Published by the Cabinet of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo —————— MP of Kandal Prime Minister

Issue 148 http://www.cnv.org.kh June, 2010

24 June 2010 (Unofficial Translation of Selected Comments) 21 June 2010 (Unofficial Translation of Selected Comments) Inaugurating ’s First Overpass at Kbal Thnol Closing Cambodian Veterans Association General Assembly

I have the prepared text here but that HE Madame Men Sam An, because my eyes have a prob- Permanent Deputy Prime Min- lem I suggest that I will go adlib ister, has just reported that two and the text should be included important works have been dealt into the proceedings of the Gen- with – 1) reform of the CVA eral Assembly. Today I have a statute and 2) electing additional great pleasure to join with our members of the central commit- senior officials in closing the tee and the permanent commit- General Assembly of the Na- tee. It is equally important that tionwide Representatives (of the the General Assembly has re- Cambodian Veterans Associa- viewed the work done in the last tion - CVA) and I would like to three years 2008-2010, while convey my appreciation to lead- setting new tasks and targets for ers and member participants of the next period. 24 June 2010 — Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen the General Association for their Inaugurates the First-ever-built Overpass at Kbal Thnol with the hard works in the last two days (Continued on page 3) Phnom Penh dwellers (Courtesy of Kampuchea Thmei)

… My wife and I are so happy Penh’s income for its develop- 09 June 2010 (Unofficial Translation of Selected Comments) today to be with our people who ment, visited and proposed the Norton University’s Graduation and Diploma Presentation have taken time to participate in idea to me at my residence at putting into official use the first Takhmao. We may have seen … It is indeed a great pleasure some four-hectare land. I am sure ever built overpass of the King- already that along with the devel- that after meeting all of you on this will be a major material base dom of . I would like opment of Koh Pich we have a June 30 last year, today, June 09, for long-term and sustainable to take this solemn occasion to new bridge Monivong Thmei, I have a chance to meet once training of human resources. express my sincere appreciation after which a remaining sum of again the rector, leaders and pro- for the Municipality of Phnom money has been used to build fessors of the Norton University. I would like to take this oppor- Penh as well as other sectors this overpass. Now we have Last week some of the guests tune moment to express my involved, the construction com- secured a sum of money that will who were present at the gradua- sincere appreciation to the Nor- pany of Oknha Pong Khieu Se be used to build the second over- tion of the Royal School of Ad- ton University as well as its man- also included, for the efforts they pass at the Pet Lok Sang ministration might be recalled agement and professors for mak- made in realizing this proud and (Hospital Lok Sang) intersection. that I had presented an important ing their efforts in human re- historic result. As I could recall, a topic about sickness of being source training, which as of now year ago, and as the Governor of On behalf of the Royal Govern- main actor. I would like to thank some 8,413 students are taking Phnom Penh, HE Kep Chuk- ment of Cambodia and my wife, rector of the Norton University up their studies. In the process of tema, as is mentioned in his re- I wish to express our great pleas- for giving me the honor of being making progress and develop- port just now, the construction of ure with this historic architecture present in the presentation of ment, our country is noted to the overpass at Kbal Thnol and construction after our diploma to 1,179 graduates. have a high percentage of people started at the time that we put into achievements of a new of young age. High figure of official use the new Monivong Monivong Bridge and a new I could recall that in 1997 I was students taking up studies in Bridge at Kbal Thnol with an aim detour to connect the city to the present in the inauguration of the universities prove this. It is in that to relieve traffic congestion. National Road 1. The problem University of Norton and after 13 sense that I give my appreciation we aimed to resolve with these years today according to the to the participation by the private Also truly reported, HE Kep projects is the everyday traffic rector’s report a lot of progress sector in human resource train- Chuktema, in his style of making congestion, especially at the time has been achieved. I am so ing, together with efforts pro- use of the Capital of Phnom of festivity. Now that they are in happy to have noticed realistic vided by the state. place, overpass, bridge and de- development concerning the In This Issue tour, we hope that the traffic flow University, which, started from Human resources who have got being a faculty and hired building later works at national or interna- Phnom Penh First Overpass — P 1 will be better. I hope that drivers Cambodian Veterans — P 1 will exercise care and vigilance for its operation, has now had its tional institutions could be of Norton Graduation — P 1 (Continued on page 2) own building of five stories on (Continued on page 4)

Mailing Box: Cambodia New Vision (CNV), P.O. Box 158, Phnom Penh, Cambodia; e-mail: [email protected]; Tel: 855-23 219898; Fax: 855-23 360666/219869 Cambodia New Vision—Issue 148 June 2010

(Continued from page 1) any means of transport they may have the money to do so in the downturn, in Phnom Penh we while driving here that they find, no matter if their conditions future. They are good places for still received a large number of would not run into its columns. were up to the standard or not, kids as daycare centers or play- tourists. Aside from that up to now our people have had to re- grounds. four million Cambodians from My message here today for our view their transport means condi- provinces come to Phnom Penh people in the whole country is tion before going into traffic. These achievements have been every year during the water festi- that the first Cambodian ever Take food for instance, after the possible because of our common val. built overpass has now been liberation on January 7, 1979, efforts and I would urge once completed and put into use offi- everyone would find anything again that every one abide by the Having said all this, I see that it is cially on June 24, 2010 in be- edible just to quench one’s hun- traffic rules, as I noticed that high important to recall a few points in tween the birthday anniversary of ger. While before people tried to traffic accidents happen in the negotiation for political solu- our Heroic Queen Mother and gain weight, the trend has now Phnom Penh especially. When tion to the Cambodian problem. the anniversary of the foundation reversed because of the risk to everyone respects traffic rules, In my capacity as the Prime Min- of the Cambodian People’s Party. confront with obesity related which for