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

Issue 108 http://www.cnv.org.kh January, 2007

29 January 2007 24 January 2007 (Unofficial Translation of Selected Comments) HNUE’s Degree of Doctor Honoris Causa Conferred Excerpts on Interpretations Concerning Royal Palace

During the feedback session at broadcasted the news yester- the 11th Government-Private day. Sector Meeting at the Cambo- dia Development Council I received a call yesterday about (CDC), Prime Minister Sam- this issue but I had the letter dech Hun Sen clarified two from the Royal Palace the night issues regarding the Heroic before last. I wrote and sent King-Father's articles about the already a letter to the Heroic so-called CPP's motivation King-Father and Queen- against HM the King Samdech Mother already. In the last few Preah and weeks there have been two attempt to replace the Noro- problems. dom's with the Sisowath's in the Royal Palace. Excerpts of com- First the letter dated 9 January ments are as follows. that there is a plan to replace 29 January 07— The Hanoi National University of Education (HNUE) Con- HM the King Norodom Si- fers Upon Samdech Hun Sen the Degree of Doctor Honoris Causa. ... I have two important things hamoni by someone from the to add on to this feedback ses- Sisovath's line in the 21st cen- ... I am profoundly honored and Royal Government, Cambo- sion and I am sure RFI already (Continued on page 7) pleased, and as well as on be- dian people and the whole na- half of H.E. Sok An, the recipi- tion. At the same time, this ent of Honorary Doctorate in proud honor has clearly high- 19 January 2007 (Unofficial Translation of Selected Comments) Tourism, I am glad that Hanoi lighted the responsibility and Press Briefing on Position vis-à-vis Funcinpec National University of Educa- sacrifices that we all have made … This is indeed the first Cabi- coordination leading to the tion and National for the causes of strengthening net meeting of 2007 and is the withdrawal of the legal suits. Economics University decided peace, stability, democracy, continuation of what we have There was an intention to write to award me and H.E. Sok An respect of human rights and achieved from the past years. to me on that matter but I re- the Honorary Doctorate Degree dignity, and sustainable and Before starting our agenda for sponded that there was nothing in Education and Honorable equitable development in Cam- today I wish to make some to be resolved that involved the Doctorate Degree in Tourism. bodia. statement to the press who are Prime Minister at all because all On this auspicious occasion, on At the same time, this profound present here in relation to some legal cases are in the court's behalf of the Royal Govern- honor also reflects the friend- urgent issues. In fact the Cabi- jurisdiction. ment of , myself as ship between the People of net meeting never makes such a well as on behalf of H.E. Sok Cambodia and the People of press statement to the people Upon my return from Cebu, the An, I would like to express my Vietnam, which is not a newly but because rumors have been Philippines, having reviewed all sincere gratitude to the manage- established one. The friendship quite fast affecting the level of matters related we discovered ments and the assessment com- between our peoples and coun- trust that Funcinpec has to bear. that we have taken all measures mittee as well as doctors, pro- tries has gone through both in concerned. As far as the prepa- fessors and all members of time of peace and war as well May I make it clear to the ration the upcoming elections is Hanoi National University of as in the time that Cambodian monks, people and our compa- concerned social safety has Education and Vietnam Na- people are rebuilding and reha- triots that there has been a ru- been good and the remaining tional Economics University for bilitating their country. Indeed, mor spread by the press that issue is the legal suits of Fun- presenting the Honorary Doc- we have recently been in the Hun Sen ordered Funcinpec to (Continued on page 3) torate Degrees in Education to process of strengthening and withdraw its lawsuits over the me and in Tourism to H.E. Sok expanding a new type of coop- issues of violation of trust and An. eration between the two coun- sale of the Funcinpec headquar- In This Issue Honoris Causa — p. 1 tries, especially, in our joint ters. Before my departure to Indeed, this inspiring honor that Royal Palace — p. 1 efforts to deepen our good Cebu to participate in the 12th both of us are receiving right Funcinpec — p. 1 ASEAN Summit there was an Memot High School — p.6 now is also the honor for the (Continued on page 2) intermediary seeking my role of Pediatric Hospital — p.8

Mailing Box: Cambodia New Vision (CNV), P.O. Box 158, , Cambodia; e-mail: [email protected]; Tel: 855-23 219898; Fax: 855-23 360666/219869 Cambodia New Vision—Issue 108 January 2007 (Continued from page 1) the knowledge to one another in the present time or in the short However, we have made count- other cities and provinces in term, but it is a long-term vision less progresses in the education neighboring relationship, cul- order to open schools across the for development and invest- including progress of tertiary tures, broad cooperation and country. ment in strengthening competi- education which is the main long-lasting peace. tiveness of Cambodia in the policy of the Royal Govern- At the initial stage, we firstly re- future, in particular in this 21st ment, especially to enhance I would like to take this oppor- opened primary and secondary century, the era of globalization opportunities for all citizens in tunity to thank the Government schools for students to attend and economic competition that development, poverty reduc- and the people of Vietnam for classes again. At the same time, is based on knowledge and tion, institutional building, re- their continuous support in road we have gradually recon- information technology. spect