Penh Post
THREE Cambodian men were assaulted at a market in Thailand after a confrontation with market security guards, Cambodian officials said.
Dy Phen, chief of the Cambodia-Thailand Border Relations Office in Banteay Meanchey province’s Poipet town, said the incident occurred on Saturday near Rong Cleur market in Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province, a few kilometres from the border with Cambodia.
Six security guards from the market attacked the Cambodian men and beat them unconscious following an argument, Dy Phen said.
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