motorcycle commut- ister of the State of Cambodia Maybe I should take this oppor- illnesses – high blood pressure, ers should include also putting on and with the strategy defined and tune moment to recall some of diabetes, and stroke. helmets, etc. we may avoid lethal obligated by the Cambodian the background information in incident, we may also prevent People’s Party, two key points relation to my involvements in Situation in recent years has traffic accident from happening. I have been guaranteed – events that contribute to the lib- changed as officials of trade and may appeal to commuters and/or preventing the return of the geno- eration of Cambodia in 1979 health departments have taken drivers of all transport means to cide of Pol Pot, and defending together with Samdech Chea actions to control foodstuff that value own lives because acci- national achievements that have Sim, Samdech Heng Samrin and are on sale throughout the coun- dence could either be lethal, li- been attained with hardships. I other leaders of the Cambodian try with an aim to guarantee food able to prison and/or fined. So we may share a story with all of our People’s Party. safety for our people. Presently, all should try and make Phnom people. In Tokyo, maybe HE the Ministries of Agriculture, Penh a disciplined traffic flow Ieng Moly, who was then with Try close our eyes and imagine Forestry and Fisheries, of Trade city. the faction of Son San, could of the day when we first entered and of Health have taken food have remembered, some factions Phnom Penh at the day of libera- safety measures for our people, Secondly I would urge our peo- demanded elimination of exist- tion. The city spectacle at the time which I think we should also ple to jointly practice hygiene as ing contracts with existing invest- would appear in our sight and we include that among changes we we are in the period of advertis- ment companies. could never imagine Phnom have had achieved in the last 31 ing our country with three lead Penh of today that has changed years. While anyone would just terms – Clean City, Beautiful Later in a meeting with then tremendously. At the time catch and eat just any living Site and Excellent Service. The British Ambassador, I told him Phnom Penh was liberated, there thing, now more people are eat- Governor of Phnom Penh alone about this demand for the aboli- were no people and for those ing in restaurants for better taste. could not achieve this goal but it tion of investment contracts with who returned from countryside We have in Phnom Penh up to will surely be attainable with a stress on what would happen to and sought for jobs, they would 277 restaurants, 135 hotels and participation of all of our people. confidence among investors, and not dare live in the house that 232 guesthouses. It would be meaningful and help- especially in light of the fact that they were offered. In the period ful for our people to place wastes the British Enterprise Oil com- from 1979 through to 1981, we I am also happy to see that parks in designated areas or bins. Hy- pany successfully bid for explo- could recall of a situation there have been redeveloped or im- giene is very important as foreign ration of oil in Cambodia, would being what was called taxi bicy- proved and our people have gone tourists would give this their first you agree if the contract is to be cle, and there were no motor taxi out there for exercise. Though I impression. I am sure if we could terminated, after the company or cab. What has happened so far could not do that myself I would do that, altogether we would be already paid my Government? to the city after the liberation urge our people to benefit from proving to the world of our civili- Then I invited the Japanese com- brought us to a situation beyond the fact that parks have been zation as a nation. panies and asked the same ques- expectation because of improve- improved for walking and exer- tion and told them my option to ments, whereby increasing num- cise. We have replaced laterite- I thank the Phnom Penh Munici- eliminate the contracts and pre- ber of transport means beyond covered accesses in the parks pality for taking and implement- pare for bidding again. Having traffic projection and existing with floor tiles, which would ing to the full my recommenda- learned of this fact, political fac- roads prove this fact. allow our people to exercise even tion for asphalting, bitumenning tions concerned withdrew their after raining as dirt would not be and/or concreting roads accord- positions. You may agree with It is in this development that the sticking to their feet anymore. It ing to the fifty-fifty formula, i.e. me that on foundation that was Royal Government has the duty is in the same intention of achiev- half of the cost covered by peo- built by the State of Cambodia, to oversee the solution, while the ing a better quality of life that I ple living along the road, while development of the country has Phnom Penh municipality is in have instructed HE Kep Chuk- another half of the cost would be been able to move fast especially fact in charge of taking the initia- tema to look into other issues covered by the state. I hope the in time that we have achieved tive to bring into sight concrete such as maintaining all kinder- Municipalityity of Phnom Penh full peace. action to improve traffic flow and gartens and healthcare centers. will take further actions to go on related rules. Unlike the time We may not have money to with this until we achieve our Also today, besides putting into when we were just liberated, redevelop or improve them now, goal. While tourism was hit by official use of the overpass at when everyone could just use but if we keep them, we will financial crisis and economic (Continued on page 3)

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(Continued from page 2) ister of Economy and Finance, (Continued from page 1) the Cambodian Veterans Asso- Kbal Thnol, I would also share yesterday went into signing cere- I would like to take this oppor- ciation and I hope they will with you information that yester- mony with JICA right after the tune moment to express my make efforts and contributions day, the Japanese Government signing ceremony at the Ministry greeting and appreciation for for solving problems and chal- decided to offer Cambodia a 131 of Foreign Affairs, after which efforts by concerned persons lenges of the Association. I wish million dollars and a two- bidding would be underway in and bodies to achieve so much to take this opportunity to give kilometer Bridge at Neak Loeng, Tokyo, while construction would progress in the last three years. my high evaluation to all efforts on the national road 1 from follow thereof. It has been regret- Thanks to a well-prepared involved, including also those of Phnom Penh to the border with table that a parliamentarian has mechanism at the national and veterans themselves in the past Vietnam. According to the Japa- said in firm belief that the Japa- sub-national levels, CVA has three years, especially impact of nese Ambassador, the bridge nese would not