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

Issue 180 | February 2013 | http://www.cnv.org.kh Preah Sihamoni Raja Buddhist University Recommendations at Interior’s Review Meeting (14 February 2013 — Unofficial Translation, Selected Impromptu Comments) (22 February 2013 — Unofficial Translation, Selected Extempore Comments) cally as well as exporting rose- … On behalf of the Royal wood. We need to contact Government of , I countries that are export desti- would suggest following pol- nations of rosewood to stop icy recommendations in rela- buying it. Rosewood process- tion to the competency of the ing also has to cease or log- Ministry of Interior: ging of rosewood would ram- End of Local Use and Export page to other countries as well. of Rosewood Yesterday I already signed the Deputy Prime Minister and circular. It has gone into press Minister of Interior HE Sar already. Everyone has to abide Kheng drafted a circular for by the instructions. As long as my signature in relation to the there are people who use the issue of illegal logging. Our wood, there will be people who 14 February 2013 — Samdech Techo Hun Sen is warmly welcomed by country has to stop using lo- senior Buddhist followers at the inauguration of the Preah Sihamoni Raja (Continued on page 8) Buddhist University (Kampuchea Thmey) CPP Gets Their 2013 Elec- my speech short anyway. Just Kirirom-III Hydropower Inauguration tions Candidates List Ready now Samdech (Budshist Patri- (23 February 2013 — Unofficial Translation, Selected Impromptu Comments) archs) wished me to gain suc- Revered Samdech Preah Moha which is ten months as of cess on the July 8, 2013. They The 18-MW Hydropower Rajadhibadei and today. We also have to did not say directly what it Kirirom-III Samdech Preah Abhiserei So- reschedule the inaugural day would be but I understand kuntheadhibadei Bour Kry, I am so happy to be here to twice, once from the what they mean. This after- and all Buddhist monks, I am witness the official operation company’s request and another noon I will lead the meeting on so pleased to come today to of the Kirirom-III Hydropower from February 21 to 23 as I the compilation of the list of put into official use the build- Station of 18 MW in the had to accompany the Queen the CPP’s members of the ings of the Preah Sihamoni district of Sre Ambel, Koh Mother and HM the King to National Assembly-to-be as Raja Buddhist University (PSR Kong province. This is the have medical checkup in the Samdech could not -BU) with all of you. I had a achievement, as was reminded People’s Republic of China. be present. Maybe other politi- high fever last night and could by HE Suy Sem, Minister of We then rescheduled it to cal parties are doing the same. not sleep well because of the Industry, Enregy and Mines, today which is falling on a The CPP will draw a list of coughing. As I am speaking that is responding to the weekend day. I also have a candidates for the coming gen- now, I sense that my body inauguration of the Kirirom-I family duty as well today as eral elections. temperature is around 39 de- Hydropower Station since there is a wedding party of a grees celsius. I would seek Buddhist and Secular Har- May 1, 2002. At the time, nephew. However, this event your understanding if my talk mony – Key for Virtue, seeing he fact that we have cannot be rescheduled any today could not go smoothly. Moral and Morale water potential here – which more and there are more Anyway, I have made it a try. only runs off to sea and limited relatives who can be present at As far as the construction is As my wife is also in similar use for rice cultivation, I the wedding on my behalf too. concerned, I have a great health state, she cannot make it proposed to the CEITEC pleasure to have learnt the de- I am asking our participants today as planned. compnay to extend their here for their understanding tail from the report of Samdech feasinbility study in order to I may cancel some of tomor- Preah Abhiserei Sokuntheadhi- see if we could put into place (Continued on page 2) row’s program as I have al- badei in relations to the effort. I the Kirirom-III hydropower ready made an appointment agree in full to the construction station. with doctor. As for this after- of those necessary buildings In This Issue noon, I may have to keep the here in the PSR-BU. I may In fact the Kirirom-III  PSR‐BU Inauguration, P‐1 program on since it is also very recall that when I was here to hydropower was put into trial  Interior Review Meeting, P‐1  important matter. I will keep (Continued on page 5) operation since April 2012, Kirirom‐III Hydropower, P‐1

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 180 | February 2013

(Continued from page 1) on and on. All these are generation of electricity. Based years. Let me affirm that our that we have to organize the somewhat provisional as our on investment potential – investment policy is those who inaugural ceremony today that objective efforts are to increase capitalwise and come in first are to be served is your weekend break. further production and install technologywise, most of them first. In fact the Chinese However I am sure some of more transmission lines – both are from the People’s Republic companies have been quite you might have planned it that main stations and substations - of China. In some countries, resolute in taking and after the ceremony will head to to the most parts of the country they built the hydropower implementing their investment Preah Sihanoukville for the so as to reach out to the station themselves but they projects. beach or Kompong Speu or people’s demand in every purchased equipments from Three Favorable Factors Phnom Penh golf courses. family. the PRC, which produces the in China’s Investments most materials and Electricity Price BOT Form of Investment equipments used in Take for instance this area has Varies with Oil Prices in Electricity Generation hydropower stations. Some been mined. According to the Today we have one more Later from Tatai hydropower people could have said why do report of HE Keat Chhon, we achievement to cedlebrate as station, we will be able to get we only have investment from have spent a sum of 1,366,475 far as hydropower is electric supply of another 120 China. I would take this USD to liberate a size of concerned. We have electric MW and in 2014, 338 MW opportune moment to declare 6,885,300 square meters. The power conneted and transfered from the hydropower station of that the Cambodian policy vis Chinese company has taken up from the Kirirom-III to Russei