Published by the Cabinet of Samdech —————— MP of Kandal Prime Minister

Issue 78 http://www.cnv.org.kh July, 2004

25 July 2004 (Unofficial Translation) 30 July 2004 (Unofficial Translation) Inspecting the Construction of a Bailey Bridge in Reconstructing the National Road 3 between Koh Sotin District of Kompong Cham Province Kompot Town and Tropeang Ropov

Following is the selected com- Republic of Korea (RoK), who ments, aside from the pre- financed the project, I am pared text, of Samdech Hun pleased and thankful to the Sen at the groundbreaking people and Government of the ceremony to rebuild the na- RoK for the assistance and tional road three between support they have always pro- Kompot Town and Tropeang vided for the Cambodian peo- Ropov, the last 32.7 kilome- ple and Government. ters length that is connected to another part that is con- … The construction site here is structed by the World Bank one of the three projects that I from Veal Rinh to Tropeang have negotiated with RoK – Ropov. (1) information technology project and (2) the construction “… I am sure that today’s of a large professional training event is what we all have been centre, which is supposed to be 25 July 04 - Samdech Hun Sen (centre) accompanies an old-age waiting for. With the presence ready by end of the year, (3) person in his wheelchair to cross the Tonle Touch River by the of HE Ambassador of the (Continued on page 3) newly built Doeum Sdao Bailey Bridge at Koh Sotin district, Kom- 20 July 2004 (Unofficial Translation) pong Cham province (Photo: Virakmuny). Welcoming Comments for the In-Coming Minister for Rural Development Following is the selected com- this year, the dike that was ments, aside from his prepared built for our people to cross At the welcoming ceremony the leadership of HE Ly Thuch text, of Samdech Hun Sen dur- while the bridge was under for the in-coming minister for in the second term Govern- ing his visit to the Construction construction was blown away. Rural Development in the ment, which gives a great ef- Site of a Bailey Bridge at As of today the situation third-term Royal Government, fects on the efforts to reduce Doeum Sdao crossing in the where our people are facing Samdech Hun Sen made a our people’s poverty. district of Koh Sotin, Kompong difficulties in rainy as well as speech on a wide range of Cham Province. in dry seasons is over. issues relating to rural devel- … My thanks also go to the

opment in and office of rural development of “… I think everyone is pleased … In 1982 when traveling to CNV is making an abridged all levels for the same efforts with a new achievement today Memot, Dambe and to O and selected version here as and achievements. Rural devel- – the Doeam Sdao Bridge, Raing Ov and returning to follows: opment was first under the which ends difficult passage Koh Sotin, I had to cross the leadership of HE Hong Sun for people in the region. Those river with a small bridge. HE ... I am indeed honored and Huot, and later of HE Chhim who have resettled here can go Preap Pichey was then the pleased to be able to join with Seak Leng, HE Ly Thuch, and to and return to Governor of Kompong Cham. all of you today to celebrate now of HE Deputy Prime Min- Koh Sotin or the area together He would like me to travel the welcoming ceremony for with family to visit the native along the river back to the city the in-coming minister, HE (Continued on page 5) village by land. Personally I of Kompong Cham. Deputy Prime Minister Lu am glad to see that the wish of Lay Sreng, for rural develop- In This Issue our people has been realized. … There were then many ment. The bridge has been under illegal checkpoints and they 1) The Bridge, P. 1 construction for about 117 even opened fire on our team. 2) National Road 3, P. 1 …On this auspicious occasion days and it is ready for our It was because of this incident 3) Minister for Rural, P.1 people to use. that I have declared that all I would like to express my illegal checkpoints, which sincere appreciation for the 4) Inter. Community, P. 6 … As the flood has come early (Continued on page 2) work fulfilled by the Ministry 5) East Asia Future, P. 8 of Rural Development under

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(Continued from page 1) Mondulkiri we need another tion here. In 1969, under the until the bridge is completely 300 meters of Bailey bridges. leadership of HM the King finished… demand bribes from people, Norodom Sihanouk as Head must be stopped. At that time I … I begged the Cabinet mem- of State, there was an inten- … This means that the team was a Deputy Prime Minister bers during the first Cabinet tion to build the bridge right will return to do some more and Minister for Foreign Af- meeting on July 16 that they here but it was not happening works (paving a 100 meters fairs, so how difficult and must be patient with the small because of man-made disas- concrete road on either side of scared it could be for the peo- size meeting room because ters – the coup and the war. the bridges of Doeum Sdao ple in general. I was born in the we have to save up money to and Pungro) as soon as the countryside and I happened to build bridges for our people – … As we now have achieved flood recedes and I would sug- see all this in my life and I am like the Doeum Sdao Bridge peace, we could not only se- gest March 29, 2005 as the sure people in other places also here today. This is the Gov- cure that the bridges and roads date of inauguration. The date encounter similar difficulties. ernment’s objective to narrow can be built but also guarantee was in fact the anniversary the gaps between the rich and that no damages would be when I left this area in 1975. … I could foresee the construc- the poor through an equitable brought up because of wars. tion of bridges for at least an- distribution of the economic … It is not a coincidence that I other 40,000 meters for the growth between rural and … I often mention that those have come to launch the next ten years and by then I urban areas. who