of human rights and dig- infrastructure sector, human structed and improved class- nity and democracy . resource development and rooms, study materials and In this sense, the Royal Govern- health, and recently, providing courses as well as continuing to ment still considers the Human In this spirit, the conferment of Cambodia with preferential develop pedagogy by focusing Resources Development and the honorary doctorate degree treatment for 40 products with- on meeting basic requirements Education as a long-term strat- to me is the contribution to out asking any preferential of the education sector which is egy. At the same time, the pov- create important priority in treatment in return. necessary and urgent, including erty reduction based on founda- tertiary education and a new enhancing schooling quality tion of human resources devel- movement for the excellence I would like to take this oppor- through providing books and opment is the key to assure the and quality of education. I tunity to recall of the event after teaching materials, expanding sustainable development and would like to take this opportu- the Liberation Day on the 7th training of teachers and lifting equal distribution of economic nity to dedicate the conferment January 1979, even though the up the various examination growth, because knowledge of this honorary doctorate de- country was freed and the peo- requirements. and know-how can improve the gree to be a forceful and organ- ple of Cambodia were rescued living standard of people and ized step to promote national from the genocidal regime of As a result, the quality of edu- society as a saying goes academic standardization with Pol Pot, the war was still going cation and the system as a “education is a key to solve all control of quality and value of on many years after that. In- whole has gradually improved social and economic issues”. education. Obviously, if we can deed, during that time our peo- and since then the education Therefore, a good society is the do this, Cambodia's educational ple have nothing, no rice, no sector, building schools and one which fabricates of people institutions will improve the proper clothes, no education nor training centers is one priority who know how to live together, quality of human resource de- proper shelters. We can say that of my ambitions to transform respect, care, share and help velopment. 100% of Cambodian people the Cambodian society to a each other without violence and were living under extreme pov- rapid progress in development; Therefore, during my frequent discrimination of sex, races, erty where everyone suffered highly educated population; participation to confer degrees positions and classes. from loosing their loved ones deep culture; and prosperous, in various tertiary education and life threatening diseases. harmonious and dignified liv- At the same times, the liberali- institutions, I have always Today, we have gradually re- ing. zation policy of the education raised economic issues, market built our country as much as we sector and the strengthening of and management; especially I Presently, Cambodia is entering possibly could in the most diffi- private sector partnership both focused on development and a new phase in the development cult situation. On the one hand, within the country and abroad sustainability of the tertiary of education sector by empha- we must rebuild and rehabilitate that were issued by me 10 years education because I would like sizing on strengthening the our country by starting from ago, now produce the good to see the tertiary education basic education and the quality zero and the ruin of socio- outcomes. Certainly, a lot of institutions to permanently stay, of schooling under the frame- economic infrastructure. On the public and private educational develop, progress in financing, work of developing a system- other hand, we must protect and institutions have been estab- management and quality and atic and comprehensive na- totally prevent the return of lished and mushroomed. The play a valuable role in the soci- tional economy. In the long such genocidal regime. More- Cambodian students are enthu- ety. Moreover, I would like to term vision, we have linked the over, we must also fulfill such siastic to absorb knowledge see our tertiary educations con- education with poverty reduc- mission in a situation when our tirelessly. They have full rights tinue to fulfill its historical mis- tion strategies by incorporating country was under economic and abilities to access to all sion in developing human re- the financial plan of the educa- sanction and aid blockage for kinds of information for their source, research study and inter- tion sector with the general the development of the country. studies and improve their national cooperation in the public expenditure manage- knowledge through libraries fields of education, culture and In the education sector after the ment program. and information technology. science to contribute to the Liberation Day on the 7th Janu- Furthermore, it should be noted reconstruction of the economy, ary, 1979, we have tried our Indeed, being a Cambodian that the government policy the enhancement of social de- best to build human resource citizen and the Prime Minister, I aiming at developing human velopment and the protection of through mobilizing those teach- do not have any comparable resource with high quality and national culture and identity. ers who had survived from the happiness than seeing the good efficiently using of our nation's genocidal regime and offering progress of education sector in Being the recipient of the hon- intellectual capital is not the them with pedagogic training Cambodia during the last sev- orary doctorate award of the efforts to address living stan- courses in Phnom Penh city, eral years, though many chal- dard issues of our population at (Continued on page 6) and then they can go and spread lenges remain to be addressed.