offer assistance made notably speedy progress. world financial crisis and eco- would be ready by 2015. How- for the construction of the said The organization of CVA has nomic downturn in the last ever, according to my calculation bridge. What would the person been the result of congresses years. They have been making it should be ready by late 2014. say now as it has turned out that from sub-national to national personal efforts resolving own The bridge feasibility study needs what s/he said is not true? Is it too levels and today we are in what difficulties. According to the to be thorough because it has to much that the person could be we call the nationwide represen- report by HE Ith Sam Heng, answer to the need for traffic noted for lying and discrediting tatives Extraordinary Congress, Minister for Social Affairs, Vet- underneath by ships from-to the Japanese Government who by which CVA elected new erans and Youth Rehabilitation, Vietnam and Phnom Penh. has promised to build the bridge members to its relevant commit- we have in all over 90,000 veter- years already? tees. Despite the fact that CVA ans of all uniforms who have As of the moment of speaking, is indeed a non-governmental been on the Royal Govern- major connections across rivers With the bridge in place, we will organization it also enjoys a ment’s rations/pensions list with in the country have been be able to connect Phnom Penh partnering status with the Royal some 260,000 dependants, all of achieved – the Cambodian- to Svay Rieng, Prey Veng and Government, whereas officials which requires a sum of over 6.4 Chinese Friendship Bridge at other provinces to the east and with senior positions in the Gov- billion Riles a month. In addi- Steong Treng’s Se San river, the northeast. It also is a part of the ernment have also taken up the tion to that they also benefit Kizuna bridge at the Mekong ASEAN highway and helps positions in this cooperation too. from a twenty per cent pay rise River’s Tonle Bet point in Kom- integrate the economies in its role annually is applied to incumbent pong Cham, the Cambodian- as a corridor in the Great Me- I thank all concerned, organizers officials. Chinese Friendship bridge at kong Sub-region that connects and members, in the whole Preak Tamak, and downstream Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand Congress for their supports for However, we still have chal- of the Mekong, the Neak Loeng and others together. All the my position as President of the lenges to face and cope with and Bridge that is to be built with the above happened in the morning, Cambodian Veterans Associa- I have some recommendations Japanese assistance. Along the whereas in the evening we re- tion and now I know that when I to make so that further efforts Tonle Basac River, at Takhmao, ceived at the Sihanoukville prov- retired I may have to take up a could be made. This is not solely we have already the Bridge of ince 257 military vehicles, in- job – President of the Cambo- for the Ministry of Social Af- Monivong, old and new ones, cluding also the platforms for dian Veterans Association with fairs, Veterans and Youth Reha- and there will be another one at tank delivery, from China. We other jobs like writing, etc. and I bilitation, but all relevant institu- Takhmao together with 20 kilo- are not prepared for war with am sure my books will sell well tions have to take actions in meter connecting road to the anyone but they are necessary for because they will carry many crosschecking issues of selling- National Road 1 to be built with our defense capability. never-before revealed stories. I buying and/or mortgaging ra- the Chinese money. Along the wish to express my sincere tions and/or pensions (provided) river of Tonle Sap, we already Yesterday we have encouraging thanks and appreciation for the by (the Royal Government’s) have the Cambodian-Japanese news from the United States of confidence expressed in my policy for the veterans. I would Friednship Jroy Janva Bridge at America that Chhun Yasith, leadership. I wish to have your like to take this opportunity to Phnom Penh and another one chieftain of the so called CFF attention on one fact only that appeal to all who have pur- will be built adjacent to it. Further (Cambodian Freedom Fighter) success or failure would not chased identities (regime log- upstream we have the bridge at has been sentenced to life impris- depend entirely on person in the books) from disabled veterans to Prek Pnov that is under construc- onment. This has proved that the presidency alone but our com- return them out of charity, either tion by the company of Oknha United States of America recog- mon efforts, ranging from mem- for free or for a reasonable price. Lyong Phat and the Cambodian- nizes the fact that what Chhun bers to leaders. I have learned of this situation Chinese Friendship Bridge at Yasith did in Cambodia is a from a veteran and the Ministry Prek Kadam. terrorist act. Some members of Let me welcome the newly of Social Affairs, Veterans and the Sam Rainsy Pary have also elected members and leaders of Youth Rehabilitation have con- That is not all. We are seeking been involved in that too. Every firmed this to me too. fund to help build a bridge to time he meets me, HE Sam connect between Stoeng Treng Rainsy seeks amnesty for them. be member of a political party by During a short break in Siha- and Preah Vihear provinces and How does he explain it? The US its Party leader? And he always noukville last year, I happened also visionary study is underway Government considers Chhun seeks for amnesty to be pro- to meet with Chan Aun, a dis- to foresee as to where bridge Yasith - the chieftain of CFF – a vided? I am not seeking any able veteran, and in this case, the could be built. HE Keat Chhon, terrorist. So you may think how political gain in bringing this up. I real one is alive but the fake one Deputy Prime Minister and Min- come a terrorist was accepted to have proofs ...◙ (Continued on page 6)

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(Continued from page 1) to students with promising capa- world challenges such as climate with that of our partners’. This is Cambodian pride. I have priori- bility ranking between number change that requires a proper what I call we have to reciprocate tized our policy on human re- one and three in all generations. study and adaptation to the envi- in kind to friends who come to source training that is based on This should be seen as a contri- ronment. help us. I wish to note here that challenging capacity, which to bution to help with relieving when I mention about some me competition not only exists in hardships of poor students. Let Last week the Cabinet in its 1,100 million US dollars, all we the field of trade but also in hu- me take this opportunity to give meeting discussed a sub-decree could see is the figure. Those man resource capability too. I just my congratulations to the Uni- in relation to bio-safety that I who doubt may have to ap- gave my speech at the World versity that it has been marked to have instructed concerned au- proach relevant