join in the current Gov- groundbreaking for the two think we will be able to say ernment are not being offered bridges on March 29, and the that problems of passing across … This was the implementa- new cars, etc. because the inauguration also on March 29. water ways and the connection tion of the second angle of the Government needs to address I would like to suggest also the of road access in the country is second-term triangular strat- the people’s need like road, building of a woman statue in a better condition. Otherwise egy, and infrastructural devel- bridges, etc. It is true that sit- with a traditional weaving our people would still be in a opment has in this term be- ting in the Cabinet Meeting is loom which symbolizes the situation of market inaccessi- come one angle. The cost of a little hot in such a small expertise of the women in this bility for the products they building four bridges – room, but it is far better than area. have produced. Doeum Sdao, Takao, Ta Koch people working in the field… and Pongro, would be more I am glad to hear that the mili- … Today I am glad to see that … I may request HE Sun than enough to build a mod- tary engineering team work- the commune council which Chanthol of the Ministry of ern office of the cabinet but if ing here has enjoyed the hos- composed of 34 CPP and 17 Public Works and Transport we have done so our people pitality from our people. FUNCINPEC members is who is present here to make a would not have bridges to present together. Our country rough estimate on how many cross the river. … I learned that some have has got numerous political bridges would need to be built brought for them the Khmer parties but only two parties that across the Small River (a … I used to live in this area noodle or traditional sticky playing the key roles. branch of the River and I know full well how life- rice, etc. Though the amount that comes from Kompong cost incident could happen is small but the heart of our … In the course of solving the Cham at Koh Sotin down to because of the inability to people and monks are pro- political deadlock situation for Peam of ) travel across the river. People found. We have two values the safety and security and as it stretches from Kompong could talk to each other from here that meet one another. wellbeing of our people, some Cham to Kandal and to Prey one side of the river to another politicians predicted us to be veng. According to my under- but they could not commute … The value of the Ministries historical offenders. No one is standing I would like to have a to one another as quick as of National Defense, Public and will ever become, as CPP bridge in between every four or they wish to. Works, and Economy and and FUNCINPEC jointly do five kilometers as nowadays Finance is indeed reflected in away with the deadlock situa- the people have to go five to … Take for instance a woman their adherence to obligation. tion and not a single drop of ten kilometers to get to the in labor may have some prob- Our citizen and monks also blood has shed. crossing point. lems and needs to be taken to have shown their value of a hospital as quick as possible. sentiment and morale. There- … Cambodia is following the … Having said that does not But because of the lack of fore the military engineering parliamentarian system which exactly mean Hun Sen will road and bridges, she may team feels encouraged. means all decisions must be build more bridges here right lose her life or baby, etc. made by the National Assem- now because we have more … As the rain has come, a bly because this institution is bridges demand in Ratanakiri, … HE Yu Hockry, having large part of the team need to given power by the people, the Mundulkiri, Stung Treng, served as co-minister for inte- be transferred to new tasks, people voted for its establish- Kratie, and just for the road to rior for the last two terms and and prepared for other de- ment. Koh Nhek (of Mundulkiri) we is today helping on issues mands. I have ordered that the need to build about 400 meters relating to border, used to be bridge is open for small-size … As stipulated in Article 98, of Bailey bridges. For the 110 Head of the District in 1960’s transport, while the heavy members of the Cabinet as km road between Snuol and and knows full well the situa- transport means should wait (Continued on page 4)

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(Continued from page 1) … As we all witnessing today by the Royal Government of especially in Kompot as we the reconstruction of the na- the real beneficiaries of the Cambodia. The reason why will in the future produce ce- tional road 3 between the city relations are the people of the cost is so large is because ment for export from the Kom- of Kompot and Tropeang Ro- Cambodia. I can summarize the road size will be enlarged pot province and the goods pov. The part between Tro- that though the two countries’ to eleven kilometers and as- should not take all the ways to peang Ropov and Veal Rinh relations started and devel- phalted. Sihanouk seaport to do so. has already been done for al- oped from the representative most 90% by the World Bank. to the ambassadorial level, … This road was badly de- … Aside from serving as a Cambodia has been in the stroyed during the war time, corridor of the coastal area, the … I remember well that I mainstream of bilateral as while many bridges have to national road three is also a brought up this proposal of well as multilateral assistance be built including the bridge connection among three coun- reconstruction of the national (ASEAN + 3 and ASEAN + across the Kompot River of tries (Thailand, Cambodia and road 3 to HE former President RoK) of RoK. the length of 290 meters and Vietnam) and ASEAN as a Kim Dae-jung during the third twelve meters in width. whole in terms of transports. ASEAN Summit in Singapore. … Today’s event is indeed At the time RoK just came out being held under the presence … I am grateful to HE Senior … Indeed the ASEAN plan of of the