Page 2 http://www.cnv.org.kh Cambodia New Vision—Issue 108 January 2007 (Continued from page 1) tion to lessening issues relating (Continued from page 4) that provides water accessibility cinpec against its former leader to complicated matters in the rice quality our people do not people should be helped to and a number of its officials court while withdrawal of the like to grow them anymore. cultivate Sen Pidor rice and who have already been ex- case itself cannot be undone. New species is high in yield but other vegetables. Positive ex- pelled from the Government What is a misfortune here is the lacking good tastes. perience of Kandal Stoeung and from the Party while they fact that some politicians have should be replicated to other are now establishing a new tried to benefit from the role of We still have food security as areas. My wish for the better- political party. reconciliation while opening our main concern. Last year we ment of Cambodian living stan- attacks on officials of Funcin- had a surplus of about two mil- dard is yet to reach as I wanted In consideration of the fact that pec and splitting the coalition of lion tons of paddy or about 1.3 to see Cambodian income for we have to provide safety and Funcinpec and CPP - whose million tons in husked rice. We each person reaches 3000 US security for the forthcoming officials are working together have yet to come up with statis- dollars per annum. elections, I have thought of a around this table. tics of this year because we number of options among have to wait till April to do so. I would share some of my fol- many others aimed at reducing When one says it is an order, But we are sure that we will lowing recommendations with tension. Out of my respect to first it is an insult to the Prime have a better yield this year the Ministry of Agriculture, the leadership of Funcinpec I Minister for it is not his way of compared to last because we Forestry and Fisheries and Min- have proposed to its leaders HE handling issue. It is a serious have cultivated a larger area of istry of Finance who are paren- Keo Put Reasmey and HE insult as he is also a leader from rainy season rice. We also ex- tal institutions of CARDI -- Deputy Prime Minister Lou another political party of com- pect that dry season rice will be Lay Sreng, Funcipec Deputy plete sovereignty. Second, it is better as well. Yet, we still have 1) To provide further support Head and HE Deputy Prime an insult to the leadership of problem of irrigation which is on the investment in agricul- Minister Nhek Bun Chhay, its Funcinpec meaning it is a sub- shown by the fact that in some tural research because we all Secretary General to give some ordinate of the CPP and under places people could grow one know that there would be no heed to my recommendations - the control of the Prime Minis- crop or even hardly one crop development without research; for a reconciliation out of court ter, while on the contrary the due to water inaccessibility. system so as to bring about leadership of Funcinpec has a 2) To focus further on research detente. fair wisdom and positive inten- For those who have less land as well as other activities so that tion. we should try and orientate effective production could be I have made it clear that it is a their cultivation from extensive reached according to master proposal for consideration and I have delivered to our Buddhist to intensive. In Kandal Stoeung plan; it is not an order. I thanked the monks and people the current district of Kandal province, leadership of Funcinpec for issues of concern and I wish to with the Japanese assistance 3) To study the possibility of taking this proposal positively make a postscript on the reason expanding services by estab- by stating that it would give its why those officials have been lishing subordinate stations to consideration on this issue in expelled from Funcinpec. It is well. The criminal case is not make our people in large num- the next meeting of its perma- because they are so stupid in similar to that of the civil proce- ber understand the use of new nent committee. In between their actions again and again dural case, whereas the latter seeds, composts and growing 4:30 of January 17 to about that its Party's congress had to could be withdrawn. techniques; 10:30 of the same day, I have restructure its Party and leader- done numerous things to re- ship. I take the liberty of appeal- In this respect I would urge 4) For other institutions con- solve this affair. ing the Ministry of Justice and those silly and ill-intentioned cerned - Phnom Penh Munici- Funcinpec to bring actions persons to stop using problems pality and Khan Dangkor - to It is unfortunate though when I against those ill-intentioned like these to cultivate own influ- provide complete security to take up the conciliatory role, politicians who have made use ence or frighten other people CARDI for the latter's sake of some have made statement that of these matters concerned and and harm the relationships be- full research activities; Prime Minister Hun Sen forced would urge them to continue tween Funcinpec and CPP. I Funcinpec to withdraw its legal their legal and court procedures would urge those at the local 5) For international and donor suits. I think this argument can- to the end. What we want here levels to first think properly communities as well as other not be accepted and I wish to is to see who is wrong and who before giving their consent. development partners - to pro- make it clear that what I would is right. vide further assistance to like to see is reconciliation for a What I have stated so far is a CARDI. calm atmosphere aimed at I would request the Ministry of clarification on issue which reaching out to a successful Justice to contact with the court some bad persons intended to 6) For CARDI to strengthen election. in handling this measure as turn my conciliatory role into a and expand agricultural re- quick as possible. They may political agenda of a handful of search especially in high-yield As the legal action on violation otherwise forget to think that people who have been expelled seed selection, soil improve- of trust is a criminal case and though reconciliation may hap- from the Government as well as ment and sustainable cultivation this should be dealt by recon- pen out of the court house, there from Funcinpec. I would urge on the soil in cooperation with ciliation out of the court house will have to be some kind of that this is a matter for urgent national and international insti- so that this could be a contribu- approval from the Judges as attention of the press ■ tutions… ■