embassies in Economic Forum (held in Ho provide the best education on thorities not to go to either ex- Phnom Penh as their questions to Chi Minh City, the Socialist Re- information technology in the treme left or right. When they the Government would not be public of Vietnam) on Cambo- Kingdom of Cambodia. take a precautionary stand, the responded. dia’s effort in strengthening its measure would go all the way to competing capability, and institu- I would like to take this time to preventing inflow of seeds, but Take for instance they may ask tional capacity is vital in respond- express my sincere thanks to when they let it loose, influx of the Japanese embassy as Japan ing to this challenge. students who excelled in their seed would be allowed freely. gave the most among donors to studies in this University. Human We also have not made experi- Cambodia. We do not get hold It is our pride that more of its resource development is different ment as far as food safety is con- of the money as the money has nationals have taken up positions from human life saving as blood cerned for our people. For in- been given according to pre- and jobs in various regional and transfusion could be performed stance, some seeds have been selected projects. In certain cases, international institutions, such as from one person to another, tested and verified by other coun- projects have undergone bidding the Asian Development Bank, while knowledge and know-how tries’ standard to be giving a high process in donor countries too. It and various others, where more have had to be provided by pro- output but whether consumption is in this pattern that questions Cambodians are working. This is fessors and achieved only by of those products would cause relating to corruption, if any, a realistic sign of human resource students’ own efforts. It is in this any consequence has had to be should be asked to foreigners and training objective. I would like to knowledge that I wish to give my studied. Climate change has not to Cambodians. What we did covey also my appreciation for appreciation to all graduates who indeed caused so many disas- was witnessing the groundbreak- the effort for making an invest- have finally achieved their objec- trous effects. Some seeds have ing and inauguration of achieve- ment on new premises possible tives in becoming intellectuals for had to be developed to be resil- ments. on the other side of the river of the sake of families, communities ient to climate condition that is Tonle Sap. It is true that traffic and country. higher in temperature and also One should not ask the Govern- would be an issue but the Royal lacking of water. Climate change ment as to where the money has Government is working it out to I also take this solemn occasion is indeed a challenge. This gone for this might prove one is build a new bridge at Jroy Jangva to thank parents and/or sponsors proves that we have to keep on unintelligent. I would be shamed along with the existing Cambo- who have made efforts together studying and it should not be an that being leaders either of politi- dian-Japanese Friendship Bridge, with their sons and daughters end on the day we graduated. cal parties or non-governmental with the fund provided by China until they successfully finished organizations, yet they have no so as to cater to the need for traf- their studies. However, as this You may have learned about this knowledge of how the money is fic volume that is growing every- stage of study comes to an end, meeting of Cooperation Forum being used. I would feel ashamed day. one should not completely aban- for the Development of Cambo- for the opposition party because don studying. Study has no end- dia in which I gave a keynote we all are Cambodians. They are As of now some countries could ing. No one in this world hap- address. Cambodia’s develop- so naïve as to say that why the not give a proper evaluation of pens to know all and everything. ment partners have agreed to a Royal Government does not get the Cambodian situation and The world is facing numerous financing of some 1,097 million the money given to distribute offered to help us build roads challenges whereby both leaders dollars for 2010 and close to among the people, like elderly with a 6 or 7 meter wide stan- and people at large have to un- three billion US dollars for three- people, as per diem for purchas- dard. It clearly proves that they derstand their evolutions and year project, though some coun- ing their side meals. Well, they had no idea how far Cambodia respond to. tries could not declare their con- could not fool the people as peo- has gone. As of now, according tributions for 2011 and 2012 at ple have failed them by their to current development level, Knowledge and know-how have this stage at all. As far as this votes. Cambodia would benefit from at had no ending. Things evolve by point is concerned, in the Cabi- least nine-meter wide and eleven- the hour and changes in regional net’s meeting, I have shared it We have noted faithful accep- meter wide roads, while in addi- and world politics are also in- through the VDO link with pro- tance among out partners and this tion to that we now also have had cluded. It is required that we have vincial leaders as well as the is not because this time we have to build overpasses. to keep abreast of tension in the armed forces, and urged them to had a bigger amount of money Korean peninsula, internal issues speed up reform process. than previously at all. In 2009 we In relation to human resource of countries in the region, the have some nine hundred million training, the University has of- Gaza incident between Israel and Our friends have placed their US dollars. What I wanted to say fered some 150 scholarships so the Palestinians, the oil leakage in trust in and supported us and it is is that though there is financial that I could give them to students the United States of America, our duty to fulfill the task not for crisis and economic downturn from poor families. The Univer- missile shield in Poland, etc. In the sake of satisfying someone’s the Cambodian development sity also offers 50% scholarships addition to that we also have criteria but for our people in line (Continued on page 5)