financial/economic crisis of HE Sun Chan Thol, the in- Minister Keat Chhun, who roads connection is going via in 1997-98. However, RoK coming Minister for Public also is present here, for his the national road 1, for which provided Cambodia a special Works and Transports after ability to manage with the we have to foresee building priority in its grant for the con- the formation of the Royal financial contribution from another bridge across the Bas- struction some of Cambodia’s Government in the third legis- the Government pocket to sac River as the current urgent needs such as the Ta lature of the National Assem- fulfill its obligation of provid- Monivong Bridge will not be Mork water reservoir, and bly. ing the counterpart fund for able to handle the future load. many more. every project assisted by for- … This clearly shows that eign countries and/or interna- … As far as the railroad is … RoK also allows Cambodia despite we have a change in tional financial institutions. concerned the plan will not go to access its concession loan, the top position in the minis- through the corridor but to for which it could be consid- try, as HE Khi Taing Lim, … Our people have been extend rail connection to Snuol ered one of the great success in out-going Minister and now waiting for quite sometime for district of Kratie and continue the field of diplomacy for that Senior Minister and Minister the road to get reconstructed to Kunming, Yunnan province specified period of time be- in Charge of the Greater Me- and the construction itself will of the People’s Republic of tween RoK and the Kingdom kong Sub-region, the vision of take 36 months or over three China. However, as far as trade of Cambodia. the Royal Government on years. is concerned I am sure traders issue of infrastructural devel- will take shortcuts for the sake … Please allow me to take this opment is constantly making ... The interest the road will of saving their expenses. opportunity to express my sin- progress. give us is immense as it is cere thanks for the former beneficial not only for the … Instead of going through the Presidents of Korea, HE Kim … I wish to thank HE Ke people of Kep City and Kom- national road 1, for example, Young-sam, HE Kim Dae- Kimyan for the provision of pot province, but also is a part they may choose to travel, for jung, and the current President the de-mining team to clear of the corridor along the example from Vietnam to HE Roh Moo-hyun. the area allowing for the re- coastal area that will connect Thailand, through Kompot to construction of this part of the Kompot city to the Sihanouk- Koh Kong rather than having … One may recall that after national road 3. Construction ville on one direction and at to come from Bavet (Svay the re-establishment of the of roads in Cambodia cost the juncture of the national Rieng) through to Phnom Penh diplomatic relations between more than in other countries road 48 to Koh Kong prov- and to Poi Pet. the two countries – Republic of because on top of the con- ince and the Thai-Cambodian Korea and the Kingdom of struction cost, extra cost is border. … If we could realize the na- Cambodia, in 1996, in 1997, being paid on de-mining and tional road 3 in this term of the during my visit to the RoK, the clearance of unexploded ord- … All this is to wrap up what Government, I would propose diplomatic relations between nances. I have been saying that Cam- the road be named “the road of the two countries has been bodia will open its air, water friendship between Cambodia brought up to Ambassadorial … This part of the national and land accesses and we and RoK.” level. road 3 (Tropeang Ropov and already have in Sihanoukville Kompot) is 32 kilometers but a seaport, one other port under … I also have good news that … In 2000, after our discus- the total cost of the construc- construction in Kep Phos, and the road length of 198 kilome- sion in the Republic of Singa- tion is US$ 21.3 million – another in Koh Kong. ters from Kratie to the border pore, I conducted another visit US$ 17 million is the loan with Laos has been signed, to RoK, during which time the with low interest rate from … Cambodia continues to while the road between Siem- three projects I mentioned RoK and US$ 4.3 million is welcome more investment in reap and Poi Pet is ready to above were signed officially. the counterpart fund provided building more ports facilities, (Continued on page 4)

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(Continued from page 3) (Continued from page 2) post of Head of State. journey to Singapore, Samdech start and also the national road well as the whole Cabinet Krom Preah called me and said 08 from Prek Tamak to Prey could be dissolved only by the … In between 1960 and 1970 the other party does not accept Veng has also been reviewed. decision of the national As- it was accidental and unique the solution and I told Sam- sembly. Some sought the in- that the Kingdom of Cambo- dech Krom Preah that they … Again this setup also illus- tervention from HM the King dia was ruled instead by a should state it out clearly so trates an importance of integra- … but on July 17, 2004, HM Head of State. Now we do not that we can apply the new Arti- tion between and among the the King wrote back that HM accept a mixed system like cle 153 of the Election Law neighboring countries. the King could not stop deci- that. If you want to maintain that if a Party does not take sion of the National Assem- the parliamentarian system, part, the seats belong to that … It is in this reason that I am bly… power must be given to the party must be given to the re- saying Cambodia should not parliament and the National maining elected ones. be satisfied with only one sea- … If they want to see the Re- Assembly will assume power port. It is true that the recon- publican regime established, in adopting laws, while HM … As far as the illegal militant struction of the national road 3 first of all we have to abandon the King would give his sig- organization is concerned, up to