Jrum Kraom and 246 a vis investment is “first come the challenge to conduct their Kirirom-I and on to Phnom MW from Atai hydropower first serve.” That is our first studies for the hydropower Penh. As is presented in the station. Also in 2013, we also criteria defined in our stations of Kirirom-I and report by Minister of Industry, are hoping to generate investment policy. It would not Kirirom-III while other Energy and Mines, HE Suy electricity of 100 MW from be a matter at all whether one companies had abandoned Sem, our need for electricity is coal and more in later stage. is investor coming from Japan, them. So one of the three even bigger but starting from We are alo planning to US or any country at all. critical points of the Chinese 2013 throught to 2015, we will generate more hydroelectric investment in Cambodia is to Another element in our policy put more electric and power from Jiey Areng and take up the country’s is that we do not differentiate hydropower stations into also electricity from coal as challenges and resolute in so from so or give so and so operation. While waiting for well. Along with this we also adjusting their investment more priority. Everyone is to them, we are still facing need to invest in putting up projects in accordance with have equal chance. As I said, shortage of power supply. transmission line to channel their Government’s directions we are exercising “the first the power to where it needs to and in line with the recipient Taking this into consideration, come, first serve” policy. Some supply. country’s demand and certain areas in the country are people may argue that they objective. facing with high prices for the Invested in transmission lines would wait till after the general electricity supplied by private are private companies and elections. Cambodia has no The second point is that China companies who produce diesel those credited from partners, choice but to give the chance has both trechnology and -run electric power egeration. People’s Republic of China to those who would not have to various equipments/materials This is the case for mostly also included. For what is done wait. Those who neglict made in the country. In so far areas that the state electric to get the electric generation investment opportunity for the as we know, in the world, there transmission lines have yot here, we are applying BOT general election should not has not yet any country that come to them yet. As the module of investment where blame Chinese investors who builds and operates any electic production by private after thirty years of operation, did it on the contrary. They hydropower dam bigger than companies depend solely on the facility will owned and may raise an issue that so and the PRC. According to some diesel for their generation of operated by the state. We apply so company now is small. of the studies, the PRC stands electricity and the price of fuel similar model in other Why don’t you wait for a number one followed by fluctuates in the international hydroelectric investment much bigger companies that Brazilia and Paraguay, markets. It is noted that the projects with the difference will come after the elections. Venezuella, Canada and the price of electricity goes up noted on the length of US. It is not Cambodia that As we are hungry now, we when the price of fuel has gone operation periods – some 35 or invest in many hydropower would not wiat for the big fish. up, but it does not go back 40 years. When that time stations. It is those countries We would eat any fish that down when the price of fuel comes, we on this podium that do but they do not seem to comes by. I must put it this in comes down. I urge the would not be around or I may have problem with the simple term. Not only Electricite du Cambodge take another birth for two years environment. While in the case companies coming from (Electricity of Cambodia) to already. The ones that of Cambodia, there has always different countries, those review this situation. operation period last thrity been complaint on possible coming from the same country years, I might be around. environmental impacts. We could understand that also compete that the one that those companies still use the First Come First Served come before them are smaller As for the third factor that fuel they bought and stored Investment Policy and they are bigger companies. allows the PRC to make better from the time when the price What can we do when that investment decision is while We still need to continue to was high. However, their company came see us once other countries hesitated in attract more investments in stocks from then should not go and never shows up in three (Continued on page 3)

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(Continued from page 2) Coal-Run Electricity from Kiririom-III and 12 MW will take its place, and further putting money elsewhere for Generation Compensates from Kirirom-I. The away car battery, from which the financial crisis and Hydropower Loss in Dry hydropower is the most people depend for their TVs economic downturn, those Season resilient source of electricity and lighting up. Not many companies from the PRC did that are not subjected to houses use kerosene lamp and/ According to this report not lose their momentum at all. fluctuation of oil prices. This or candle anymore. provided by HE Keo Ratanak, They either use their own amount has not been adequate head of Electricity of As our country is in peace, we capital in funding their to current demand. In the rainy Cambodia, looking at some of now have to light up the cities, investment projects or those seaon, the Kiriron-III operated the figures about who produces rural towns, ect. Elder people from the China’s state banks. in full of 18 MW but in dry hydropower the most, might remember that we used Within the framework of season it has reduced to 9 MW Cambodia is not high on the torch and tree sap in the old ASEAN-China relations where only and for only six hours. list. The People’s Republic of day to give light. In 1960s, there has always been the The power from Komjai China’s hydropower anyone with a kerosene lamp participations of Chinese station has also lowered from production has accounted for would be like the one with Premier HE Wen Jiabao, I 193 MW to only 60 MW. This 171,000 MW looking at the generator now. In a village of noted that he always declares has called on production of figure disposed in 2009. For 200 houses, there might be ten that the PRC reserves ten electricity from other sources, the same period, Brazilia