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

Issue 167 | January 2012 | http://www.cnv.org.kh 7 January—33th Anniversary in Kg Cham 04 January 2012 (Unofficial Translation of Selected Comments)

January 7 Victory Day Day will be pronounced by of/for All Samech Chea Sim on January 7, First of all please allow me on 2012. behalf of Samdech Chea Sim, Samdech Heng Samrin and On January 5, 2011, I met peo- other leaders of the Cambodian ple in the gathering like this at People’s Party to express our the district of Memot of Kom- best wishes and the four Bud- pong Cham. Today, January 5, dhist blessings for Buddhist 2012, I am meeting with all of monks, Excellencies, Lok you here in the city of Kompong Oknha and Lok Jumteav, ladies Cham. It sounds like I am com- and gentlemen, our compatriots ing to the province of Kompong 31 January 12 ‐ Samdech Techo Hun Sen, HE Pan Guangxia and Cambodian Digni‐ to the international New Year, Cham at least once a year. In taries Inaugurate the National Road 76 from Snuol to Senmonorom & Launch the which was five days ago, and fact there are two other major Construction of new segment between Senmonorom and Ratanakiri’s Ta Ang. the 33th anniversary of the Janu- events in my life that make me ary 7 Victory Day of liberation come to Kompong Cham on 5 NR 76: Snuol-Senmonorum-Ta Ang of (1979-2012). It is January. Firstly, the province of 31 January 2012 (Unofficial Translation of Selected Comments) a great pleasure that my wife Kompong Cham to the east of 1.7 Billion Chinese Assistance, meet to put into official use the and I have had this chance to the Mekong River was liberated 1500 Km Roads/Bridges National Road 76 – the 127 km celebrate here with people of on January 5. One day later, I I am so happy to be able to come segment between the Snuol Kompong Cham these magnifi- got married. It was 36 years ago. to the province of Mondulkiri district of Kratie province and cent events, while official ad- I am so thrilled to see that the once again after I accompanied the city of Senmonorom of dress on the January 7 Victory (Continued on page 3) HM the King here on 10 Janu- , and to ary. As we had this electoral launch the construction of the campaign for the Senate elec- 171.78 km second segment of 7 January Overpass for 06 December 2011 (Unofficial Translation of Selected Comments) tion, I made no address since the road from the city of Sen- January 6. I always refrain from monorom to Ta Ang of Rata- The 7 January Overpass been one of the busiest and the making any public statements/ nakiri province – both are fi- My wife and I are so glad today jam has happened the most. speeches in the period of elec- nanced, as is reported to you by to be able to join with Excellen- Today, right after this cere- tions, whether they are universal the Chinese Ambassador and cies, Oknha and Lok Jumteavs, mony, our people will be able to or non-universal, local or na- HE Tram Iv Toek, Minister for ladies and gentlemen on this travel on it and traffic will be tional suffrages. Please allow me Transports and Public Works, by auspicious occasion to put into more manageable in the western to recall that before the end of the Chinese assistance. Please official use the 7 January over- part of Phnom Penh city. You 2011, the Chinese Ambassador allow me to add further to what pass, as we are going to cele- may remember, as we celebrate HE Pan Guangxia and I have have been reported. China offers brate tomorrow the 33th anni- the inauguration of the overpass fulfilled two tasks – to put into four different kinds of financial versary of the January 7 victory at Kbal Thnol roundabout, June official use the National Road 62 loans – grant, non-interest loan, day over the regime of Pol Pot’s 24, 2010, we then informed our from the city of to concessional loan and commer- genocide. It has been our antici- people of the decision to build the temple of Preah Vihear and cial loan. pation to see this overpass ready the second overpass here. A few to launch the construction of the for traffic here at the formerly months later, on December 29, Cambodian-Chinese Friendship Cambodia does not subscribe to known as the Sangha Hospital 2010, we launched the ground- Bridge at Jroy Jangva, Phnom the commercial loan from either junction road. Now we call this breaking ceremony for the con- Penh. China or any other country. junction the overpass 7 January. struction of the 7 January over- However, the People’s Republic It is ridiculous that some people pass. The construction took a To start the year 2012, here we of China provides such loan to have named political parties little over one year to complete. the Chinese companies to make after their own names but they In This Issue investments in Cambodia. I have are not satisfied when we name The 7 January overpass in place mentioned on various occasions  this junction after the 7 January will certainly help improve traf- A Part of NR 76 Inaugurated that the Chinese companies are  33th Anniversary of 7 January victory day. fic into and out of Phnom Penh (Continued on page 2)  The 7 January Overpass The traffic at this junction has (Continued on page 6)

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 167 | January 2012

(Continued from page 1) completed the projects before build the next segment to Rata- Mekong Sub-region and very lucky to have access to schedule. For example this seg- nakiri, we also need to build a ACMECS. such financial help, and because ment of the National Road 6, the road of 27 km that will connect of this assistance, the Chinese company finished construction the national road 76 to the bor- China and Cambodia – companies never fail but always since 2011, only we postponed der with Vietnam at Dak Dam. Good as Gold Neighbors advance. the official inauguration to 2012. This would improve the trade It is in this regard that through Once the second segment – Sen- and transportation condition for HE Pan Guangxia, I would like As is said by HE Pan Guangxia, monorom (Mondulkiri) and Ta the province as well. to express on the Cambodian so far Cambodia received 1.7 Ang (Ratanakiri) is completed, people’s behalf our greatest billion USD from the People’s our people will travel between Goods can be transported down thanks to the Government of the Republic of China in 1,500 km the two cities/provinces without to Vietnam’s Qui Nhon seaport. People’s Republic of China for of roads and bridges. I also have having to make a U turn like we Inter-regional connectivity will making such fruitful cooperation a report from HE Keat Chhon, are doing now. answer to the need to reduce the possible, as China and Cambo- Deputy Prime Minister and Min- cost of transportation, as in this dia are comprehensive strategic ister for Economy and Finance, Even more, our people will be case, to transport production partners. Indeed, what we are that we are using the Chinese able to link together their jour- down to ports in putting into official use today are financial helps in 34 