Page 3 http://www.cnv.org.kh Cambodia New Vision—Issue 108 January 2007 09 January 2007 (Unofficial Translation of Selected Comments) (Continued from page 8) There have been many attempts Inaugurating CARDI’s Physical Infrastructure which has turned out to be a to get this place for different great success. We also have a purposes, including the sugges- … This is a pleasant day for me was because Vietnam has more project to develop an online tion from UNTAC to get this to join all of our people and population. It is a way to turn system for use in management place for their police. After monks here to officiate the down one’s suggestion diplo- of land, human resources and UNTAC we had this demand physical infrastructural achieve- matically. By 1987 we had a vehicles of all kinds in the to sell the land so as to build a ments at the Cambodian Agri- response from the IRRI Austra- whole country. There are more hotel. I turned them all away. I cultural Research and Develop- lia on this front but not through to be mentioned but I still hold also went through some criti- ment Institute (CARDI) for the Government channel. It is on to the request for the seg- cism. Twenty years later we which the cost of building is because this instance that IRRI ment between Chaomcaho to have a nice hospital standing somewhere near 2 million US Australia is heavily involved Kampot on the NR 3 and it here. dollars. It has now become the with CARDI… could be this year that we most important research center would get the project going and Another incident which leads to in area of agriculture in the The land on which CARDI is the road could be enlarged from the construction of the new country. situated also has a long and 5 to 6 meters to eleven meter building here is what happened complicated background. We width. Tourists from Korea also in Batheay of Kompong Cham According to statistics out of had in the beginning reserved a are taking the lead and we have province. Patient's parents were over two million hectares of size of about 170 hectares of direct flight from Phnom Penh asked who they voted for prior cultivated area, CARDI pro- land but in 1992 there was a and Siemreap to Korea with to get the patients treated. The vides its seeds to about over one complicated situation when we one flight from each destination physicians left the patients unat- million already. I am so glad to had this establishment of the everyday. We could increase tended when their parents said see that our officials have made Supreme National Council. the number of flight in the fu- they voted for CPP. The CPP great effort not only in research There was ill-promoted demon- ture. These perhaps are what I work team learned about such but also in extension of rice stration whereby car tires were should list out as achievements incident and instructed for cultivation with new seeds set on fire. In the end there is a scored in the past ten years of transferring the patient to the along with new technology and need to reconcile and the land relations between Cambodia National Pediatric Hospital for working pattern for our people. size was reduced to just 70 and the Republic of Korea. treatment. The second incident What impresses me is that we hectares as we have today. happened to our people from have started from 1,200 kg per My judgment is that if we were Samraong Torng where pa- hectare to currently 2,400 kg per In those days I said that I would to look at potential of the two tients were told to get an opera- hectare in average. never let CARDI die because it sides in expanding investment tion in the canal in response to is indeed my own child. Its size, trade area, cooperation in their vote for CPP. It is quite appropriate that I re- death is tantamount to mine. all fields, including human call a few things about the be- Now it has proven to be a cor- resources, the two countries I would advise our medical staff ginning of CARDI. In 1986 rect sacrifice because it has now have more to do for each other's no matter what level you might Cambodia was still under unjust developed several rice species benefit. I will receive tomorrow be you have to help patients. economic sanction and em- and its seeds have been culti- the Minister for Labor from the That is the ethical moral of a bargo for the "mistake" we vated in over one million hec- Republic of Korea who is on a medical staff. I am a CPP mem- made and that was the over- tares of land. I am grateful to visit here and Cambodia will ber, member of the National throwing of Pol Pot... One day CARDI for naming a rice spe- propose sending laborers to Assembly and a Prime Minister Mr. Svami Nathan of IRRI cies in relation to my name Sen Korea - not just for salary but from the CPP but I do not talk (International Rice Research Pidor (Aromatic Rice) which is for training and taking back about Party in my work. I Centre) came to Cambodia and currently very popular as it can with them new technology for would hold those making such as Prime Minister I suggested to be cultivated in rainy as well as Cambodia's need for develop- blunder to get reprimanded. No IRRI to set up a Rice Seed Re- dry season. The fact that Cam- ment… matter which party you belong search and Development Center bodia has increased its export of to, as long as the person per- as well as other seeds for Cam- rice could not bypass CARDI's HE Minister recalled the history forms great s/he would get bodian farmers. In one of my efforts. of the National Pediatric Hospi- reward. visits to Battambang I had a tal which began from October chance to see a Japanese as- It is not easy to just change 15, 1980 which was then called Once again I would urge Am- sisted Rice Research Center at people's habit. When HE Kong the Central Hospital for Chil- bassador Shin Hyun-Suk to Tuol Samraong and it is my Sam Ol and later HE Say dren. There was one American convey my sincere thanks and intention that I have to find a Chhum became Minister for working for World Vision be- appreciation to the people and chance to build more of this. Agriculture, we imported new fore 1975 and after the Pol Pot Government of the Republic of seed from Vietnam. Thanks to regime he came back. In his Korea for this assistance here I got a flat response from him appropriate showcase people meeting with me in Kompong and elsewhere and would urge that the IRRI at the Philippines tended to take turns to grow the Cham, he asked for the hospital KOICA to do speedy survey is going to set up one rice re- new rice species. Later, as HE to be operating again with help leading to approval of the search center in Vietnam for the Minister Chan Sarun men- of World Vision. Kraing Punley Reservoir and three countries - Vietnam, Laos tioned the other day, because of the Cham Chao - Kompot seg- and Cambodia. His argument (Continued on page 3)