this moment is not yet the Constitutional monarchy nature. many have reported them- complete as we still have an- regime or it means the King- selves in Banteay Meanchey, other part of 136 kilometers dom of Cambodia no longer … Some politicians requested Phnom Penh. They called it from Kompot to Phnom Penh has a King and we will see the HM the King not to sign any Committee 14, but they all to be built. Currently this part laws (concerning the estab- have been given military ranks. is under repair under the fund lishment of the new Royal HM the King issued a message for flood relief projects. whether this is a wish only of Government) but criticized that “the party is facing a dan- Samdech Krom Preah and HM when HM signed them. It ger because of its words.” I … In this objective, I have me. would be a tremendous sacri- warmly welcome those who proposed to HE Roh Moo- fice if they would opt for a reported themselves. They are Hyun, the President of RoK in … It is the nation’s need that presidential regime as first of guiltless and are given some Bali three more projects: Samdech Krom Preah and I, all the Constitution would pocket money to go back to with the advice of Samdech leave out the existence of HM their families. (1) the 136 kilometer road Chea Sim and Smadech Heng the King. between Kompot and Samrin, have hammered out a … Whether this military or- Phnom Penh’s Chaom solution without costing the … Whether the president has ganization could become real Chao, nation any losses, but benefit all the power or not depends one is just a matter of time and (2) the water reservoir of for the people of Cambodia on whether s/he is voted in by they can take two forms of Roleang Chrey for the instead. I could conclude that the people or not? If s/he is appearance: (i) if the win the effort to provide irrigation what Samdech Krom Preah voted in by the parliament, s/ election they would seek the for cultivation to the and I have done, or the leader- he is the president symboliz- transfer of the structure or (ii) northern part of Phonm ship of the two parties have ing the national unity only. they use them as the support Penh and parts of Kom- done so to speak, is for the force and will take up actions pong Speu, Kandal and protection of the best interest … In the presidential regime, in case of any incidental event. Kompong Chhnang, of the people and nation. the president is elected by the (3) the extension of informa- people and the parliament … They all could fight right tion technology to provin- … We could not afford to let cannot remove him/her from away because they all were cial level of Cambodia, in the stalemate on and on as power. That is why when Lon formerly soldiers… The fact the form of grant and many countries have knocked Nol launched a coup in 1970 that they have come out is a loan. our doors and told us they against HM the King, who good thing as they no longer have prepared to offer us was then the Head of State, it have to pay their obligatory … The assistance from RoK is helps with favorable condi- is said that the parliament got contribution and open the way a need and wish not only of tions and a number of them the right to remove HM and for bringing the chieftain to Hun Sen but the whole people have been waiting for the the US and some of the coun- justice. of Cambodia and HE Minister ratification from the National tries supported them. The Lon for Public Works and Trans- Assembly for their loans. Nol group occupied the seat at ... Those reported themselves ports Sun Chan Thol men- the United Nations… to the authorities are indeed tioned just now that the Minis- … Some made comments that making a contribution for the try thanks Samdech Krom Cambodia is deeply sinking in … But we cannot change the defense of the national secu- Preah and I for the break- crisis. Is it because of the Constitution as in Article 98 rity. Those who went into hid- through of the deadlock situa- weight of the construction stipulates that the Constitu- ing in the party headquarters tion into the formation of the equipment? One would come tional monarchy and the lib- should come out and should Royal Government. to an end if one preaches eral pluralistic system, includ- not try to seek asylum in any things that are not the truth...■ ing also the parliament, can- foreign embassies...■ … We could ask a question not be amended. Prior to his

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(Continued from page 1) ity. From our experience, take polio and other forms of dis- First, the security has been for instance in the district of eases. improved in rural area because ister Lu Lay Sreng. As he is Snuol of Kratie province, we no longer have fighting or already 67 years old, I would water has been always suffi- ... People will tell you what threats as under the Khmer request that his office is set up cient for the cultivation of all they need in rural area. They Rouge time. Second, good at the ground floor rather than sorts of crops but our people will tell you they need school roads and bridges have city having him going up to the in the area do not grow major buildings, roads, water canals, dwellers and rural villagers in third floor. crops. etc. But we have to address close touch. Taking all these these tremendous needs with into consideration and judg- ... Countryside is the source of … The problem has been that our limited budget. We could ment, I can say that our minis- resources and workforce sup- the area does not have a not address those needs all in ters and staff’s departure in this ply for hotels, factories, etc. in workable road condition that one at the same time. term is in a better situation the city. We have to exert ef- transport of agro-products to compared to the previous forts to provide rural areas with the market would cost sky … It is therefore necessary to terms. clean water, irrigation, good high. HE Ngy Chan Phal, coordinate with the Village road condition, telecommuni- Under-Secretary of State for Development Committee who ... As HE Lu Lay Sreng said in cation, market opportunity, rural development, has been have assumed their duties his speech that he needs the schools, etc. all of which aim conducting this wide-ranging through the village election to cooperation from all concerned to promote poverty alleviation topic study. In Siemreap, the allow our people to make their departments, institutions, and through the narrowing of gap betterment of road condition own judgment and decision as especially from Secretaries and between rural and urban areas. from rural areas to town and to what need to be dealt first Under-Secretaries of State so its market condition brought and what could be left for that this task could be success- … Taking its complex nature about a significant increase in later stage. It is indeed a de- fully implemented. More than into consideration, Samdech the volume of products. I centralization of power or that the success or failure of Krom Preah Norodom would therefore recommend offering more power to the the Ministry of Rural Develop- Ranaridh and I set up the that priority and investment people. If they say they need ment is crucial for the priority Council for Agricultural and should be given to and made water, it falls on the first fac- action plan of the Government Rural Development (CARD) on the betterment of infra- tor I mentioned above and we as a whole as it is one of the as a mechanism to help coordi- structure and communication could address the need right four prioritized ministries – nate such a complex environ- in rural area. On July 25, away. This would be the most Ministries of Rural Develop- ment. For example, the Asian 2004, I will visit the construc- appropriate decision making ment, Education, Health and Development Bank has been tion site of the Bridge of process as we address their Agriculture. providing its school assistance Doeum Sdao in the district of needs according to their de- through two channels – the Koh Sotin of Kompong mands. … We must see that the objec- Ministry of Education and the Cham. tives of the Government’s pri- Ministry of Rural Develop- ... I mention all this because I ority action plan are imple- ment, an action that has to be ... Third, investment in the want all of us -- decision mak- mented successfully. Those are coordinated so as prioritization betterment of human re- ers at the central level – to be to guarantee the stability and and equal distribution of assis- sources must continue to be a aligned with the rights and public order so as to allow tance and wealth could be priority as well. Take for ex- demand of the people in the more favorable condition for managed. It is worth recalling ample more schools in rural rural areas. I think we all have general development, to what I used to say in relation to areas need to be constructed. got to come close to the peo- achieve a long-term economic rural development. We need to Requirement of school build- ple to listen to their demands growth between 6% and 7%, to focus on three factors so that ing will never be satisfied as and it is easier to do so these achieve an equitable distribu- rural area could jump out of its the number of population is days as we could commute to tion of fruit of the economic cycle of poverty: growing at a pace of about rural areas quicker and easier. growth, especially with a focus 2.4% per year. This indicates Because of the better road given on rural areas and there- First, it should be the water that more requirements of condition, rural areas which fore narrowing the gap be- supply – drinking, irrigation, food, clothing, schools, health used to be far remote is no tween the rich and the poor, and I know that the Ministry of centers, etc are needed. longer so. Mondulkiri, a prov- women and men, and to make Rural Development has been ince in the far northeast is no a stable and sustainable use of doing a lot with the help from … The three factors – longer out of reach. During the natural resources. It is in the People’s Republic of China infrastructure, water supply the Khmer New Year this the aim of achieving this objec- in digging water wells and and irrigation, and human year, city dwellers stormed tive the Royal Government has reservoirs. resources are keys to rural out of the cities to enjoy their allocated already about half a development. Along with the rest and family get-together in million hectares of fishing ground, about 56% of the total Second, efforts must be made three, we also need public rural areas. There are two area of the country’s fishing to build more rural infra- health service in rural area too reasons that make this possi- ground, for use by rural peo- structure and transport facil- because children must all be ble: vaccinated in prevention of ple...■

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07 July 2004 (Unofficial Translation) (Continued from page 7) Where Does Cambodia Stand? Where Is Cambodia Going in the Future? goal and a shared vision of the The prepared text in full for the International Conference is available at www.cnv.org.kh ASEAN+3 countries, at least “... Indeed my prepared speech cold war came to an end, we state and private structures for now. Therefore, it is impor- does not respond directly to the observe that a hot one has and they are also educated and tant that we must work through issue of where Cambodia is occurred. Take for instance coordinated as they have links this incremental process of standing. Where is it going to conflicts in Angola where the from the Middle East to Asia, community building, at a pace be? I think we have to put UN resolution has been and from there to Cambodia comfortable to all and on the thing into perspective while adopted more or less at the where we have arrested some basis of consensus-building. making a precise statement same time with Cambodia of them the other day. In face To realize the EAC, I think that rather than referring to it in a issue still exist. We also no- of such cooperation among we have to forge a