projects, of ney in the whole northeast zone would cost more than to send born out of close cooperation which eight completed, 21 are – Kratie, Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri them down to Qui Nhon port in between the Kingdom of Cam- underway and 5 other projects and Stoeng Treng provinces, and Vietnam, which is closer. bodia and the People’s Republic will be signed tomorrow. from there even to Preah Vihear of China in the framework of province in the north. This is This is the fact in the time of good neighborliness, good rela- I told HE Pan Guangxia to have what you can see as the Royal regionalization and globaliza- tions and comprehensive strate- lunch together as I wanted to Government’s effort in ensuring tion. In this effort, our Chinese gic partners altogether. have a chat with the President of Cambodia’s internal connec- friends have been so kind to help the Chinese (Import-Export) tivity, which is also important our internal integration so that I would like to take this opportu- Bank. When I accompanied HM for inter-regional connectivity – our country can be a linking dot nity to hail warmly the 2011 the King to the province of in the frameworks of ASEAN, to inter-regional connectivity. Chinese economic growth of Mondulkiri, at Snuol district, I the Greater Mekong Sub-region, Cambodia has got three 9.2%, the highest growth in told HM that it would be a real ACMECS and East Asia. neighboring countries to be con- Asia, as is released by HE Pan push (for the Cambodian econ- nected to. With Vietnam, while a Guangxia. The world economic omy) if we could secure a sum I never believe that the Cambo- road is to be built to Dak Dam at growth is thought to be in the of five billion USD. dian win-win policy would hold the border, we also have a bor- state of uncertainty as the re- only by administrative and po- der link on the national road 78 cover from crisis in the US and In my thought, with that amount, litical integration, without the from Ratanakiri to the border Europe is not quite convincing. Cambodia could use three bil- investment in physical infra- and another border access point Asia has made it convincing lion USD for infrastructural structures, especially roads and is (at Anlong Jrey) along the though as China and India have development and two billion bridges. national road eight. taken the lead. I agree totally USD for irrigation. I have made with HE Pan Guangxia that (the it clear that I am giving priority We could not talk about inter- With Laos, we have built al- growth) is a good start for the to physical infrastructure, which regional connectivity while leav- ready the national road 7, whose twelfth five year plan and a firm is part of our strategy after effort ing parts of Cambodia itself end is reaching the border point foundation for the opening of the to resolve the need for irrigation. disintegrated. We could not go with Laos. With Thailand, Cam- 18th National Congress of the I came to this place once in 1990 on traveling to Vietnam territory bodia already has road links at Communist Party of China. by air as the road access was before entering into Cambodian various points – NR 57, 57B, 59 There is one true fact that time consuming and hard to territory in this part of the coun- and 62. As road accesses to China’s success is not only for pass. I had to stay here two try. If that is going to stay, Mon- countries in the region, these China alone but also for helping nights. Later, I came again to dulkiri could not be integrated roads also serve as local integra- the whole world too. oversee a road built by the mili- with the central part of Cambo- tion as well. Let me remind you tary engineering team. With dia. that inter-connectivity is not only You may give it a thought that at good road now, people travel the vision and effort of Cambo- when there is economic crisis in only five hours between Phnom The same is true for Ratanakiri dia alone but a matter that is the United States of America Penh and Senmonorom, while and Stoeng Treng province. It is raised in every forum and sum- and Europe, what kind of situa- they used to spend a night or two in this regard that we are making mit, whether it is ASEAN, East tion would the world find itself if in between. it our priority to achieve internal Asia or the Greater Mekong Sub China were to be plagued with integration or connectivity so -region. the same problem. It has been Cambodia’s Northeast that Cambodia will be ready for everybody’s knowledge that Interconnectivity integration and interconnected As is said by HE Pan Guangxia, when the US and Europe are I see that some photos have been with its neighbors. helping Cambodia build roads in plagued with crisis, China and taken of the present road condi- its northeastern zone allows India stabilize the economy in tion. I must assure our people Take Mondulkiri province for Cambodia also to serve the ob- Asia and the Pacific. Similar living along the projected road to this instance. As we are putting jective of the triangular develop- trend has been noted also for take picture of what it is now into official use the segment of ment between Cambodia, Laos countries in Latin America, Bra- because we will not be seeing it national road 76 between and Vietnam too. It is undenia- zil is one of a kind. However, we anymore by 2016. Usually, how- Kratie’s Snuol district to Mon- bly true that it will have implica- hope and pray that the US and ever, the Chinese companies dulkiri’s Senmonorom, and to tions on projects of the Greater (Continued on page 8)

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(Continued from page 1) destruction, the regime might distribution of kitchen stuff from people’s participation. It is with province of Kompong Cham have survived till today. My collective kitchen to the people the people’s resolute commit- has come along with substantial wife said to me sometimes at the in the village? Who ordered our ment that they could put an end change and development. dining table that “if we were people to move back to their to not only the regime but also given food like what we have on native villages from wherever its ideology. However, while we Let me take this opportune mo- the dining table now, God they were under the Pol Pot’s removed the regime of Pol Pot, ment to talk a little about the 7 knows, how delicious would regime? They were all done by war did not end. We knew war January Victory Day that we all they be then.” I said to her “if the people themselves. That is was destruction and we did not consider to be our second birth- we were well fed then, given why I am saying it was the peo- want it. But it came to us. We day. Maybe it is best to go back rights and freedom, no one ple who took part not only in then had to work out hard in to 33 years ago to see how the would oppose them.” However, toppling the regime but also search for a solution. people were in the province of you may look at the mode of commencing a new mode of Kompong Cham as well