Page 4 http://www.cnv.org.kh Cambodia New Vision—Issue 108 January 2007 (Continued from page 6) Kompong Cham, and HE der my command saw her and a proper burial and took care of under the leadership of Sam- Kong Uk Chhoeung from this thought it would be nice to my wife, I was rebuked that I dech Preah area about the possibility of have me married with her. In could not do anything to change of Sangkum Reastr Niyum, building another junior high March 1974 I went to see her the situation. there were movements of emi- school in the Dar Commune, and mistook her for another gration in search for land for which is 12 kilometers from person when I bumped into her. I was accused of being a traitor agro-industrial development. here. Dar could be a center for She was fooling me that Bun for a long time but I knew it Unfortunately, the coup of those living in Kampoan, Koki, Rany was not there when I was not my time yet. I could March 18 led the country into Triek, Saam, Punnheakrek. It asked for her. I learned that it have revenged because I had a war, which made Samdech will be upgraded into a junior was her after I talked to another pistol with loaded chamber Preah Norodom Sihanouk's high school for the school year soldier from the front with me already in hand. I did not do it. objective unmet. I would men- 2007-2008 and I would urge and he said "the girl you asked To be frank, the place where tion just a few that Samdech the Ministry for Education, was Bun Rany." my son was buried was no- Chao Sen Kosal came to grow Youth and Sports to get their where to be seen or known and rubber here in the district of teachers ready. I would offer I requested the Commander to the current tomb was just sym- Punnhea Krek, In Tam came to first of all a two-floor school get married so as to let her bolic of his death and rest place. Dambe, in Memot people called building of 12 classrooms and know my intention but my My wife later had it Sirikmatak area (kilometre) HE Chea Sophara would take commander said I had to wait who is also here today. A song and new farm land of Yeay care of it completely. until Phnom Penh is liberated. was composed about "Life of a Tob, who is the younger sister When Phnom Penh is liberated, Women Who Lost Husband." of Samdech Nhek Tiulong, etc. Another reason why I have I was wounded in my eye on She had to bear the criticism If there to have no wars, the area selected January 5, 2007 to April 16, 1975 and I went into a and accusation after I left above here could have been inaugurate these schools is be- coma without knowing about Memot on June 20, 1977. I had plantations of durian, coffee, cause everyone knows that I the liberation of Phnom Penh. some troops under my com- rubber, pineapple, sugar cane, have started my political life in A week later I learned that mand but I killed my anger and etc. Memot from April 4, 1970 as I Phnom Penh was liberated and crossed over to Vietnam. If I decided to join the Marquis in Bun Rany already got married. were to take with me the troops, We had the national road 7 response to the appeal made by I took a rifle and shot in the air we could have a fight with from here to Kratie (but we did Samdech Preah Norodom Siha- and my colleagues rushed to Vietnam and there would not not have yet the Kizuna bridge) nouk. I joined the Marquis to see if I shot myself for those be any contact with them. and it has been enlarged from 6 fight against the regime of Lon matters. My star had been full or 7 meters to 11 meter width. If Nol and foreign aggression. At of dangers not just simple hard- I was jailed in Vietnam and not because of the war this area another juncture on June 20, ships and comforts. Later I later Vietnam sought their apol- could have become an agro- 1977, I left the district of communicated with Bun Rany ogy from me as they did not industrial zone already. Now Memot to lead the struggle again at the time she was forced believe me in the first place of we have here the processing movement for national libera- to get married. We got married what they called it a strange plant for cassava, for rubber, etc. tion against the regime of Pol on January 5, 1976 in the pres- phenomena. I told them to get In my book Cambodia's Ten Pot's genocide, which later ence of HE Uk Bun Chhoeun ready because Pol Pot was to Years March I have written in achieved the victory on January at that time. launch an attack on the border. 1989 about the need for reallo- 7, 1979. They did not believe. On Sep- cation of labor forces for ser- My shock on November 10, tember 30, Pol Pot was on a trip vices in defense, socio- However, another instance of 1979 was when my wife was abroad and the attack started. A economic development, includ- event that shocked me the most pregnant and she had to go to member of the Vietnamese ing also the need for de-mining happened right before the build- work in long distance. She then Communist Party's Political and eradication of malaria. I ing - where it used to be a build- was sent to work in a place at Bureau Van Tien Dung and have also listed roads but also ing from 1967 and was later the current reconstruction site Vice Minister for National De- schools and hospitals to be pro- converted into the hospital of of Hluong Preah Sdech Kan fense came to say he was sorry vided to relocation areas. I wish region 21. My first son died on and she was moved to Koh for not believing me, which in to take this district as a pilot November 10, 1976. My other Thmar when she was near her turn led to the death of many project for development. We son who is also here today was time. I took her to Memot be- Vietnamese people. It was then will have to learn about devel- born not far from this place. cause there were medical staff that I received my rights to take opment in relation to human January 5, 2007 is indeed our around. I was on a mission with asylum. resources, school dropout, and 31st wedding anniversary. We a commander that night in means to fix those issues. got married in the commune of Peam Chi Lang. I returned at In one of the operations, I came Chrab, Tbong Khmum District around 5:30 the next morning along to Memot to look for my We have not stopped here. I with twelve other pairs. My just to see my first son with his wife but I saw no one or noth- have discussed an issue with love story was a long one. Ru- mouth full of blood, his back ing. All I had at that time was HE Chea Sophrara, Secretary of mor of my love with Bun Rany broken and my wife was in tears. Many songs have been State for Land Management, was there since 1973 but I cold. I was able to control my written to reflect life in those Urbanization and Construction, never saw her in real. It started anger. My son died is one thing days like - the Pitiful Child, the HE Hun Neng, Governor of from the fact that a soldier un- but when I requested to get him (Continued on page 8)