sense of diplomatic way. It is true that tice problems in Sierra Leone, the terrorists, the states have community building and an the era of cold war and the Congo and Zaire that are get- parted away from one another identity of the East Asia Com- confrontation between ideolo- ting worse and worse. In the at different levels. Take for munity. ASEAN needs to con- gies ended. Small countries war against Iraq’s invasion of instance in Europe, the claim tribute to the EAC, particularly have become more independ- Kuwait, Saudi Arabia was the of ownership between Turkey through the building of ent than in the time of cold war base from where the US and Greece over Cyprus has ASEAN Community which where they were prone to de- launched the fight. Now we put the two countries in the comprises the three main pil- pend on powerful countries or all ask what Saudi Arabia has mood of lacking of coordina- lars—the ASEAN Economic countries belonging to this or become. It has become as we tion. Community (AEC), the that bloc. Whereas the power- all can see a nest of terrorism ASEAN Security Community ful countries readjusted their – in human and other re- (ASC), and the ASEAN Socio- ... We have spoken of alliance cultural Community (ASCC)■ strategies from confrontation to sources, not only in Saudi in the region but I seem to engagement and cooperation, Arabia but also for their links notice a lack of balance in this into the policy of win-win so- small countries have resorted in other countries. This is the matter. The ASEM meeting – lution. By saying so, Cambo- to reducing their dependencies real situation. the Summit between Asia and dia does not wish to interfere in on powerful ones while the Europe is about to take place any country’s internal affairs or latter also sized down their ... If one asks where one is, in Hanoi, Vietnam. The EU to offer any support to the vio- commitments to foreign coun- one has to take into considera- wishes that their ten new lation of human rights. First tries as well. tion the position of where the member states be admitted Cambodia thought we must world is. We all do not know without condition, but they move ahead but we have to ... The move has brought about exactly as to where the whole have placed a condition (for think of unity in ASEAN. If a need for an economic alli- world is but say in general ASEAN) to exclude Burma the European Union resorts to ance among countries. Though manner that the cold war and from the meeting. The prob- allow Burma to sit together the economic development is ideological confrontation are lem has arisen and how do we with them, it would do a lot at different levels, they all have over, and the world is in the solve this? In my view we better than leaving Burma sought for a favorable position phase of globalization, start of have to move on in the win- alone. It is in this reason that in the economic grouping. The regionalism and integration. win framework. Seeing this we have chosen to write a sen- move to such an alliance of In pursuit of the above target, lack of balance, Cambodia tence “isolation no longer is a economic cooperation has be- we notice that wars occur in could not afford to leave choice for any country”. come a key requirement of many places and terrorist ac- Burma outside alone. Cambo- each country to formulate its tivities are taking place at dia would have to sacrifice ASEAN has an objective and foreign policy. Particularly in different levels in various this chance and to stay outside is in the process of implement- South East Asia where a total countries. Therefore it is a together with Burma as well. ing it – maintain unity of hostility used to prevail be- must that all countries have to Our position is clear -- the ASEAN and narrowing down tween ASEAN and former stand united and fight terror- EU’s ten new members’ en- the gap between old member Indochinese countries, and ism all together because the tries should be corresponding states (developed) and new such conflicts had evolved act of terrorism in one country with the entry of the ASEAN member states (least devel- from confrontation to engage- would inflict problems to the three states – Burma, Cambo- oped). So to leave someone ment, and to this moment, to others... dia, and Laos. Otherwise, we alone or to let one walk in a peaceful coexistence through all cancel the entry together. rough terrain alone is inappro- the enlargement of the ASEAN … It is my observation that priate. We do not want a (from six to ten). The same is while the terrorists strengthen ... If we consider Burma as a wrong signal for the ASEAN true for Europe as it has their alliance, states have be- problem for relationship be- unity. In response to the ques- evolved from two confronting come less coordinating and, in tween the ASEAN commu- tion where Cambodia is stand- blocs (WARSAW and NATO) my opinion, allowed gaps for nity and the European Union, ing, we should ask the same to become big community. insurgences by the terrorists. I think that we are moving question as to where the world It is worth observing that the against the current of region- is standing now…”■ ... Unfortunately, when the terrorists have made use of all alism. Cambodia is sticking