as in production that was left from the production themselves. Accord- While war was a fact in numer- the whole country. As part of Pol Pot’s regime. What did we ing to my diary, reviewing it ous locations, peace prevailed in the province was liberated and have? again, I noticed that we did not various parts of the country too. people were so happy to be have sufficient number of offi- War was on a smaller scale in liberated, there were also parts When the Lon Nol’s regime cials to hold even the provincial terms of time and location. We that were yet to be liberated. was removed on April 17, 1975, posts. How could we talk about were able to have peace in a People were still suffering hard- our people should have been reorganizing the villages? Bud- larger part for the country. We ships and facing with killing. provided with peace. On the dhism was also restored and fought however with three real Even after January 7, when the contrary, they were faced with revived by our people. enemies – the possible return of Phnom Penh capital was liber- killing. First they did that to the genocidal regime, hunger ated, a number of provinces had former city dwellers. Then they All in all, what I have men- and aftermath left from the re- not yet been liberated. Suffering rooted out private/individual tioned is to prove that 7 January gime of Pol Pot. This is com- and killing was still our people’s belongings. People in the whole Victory Day is by and for the monly understood to be two fates in those places. country turned to be rural villag- people. While commencing a tasks to be fulfilled at the time – ers. They were moved from new mode of production and a preventing the return of the This is just to remind all of us place to place. They put in place new way of life, our people no genocidal regime of Pol Pot and that that bitter past brought a common mode of production, longer approve collective wed- solving people’s needs for sur- about destruction and family where people worked and ate in ding, Buddhist monks no longer vival. separation on us. There were no a collective way. They also gave being disrobed against their will, families that did not lose mem- one big wedding organization, etc. According to Buddhist faith, In a period of 14 and a half ber/s. Everyone in Cambodia in which more than one couple the 7 January Victory Day liber- years, from 1979 through to mid knows and remembers this. would be approved. In my case, ated those who suffered the 1993, in the state of peace and Those of you who were born the wedding took place with genocidal regime but also souls sporadic war, we then were able later might have been told by thirteen couples. We were the of the deaths. In absence of the 7 to assure our people’s basic parents, grandparents, etc. How- last couple to be approved. January Victory Day, we would rights – the right to life. We also ever, I wish to have your atten- have no Buddhist monks. With- made great efforts to initiate and tion on this note that when I am After the liberation, the United out the Buddhist monks, who conduct negotiation for political saying that gratefulness should Front for National Salvation are important for the traditional solution for Cambodia. In the be expressed to the 7 January army and the Vietnamese vol- Pjum Ben ceremony, people mean time, poverty, which was Victory Day, I don’t mean to untary army did not have the could not offer respect to ances- then recognized to be 100% single out the CPP, the United means and personnel to organ- tors (the Pjum Ben day is a pe- among the people, after the lib- Front for National Salvation of ize local administration and/or a riod of fifteen days when the eration on 7 January 1979, went Kampuchea or the assistance new mode of production. How- Cambodian people believe that down to below 50% in 1994, rendered by the Vietnamese ever, according to what hap- souls of the passed-away rela- while the country needed re- voluntary army - for you to be pened then, it was the people tives, who may not rest in peace, sources for foiling the return of grateful to. What I wanted your themselves who rose up and would come for offerings in the genocidal regime. It should attention is that the quick fall of dismantled the mode of produc- materials such as foods, bever- be noted that this was achieved the genocidal regime of Pol Pot tion that they had to work and ages, clothing and Dharma – all by the authorities under the lead- started with the people’s partici- eat in a collective way. Our happened thanks to the bridging ership of the Cambodian Peo- pation even before the offensive people opted for private work by the Buddhist monks). ple’s Party through the People’s of the United Front for National and consumption pattern. Let Republic of Kampuchea, which Salvation Army and the volun- me affirm that that was not initi- 1979-1994: Pol Pot Fell, became later the State of Cam- tary assistance of the Vietnam- ated and modeled by the United War Went On, Substantially bodia. ese forces. Front for National Salvation of Poverty Went Down Kampuchea, any provincial The 7 January Victory Day is Subsequently, the United Na- Maybe it is important to share authority and/or Vietnamese therefore defined not as anyone tions Transitional Authority in with you my thought about our voluntary army. It was all by the particular victory/achievement – Cambodia (UNTAC) used a people’s role in toppling the Cambodian people themselves. the Cambodian People’s Party, sum of almost two billion USD genocidal regime of Pol Pot. You may recall, those of you the United Front for National for peacekeeping operation in First of all, if the regime of Pol who happened to be going Salvation of Kampuchea and Cambodia. UNTAC left Cam- Pot did not kill the people or through that very moment, who the voluntary army of Vietnam bodia two (political) controlled inflict upon them sufferings and had initiated and facilitated the – but as mainly a result of our (Continued on page 4)