and houses or so with such lamps. billion USD per annum for mainly coal. Paraguay produced 14,000 With light they are the place investments, a part of which to MW. Venezuela – a country In the dry season we hope to where peple gathered together. be used by private sectors, in bestowed with oil treasure, produce more power from coal As you can see that the win- ASEAN countries. built a hydropower station that -run station to compensate for win policy has culminated in We have done the best we can generates 10,200 MW or 64% the loss of power generated by various imporatnt stages of to attract the investments both of the energy produced from hydropower stations untill we development. For instance, state and private from the all sources. Canada produces will have fuller capacity aside from higher demand for declared ten billion USD. I just 75,000 MW for own operation of the hydropower in electricity, the numbers of do not want to reveal it here consumption and sale to the rainy season. Take for instance vehicles and motorbikes have but some companies, not from US. The US used hydropower this 18-MW hydropower also made a high jump. China, who have chose to dams for both energy and station, if we were to use it Maybe this is again because of come invest in Cambodia have irrigation. Among them, in fully, because of limited size of the leadership. That is why we sought capital loans from the 2010, some 2,540 dams are water sources, full capacity asked in the past if we are World Bank, IFC, ADB, etc. made for generating and could run for about one making efforts or not? We said Some have even asked for the supplying 10,000 MW months before the water yes we were. And why did we Royal Government’s electricity to 8,000,000 depletes. So we have not other not have this situation? It was assurance latter to back up households, replacing fuel choice but to generate extra because of wrong policy that their loan requests. If that is burning of up to 5,000,000 power supply from coal-run the country was always at war what that needs to be done, we barrels. technology. That is why I and people had to live and eat told them, why don’t we ask make it clear in the beginning If the US also has hydropower collectively, hard-labored day for loan and do it ourselves. that production of electricity is stations, where do they use the and night, and nothing more That is easier. still a main concoern. water for? Some people like to than rice porridge to consume. Well to stress again for those use the US as their reference or Peace Makes Electricity a That was because of wrong who came around saying why support argument, while the Great Demand policy. As no we can see thare are only investment from US do not even know about it. because of correct policy, Some may say it is so because (the People’s Republic of) They beg to be the US passive starting from 1979 everyone Hun Sen has ended the war China. While other do not supporters while the US do not were in their black suits, and that many areas where before come and the ones from China even know it. As I said in the most with bare feet. 1996 were in no demand of do, that is what happens. Many general elections in 2008, it electricity have now sprawled Incorrect policies brounght showed up and disappeared. was lucky that the US passive up in development at the about war, killing, destruction, When they showed up they supporters did not win the implementation of the win-win lack of demand for electricity always told us of their huge elections – as many of them policy that pacifies all and electricity itself. Now we capital – billion USD. backed up their promises with conflicted zones. Peace has do not have enough. It is However, they never were the US assistance – or the US brought about unexpected because of peace that we need serious. Real investors in would have to spend a lot of development and now we are more electricity. Without peace Cambodia are talking of tens money so that those parties in a state that everywhere no one would build home and or hundreds of million. It has could keep their promises with demands electricity. In the need electricity. The been our exoperience to have the voters. older days, 1960s, 1970s and Cambodian People’s Party and heard those non-serious As of now we have put into even 1980s, most of the houses I would take up the investors come talking to us in operation the hydropower used kerosene, tree saps, torch, responsibility if those of you billions. It was hard to believe stations that generate over 200 fish oil to ligght up. As of now, who possess the motorcycles as some after telling us of their MW – 193 MW from Komjai if the transmission line is not and/or motorcars would argue billions capital, they borrow us hydropower station, 18 MW there, the smaller generator money for their travel. (Continued on page 4)

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(Continued from page 3) ment, we have conducted ne- tricity to lower than that ap- ple’s Republic of China has that they are now worse off gotiations and secured ap- proved by the National Assem- urged the Chinese companies because they have cars and proval from the National As- bly? Do they wish to ignore and investors to direct their motorcycles. sembly. Do they want to de- the state responsibility from investments to Cambodia. That clare themselves as neo-Pol now? They apparently apply a has responded entirely to our No Heavy Industries Pot or what? To bring the price policy to rip from the rich to wish. We do not want more along the Coast of electricity to 500 Riel per give to the poor and that is why loans but investments. Let us figure out how many KWH is like to violate the I say the neo- has come We could not afford to avoid cars travel from Phnom Penh standing agreement. Aside to haunt us in the 21 century. I borrowing money from China to Preah Sihanoukville now. from this, no country in the do not make it a political as many countries, including At this time, tourists already world could secure the price of preach, but only to remind you. those in Europe, also are beg- are enjoying the sea. There was electricity at 500 Riel per They say our people are get- ging for loans for paying their a question to me and I directed KWH. Is this not deceiving? ting poorer but why our peo- staffs. Cambodia is in need for it to HE Mok Mareth, Minister They claim that they would ple’s electricity demand jumps loan for speeding up its eco- for Environment. It was the bring the price of gasoline up and we need to make more nomic growth. Does not it request of