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(Continued from page 8) of the East Asia Vision Group tional crimes such as human believe that ASEAN should region faced the common chal- (EAVG) and the concrete trafficking and drug smug- take a common position in lenges, and it was not a matter recommendations of the East gling. Since the September 11 order to identify our important of convenience but a matter of Asia Study Group (EASG), event, terrorism remains a strategies, which include the political and economic neces- which initiated by President serious threat to the region as following: sity that the ASEAN+3 coop- Kim Dae Jung of the Republic whole, let alone the entire eration emerged at the time. of Korea. At the same time, world. Therefore, the threat of First, ASEAN should continue during the last ASEAN+3 terrorism and other transna- to remain in the driver’s seat of While there is no doubt that the Summit in Bali, Indonesia in tional crimes continues to not only the ASEAN+3 proc- cooperation between ASEAN 2003, the Leaders indeed reaf- pose great challenge to the ess but also the East Asia Co- and the countries in Northeast firmed their cooperation so ASEAN+3 countries, collec- operation, which includes the Asia started much earlier than that the ASEAN+3 process tively and individually. East Asia Summit. In this re- in 1997, the cooperation will continue to achieve gard, perhaps it is in the best among these thirteen countries greater synergy through Third is the increasing chal- interest of the ASEAN+3 Co- gained greater momentum, broader and deeper coopera- lenge of energy security as the operation that ASEAN will more significant political and tion so as to advance the world oil prices continue to host the first East Asia Sum- strategic weight, and certainly ASEAN+3 partnership. The rise. The energy security un- mit, with the co-chairmanship more economic clout in the current ASEAN+3 Coopera- doubtedly has negative impact formula between ASEAN and post-1999 when the tion continues to cover mainly on the regional and global one of the Plus Three coun- ASEAN+3 Leaders began to political and security, eco- economies. To be sure, the tries. With this formula of co- launch their cooperation under nomic, and functional areas of least developing countries chairmanship of the East Asia the banner of “East Asia Coop- cooperation. In my view, the suffer greater impact and, Summit, the Summit will pro- eration” for the first time. As ASEAN+3 Cooperation, as therefore, it is vital that the vide more shared benefits to the ASEAN+3 Leaders con- well as the ASEAN+1 coop- ASEAN+3 Cooperation the Plus Three countries. tinue to meet annually, review eration with China, Japan, and should make collective efforts their cooperation, reaffirm their RoK will continue to drive the to address this important is- Second, the ASEAN+3 Sum- commitment to work together, East Asia Cooperation to a sue. While there are other mit will remain, and ASEAN strengthen their cooperation, higher level, thus leading to challenges that I can raise at will continue to host it among and deepen their partnership. the East Asia Community in this Forum, due to the con- the respective member coun- Indeed, when they meet each the long-term future, which is straint of time, I will focus tries on a rotating basis. On the time, I believe that the present ultimately the shared goal of only on the three issues of agenda of the East Asia Sum- ASEAN+3 cooperation will the ASEAN+3. However, I challenge above. Now, I mit, I believe that we may not contribute significantly to the would like to share my view would like to touch on two duplicate it with the East Asia Cooperation and on what, I believe, continues other issues—the East Asia ASEAN+3 Summit. But cer- certainly the East Asia commu- to constitute the main chal- Summit and the East Asia tainly the overlapping agenda nity in the long-term future. lenges for ASEAN+3 Coop- Community. We all remem- between the ASEAN+3 Sum- After all, the ASEAN+3 coop- eration or the East Asia Coop- ber that on the East Asia Sum- mit and the East Asia Summit eration is the most dynamic eration today. mit, which is one of the seven is unavoidable. After the first form of cooperation in Asia medium- and long-term meas- East Asia Summit, the next today, which ASEAN is in the First is the challenge of de- ures of the EASG, I believe East Asia Summit can be held driver’s seat of this ASEAN+3 velopment gap within that time has come for us to in one of the Plus Three coun- process. ASEAN and between move ahead with the East tries, rotating through an alpha- ASEAN and the Plus Three Asia Summit in the very near betical order. Specifically, with Since the launching of the countries. I think it is impor- future. In fact, this issue was regard to the East Asia Com- ASEAN+3 cooperation in tant that we continue to pay raised by the Singapore Prime munity, I believe that the proc- 1997, the areas of cooperation close attention to the develop- Minister Goh Chok Tong at ess of this community building have been widely expanded ment divide between ASEAN the ASEAN+3 Summit in has begun as we continue to and so have the levels of dia- and the least developing coun- Phnom Penh in 2002. talk about it by raising issues logue between ASEAN and the try in ASEAN, which should and exploring the various fac- Plus Three. In fact, the Joint not be allowed to continue to At that time, he proposed the tors that will shape the future Statement on “East Asia Coop- be marginalized by the impact idea of having a paralleled of the EAC at an appropriate eration,” which was adopted of globalization. Certainly, ASEAN+3 Summit and the time. Certainly, the discussions by the ASEAN+3 Leaders in ASEAN and particularly the East Asia Summit. Today, the have been carried out at vari- 1999, has laid down the vision least developing members issue of the East Asia Summit ous levels, including the gov- and strategic goals of the should be encouraged under has been raised to a higher ernment, the think tank, and ASEAN+3 cooperation as well the IAI projects and other level and it is important that civil society. as the contribution to East Asia ASEAN schemes. we have to contemplate this Cooperation as a whole. Fol- issue thoroughly. While there The EAC is no doubt a shared lowing this important Joint Second is the challenge of have been a lot of discussions Statement, we have the study fighting terrorism and transna- on the East Asia Summit, I (Continued on page 6)

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09 July 2004 Remarks at the Degree-Granting Ceremony of the and the Launching of the East Asia Young Leaders' Forum on “Enhancing Cooperation and Prospects for Building the East Asia Community”