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(Continued from page 4) an issue for one political party or per annum has been a difficult However, as far as order is con- partners have indeed increased Government but there requires target to achieve. We have over- cerned, I would urge you all for their commitment from some efforts from all sectors of society, used the budget earmarked for an understanding and to refrain nine hundred million to over one especially the role of private personnel and decided to trim the from placing your items on sale billion dollars. What should be sector. priority package and bonus so as in the pavements or feeder roads highlighted here is work result. It to strengthen the salary system. causing traffic congestion of should be noted that the develop- In my address to the World Eco- travelers and also to pay atten- ment partners and the Cambo- nomic Forum I mentioned above What we need to do here is to tion to hygienic issue too. Both dian side have had similar appre- it is true that the state withdraws take up responsibility in guaran- sellers and customers have to ciation and understanding of from a certain areas but that does teeing management of macro- take collaborative measures in challenges for Cambodia. We not mean the state abandons all. economics and political stability keeping our city clean as it would have come to a point that there is In certain areas the state has to while driving economic growth be a good thing for all. The com- a need for harmonization be- keep its necessary intervention and speeding up reforms. I used pany in charge of fee collection tween Cambodia and its develop- especially in post-crisis period or to say and I am still saying it out for public order is Rath “Sen” ment partners and among part- at the time of a fragile upturn. loud that with reforms, it is 99% Sopheap and I was surprised to ners themselves. With the state budget alone we that we will survive, and without see the word “Sen” in there as could not respond to demand for reforms, only 1% would be the this would lead to a misunder- As mentioned earlier, while we growth. Therefore the private rate for survival. standing that the company has get help from friends, it is indeed sector has been encouraged to something to do with me. important for us to help ourselves help in driving for growth. Let’s As of today the Football World and we should do the best we can all learn the Greek’s experience Cup is approaching and I beg our As far as I know Rat Sopheap is that result would not put our in which the country is nearly people not to go into betting. As the name of the company owner friends in a difficult situation for broke. we have now closed down Cam- but the company is named with the decision they made on behalf boSix a betting company I would an inclusion of “Sen” there. of their tax-payers. We need to Putting the Greek’s experience in urge local authorities to observe From now on the Ministry of work out on this and move for- picture, I would warn people this regulation. I have chosen the Economy and Finance and re- ward. I have brought with me a about making promises. Take period between June 18, the lated sectors must be proactive topic here on ten disequilibria that HE Hatoyama, former Prime celebration of Samdech Preah and take appropriate measures. need to be addressed in the Cam- Minister of Japan, he finally Reaj Akka Mohesei Norodom They should not wait for Hun bodian context to share with you accepted that his promise could Monineath Sihanouk’s birthday Sen to have a say on all issues. I all. In my book “Ten Years of not be fulfilled and he had to anniversary and the Cambodian want the whole mechanism to Cambodia’s March,” written in resign in relation to the issue of People’s Party anniversary on function all at once without hav- 1988 and published in 1989, I the US base in Okinawa. Some June 28 for the inauguration of ing to wait for order all the time. mentioned about four disequilib- people in Cambodia recently the first overpass. I also have It has been annoying that every- ria only – Demand versus supply, make reckless promise that if s/ instructed the Governor of one seems to have attached Income versus expenses, Import he is going to be elected, s/he will Phnom Penh to pool the remain- “recommendation of Samdech versus export and Money versus get back the Kampuchea Kraom ing sum to build another one at Prime Minister” to their actions. I goods. The number of imbal- (the lower part of Cambodia, the Pet Lok Sangh intersection. am quite concerned with this. ances has gradually increased to which is currently a part of Viet- We have rule and law and it is six, to eight and to ten lately. nam). They have gone this far. I need to take this moment to your competent authority recog- Among them, as of early part of What if they could not fulfill it? thank HE Kep Chuktema of nized by law to enact them. All I the third term legislature of the In the map that he deposits at the Phnom Penh Municipalityity and want is institutions abide by and Royal Government, a new one is United Nations, Samdech Preah HE Uk Rabun of the Ministry of implement law and sub-decree in imbalance between need for Norodom Sihanouk, the King Economy and Finance on issue relation to institutional organic socio-economic development Father, does not include the part of collecting daily permission establishment. and limited human resources. of territory into Cambodian sov- fees for keeping order. In the ereignty. Also not included are Reasmey Kampuchea newspa- There was a reportage on Bayon In the last five years, this sort of provinces of Surin, Borei Riem, per I found the article TV about a sub-national level imbalance has shrunk gradually Sisaket, Ubun, etc. which are “Investment for Order Keeping authority who said “in accor- thanks to increasingly effective currently parts of Thailand. is a Fireball.” I did not know it dance with the recommendation efforts in strengthening institu- has brought about so compli- of Samdech Techo (Hun Sen) to tional capacity and training of Therefore I would warn people cated issue. I apologize to our remove people’s homes …” in a human resources. As far as im- making promises to be careful. people, especially though ven- case involving illegal infiltration port versus export is concerned, it As far as topic of salary incre- dors in the markets or elsewhere and settlement in a protected should be noted that there are ment is concerned and also cam- for the concerns they have with forest. It was the sub-national certain countries with which we paigned by the oppositions, I regard to this fee collection sys- level responsibility to look after have increased our exports to a must say no one would want to tem. I faithfully make an apology the forest. However, you left the volume bigger than importing do so more than I because this in my capacity as the top respon- protected forest infiltrated and from them and some are on re- would alleviate hardships among sible in the Royal Government. encroached upon. In that circum- versal trend. It is in this sense that our civil servants. The question The issue has been resolved now stance you resorted to “Techo’s we have to keep on pushing for a here is where we get the money and this will not happen again. recommendation.” This proves foreign trade balance. This is not from. Increasing salary of 20% (Continued on page 8)