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(Continued from page 3) would not be defined as normal. Armenians by Ottoman Turks one could ascertain Samdech areas and two governments – If Pol Pot were to be in power nearly a century ago constitute Preah Norodom Sihanouk, the area controlled by Royal for another ten years or up to the genocide.” whose children and grandchil- Government elected by the UN- present, would anyone expect to dren were already dead, could TAC organized general elec- be alive? Such an insult on the 7 According to the French Inter- be alive? If Pol Pot were to be in tions with the constitutional January Victory Day not only national Radio, “if the two power till 23 October 1991, monarchy, where Samdech goes against the souls of those French parliaments approve, a would there be Samdech Preah Preah Norodom SIhanouk be- who lost their lives under the punishment of up to one year in Norodom Sihanouk to conduct came King once again, and the regime, but also his/her own life prison and a fine of euro 45,000 negotiation with Hun Sen? As area controlled by the Khmer as well as those of their families. ($59,000) would be in force for for me I would be alive because Rouge, which Khieu Samphan those who deny or I already had my army built. was Head of State and Prime Frankly speaking, it is ridiculous "outrageously minimize" the Maybe my wife would not be. Minister in the city of Anlong that those very people, who killings, putting such action on But would it be possible that HE Veng. thirty three years also joined us par with denial of the Holo- Sar Kheng, HE Men Sam An, to put an end to the Pol Pot’s caust.” A tip to your knowledge HE Tia Banh, HE Sok An, etc. Late 1998 – mode of production, shared the in history, the massacre took could still be alive? Cambodia Reunited benefit of establishing a new place nearly 100 years ago con- Being left in such a state, we private mode of production, are ducted by the Turkish army over If Pol Pot stays in power till 23 had no other choice but to find now considering the 7 January the Armenian population. As October 1991, how many more way to put an end to war once Victory Day their enemy. They you can see here, anyone in of Cambodia people would die? and for all. That was when the were doing it themselves back France denies this fact would be As a matter of fact, despite win-win policy was formulated then and they denied it today. fined up to 59,000 USD. Would speedy liberation we had se- and put into practice. It was late Back then, some were not pun- anyone say France is trampling cured, we were able to save 1998 that Cambodia, for the first ished by the Government for freedom of expression? Under some from being killed and time in centuries of its history, stealing rice but sent to study in French law, it is a crime to wear pushed into graves. It is so became one unified country the former Czechoslovakia. It is uniforms, insignia or emblems shocking even now, on the under one Constitution, one funnily enough to see that this linked to the Nazi regime. The Bayon TV program “this is not King, one National Assembly, person does not dress in black act is punishable as a criminal a dream,” to see people are still and one Royal Government and (Pol Pot ordered the people of with heavy fine. searching for loved ones. Some army. I am calling this the dia- Cambodia to wear black clothes could not even remember their mond opportunity for the coun- in the whole country) but in nice In another development, also family names. Some in Kom- try. clothes with ties and travels by relating to this legal issue, on pong Cham province have cars or motorbikes from place to December 22, 2011, the French found their lost relatives too. Right to Life and Freedom place to scold us. At least people state prosecutor opened a pre- This is proof. Would there be of Expression can see how contradicting it was liminary investigation into the this program if there were no Having said all this, I wish to in his/her philosophy that s/he Nazi-themed stag party attended family separation. In just days related that if some people do denies the truth of 7 January by the Conservative MP Aiden ahead I will be going to Vietnam not wish to mention about any Victory Day. Burley in the Alpine ski resort to pay our respects to the forty rights enjoyed by our people at of Val Thorens, France. Is this a nine fallen combatants of the all, they should at least think of While blaming the Royal Gov- violation of freedom of expres- United Front for Salvation of the basic right to life that every- ernment about freedom of ex- sion in France? No one could Kampuchea army, who were one has to be ensured. The pression, these people also reject talk good about Nazi or they laid to rest there. Cambodian People’s Party and the fact about the right to life would be jailed. As for Cambo- the Cambodian people them- that was ascertained and main- dia, a person may choose to That our lives are saved while selves have implemented fully tained by the 7 January 1979 respect or not to according to we were about to be killed al- the obligation of respect of hu- victory. Despite all this we do his/her own will. I only think ready is one fact that no one man rights, which first of all is not wish to make it a law for that perhaps these people’s could ever deny or forget. Those the right to life. We toppled the anyone to recognize the 7 Janu- states of mind are not normal who went through this and deny regime of genocide to allow our ary victory day at all. I think I that we should not find fault it could ask themselves if they people to live. If no one could should bring up this story of with them. wish to be dead. Let me remind be alive, how could anyone talk strained relations between all of our people once again that about freedom of expression? France and Turkey on Decem- January 7 and October 23 - 7 January 1979 Victory Day, ber 23, 2011 over issue of the Two Historical Facts our marvelously huge achieve- These days there have been 1915 massacre of 1.5 million Some people state that October ment, does not belong solely to some people who preach about Armenians during civil unrest at 23, 1991 (the day when Cambo- the Cambodian People’s Party. I freedom of expression, while in the fall of the Ottoman Empire. dia concluded the Paris Peace am grateful to all who keep live fact they are denying it. Ex- Maybe I should read you one Agreement) is their second and good memory of 7 January pressing opinion in opposition is paragraph here: “Ties between birthday while denying the 7 1979, even some might need to a normal process. However, to France and Turkey, strategic January 1979 one. These two forget, to scold and to do what- oppose (a historical fact that allies and trading partners, dates are of historical signifi- ever against their conscience for gave and protected) people’s abruptly unraveled Thursday cance for the people of Cambo- reason of political ideology. lives, including even his/her after French legislators submit- dia. However, one may ask own life that were liberated by ted a bill making it a crime to what if there was no 7 January Growth Despite Three Major the 7 January Victory Day, deny that the mass killings of 1979, in which circumstance no (Continued on page 5)