“… Today I am indeed pleased In fact, I had personally re- lieve that Cambodia has taken who always stay beside me in to be present here at these two ceived eight doctorate and a bolder step in order in inter- all good and bitter times. Once important functions—the Spe- honorary doctorate degrees by nationalizing Cambodia’s again, I profoundly thank the cial Program on Granting the the international universities, academic standardization, University of Cambodia, par- Honorary Doctorate Degrees which had honored me for my quality control, and education ticularly Dr. Kao Kim Hourn of the University of Cambodia work and my contributions to value. In doing so, Cambodia and Dr. Toshu Fukami for and the launching of the First the rehabilitation and recon- is advancing its quality human honoring me and the others East Asia Young Leaders’ struction of Cambodia and resource development to a with this honorary doctorate Forum. The two events are in humanity. Nevertheless, this higher level. degree.”□ fact related to each other, is the first time that I have the which I am happy to take part honor to receive an honorary On behalf of the recipients of The East Asia Cooperation in both of them. At the outset, I doctorate from a Cambodian the honorary doctorate de- Today & Prospects for wish to take this opportunity to university. This really reflects grees from the University of Building the East Asia Com- thank the University of Cam- the improvement of Cambo- Cambodia, I present profound munity” bodia, particularly Dr. Kao dia's higher education. Indeed, gratitude to His Majesty the Kim Hourn and Dr. Toshu this achievement is the result King Norodom Sihanouk and I will now turn to my keynote Fukami, for honoring me and of privatization policy in edu- Her Majesty the Queen Noro- address on the “The East Asia the other distinguished recipi- cation and of the strengthen- dom Monineath Sihanouk Cooperation Today and Pros- ents of the University of Cam- ing of the partnership with the who always provide us with pects for Building the East bodia’s honorary degrees this private sector both domesti- their wisdom. May I pray Asia Community,” which is an year. Before proceeding with cally and internationally that I their Majesties with longevity. important topic for our region my keynote address, I wish to have launched nearly ten The honor that I have today is at present and the years to put on record my acceptance of years back. also to the Senate and the come. the honorary degree from the National Assembly, particu- University of Cambodia. It is Indeed, as a Cambodian and larly His H.E. Samdach At present, East Asia, which is with great honor and pride that as a prime minister of this CHEA SIM, His Royal High- comprising the ten countries of I accept the honorary doctorate country, there is nothing more ness Samdach Krom Preah Southeast Asia or ASEAN and degree. makes me happy than to see Norodom Ranarith President the Plus Three countries in the expansion and improve- of the FUNCINPEC Party, Northeast Asia, namely China, Taking this opportunity, I am ment in higher education in H.E. Samdach HENG SAM- Japan and the Republic of Ko- indeed grateful to Professor Dr. Cambodia over the past sev- RIN, and H.E. SAY rea, has been regarded as a Michael Haas, former profes- eral years, despite the chal- CHHUM, as well as the man- truly dynamic region, which sor of political science at the lenges facing Cambodia. Yet, agement of Cambodian Peo- sets to become another impor- University of Hawaii and cur- I believe that our country has ple’s Party who always pro- tant political and economic rently the Chairman of the made tremendous progress in vide me with advice and cor- pole in the world. This region International Academic Advi- university education. The rections in all of my activi- under the current process of the sory Board of the University of improvement in education, ties. I wish to present this ASEAN+3 cooperation, which Cambodia, for reading my including higher education, achievement to my advisors started in 1997, has been mov- citation as well as the citation has been one of the most im- and assistants as well as pub- ing ahead very fast, consolidat- of other recipients from the portant policies of the Royal lic servants at all levels, ing the gains rapidly, and deep- University of Cambodia. I am Government of Cambodia, armed forces and Cambodian ening the cooperation into also delighted to know that the particularly in expanding op- people who support my lead- many areas. The ASEAN+3 granting of the honorary doc- portunities for the people, ership and from whom I have cooperation is based princi- torate degrees by the Univer- building a more knowledge- learnt a great deal. Let me pally on the high political com- sity of Cambodia is the first based society, and advancing dedicate this accomplishment mitment of the ASEAN+3 initiative which has ever taken democracy in this coun- to my mother who has passed leaders, which has laid down place in this country. The try. Therefore, this granting of away and to my beloved fa- an essential foundation for the granting of the honorary doc- the honorary doctorate de- ther; to my brothers and sis- East Asia Cooperation today. torate degrees by the Univer- grees to me and others will set ters who are my truly beloved When the ASEAN+3 coopera- sity of Cambodia is not only a important precedence in Cam- family. tion kicked off at the time the symbol of growing confidence bodia’s higher education and region was in fact facing a and academic excellence but that it will set in motion a new I would like also to share the serious financial crisis and the also an increasing internation- process of academic excel- happiness today to Lok Chum impact of globalization. It was alization and recognition of lence and quality education. Teav BUN RANY HUN against this backdrop that the Cambodia’s higher education. Today, by accepting the hon- SEN, my beloved wife, all my orary doctorate degree, I be- children and grand-children (Continued on page 7)

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