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(Continued from page 3) and roads are built. Before long, instructed provincial authorities still a small peaceful island. If is dead. The story is when his those areas, former battlefields, to set targets and land for giving the country did not suffer that ill- wife fell ill he was forced to sell will be sources of new eco- them out to veterans and dis- fate and the Head of State Sam- out his regime logbook for a nomic growth. This is our vision abled veterans. Take for instance dech Preah Norodom Sihanouk, million Riel in 1997-98 to a – to transform battlefields into it would be irrelevant to give a the Heroic King-Father, was in person, who could use the book development sites. Aside from plot of land up in the hill be- control, for the period of forty for just two years before he died. the national road to Pailin, we cause their disabilities would not years, starting March 18 and the In light of this Chan Aun has will soon have another road to allow them to be able to work present moment, Cambodia, to been taken to have died, while from Thmor Kol (of Battam- on it. They should be provided my understanding, would not the regime in his logbook re- bang province) to Komrieng, with land that is suitable for have been in this state. mains for his two children. Hav- Phnom Proeuk, etc. and there cultivation and accessibility to ing learned of this situation, I will be another road from road, healthcare service and It is important to look straight have bought the logbook back Banteay Meanjei to Pailin also. schooling for children. Any- into the problem and its origin. for him and ordered for Chan We will soon have a better infra- where we build villages for Who was the cause of so many Aun to be reinstated in the list of structural setup and I say it soldiers we also build them atrocities and killings? When veterans and entitled to the re- would be impossible for Cam- schools and health clinics too. one refers to Cambodian issue, I gime again and to a piece of land bodia to integrate itself with would recommend they look at and house at the Taken-Koh Sla neighboring countries when it is At the same time I would like to the whole picture as segmenting Handicap Soldiers Development not well integrated internally. make an appeal to authorities in it would be incomprehensive. Zone. districts and municipalityities to Some people are afraid to talk It would not suffice to fulfill verify, in their areas of judicial about January 79 when they all With this in mind I ask for fur- only two elements – political administration, the number of were walking barefoot. One has ther crosschecks to be made and and administrative - in the proc- veterans with a more specified to have historical perception in understandings from our people ess of integration. The policy of and detailed indicators as to making evaluation of situation. in better off position who have speeding up development of what percentage of the figure The three elements of historical, bought the regime logbook to infrastructure in the post war era verified is defined to be poor so dialectical and logic concepts kindly return them out of charity to serve national unity must be a that a target of assistance could could not be separated. They are or at a reasonably recovering priority and fulfilled to the full. be proposed. Because of the fact three in one. To analyze it fur- price to their rightful and entitled The areas are no longer war but that we have 24 provinces/ ther, if we leave the country as a holders. I think I could make a development zones. In so far we municipalityities, if two families peaceful island that is making contribution for the efforts to have built homes for families of could be verified and helped per daily progress, though some purchase them back. However, I soldiers to the north of the coun- annum, we could be addressing people could have been unsatis- warn against any actions by our try and the project has in fact difficulties for 48 families too. In factory, all of us could have disabled veterans to sell their been expanded from the prov- the same manner, because we gone to school. logbooks in the knowledge that ince of Preah Vihear to Uddar have up to some 190 and 200 they would be purchased and Meanjei and on. With our better districts, with two families each, The March-18 coup that over- then given back to them. That resources, we will need to pick we could make a calculative threw then lawful head of state would not be allowed. It is an up more speed to fulfill this task. improvement of their living and brought about disastrous estimate of about two or three I would ascertain that giving conditions. As far as those in war is a true fact in the Cambo- percents of the case in point and land as social concession to need are concerned here, let me dian history. Some people (who some 1.5% of the people would soldiers and their families clarify, no discrimination against took powers before) had been so have the ability to return the should go ahead according to anyone for his/her political past irresponsible that we have had to books for free, whereas an- and within the work plan of or affiliation will be allowed. pay back their debts they bor- other .5% are seeking a return 2010-2013. All provinces and rowed for bombs to drop on favor. In my capacity as the municipalityities must system- Assistance will be provided Cambodians. To whom do we President of CVA, a token price atically oversee the works, while equally across the board. We bring this responsibility upon? could be set to buy them back making efforts to resolve land have to ask question as to why Some dare not mention this. and return them to their true issues with relevant institutions we have so much disabled veter- Before Cambodia is reaching holders, who could make their such as the Ministries of Rural ans. Why do we have so many this state of being, how many lives better together with land to Development, of Agriculture, soldiers? Trace it backward, if it factional controls had it been be provided as social concession Forestry and Fisheries, of Land were not because of the March- under? Starting in 1970, Cam- to them. Management, Urbanization and 18 coup against then Head of bodia was under two controls – Construction, to be referral with State Samdech Preah Norodom the National Liberation Front on The Ministry of Rural Develop- the Ministries of National De- Sihanouk by the Lon Nol, Sirik one side and the Lon Nol re- ment under the leadership of HE fense, of Interior, and of Social Matak, Cheng Heng and In gime on the other. Between Minister is mak- Affairs, Veterans and Youth Tam clique, the war could not 1975 and 1979, though Pol Pot ing efforts in carrying out inte- Rehabilitation. have happened. Indeed the war ruled the country with genocide, gration and development to broke out in Vietnam, whereas they could not afford to have north and to north-west of the Who among them need to be Cambodia did indeed suffer the one nation under their rule, be- country – Preah Vihear and the given out land? It should not be impacts from the US bombard- cause otherwise there would not border areas, Banteal Meanjei, understood and interpreted that ments along our border areas. be any resistance forces. Be- Mealay, Pailin, where houses all need to be given land. I have The country could have been (Continued on page 7)