the Council for the down to 1,000 Riel per liter. investments. sound different? While urging Development of Cambodia. I How could they while coun- A Visit to China in April their investors to come invest instructed we would not allow tries like Saudi Arabia, Ku- in Cambodia, we know that the heavy industries – such as oil wait, Venezuela, etc. – oil rich- I thank the CEITEC Interna- Chinese state is securing capi- refinery, steel industry, etc. to est countries in the world - tional for implementing this tal for them. On this note, for stand at the Preah Sihanouk- could not bring their prices of challenging project success- all projects in Cambodia, not ville, Kep and Kompot prov- oil this low. These politicians fully and placing the station even a single project that fails inces, as these industries would have made themselves cheat- into official operation today. I to meet its deadline. They are cause pollution to the whole ers. also thank for the assistance even finishing them before beach. That is why I deny a provided by the Embassy of Talking about the sovereign deadlines too. They can request to set up an oil refinery the People’s Republic of China debt, as of today, we are still in achieve this because they have at Prek Toal. to Cambodia. I also depend on burden of paying back the debt sufficient capital. Moreover, the Embassy to channel our In one of my visits to China, incurred from the past, those the Bank of China is backing thanks to the government of then Premier Zhu Rongji was hundred millions that the Lon them up. All of this has pro- the People’s Republic of China seeking my advice on a steel Nol regime owes to the US moted the Chinese-Cambodian that is always providing sup- mill in Stoeng Hao. I then ad- also included. There was to relations to a new stage. port in urging private invest- vised him to let interested com- development from that money ments to Cambodia. I make it In my visit to the People’s pany to go to Koh Kong to at all. How could they help grateful to the Ambassador HE Republic of China in 2010 and work with HE Lyon Phat as boost agriculture or anything Pan Guangxie for his effort on the returning visit of President we have decided to keep the else since Lon Nol controlled all this. We have more con- Hu Jintao in 2012 and then southeastern beach of Cambo- only the cities? We do not struction sites to preside to- Premier Wen Jiabao again also dia as our rising star for the know in what they owe but gether in this year and coming in 2012, the two sides agree to country as far as tourism is perhaps in purchasing bombs years. raise their bilateral relations to concerned. This year we have that they dropped over Cambo- the state of comprehensive 2,580,000 tourists with roughly dian people’s heads. When the As of present, the People’s strategic partnership. If all goes 2,200 million USD incomes. President of the United States Republic of China offers Cam- according to plan, I will con- We cannot afford to lose this was here I propose to him that bodia its tax favor where the duct a visit in April 2013 to the income from tourism. Please he abolish certain amount of point is we need to invest in People’s Republic of China to think about it. It is in this envi- the debt whereas we will try to any goods that are deemed meet with the new Chinese ronmental concern that we do either pay back the rest at con- demanded by China, while our leaders, who are taking over not wish to have more fuel-run cessional interest rate or trans- Chinese friends also have the leaderships from HE Hu Jintao factories anymore. However, fer the it to development aid. chance to send in their inves- and HE Wen Jiabao in March. we cannot avoid coal but it has They have not yet agreed to tors to produce goods and ex- We will then bring new inputs to be a clean one for environ- our proposal as of this time. port them to China. You may to the comprehensive strategic ment too. need to be reminded that the This is the sovereign state. partnership with our Chinese Chinese market is huge – Deceitful Neo-Polpotists Even though (it was a debt friends. We will speed up co- 1,300 million people. Take for and Sovereign Debt Issue incurred) by an illegal govern- operation in economics, trade, instance the province of ment that overthrew Samdech investment and other areas, I have noticed that now some Guangxi of about 47 million Preah and especially tourism as the num- people have spread their leaf- people has a much bigger pro- brought Cambodia into the ber of tourists coming from lets (with regard to the price of duction than Cambodia. We flame of war, where numerous China has now stood at num- electricity). They said in their have also secured three favor- people died of US bombard- ber three on top of the list. leaflets that the electricity has able conditions for their inves- ments, we still accept our re- to be at 500 Riel per KWH. I tors - the loan, grant and con- Last Year of Rectangular sponsibility to pay it back. asked from where they will get cessionary loan from China. Strategy Phase-II How could these people prom- the electricity. In every invest- Lately, the State of the Peo- ise to bring the price of elec- (Continued on page 7)

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(Continued from page 1) PSR-BU Helped in Land spend time in the field helping is because we will have the celebrate the birthday anniver- Measuring and Titling our people with their land next elections soon and there sary for Samdech Preah Ab- measuring and titling, I am will be this busy time for the In other word, human resource hiserei Sokuntheadhibadei, sure they could have failed to formation of the Royal Gov- development could be there was a request made to me fulfill some of the tasks ernment. If I were to give you achieved not only from secular as far as this construction pro- obliged by the University. I am a chunk of money at a time, it university but also from Bud- ject was concerned. The con- sure they would find your as- could be a daunting task if you dhist universities as well. struction was at the time 15% sistance helpful. need money and I would have While learning the Buddhist done, and I was of the opinion no money then. teachings in the Buddhist Uni- More Assistances Offered that since this Buddhist Uni- versity, students also learning I would take this opportune versity bears the King’s name, Samdech Preah Abhiserei al- other subjects that are inclusive moment to devote the achieve- I could not ignore the pace of ready mentioned that the costs in the curriculum of the univer- ments