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(Continued from page 4) ger strikes. In 2011, they also Secondly, ASEAN upholds the ahead, Cambodia will fulfill its Challenges, Works To Do in did that when Cambodia hosted spirit of a community as deci- coordinating role for ASEAN 2012 the ASEAN Inter-parliamentary sions will be made on a consen- and India, ASEAN and EU. On We have had so many tasks Assembly in Phnom Penh. They sus basis. Based on this princi- behalf of ASEAN, as Prime fulfilled and many more to com- may do the same against Cam- ple, ASEAN applies a principle Minister of Cambodia, I had a plete for the fourth legislative bodian role as chair of ASEAN. of equal rights and footing. It is chance to give a keynote ad- term of the Royal Government I doubt if they would go on with this principle that Cambo- dress in the ASEAN-EU com- of Cambodia. We have come hunger strike till end of the year dia takes the initiative to build memorative summit in Singa- through challenges of defending or to eat no rice but to have noo- peace, friendship and coopera- pore. our country from foreign inva- dle. tion in Southeast Asia. It is even sion, overcoming impacts from more convenient as ASEAN These four major factors are world financial crisis and eco- Four Reasons Why now also has its charter. In a Cambodia’s key considerations nomic downturn, and dealing Cambodia Is Part of ASEAN period of thirteen years as a for becoming a part of ASEAN with natural calamities – the Now let me share with you my member of ASEAN, we be- and to benefit from its member- 2011 flood and the Ketsana four reasons why Cambodia came chair twice – in 2002 and ship too. In 2012, as the typhoon effects. Despite all should be part of ASEAN. in 2012. The community spirit ASEAN chair, Cambodia will these difficulties, it is confident While being its member, Cam- has been an attraction for Cam- strive to take ASEAN ahead that we still have achieved eco- bodia has to fulfill its obligation bodia to join ASEAN, and along the theme: “One ASEAN nomic growth. in a responsible manner for the through ASEAN, we work with Community, One Destiny.” sake of establishing successfully its partners on various initiatives Under this theme, the ASEAN As we are still waiting for final the ASEAN Community in to promote socio-economic chair Cambodia will advance evaluation of the agricultural 2015. Firstly, there is this non- development, security and is- the ASEAN integration frame- sector, we are almost certain interference principle into one sues relevant to the region and work, while making efforts to now that the 2011 economy another internal affairs. This is the world. perform international role in the sustains a growth of around 7%, the most important factor that name of ASEAN in coordina- while the poverty rate will re- attracts our membership and Thirdly, Cambodia benefits tion of relevant issues in the duce to one percent lower. Now involvement. Cambodia went from its economic cooperation region as well as in the world...◙ that we still have five days to through so many wars and inter- and partnership with ASEAN step into 2012, it should be nal divisions because of own and ASEAN partners. As (Continued from page 7) noted that we have so many problems, but, as everyone ASEAN integration proceeds - toral groups – the Cambodian works to do. We will have two knows, there had been endless together with the ASEAN new People’s Party, the Sam Rainsy elections to run – 29 January interferences from the outside and old members - we have Party, the Funcinpec Party and 2012 for the Senate elections too. There had been invasion benefited a great deal from it. the Norodom Ranaridh Party. and 03 June 2012 for the com- into Cambodian airspace in the You also know that there have The contest was smooth and munal elections. Please allow past wars – from Bien Hoa in been ASEAN-China, ASEAN- dignified though there have been me to take this opportune mo- Vietnam, O Tapao in Thailand Japan, and ASEAN-Korea Free exchanges of words on various ment to appeal to all our people and there were even B52 com- Trade Agreements and more issues. In all, the atmosphere and political parties to take part ing from the Philippines. will be coming. They will bring was good and credible for the in fostering a neutral political more partners and opportunities elections. The two contested atmosphere so that the elections It is with this principle that we for Cambodia to speed up its parties, especially the Sam will proceed in a safe, transpar- believe Cambodia could defend national development. ASEAN Rainsy Party appears to have ent, democratic, just and accept- independence and sovereignty. and its partners have pooled a accepted the results already. I able manner. We also will hold As far as the conflict in Preah sum of 120 billion USD as re- would like to thank the members the general elections in 2013. Vihear land area issue is con- serve capital to be used in time of National Assembly and com- cerned, some politicians in op- of crisis. Also in this respect, mune councilors who are mem- I know that for the election sea- position demanded that Cambo- Cambodia has worked to its bers of the Cambodian People’s sons, anything at all can be poli- dia should defend its territorial benefit the connectivity with Party for casting their votes for tics. However, I wish to encour- integrity and sovereignty by the other countries by roads, rails the CPP. age our people, especially mem- Paris Peace Agreement. Let me and air links. bers of the Cambodian People’s tell you that in time of conflict, I also thank members of the Party, to take utmost patience or the Thai Government under Fourthly, ASEAN also serves National Assembly and com- the ruling Party will be accused Abhisit said that they respect as a diplomatic channel for mune councilors of the Funcin- of so and so violence and Cambodia’s independence and Cambodia. Being one of the pect party, the Norodom wrongdoing. We also have the sovereignty, but the so-called ASEAN members, Cambodia Ranaridh Party and the Sam duty and honor to host the 4.6 square km area in the Preah has its external relations open Rainsy Party, who provided 797 ASEAN Summits as Cambodia Vihear zone belongs to Thai- far and wide because ASEAN votes more for the CPP. It seems is now chair of ASEAN. Let me land. Cambodia also claims it itself has got so many partnering the CPP takes 179 extra votes clarify this point that it is not belongs to Cambodia too. The countries like EU, US, China, from the Sam Rainsy Party. Hun Sen alone who is the last resort is to seek help from Japan, Republic of Korea, India, Based on unofficial results, the ASEAN Chair but the whole the UN Security Council and the Africa, South America, and CPP has won one extra seat in people of Cambodia are. From International Court of Justice in Canada too. With this benefit, Kompong Cham province mak- past experience, when Cambo- The Hague. We will wait for the Cambodia performed well its ing it 6 seats instead of 5. This dia was the ASEAN chair, the court’s decision. coordinating role for ASEAN has brought the CPP total seats opposition figures went on hun- and China, and in just months in the Senate from 45 to 46...◙