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(Continued from page 6) to bring down the number of comments because I have to most important factor. It is my tween 1979 and 1993, Cambo- soldiers. We have demobilized elaborate as to why Cambodia wish that veterans without land dia was under four different rules some 17,000 soldiers already has so many veterans and some will have got land for cultivation – and between 1993 and 1998, but more money is needed to do updates on our plan to reduce and as legacies for generations Cambodia again came to the more. I used to say that in time soldiers, but in the face of for- of their children. It is in this in- state of two different rules. of war asking someone for eign aggression now, I would tention that I have decided to money for war purpose is easier not give it a go yet. I just wanted move disabled veterans from Therefore, we have here veter- than seeking someone’s help in to clarify to you all that we used Kien Svay (where there is no ans of so many factions and time of peace in order to demo- to ask them for further demobili- land for giving out to them) to uniforms, take for instance after bilize soldiers. I have seen what zation of soldiers but they de- Taken Koh Sla. But we also 1979, we have had four different HE Serei Kosal had said in an nied giving us money for that so have other veterans for whom kinds of veterans – those from interview on what happened on we have to keep them. We do we build them villages along the former State of Cambodia, De- July 5-6, 1997 but the interview not have to station them at the border, which I have see as a mocratic Kampuchea, Khmer would not be aired as I have border with Vietnam or Laos, so policy for achieving social labor People’s Liberation Front, and instructed. As a live witness, HE we could make full use of our redistribution in combination FUNCINPEC. Therefore, when Serei Kosal clarified about how forces. Again, I have clarified between national socio- all of you go solving the prob- the Khmer Rouge forces had already that I am not prepared economic development and lem in your duty, no matter from been mobilized to station in for war with anyone or country defense purpose. which side they are, you have to Samdech Pan building and Fun- and I seek solution by peaceful think of them as someone that cinpec headquarters. The matter means. I do not want a war to I would like to give my con- are sharing same flesh and is over now though. If there is a happen. gratulations to those 37 veterans blood. The win-win policy has need for interview with HE who have been presented with brought about peace and we all Serei Kosal, he may do so for Because of modern telecommu- gold medal of honor along with are united forces and not being another one or two hours in nication means, we now could a house that costs between three marked to be different by color detail on what was the plan. He see live or almost real time and five thousand dollars for (or political inclination) any- is a live witness, while some (the broadcast of what happened in each of them. For those 24 vet- more. There is only one Khmer culprits) accused me of being countries at war like Iraq and erans to receive silver medals nation. We are governed by one the coup maker. Afghanistan. It has been so along with a package tour that unified rule, King, Constitution, grisly and shocking. Let’s imag- costs around 1000 US dollars, I Royal Government and armed They fought us and upon our ine how shocking it was to see would suggest that the Congress forces, though we have, in a retaliation, they shouted out loud people carrying children into offers them in cash and let them democratic electoral process, we conducted a coup. It seems trenches and at our young age decide what to do with the more political parties. the brief fight brought about a we had to help people put out money. lasting stability, though. I have fire from bombardments on Cambodia then faced so many gone through 105 fights in bat- their homes. We know full well Today is also the third anniver- challenges. Integration from all tlefield before being promoted the taste and frightfulness of sary of the Cambodian Veterans political lines brought me a com- to the rank of commander. This war. It is in this sense that I Day. Thirty three years ago at parison to a pot that we used to is not a big figure tough because would reiterate that whatever this hour I was leaving a kitchen cook rice for one person, and we some of my soldiers have en- you do or say, war-making must section and left my rifle there. I then had to serve four with the gaged in more battles/fights than not be an option because it has have told that on the night of same amount of rice. Except the I have. In the five-year war be- been hard to get this far. We all June 20, I left at around two am, State of Cambodia, other politi- tween 1970 and 1975, in aver- are now sitting together now. June 21, 1977 to be exact, and cal forces did not have regular age, soldiers of my ranks went Again, in this application, to crossed into Vietnam at the flow of income. They all had to to some twenty fights per year, perform duty in relation to veter- border point between Tonle get paid in Phnom Penh on the whereas soldiers under com- ans and disabled soldiers, no Cham and Prek Jiv. I had to stop basis of the State of Cambodia’s mand went for fight at the rate of political pasts should be a bar- for poor visibility from fog and infrastructural base. The UN one week per month, which rier, as they were not the ones to lack of information as to where envoy then came to see me at made their fight records more have brought about war and could be the Vietnamese mili- my residence at Vimean Ekareaj than mine. I sent a message differences. We all are war vic- tary outposts. I asked my col- (the Independence Monumnet) through a diplomat in Phnom tims but we all should take the leagues to take a rest at a termite and proposed me to slash some Penh that before this generation pride of being the ones that put it mount. We started our journey 30% of Government officials. I of commanders retires, any to an end and make it a peaceful again at night following a map told him I agreed in principle but military attempts should not be nation again. that was read by flash of light- we could not afford to allow cut put to a test. They did not take it ning. into the number of teachers and and tested our resolves. They There has been a contribution physicians, but their number failed but their ambition forced from the United Nations but Upon my return in 1977, I hap- need to go up instead. And the them to make an attempt on my upon its departure, Cambodia is pened to collect a circulation that way to trim the figure down is life again in Siemreap province. left with a state of having two was ordering for my arrest under by not recruiting new ones in They should not think their se- control areas and Governments. the signature of Mr. Soth, who lieu of retirees. cret is not known. Now we have come together happened to be regional secre- and united where the challenge tary and head of the military. We have done the same in effort Well, this has come into my of making a better living is the (Continued on page 8)