made possible by our construction at all. I was so of construction is 488,417 sity in the secular world as collaboration, this hall and the happy to accept the request and USD, and 15% of which, or well. We would say that those PSR-BU altogether, for the was of great pleasure to help 72,000 USD, Samdech has who go through the Buddhist soul of of Preah Borom Rata- finish the construction as a shared. I covered the rest. As I University have one extra sub- nak Kaod, whom we said final token of gratitude and respect clarified earlier, I must find the ject to acquire in addition to goodbye about two weeks ago, to HM the King as well as to way to help finish the construc- other subject and that is the for HM the King and the Samdech Preah . tion as it is attaching to the Buddhist teaching. As for this Queen Mother and the two name of HM the King as well According to the report by University, even the computers Buddhist Patriarchs. I have a as to the on-going efforts of Samdech Preah Abhiserei, it is that Samdech Preah Abhiserei strong hope that if there will be Samdech Preah Abhiserei. clearly visible that there is in- has requested, I also have them truly the next world I would Leaving the project to depend separable human resource de- brought here today. want to be the pagoda boy solely on money raised from velopment relation between again. By the way, this is the first religious activities would take the Buddhist and secular donation and if there is more in the construction a long time to Thanks for Institutions worlds. As long as the secular demand, please let me know be ready. It was on that note Involved in the Cremation world is making progress, the because I am no stranger to that I am willing to cover the Buddhist world is too. In recip- Now I would address a few this. I used to live the pagoda rest 85% or 416,917 USD for rocation, the Buddhist world issues in relation to the royal boy life too. I know the peo- the project. also helps in people’s educa- funeral (of Samdech Preah ple’s need very well. In the tion to perform good deed and There was also a request letter Borom Ratanak Kaod). On pagoda, though not all comes when people are holding on to from Samdech Preah Ab- behalf of the Royal Govern- to spend time in the pagoda are good deed, it will make the hiserei for 50 computers, 5 ment and my own, my wife poor as some of the rich people state management easier too. If printers, 5 photocopiers and 20 and I would express our sin- come to pagoda for their mer- people perform sinful actions, LCD projectors, which has cere thanks to HM the King as its, the majority of them living the state would have tremen- total costs of 48,800 USD. I well as the Queen Mother for there – only men - are from dous difficulties in its manage- already approved the request. their heartfelt letters, which poorer families. I am so grate- ment in society. I see the com- There is no use of having a you already have heard, to me ful that Samdech Preah Ab- plimentarily indispensable role building without the teaching thanking the organization of hiserei allows 25 students from of the Buddhist and secular and studying tools. However, I the whole event. Their Majes- the PSR-BU to participate in worlds. have noted one thing that we ties also expressed in those the land measuring and titling should not repeat it next time. letters their thanks to all institu- Look, under Pol Pot’s time, the mission in accordance with Look you have younger people tions involved. regime was fierce as there was existing policy. I would take sitting on this side, which is in then only secular and no Bud- this opportune moment to ex- I am so proud of the work that shady condition, while elder dhist or religious world. There press my sincere appreciation we have done altogether – the people have to sit in the sun. was no morale education but to their heroic efforts in the National Assembly, the Sen- People whose task is to arrange killing. For us now we have missions. Some of them have ate, the Royal Government, the seats should be more con- Buddhist teachings, which are already returned and some are other legislative and executive siderate in their work. serving as law to measure hu- continuing their good works. institutions, the judicial institu- man actions as far as merit or Also today, Samdech re- tions, the armed forces and the I would like to take this oppor- sinful actions are concerned. quested for a hall of 24 meters Buddhist monks in the whole tune moment to seek under- Combining the twos – Bud- by 24 meters with the total Kingdom of Cambodia also standing from the University dhist and secular worlds, there costs of 150,000 USD. I ap- included. What we have done that some of those youth- is a great contribution to the prove the request. I have is indeed giving an honorable student volunteers who have management of the society and brought the money here for rank to the King Father in his returned from the mission and in the building up of virtue, you and you may work it out final departure. The works that have to have extra study on moral and morale, which are to keep it safe for the construc- we have done to pay respect as some subjects. I am grateful important parts of people’s tion. Thieves would not distin- his grateful children have gone that the teachers involved have development and progress. guish monks from parishion- through smoothly and in disci- been so kind to help them. I ers. The reason I am bringing pline. Twenty-Five Students from am sure because they have the money for you right away (Continued on page 6)

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thing went on smoothly. I There has been some opinion Queen Mother, for the neces- (Continued from page 5) would say that if we did not brought forward that Preah sity to clarify and reveal in the We could as well consider it as have Samdech Kong Sam Ol, Borom Ratanak Kaod’s will presences of the two Buddhist Cambodia’s luck. It is a mira- we would face an impossible was to keep his body lie in patriarchs about the miracles cle that from the day he passed task to handle. I have brought state for just a short time. As during the pyre lighting at the away to the final cremation, that to the attention of HM the far as this matter is concerned, cremation time. nothing of misfortunate nature King and the Queen Mother, I would remind that Deputy happened. It was truly the mi- How does the story go? First, while Samdech Krom Preah Prime Minister HE Tia Banh raculous power of Samdech people are pondering why it (Norodom Ranaridh) also was