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(Continued from page 1) ganize huge meetings like those included as parts of Phnom empty city. More so, their con- not only by our people but also of the Non-Aligned Movement, Penh. Extensively Phnom Penh science would not be able to foreign visitors through the the South-South meeting, etc. I goes twice the size of 1979. deny that present day develop- Phnom Penh International Air- have also met with a group of However, intensively, Phnom ment of Phnom Penh as well as port which is on the western thousands of scouts and there Penh goes between five and traffic jam has called for further side of the city. It has always are a lot of spaces available. seven times more than what it road and infrastructural manage- been a difficult moment when was. What do I mean by inten- ment and development. we have the visits of foreign The grassy place has now be- sive development of Phnom dignitaries and the convoys come a place of numerous co- Penh? Phnom Penh in the old Phnom Penh Present Day through this junction road, take lossal multipurpose buildings, day consisted of building of As of now, Phnom Penh is for instance the delegations to but also providing jobs for between 500 and 1,000 square known to be a crowded city. participate in the AIPA meeting many. In addition to the Koh Pij meters. As of present, there are The streets are packed with over last year, always blocked the development itself and the job it buildings in Phnom Penh that 230,000 cars and over 900,000 crossing traffic flows from the has provided, as I already men- are up two 20,000 square me- motorcycles. We have been side for a long time. That will no tioned, Koh Pij development has ters. That is what I mean inten- facing with so many challenges longer happen after the cere- brought Cambodians three sive development of Phnom to resolve demand for a city mony is over in two hours time. achievements along the way – Penh. living style and condition. We the New Monivong Bridge, the need more good roads, running Packing Palm Sugar Kbal Thnol Overpass, which In the old days, only two lines of water and electricity, etc. As far with Palm Leaves costs over 12 million USD, and house along the paved roads as electricity is concerned, I am so grateful for the collabo- the 7 January Overpass, which were what we called the city. In please reserve the Royal Gov- ration together with the supports costs over 13 million USD. The about 100 meters off the house ernment some understanding: from the Royal Government of Koh Pij development has also lines were rice fields or rural though we have power genera- Cambodia, the Ministry of paid a considerable amount of areas. I used to go and transplant tion from the Komjai hydro- Economy and Finance and vari- tax on its tangible assets. That is rice at O Baek Ka Am (to the power plant, we have yet to ous other concerned institutions why I state that using Phnom southern part of Phnom Penh maximize the supply of electric- for allowing the Municipal of Penh’s money to finance Phnom city). We could not do so any ity. We could not generate elec- Phnom Penh to implement a Penh’s development project is a more now. There are no rice tricity with the amount of water form of financing, which they correct vision and implementa- fields to plant rice but universi- we have in the reservoir for a called “using the Phnom Penh’s tion. ties, factories and enterprises. In short-term demand but dry the money to finance Phnom Penh’s the Tuol Kork area of Phnom reservoir. We have to generate development,” for this project. I Extensive and Intensive Penh then there were sporadic electricity and supply in stages. then compared that to our tradi- Development of Phnom Penh houses here and there. When the tional way of packing palm It has also been an effective Vietnamese voluntary army In the old days Phnom Penh sugar with palm leaves. You planning and implementation by withdrew from Cambodia, the produced only 40 mw of elec- may know that Phnom Penh the Municipality of Phnom Tuol Kork area was returned to tricity, you knew that. After the leased Koh Pij to private devel- Penh with regard to the con- the Cambodian authority. We liberation on 7 January 1979, we opment group and the money struction of roads in Phnom set up a commission to distrib- brought in more generators from made from the contract has been Penh in form of 50 + 50 col- ute houses and housing lots the former Soviet Union. As of used to develop three major laboration (for every road con- among staff of the Ministry of now Phnom Penh consumes infrastructures in Phnom Penh structed, the residents along the Foreign Affairs. Many of them over 400 mw of electricity. Do- so far: 1) the New Monivong road together will provide 50% decided not to take what was ing the math you can see easily Bridge at Kbal Thnol; 2) the of the needed amount and the given for them because they that the consumption has gone Kbal Thnol Overpass and 3) the Royal Government will cover were afraid of darkness, as there up ten folds. What is even more 7 January overpass. the rest) with the Phnom Penh was no power, and the road interesting is that we have a city residents. It has been an amaz- condition was impassable. to manage and provide electric- This form of financing has been ing success that we now have ity like every other country. cutting short the need to go asphalted and concrete roads all Now, it goes without saying that Unlike under Pol Pot when through lengthy process to fi- over the city. We are now ex- everything is astonishingly dif- there was no city, we now have nance the projects. This also has panding our ability to asphalt ferent. You may see the differ- set up a committee to oversee reflected the fact that decentrali- extension roads from Phnom ence with your own eyes as the contest of the most beautiful zation and de-concentration of Penh and main national roads, many TV stations have shown city. power has proven to be effective where for few we have the con- how the Phnom Penh city for sub-national level authority tributions from the people, but looked like in those days before Having said so I wish to thank to handle development projects. for the rest the state covers them and right after 7 January 1979. the Municipality of Phnom This has also shown that we all. The whole city was deadly si- Penh for every effort it makes to have a way to working around lent and there was not a single achieve the city beauty through the power of concentration. If we compare Phnom Penh car running in the street. People development of many parks. It With these developments in now to the Phnom Penh of could go to bed in the street for is my greatest pleasure and joy place, we see that Koh Pij is no 1979, its size has grown double. days. Some people may say to see parents walking their kids longer a grassy area but a newly In the process of development, whatever they wish to but as a in the parks. It should be noted developed town with colossal numerous communes from human being their conscience that in those parks people could buildings to serve every pur- Kandal province have been could not deny the fact that exercise with their feet on tile pose. We now can offer to or- taken on four occasions to be Phnom Penh in 1979 was an (Continued on page 7)