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(Continued from page 7) offered me the position of Presi- used other terms like “sorry for (Continued from page 5) That made me think leaving for dent of CVA because I was a being unable to meet with the the mechanism does not func- Vietnam was the correct deci- real soldier. In Vietnam, we Prime Minister,” or “hope to see tion. That I have taken matter sion to make. I had attempted to were questioned at the village of him next time,” and even more into my own hand in some in- wage a revolt against the Khmer Hoa Lu Lieu, and then at Lok polite “hope his health is getting stances is because it has been Rouge but later abandoned it Ninh, and then Song Be before better soon”. necessary. because I felt it would be a dead- they decided to believe us. Here end to rise against the local in front of us is General Ba I would base on this reason to It has taken us a long time to get Khmer Rouge leader at that Kung, who has been soldier consider how often I should this far and so many attempts on time. I was summoned to a who fought against the French, meet with this envoy. As usual, I my life have been made known. meeting and the commander the Americans and Polpotists on met the envoy three times a The last attempt was at Siemreap then named Den was there. I the Cambodian soil. Here also year. In fact whenever he comes province on my way to see HM was told to report the number of are HE Meas Huon, Meas Kroj I have to meet him. But now it the King Samdech Preah Noro- soldiers I had. I had at that time and Ngo Minh who are my seems there has not been a re- dom Sihanouk. It is not a simple 1,776 soldiers after some had three assistants. There were two spect. So my message is that (1) matter as we have gone through been transferred to other military younger soldiers at that time – I am sorry that you have used so many hardships. This has units. I was forced to write a Sao Sokha, who was then 16, the term “disappointed” and a brought us a pride that we have letter to summon four others - and Tjoeun Sovantha, 17, and more polite term should be used reunited the country not for a Gen. Nhek Huon was one of who were responsible in provid- in respect for person in sickness, short period of time but for a long them. There was a sentence I ing me with protection. Mr. Keo (2) please do not try to push the time to come. I was asked in a wrote in the letter that they did Samuon was my secretary. door open when the door is meeting with the French Prime not seem to have taken notice of already open or to tell me it is Minister about the Khmer Rouge and it was “please come see me Someone has claimed on radio raining when in fact I am in the and its ideology and I told him before reporting yourselves.” I to be my commander. Maybe rain. I mean whatever you think the fallout is on both organization could understand they had inten- HE General Nhek Huon may of thinking, I am thinking on it a and ideology. tion to catch us five altogether. have listened to it. He said that I, hundred or a thousand times senior brother Heng Samrin and more than you do. In this world I have two concerns in fact as we I then ordered my soldiers to get senior brother Chea Sim were no one loves a nation than its implemented the win-win policy. rice out and prepare for cooking. his soldiers. No one was higher own nationals. No one loves My first concern was whether or I had a plan in mind that if ever in command than me and here Khmer than Khmer, (3) you not there would be revenge. It there needed for a fight, let it be we have all the witnesses – both need to look at the whole forest does not happen and it so proves so. If it was possible to avoid Vietnamese and Cambodian. in combination with every sin- that the win-win policy has in confrontation, and if one group How could the person claim gle tree. fact united us thanks also to the (of soldiers) were to disagree himself to be father of Decem- fact that our country embraces with me, I would have had an- ber 2 and January 7? I was de- I also would like to send a mes- Buddhism that revenge is not in other group to join me. I took a tained for twenty two days with sage to those inside and outside our belief to resolve problem … rest and wrote a letter to my wife no handcuff on. the country about what could be and I could still remember two called a “no-shadow organiza- My second concern was if the lines that go “once you are read- Also I would like to take today’s tion.” I thank people who hold remnant forces disagreed. I could ing my letter, I am at a very far forum to send a message to Mr. my picture to show support for recall this fact that after gaining place that I also do not know Surya P. Subedi, the UN special the policy on land issue and independence in 1953, in villages where I am or could be,” and “I Rapporteur on human rights in brought me information in rela- where I lived (Kompong Cham) must say goodbye for when I Cambodia, relating to my notifi- tion to that. But how could the there were armed groups and were to return is not known.” A cation of ill health (that I could no-shadow organization organ- robberies. They did not join any soldier of Stieng ethnic group not meet him). He said in a press ized action that coincided with particular group but became delivered the letter to my wife at conference that he was the bringing in representatives armed robbers. But it is a suc- hand. He is still alive. He does “disappointed” (that I did not from all 24 provinces? Is it the cessful story that the former not ask to be made important see him) which to me is mean- will of the people or is there a Khmer Rouge forces decided to person at all. I helped build him ing differently to “being sorry,” push by any no-shadow organi- return to the fold of our nation a house. Let’s think if the soldier which I think the term he used zation. altogether ... was not faithful and brought the conveys disrespect for the host news to the Khmer Rouge or- party, and no less, the disrespect I also must assure Mr. Subedi There was an armed clash inci- ganization, my wife could have for a leader of an independent that this is not the reason why I dent at Tropeang Prasat district been killed before anyone knew and sovereign nation. This is could not see him as in fact I between the Cambodian and it. also a disrespect shown to the learned about this from CTN Thai forces ... It was noted to be people of Cambodia who have TV after I made my decision an incident and still impossible to After the liberation, I returned voted for the Cambodian Peo- only. So I would stress again verify and not a conflict that from Vietnam and reunited with ple’s Party to have a majority in that we are good partners and I could spill into general border my wife and child. My son the parliament, which in return could not accept the term you war. It could have been a misun- called me uncle for about two elected Hun Sen as the Prime used. I did not avoid meeting derstanding and both sides are in months. This is my life and it is Minister. I hope he will correct with you, but it was because of contact to figure it out ...◙ not too much that you have the term he used. He could have my poor health ...◙

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