with me in Beijing and he Preah Borom Ratanak Kaod took too much time for the made this remark. could be a reference. Tracing for Cambodia. I really believe cremation to happen, why did back a bit, on the day that the in this miracle. I would like to Water and Soil from Kulen the artillery salute and the fire- King Father passed away, 15 take this moment to express Mountain, Cambodia’s work were not on as the cler- October 2012, we issued no my deep thanks on behalf of Honor and Gratefulness gymen already gave a signal. circulation. The King Father’s the Royal Government of What took it so long? I am sure I wish to clarify on something. will was not to keep his body Cambodia to the Buddhist some of the people present on I would like to inform you for too long since that would monks in the whole Kingdom, this forum also did not know again that the water used to cost more for the state budget. the armed forces as well as the what happened. According to extinguish the pyre fire and to I then proposed that we could sub-national level authority plan, everything happened at wash the remains brought in not afford to be too common and the people inside and out- once altogether – lighting the from Kulen Mountain, an af- on this because the event side the country for their par- pyre, the Buddhist monks give fluent tradition that we must would involve the country’s ticipations in saying the final their sermons, the clergymen hold on tightly to. We had to honor and reflect gratefulness goodbye to Preah Borom Rata- give their sound signals, the organize water-asking cere- to the great favor HM did for nak Kaod. fireworks around the cremato- mony at the Mountain of Ku- the country. rium light up and the artillery I would also thank the different len and bring the water to I suggested that the body of the salutes start. However, as was commissions involved, the Phnom Penh. We also brought King Father should lie in state witnessed by the two Buddhist deployment of the over ten soil from Kulen Mountain too at least three months. You may patriarchs, it took us about thousands armed forces and for placing underneath the notice that in our first circular, fifteen minutes later to be able the live broadcast by all TV coffin for cremation. That is it states the body of the King to fire the artillery salutes. stations and radios. I am so the story. In addition to that, Father will lie in state not less What was the story? proud of our nation. In the we also have a meaningful than three months. After mak- whole mourning periods, they procession. As Deputy Head in As I am talking about this ing necessary calculations in- put on only two songs – (1) stand-by of the funeral organi- again I have a pilomotor reflex volved, the construction of the Goodbye Cambodia, com- zation commission and Sam- as it is indeed a great miracle crematorium had only over posed and sung by the former dech Kong Sam Ol as perma- that I am sure was born out of two months – starting from King Father and (2) Blood of nent Deputy Head, we have the great power of the former November 7 to do the job. The Gratitude, written by me. They statues of many kinds of ani- King Father. It was our plan to construction was underway put off all commercial adver- mal, selected for their mean- finish up before 6 pm. At ten days and nights until we had tisements, music, concerts, etc. ings. In the older day, human minutes to six, after the flower the crematorium in place. We labor pulled those animal stat- laying period was over, HM The Royal Palace Minister now leave the crematorium as ues but we used vehicle to the King, the Queen Mother Plays Key Role it is so that our people can carry them along with the pro- and those involved had to go come to visit but we also will I would like to take this mo- cession. up to the pyre deck of the cre- have to discuss when to re- ment to express my deep matorium. The technicians Everything has happened and move it before the Khmer New thanks to Samdech Kong Sam then moved the coffin at which worked in tandem. Despites Year comes. Ol, Deputy Prime Minister and time the head-side lied to the the exaggeration run in the Minister of the Royal Palace, Pyre Lighted Five Times west to lie to the east so that press, Deputy Prime Minister for his indispensable organiza- the lighting would start at six HE Keat Chhon has set aside Everything went perfectly tional skills to help me with in o’clock sharp. As we had to the required amount for the well. However, there has been putting the events in order. remove the cloth that covered need of the preparation of the rumor on the cremation day Take for instance we were the face, we had to cover up event. I told Samdech Krom with regard to some scene peo- quite concerned about the fu- one of the camera. The issue Preah that even if the cost ple saw on TV screen. The neral procession where the here is why it took longer than would be ten times more (the rumor goes from street to coffin would be moved on and expected for the artillery sa- Royal Government) would still street, one coffee table to an- off the carriage. We were wor- lutes to start. I should now have to make it happen in other, etc. The press has also ried that while doing so, the reveal to you that it took us gratitude and respect to the written about it. It is in this coffin might not be in stabi- five times to light up the pyre great works for the nation by development that I have the lized position. before it finally got on. It was Samdech Preah Borom Rata- need to clarify what happened truly a miracle. With the skill of Samdech nak Kaod and for the country’s or the story will go without Kong Sam Ol and direct lead- honor too. We could not afford end. I am begging their par- However, according to my ership from me, the whole to be too common. dons – HM the King and the (Continued on page 7)