Page 5 http://www.cnv.org.kh Cambodia New Vision—Issue 108 January 2007 (Continued from page 2) 05 January 2007 (Unofficial Translation of Selected Comments) buildings of nine classrooms in Hanoi National University of Opening Junior High School Bun Rany—Hun Sen Memot the Junior High School of Bun Education and on behalf of Rany - Hun Sen Baos Ta Oe- H.E. Sok An, the recipient of the ... My wife and I are very sists of 11 buildings of 90 class- ung plus a 440 meter fence. honorary doctorate award of the pleased to return to the district rooms in the Bun Rany - Hun Vietnam National Economics of Memot once again to put Sen Junior High School in In every com- University, I would like to ex- into use various achievements Memot district with a fence of mune receives a school but we press my gratitude to His Maj- in addition to the Bun Rany - 1,348 meters. Aside from this have less number of Junior esty Preah Bat Preah Borom- Hun Sen Junior High School. I as you all can see that we are High School provided than the neath Norodom Sihamoni, the would like to thank dignitaries, meeting in the football field and local wish. Our strategy is to King of the Kingdom of Cam- Oknha and Lok Chum Teav for it should be planted with grass add further buildings and bodia, His Majesty Preah Bat taking precious time to come soon after the meeting is over. school in particular primary Samdech Preah Norodom Siha- along to the pitiful land and The design of the Junior high schools so as to upgrade it to nouk, the King Father of inde- people of Memot of Kompong school and its adjacent build- Junior High School. We have pendence, sovereignty and Cham, where my wife and I ings have been partly copied succeeded in some places to national unification and Her have a lot of memories from from the University of Svay realize the strategy but we could Majesty Samdech Preah Mo- younger age. Rieng, the Seila Veti Keat not move quickly on this ap- haksattrey Norodom Mon- Chhon in Chhlong but its main proach in Memot yet. We ineath Sihanouk, the Queen Your presence is a source of content is my wife's idea. It therefore have to set up a stan- Mother of Khmer in freedom, encouragement not only for consists of lodgment for teach- dard, after years that students dignity and happiness and wish those who have sponsored the ing staff and its capacity is to have to travel to study away Your Majesties good health and project but also for the whole lodge up to thirty families. Of from homes, that each school is longevity to lead and stay as the people of Memot district as course what is achieved here is provided with two school build- shade for the coming genera- well as people throughout the the Memot standard but I have ings of nine classrooms, in tions. I would like to dedicate country in their efforts to de- a dream for the whole country which three will be used as the honor that I have received fend and develop the country's to have similar or better stan- director's office and six will be today to Senate and National socio-economic life. On behalf dard of education facility to this divided into three sections on a Assembly, especially Samdech of my whole family who are one. We have put into use 9 pre-calculation of two class- Chea Sim and Samdech Heng mostly present here to convey junior secondary schools - two rooms for class 7, 8 and 9. Samrin and the leaders of the our respect and appreciation to school buildings of nine class- Cambodian People Party that elderly people, brothers and rooms in the Buna Rany - Hun The idea of building fence have always provided me with sisters and the people of Sen in Dar Commune, three around the school yard is to advise and helped directing all Memot, all of who have been school buildings of 15 class- protect it from encroachment as of my activities. my second most thankful peo- rooms for the Bun Rany - Hun has happened elsewhere with ple after my parents for the Sen Salan II in Dar Commune, regard to school and Buddhist I would like to dedicate this generous assistances they ren- plus a 1,250 meter fence, two pagoda. We also put into use award to my advisors and assis- dered to me, especially my life school buildings of nine class- today more primary schools - 7 tances as well as officials at all in the most difficult war period rooms in the Junior High school buildings of 42 class- levels, armed forces, professors, between 1970 and 1975, and School of Bun Rany - Hun Sen rooms - in the Primary School lecturers, teachers and all Cam- also to the present. Koki plus a 383 meter fence, of Bun Rany - Hun Sen bodian people who have al- two school buildings of nine Memot, one building of six ways supported my leadership Before coming to the reason classrooms in the Junior Junior classrooms for the Primary and it is learning place for me. why I choose January 5 as the high school of Bun Rany - Hun School of Bun Rany - Hun Sen I also would like to dedicate this inauguration day, I would like Sen Kampoan plus a 310 me- Samraong, one building of six award to my late mother and to to mention about achievements ter fence, two school buildings classrooms for the Primary my beloved farther, brothers to be put into use today. We are of nine classrooms in the Junior School of Bun Rany - Hun Sen and sisters and what I have putting into use forty school High School of Bun Rany - Chhlong, and one building of today is the real wealth of my buildings of 237 classrooms Hun Sen Chey plus a 1,108 six classrooms to the Primary parents and family. I would like and a fence of 8,190 meters. meter fence, two school build- School of Bun Rany - Hun Sen to share today cheerfulness with The forty school buildings con- ings of nine classrooms in the Memong. In Memot I have Lok Chumteav Bun Rany Hun Junior Junior high school of provided schools to 45 places in ate to me and H.E. Sok An, Sen, my beloved wife, my chil- Bun Rany - Hun Sen Kdol the 14 communes. especially to the management dren and grandchildren who Phsar plus a 501 meter fence, and assessment committee as have always been a part of my two school buildings of nine Why do I provide so many well as professors, lecturers and life sharing both happiness and classrooms in the Junior High schools to this district? There staffs of Hanoi National Uni- difficulties. School of Bun Rany - Hun Sen are many reasons but one of versity of Education and Viet- Kravien Thom plus a 576 meter them is to make Memot a dis- Once again, I would like to nam National Economics Uni- fence, two school buildings of trict of development which is a thank Hanoi National Univer- versity who are here for my nine classrooms in the Junior vision from before the war in sity of Education and Vietnam honor. Finally, I would like to Junior high school of Bun Rany 1970. Before the war of 1970 National Economics University wish all of you with the five - Hun Sen Cham Bak plus an (Continued on page 5) for awarding honorary doctor- gems of Buddhist blessing.■ 826 meter fence and two school