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(Continued from page 6) ferent ideas and designs shown (Continued from page 8) their sugarcane, people in the flooring. It has been a general to me. It seems there is a con- When the Royal Government area who cultivate rice may case in every country that over- sensus for design and option confirms the land as part of the resort to cultivating sugarcane pass needs to be built to answer number six, which will be com- reserved forest, they demand and selling them to the company to growing traffic. It is not ex- pleted in two phases – building compensation. Demonstration too. ceptional for Cambodia as we two overpasses and a tunnel at a has also become a provoking have moved from the time when total cost of 17.77 million USD tool. The company would then be- commuting from one place to over an 18 month period; and come the market for our farmers. another by bicycle or taxi bicy- building a number of extension Having said that I do not deny Therefore, for every investment, cle to real taxi and bus. bridges and two main bridges that there have been cases that the Royal Government always crossing the canal of Stoeng people really have difficulty place high its thought and For a Beautiful and Meanjei at a total cost of 4.975 with their land need too. It has agenda on the people’s loss and Safe Phnom Penh million USD over eight month been always an instruction benefit. It should be noted that in 1983 period. through the Cambodia Develop- or 1984, there was no question ment Council that wherever Let me have your attention that of waste management as there I already gave my approval. investment in a given area hap- there is no investment in the were no major waste to tackle What is more important is that pens to mingle with land that world that does not have impact and there were no need to pur- the project will have to have belongs to the people, tiger stripe on land use. In Malaysia, they chase waste collecting trucks. cooperation and collaboration solution is to be applied i.e. the grow rubber on 1.1 million hec- The reason was simply because from our people so as to resolve investment has to find a way to tares, in Thailand close to one we had a small population in the impacts with the support of the exist together with the people. It million hectares, and in Vietnam city and there were not much to Ministry of Economy and Fi- has been clearly instructed that if 600,000 hectares of land. Some eat. As of present, we have nance. Again we will apply the company does not agree, it is the people have even fooled our 1,600 tons of waste per day. method of wrapping palm sugar company who should leave the people that investors will confis- This volume of waste would be with palm leaves. The cost of place and not the people. We cate the Cambodian land. amazing when you multiply building this third overpass will also have a policy to reserve ten with 365 days. For the sake of be a fund collected from a com- percent of extra land to the land How could foreigners confiscate our city’s beauty, I would urge pany that invests in a develop- that people possess for indige- land from us or to remove their our people to always place their ment project at Jroy Jangvar. nous need. rubber trees and ship them out? refuse in waste bins and to be The project was before offered They will stay on Cambodian environmentally conscious. to Sunway Company from Ma- For all investment, the Royal soil. Countries in the world are Let’s all make effort for the laysia. While the company Government requires the com- competing to get investment beauty of Phnom Penh. could not implement it, the new pany to provide first of all bene- capital into their countries, why company is taking over. fit to the people from the com- Cambodia always comes to Please allow me to take this pany physical infrastructural problem? Some promised to forum to appeal our people to I thank HE Pung Kheav Se, development such as schools, confiscate land from the rich to take precautionary measures Chairman of the Association of hospitals, canals and reservoirs. give to the poor if they won the while driving so that traffic acci- Banks in Cambodia and Presi- elections. What on earth are they dents can be avoided. The other dent and CEO of Canadia Bank, The second benefit for the peo- talking about? It is their right to night, I saw a report of a traffic and Mayor of Phnom Penh, HE ple has been defined to be jobs expression. accident on TV. It was hardly Chuktema, for proposing to be provided by the company believable to see that a car ran policies to resolve the impacts to the people and their children. Hailing the Senate’s into the street divider and turned from the project for people liv- The third benefit in line is inte- Smooth Election upside down. I just wish that our ing in the area. As for people gration of job. This should be Today January 31, after the cam- understood that when the com- paign ended on 29 January, I am people to respect the traffic who have some land here for pany builds a factory to process here to give my public address rules, while keeping their speed cultivation, they will receive a again. On behalf of the Royal controllable, keeping vigilant monthly pay of 500,000 Riel for city at Jroy Jangvar. Now that a Government, I would like to and taking no alcohol. It is good a period of two years as their new company has taken over in express my sincere thanks and to see that TV stations are advis- first choice. Let me clarify that the project, it will build us the appreciation to the efforts made ing people to drive no more if no one is allowed to own land in third overpass at Stoeng Mean- by all level authorities and the they are drunk. Many lives were this zone. The land belongs to jei crossing and canal. The com- armed forces in providing safety already lost because of mines the state. The second choice is pany also has an obligation to and security in the electoral cam- and unexploded ordnances. they will choose a shop in the build a new 27 million USD paign as well as the voting day market. So, in addition to own- bridge to link Phnom Penh from for the Senate elections. Stoeng Meanjei Overpass ing a new house, people could the western side to the satellite on the Way choose to get a compensation of city on the eastern side of Tonle There has not been any noted When I came here on December 500,000 Riel per month or a Sap River. violence whatsoever aside from 29, 2010 to launch the construc- shop in the market. the land conflict incident I men- tion of the 7 January overpass, I After the third overpass taking tioned above. I also thank all informed you about the need for It was in 1994/95, HE Sun shape, let’s all wait and see political parties contested in the a study to be conducted on the Chanthol may still remember, where the fourth one will be. elections – the Cambodian Peo- possibility to build the third when Samdech Krom Preah We have a master plan that was ple’s Party and the Sam Rainsy overpass at Stoeng Meanjei. As (Norodom Ranaridh) approved co-studied and assisted by Party – for votes from four elec- of now there have been six dif- the deal of building a satellite France and JICA...◙ (Continued on page 5)