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(Continued from page 6) poured alcohol from top to In short, there was great mira- me “Samdech do not make observation, from the start, bottom of the pyre lighter. cle from the merit of HM the any mistakes.” I would have to Preah Borom Ratanak Kaod Their Buddhist patriarchs were King Father at that night. beg for forgiveness in one would not “move” if it was not there at the time. The light other incident about artillery It was beyond anyone’s inter- the time. While we move the went up but fell off soon after salutes. There was a protocol pretation. Though I was in tear coffin out of the palace, there to extinguishing. HM the King that first we had to wait until and Samdech Krom Preah too, was a time that I noticed and and the Queen Mother then the Queen Mother and HM the I heard it loud and clear. I said said to Samdech Kong Sam Ol moved to the southern side of King leave the place and sec- to the Queen Mother that the why the soul banner holder the coffin standing facing north ond they had to wait for my King Father did not want to were marching on while the and invited the two Buddhist carriage to leave the place to. leave his children and the funeral procession did not patriarchs to light up the pyre However, as the funeral pro- Queen Mother responded: move yet. The fact I noticed with my help. It was even be- cession had gone on and the “HM waited for Samdech this is because I had come fore we torch the pyre, the light coffin carriage went farer, Prime Minister (to light up the across this once with HE Chea again went off. One may inter- though my carriage was right pyre).” It was true and the Sophara when it was my later pret this according to one’s there near the artillery team, I Buddhist patriarchs here could mother’s case. As the coffin belief and judgment but to me ordered the salutes while the have heard it too that evening. arrived before the time set by it is a miracle. Queen Mother and HM the The Queen Mother then said the funeral Feng Shui man, the King were close by. I have the For the fifth time, I begged there does not seem to hear the electricity was off and came necessity to get that done and forgiveness from Preah Borom artillery salutes. I then gave a back only at the time set. I do cannot follow the plan. Ratanak Kaod and said that I sign for the salutes. Again, this not compare my late mother’s have no other choice. HM the is the truth. I wish that there In another instance, we could case to that of the King Father. King and the Queen Mother would be no more baseless not hold the funeral procession I just want you to see the mira- were also this time at the foot interpretation. No matter to start only after the preaching cle. side to the north and the two whom you would ask you completed for we had more The King-Father’s Buddhist patriarchs were at the would get the same story. I do preaching along the procession Miraculous Power foot side to the left, where I not know why I became the or we would not get to the was also standing. I then one in the end to be able to get crematorium in time. That was I may as well go into detail so lighted the pyre from Preah the pyre on fire. why after the monks finished that you could easily under- Borom Ratanak Kaod left foot their sermon, the clergymen stand. As the covering cloth I was not to be the one, and the side or the southern side of the had to do their ritual all along removed, I was standing right first to do so. I did not know pyre. The lighting went into the departed procession ... ◙ at the foot side alone. The what I did in the past life that flame. Anyone may interpret Queen Mother, HM the King in this life I have always been what you see and hear. Finally, stood on the southern side of at the side of HM the King I was the one to get the pyre on (Continued from page 4) the coffin facing north while Father to then end. On 14 No- to the end. I bring this up to I also thank and appreciate the the Buddhist patriarchs stood vember 1991, I accompanied end the rumor and interpreta- efforts made by the Ministry of on the northern side of the cof- the King Father from Beijing tion that went along accusing Industry, Energy and Mines, fin facing south. Samdech to the Royal Palace and finally those in charge of technologi- the Ministry of Economy and Krom Preah then joined me I was the one that organized cal set up, lack of coordination Finance as well as the Electric- later at the foot side. Samdech the funeral and lighted up the between artillery salutes and ity of Cambodia, the local au- Kong Sam Ol handed me the pyre. It was also my first time the religious rituals, etc. thority of the Koh Kong prov- candle with long handle that I to pick the remains from cre- ince’s Sre Ambel district and had to present it to HM the HM the King and the Queen mated body – whether it is the armed forces, the demining King. Mother said to Preah Borom from the Royal families or team included. Those who Ratanak Kaod that Their Maj- simple citizen. When my I knell down presenting him demined this area are not from esties only followed his will. grandmother died, I was a with the candle. Both HM the CMAC or Engineering teams The two did not seem be able monk. So I did not have King and the Queen Mother of the Ministry of National to light the pyre. In response to chance to pick her remains. As lighted the candle from the Defense. They are trained de- their gestures, to my analogy, for the grandparents on my “sun ray lighter.” The Buddhist miners of the centre for demin- the soul of Preah Borom Rata- mother’s side, I was busy visit- patriarchs then gave their ser- ing in preparation for missions nak Kaod prevented the light- ing India. They died one after mon while the royal clergymen in foreign countries, like Sudan ing up. As for the parts that the other in just one week. I am gave their sound signals and and Lebanon. involved the two Buddhist now inherited continued de- the candle lighted for about patriarchs and me, and then I fense of the throne and HM the We have more works to do two centimeters. For some finally did it alone, it is open King. while we are achieving so reason nobody knew, the can- for anyone’s interpretation. If I much. This is also the last year dle was off. Begging Pardons for have missed any points, the for us to implement the Rec- Shortcomings For the second time, the candle two Buddhist patriarchs may tangular Strategy Phase-II burned about three centimeters, want to give more in detail. I am begging for forgiveness where we have to make further but it was off again. It was a There were many people pre- for all of my actions from HM efforts to promote 7% eco- miracle. It was clearer as the sent at the time that I think this the King and the Queen nomic growth as we already third time had come. We incident would not be a secret. Mother. Their Majesties said to did 7.3% for last year...◙