Page 6 http://www.cnv.org.kh Cambodia New Vision—Issue 108 January 2007 (Continued from page 1) 2004 in Beijing, I was accom- cause we have a King whose King and the Cambodian Peo- tury. I have informed in my panied by HE Deputy Prime age is younger than I am. ple's Party. CPP has a political letter to the King Father and Minister Sok An and Secretary consensus - not just a simple Queen Mother that the issue of State for the Office of the When I said the process of majority, in providing support does not exist. I do not have this Council of Ministers HE Prak making a King in Cambodia is to HM the King. We see HM information from both lines - Sokhon went to see HM the a democratic one because HM the King as a national pride and Norodom and Sisovath, and King Father to request his ap- is to be elected by the people's a good constitutional monarch more than that they both are proval for the amendment of deputies - who are President because HM always abides by close relatives. Who creates this the Constitution to alter the and Vice Presidents of the Sen- the Constitution. problem? point where HM the King pos- ate, the President and Vice sesses no right to choose his Presidents of the national As- The fact that I supported HM Preah Baat Ang Duong had heir. sembly, the Prime Minister - all the King, the same as other three sons - Preah Karuna No- of whom are from the people's leaders of CPP, is not because I rodom who became King when HM the King Father did not selection. and my wife are accepted to be Preah Baat Ang Duong died in agree and recommended that an adopted son and daughter, or 1860. Another son is Preah issue of selecting someone to be Thus HM the King is being brothers of the King Father in Baat Sisovath who ascended his heir be decided by the selected by the people. If one case of Samdech Chea Sim and the throne after Preah Baat Throne Council. The Cambo- fails to get elected to the men- Heng Samrin but because HM Norodom's death. dian Constitution stipulates that tioned position, one could not the King has got noble charac- Kingdom of Cambodia's King become a member of the teristics and qualifications for The third is Sivatha. After is a Constitutional Monarch. Throne Council. the position and for our people Preah Baath Sisovath to give HM their supports. Monivong died in 1941, Preah We also brought more options The second story is even bitter Leaders of CPP would not be Baat Norodom Sihanouk as- regarding the way to go about and shocking. It is HE Khek appeased as long as there is no cended the throne. the election and simple majority Vandi who went as far as to proper and clear explanation. is the formulation that we had inform HM the King that the In 1955 Samdech Preah Noro- agreed upon in that meeting. As leadership of the Cambodian Whether HE Khek Vandi did dom Sihanouk abdicated to far as candidates to be King - I People's Party is unhappy with or did not intend, two possibili- lead the Sangkum Reastr Ni- think we should let the cat out HM because HM tends to listen ties arise. Firstly, it intends to yum and contested in the na- of the bag - HM the King Fa- too much to the Heroic King create uneasiness between the tional election after the Geneva ther proposed two of his sons - Father. What does HE Khek CPP leadership and HM the Conference. Samdech Preah Boromneath Vandi mean in this respect? King or the split between the Sihamoni or Samdech Krom Samdech Chea Sim already Monarchic institutions and the The throne was succeeded by Preah Norodom Ranaridh. went to see HM the King and I legislative and executive institu- the King Father Suramrith, already sent the letter to HM. tions. Secondly, it could be an whose death in 1960 kept Cam- I said to HM the King Father at intention to sour the relationship bodia a country without King. that time that I never heard I would like HE Khek Vandi between HM the King with the The Constitution was then Samdech Krom Preah says and Funcinpec give a clear Heroic King Father. amended to make a Head of anything about wishing to be explanation of his intention. State. We then have Samdech King. I called Samdech Krom Does he wish to seek a split CPP had in the past sacked two Preah Norodom Sihanouk as a Preah to clarify his position. He between HM the King and the of its Senators - one for making Head of State and not HM the asked "how can I make thing leadership of CPP who cur- comments and the other for King. In between 1960 and clear that I do not wish to be rently hold top country's institu- writing articles that affected 1970 Cambodia had a throne King?" tions? HM the King in the first term of but never had HM the King but the Senate. If CPP were to give a Head of State. I suggested that we write a letter I thank the Heroic King Father no heed to this how could HM to be signed by CPP and Fun- for letting us know about this, the King feel about it? Would In 1993 we brought back the cinpec that we supported Sam- or else HM the King could be not it be said that CPP keeps Kingdom of Cambodia and dech Preah Norodom Sihamoni unhappy and suspicious of the those members who insulted later in 2004 Samdech Preah to take the throne. And this CPP leadership. The incident is HM the King? Norodom Sihanouk retired happened on September 4, bad and I seek explanation from whereas the Throne Council 2004 in Beijing. HE Khek Vandi and I would I wish to appeal to everyone to had to organize an election to do nothing to harm him. But I leave the King Father, the choose a new King in his suc- One more factor that one am sure when the King Father Queen Mother and HM the cession. Samdech Preah Noro- should keep in mind is that put it down on paper the story King in peace so that HM could dom Sihamoni comes from the Article 7 of the Constitution must be a true one. help with the state matters for Council's election. Choosing a stipulates that HM the King is a the sake of our country and King in Cambodia is truly a Head of State for life. I used to I urge you to step out of dark- people. CPP would not hesitate democratic way. mention before that the Cambo- ness to daylight, where have to sack again those who HE dian throne will be in stability you got this news? And you Khek Vandi would assure us I recalled that on August 31, for the next 20 to 30 years be- have to explain it to HM the that they made such remarks ■

Page 7 http://www.cnv.org.kh Cambodia New Vision—Issue 108 January 2007