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(Continued from page 2) tion to Prek Kadam. We also are northeast. with the people, action must be Europe are back on track so as to working to extend the four lane stopped or the relevant company alleviate impacts on Asia, Africa condition from there on to Skun Land Conflict Incident will have to be responsible for and Latin America. This would of Kompong Cham province. in Snuol the consequences. If it is neces- eventually reduce China’s bur- As far as land conflict that led to sary, we could also take back the den for the world and regional Production in Mondulkiri, the armed incident that wounded land given out as concession too. economy as well. Northeast Zone - protesters on January 18, 2012, a New Economic Pole is concerned, along with the The only thing I am asking from China has been helpful in this It has been reported here that solution sought after by HE Mok our people is that they should situation as it is sure that if the there are over ten thousand hec- Mareth, Minister for Environ- not be indulged by the game of US and Europe are in chronic tares of cassava grown in Mon- ment, I am of the opinion that “winning will get land, losing crisis, sooner or later there will dulkiri, and the province har- this incident should not have will get paid.” If they all really be impacts on China too. When vested some 180,000 tons of happened. I have placed order to need land, they should file a that happens, Cambodia will cassava. It is a high yield. We HE Sar Kheng, Deputy Prime report to the Committee of Land also be in a difficult state. Hav- also have rubber on 17,441 hec- Minister and Minister of Interior, Policy. ing said that I must say we are tares, 10,043 hectares of which to arrest the shooters for punish- lucky to have a good friend. It is are companies’ holding and ment. I would take this oppor- As is reported by HE Mok Ma- like what is said by HE Wen 7,398 hectares are family size tune moment to call on those reth, there have been incidences Jiabao, Chinese Premier, that to rubber plantations. Compared to who committed the crimes to that people are clearing land and have a good neighbor is like 2010, there has been an increase report themselves to the author- some are occupying the land on having gold. I see his analogy is of 5,776 hectares of rubber. I am ity as there is no way that they other people’s behalf. truly correct. so happy to see that on my way could escape justice. here, starting from the district of I am placing a warning that no As in the case of Cambodia, Kraek, Kompong Cham prov- The question is a search has to further land claiming is allowed (when there was war of aggres- ince, there grow endless fields of be conducted to find out why the and we should allow those who sion from the Thai army and rubber and cassava. company acquired rifle. As for have cleared the land to have Abhisit Government) between the shooters, we also have their access to a size of five hectares 2008 and July 2011, Cambodia According to the report of HE pictures. of land (as is allowed by the did not have gold but mine. The Chan Sarun, Minister of Agri- law). situation has now improved culture, Forestry and Fisheries, The incident has been remorse- somewhat but we could not the family rubber plantation has ful and such an act could not be Anyone acquires more than that conclude if we have gold or grown to almost 100,000 hec- forgiven. I have told HE Mok must register to lease it from the silver. tares in the whole country, while Mareth that in any land claimed Royal Government like land on the privatized rubber plantation by companies, they must stop concession. We must register In the Summit in November in from former state companies wherever there is impact on and issue land ownership for Bali, Indonesia, in the frame- was noted to be only 50,000 people in the area. A solution people to own up to five hectares work of ASEAN, Premier Wen hectares. There are over 60,000 must be sought after. However, of land claimed. We also seek Jiabao announced an additional hectares of rubber plantation of the armed incident above not our people’s understanding not 10 billion USD for ASEAN, of companies with approved in- only sought for no solution but to sell the registered land and which 4 billion USD is conces- vestment from the state. also caused problem. claim new land. sional loans and 6 billion USD is loan for investments in ASEAN As of now, to count in both in- I denounce such act and will not People Centered member countries. dustrialized and family size rub- forgive. I am asking the TTY Investment and Development ber plantation, we have alto- company to send the fugitives in It is not right to say that the One can see that not only Cam- gether over 200,000 hectares. so that justice could be done or Royal Government does not pay bodia alone needs Chinese loan We have planned for the year the company itself would be the attention to the matter. As a mat- but every ASEAN member 2020 to bring the rubber planta- one to be held responsible. ter of fact, people who claim country does. Cambodia has tion to over 600,000 hectares. land are not all from Snuol dis- filed four projects to the Chinese I am asking Oknha Na Mardy to trict alone but from Kompong side through HE Ambassador of I must affirm here that we all bring in the fugitives to the au- Cham, , , China for the four billion USD must make further efforts to thority. I am sure you know etc. concessional loans for ASEAN. continue to develop Mondulkiri, them. If you do not send them Ratanakiri, Stoeng Treng, Kratie in, you will have to be brought So I am asking our people to Among the seven projects pro- and Preah Vihear’s agro- in for interrogation. That is the help the Royal Government by posed to the Chinese friend, we industrial and mineral potentials last option. There is no way that not being motivated and insti- are looking for financial assis- into a new pole of economic you could get by even if you are gated to play the opposition’s tance to enlarge the national road development before the year advisor to the Prime Minister. card of “winning would get land, 6 from currently five meters to 2020. losing would get paid.” eleven meters from Kompong If you do not act accordingly, I Cham’s Skun to Siem Riep As of present, we have only would strip you of your position There has been incident that province. We are going to three poles – Phnom Penh, Siha- as advisor too. I have written over one night, in a certain place, launch four lanes construction of noukville and Siem Riep. Once instruction to the Ministry of there were one hundred homes the national road 6’s segment - the good road connection is in Agriculture, Forestry and Fisher- set up and claimed to have been between Phnom Penh’s Jroy place, I am sure the new eco- ies too that wherever land claim- there for five years already. Janva Bridge and the road junc- nomic pole will appear in the ing appears to run into conflict (Continued on page 7)

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