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(Continued from page 1) cede to the provinces Banteay Meanjei. So, let me tion means from today on will supply them. Rosewood suppli- of Battambang, Siemreap and remind you once again that not just pay the fine and go on. ers would not only chop the Kompong Thom at the time of there has been provocation I encourage those involved to ones inside Cambodia but also the WW II. There are also from their side to use force. fulfill this work together. If we in other countries too. If we go ideas that if the ICJ interpreta- For us, we would not do that. I overlook the situation, it does on allowing export of rose- tion would be a disadvantage am stressing it today because not how much money we wood, illegal logging will go to Thailand, the country should we have here the presence of would have, there would not be on too. deny it and use force. Deputy Prime Minister and enough to repair or rebuild Minister of National Defense roads. It took me by surprise Where there are no buyers, Facing with this situation, be- too. No matter how advanta- while doubting maybe I did not there would not be suppliers. tween the Royal Governments geous would the interpretation have sufficient information. We have to seek cooperation of the two countries, there be to our side, we will exercise from countries that are import- might not be a problem, but As for fire disaster, I already restraint and seek the way to ing rosewood and cooperate there have been flourishing talked about on 25 December implement the ICJ’s decision. with them so that they stop public opinion on the Thai side 2012 at the inauguration of the buying rosewood from Cam- on the issue that we may have Overloaded Lorry Measures sugar factory in Kompong bodia. That is one way of solv- to take high precaution. From and Fire Catastrophe Speu, where I encouraged the ing the problem. Certain ele- our side we will have to exer- private companies to take part As far as traffic issue is con- ments in some countries al- cise retrain on this issue, no in preventing fire disaster cerned, this morning I talked ready had rosewood logged matter how the interpretation themselves. I am longing to see about it in the Cabinet’s meet- but they could not get them out. would come out. We will exer- concrete outcome. I am so ing already. However, there is In this case, Cambodia has cise calmness while seeking sorry that last night a market one point that I want it to get become a transit place. Rose- way to evade conflict. We will in the district of Koh Thom out for public knowledge. I wood does come into Cambo- take precautions. We would was on fire. The Koh Thom also just learnt about it. Dep- dia but the Cambodians were not allow those extremists to market of 200 stalls was on fire uty Prime Minister HE Yim not the ones to log it. There are ignite fire into the relation at around 3 am and we have Chhay Ly who led the meeting rosewood loggers who operate between Cambodian and Thai- yet to receive the assessment between the Ministry of Public that in those countries. They land. report. However, according to Works and Transports and the logged it and got to their con- HE Sun Chanthol, the destruc- We will do our best to main- Ministry of Agriculture, For- tacts in Cambodia so that they tion costs about 300 to 400 tain the good relations no mat- estry and Fisheries brought to can channel their rosewood thousands USD. It is on this ter what the ICJ interpretation my knowledge that all over- through. We will have to find note that maybe it is better to would come out. I told HE loaded lorries were fined and way to curb that. However, build a new one. I have as- Yingluck Shinawatra that let’s then allowed to drive on with let’s first study the circular and sisted in rebuilding a number not allow this problem to ex- excess weight. What do you implement it altogether. of markets so far in Kratie, pand into the whole border call that? It is weighting lorry Kompong Thom, Pursath and Beware of Small Ember that issue between our two coun- to charge for excessive weight. Preah Sihanoukville. In saying Makes Big Fire tries, prevent it from impairing It is not measure to prevent so, I hope our people do not other fields of cooperation – overloaded lorry from driving Please allow to stress on this put their market on fire for the like economics, trade, etc. In in the roads. point. I have told Lok Chum- Prime Minister to help build a short, we should not allow a teav Yingluck Shinawatra This will bring about more new one. I raised money from small ember make big fire. We while she was visiting Cambo- malfeasances as transport colleagues and friends to build cannot move Thailand to other dia to attend the cremation of companies would pay the two the market. It is not from the place on this planet and Thai- the late King Father that in million Riel (or about 500 state budget … land could not do the same for Cambodia there are no ex- USD) fine and go on abusing Cambodia. We have to coexist Checkpoints—The Same tremists tendency. I told her, the roads with excessive peacefully. Old Issue no matter how the Interna- weight. Our streets/roads will tional Court of Justice would It is indeed regretful that in keep on damaging because of It is still the same old issue. It interpret, even if the interpreta- Thailand there are many this. I am giving serious in- happens in repetition manner. tion would give Cambodia the trends of opinions. Some even struction that extra weight will I have begged it on behalf of upper hand on the issue, Cam- went this far to deny the juris- need to pay a fine, while the the Buddhist monks and by bodia would not resort to force diction of the International company has to remove excess various other means. You at to move the Thai force out of Court of Justice, while the goods and load it on to an- the provincial level also have the area. We would sit down other brings up the Tokyo other vehicle. Otherwise, the all the power you need. Why and talk to prepare for a Treaty of 1941, in the WW II, lorry would not leave the the issue is still hot here? I smooth process. that forced the French to con- weighting station. If you only have the report about the fact cede Battambang, Siemreap fine them and let them go on, that these anarchic check- However, on the Thai side, and Kompong Thom provinces we cannot guarantee the state points are mobile. In fact, I there have many opinions, to Thai side. Well, now we of our streets and roads. I or- should not bring it up as it is which also include the demand have already created new der you to check on this again. your work already. I just ad- for implementation of the To- provinces in the area – Preah vise you further. Let’s do it kyo Treaty in 1941, which I also inform the transport Vihear, Uddar Meanjei and altogether now...◙ compelled (the French) to con- company that all transporta-

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