22 January 2007 (Unofficial Translation of Selected Comments) (Continued from page 5) votes. I appeal to all contesting Inaugurating Buildings in the National Pediatric Hospital Mother's Sad History ... etc. parties to hold on to an ethical When I met them again after conduct so as to allow our peo- … It is indeed a great pleasure are two Koreas there. I once January 7, what shocked me ple to give their voice in a free, for me to join you all in inaugu- again push for it in 1992 in again was when my son called fair and just manner. Politicians ration a huge building on a Phnom Penh but could not get a me "uncle" meaning he did not should learn the skill from the former rice field in the centre of breakthrough. I suggested to the recognize me and this lasted for commercial media because Phnom Penh. I would like to RoK Ambassador in Bangkok about two months. I am sure when they advertise their prod- take this opportune moment that there should be relation at many would have a hard feel- ucts they have to follow the rule through H.E. Shin Hyun-Suk, the level of a mission of repre- ing and be shocked if this hap- of not criticizing other people's the Ambassador of the Repub- sentation of Korea because of pened to them. products. lic of Korea (RoK) who is pre- historical reality. I am grateful sent here to express my sincere that the Government of the My suffering is only a small I urge the CPP and its coalition appreciation and thanks to the Republic of Korea accepted my part of sufferings that people of partner in Funcinpec to best Government of the Republic of suggestion as the two Koreas Cambodia endured under the perform their duties because as Korea and the fraternal Korean are fully members of the United regime. It is in this instance and the head of Government, I people for such a grant aid to Nations and their representa- meaning that I appeal to all would be held responsible this national pediatric hospital a tions in Cambodia should both political Parties to hold on to the highly for providing safety, huge and modern building for be at Ambassadorial level. peace that we have achieved. security for the whole nation, the sake of poverty alleviation Thousands of children never and that includes also the secu- and development in Cambodia. The negotiation was conducted know who their fathers or rity and safety of the elections. at my house and the light went mothers were. Whoever causes The armed forces - police, army Ambassador Shin Hyun-Suk of off. We continued to get the national division would not be and military police - have to the Rok concluded just now agreement ready at the house of forgiven at all. perform their neutral roles for that the building is the result of my sister which is behind my all political parties and these are the renewed relations between residence. There were a lot of The coup of 1970 brought what I wanted to stress as my the Kingdom of Cambodia and hindrances but we had made about Cambodia's 28 years of 2007 New Year message for the Republic of Korea in a pe- great efforts to get it undergo- destruction and we just ended it the people of Cambodia. riod over ten years. H.E. Shin ing. One year after the represen- in 1998. Crimes against human- Hyun-Suk said that the decision tative mission had been up- ity and the genocide should not I would appeal to all political to re-establish this diplomatic graded to Ambassadorial level. be forgiven. Those perpetrators parties not to make use of any relations has been a farsighted What we should see now is if must be brought to trial so as to death for own political gains as and courageous one. Therefore that decision in those days was seek justice for the Cambodian we had in the past a dead body I wish to remind briefly the wrong or right. This hospital people. was claimed by three political process of getting the relations building is just a small token of parties. The competent authori- re-established. example of what Cambodia has It also is a warning to other ties have to make their best to achieved from the RoK. I vis- rulers to refrain from doing hold the persons responsible for In 2005 in the ASEAN + RoK ited the RoK three times al- same thing again, putting it in any crimes they committed. Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, ready - the first was in 1996, the the Cambodian historical con- CPP would not be stupid to Malaysia, I said that if there second in 2001 and the third in text. Peace that we hold in our commit such acts as we have were no effort for such a rela- 2006. hand must be maintained no performed good actions so far. tionship back in those days, we matter one may believe in so would have no ASEAN + RoK In the course of these visits, we and so political tendencies. Well, I would request our stu- today or there would be an have reached an agreement on a They should not think of taking dents here to do the best they ASEAN member without dip- number of loan agreements for power unconstitutionally. We can in school while refraining lomatic relations with RoK - information technology, the have to participate and contest from getting themselves in- and it would be the Kingdom of national road 3 from Kampot to in the forthcoming elections. volved in gangster activities or Cambodia. Everyone knows Tropeang Ropeo at the cost of drugs. We should all try to that Korea has been split into over 70 million US dollars. We In Kompong Cham we have 7 make Memot a district without two parts since 1950s to be also had this Project of Krang political parties registered and gangsters or drugs. My son here South Korea and North Korea. Punley reservoir to the north of there are in all 12 parties is the first Cambodian students I had in the past made efforts to Phnom Penh. There have also throughout the country. No who have finished his study at overcome the situation in which been return visits to the King- matter how many political par- the US Military Academy at Cambodia has diplomatic rela- dom of Cambodia by President ties there are in the contest we Westpoint, though he was born tions with one Korea and not Roh Mooh-hyun last Novem- have to seek power through the in Memot compared to other with the other. ber which is the first visit in the elections and should refrain children in Phnom Penh. Places history of diplomatic relations from using threats and violence. where one is born, the family to I brought this issue up in 1991 between the two countries. The I would urge the CPP members which one is born should not be after Cambodia, under the Su- President stayed three nights that our votes must be achieved in point. The point is everyone preme National Council of and joined us in opening the by good actions and we have to gets equal chance and access to Cambodia, occupied its seat at Angkor-Geongju exhibition, cling onto good deeds to get the education ■ the United Nations where there (Continued on page 4)

Page 8 http://www.cnv.org.kh