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

Issue 109 http://www.cnv.org.kh February, 2007

25 February 2007 (Unofficial Translation of Selected Comments) 26 February 2007 (Unofficial Translation of Selected Comments) Building Banteay Mean Chey’s Mean Chey University Building a Bridge Connecting Phnom Penh to NR 2

... I am very happy to join all grating Kandal Stoeung and of you once again to lay the Angsnuol districts to Phnom cornerstones for the construc- Penh has yet to realize and the tion of the Bridge of Prek reason is because Phnom Penh Chrey crossing the Prek will shortly be expanded Thnaot canal as well as the through to Kandal province. connection of road between As far as this place is con- Phnom Penh and the province cerned, it is no longer a quiet of Kandal at the NR 2. We are place because our population now at the border between in general has gone from four Phnom Penh and Kandal to 14 million. Day after day the province. Before Phnom Penh number of population in- has an ambition to expand its creases while the capital suf- boundary to this area and fers from the pressure of influx 25 February 07— Samdech Hun Sen and General HE Ke Kim Yan, Chief of some of the ideas for expan- of population from all prov- General Staff at the Cornerstone Laying Ceremony at Banteay Meancheay sion have come from me as inces. Economic and trade well. activities are on the increase as ... I am very happy to return pose the construction of a well. Phnom Penh faces more today to the province of University in Banteay Mean As of now the idea of inte- (Continued on page 7) Banteay Mean Chey to join Chey. I have urged him to go with all of you in this cere- with the plan. As we all see 21 February 2007 (Unofficial Translation of Selected Comments) mony to lay the cornerstones today that his idea has indeed NCW’s 2006 Stocktaking and 2007 Directive Setting Meeting for the construction of the realized. Mean Chey University at the Presiding over the 2006 Why there was no effort to initiative of HE General Ke HE General Ke Kim Yan told stocktaking and 2007 direc- lodge an appeal? It was our Kim Yan, Chief of General me last Friday that he already tive setting meeting of the lack of pursuing the matter. Staff and Madame together had raised 1.3 million US National Council for Women The Ministry of Women Af- with the CPP working team dollars and as of last night he (NCW), Samdech Hun Sen fairs - the principal Ministry - for the province. told me the contribution has delivered a prepared address has the responsibility in seeing indeed secured a sum of with the following selected this matter of human traffick- Last year I came to Banteay nearly two million US dollars. comments: ing case through. Mean Chey twice - once in The project is going to cost February to the Tropeang indeed 3.5 million US dollars. On Judicial Irregularity vis It is indeed a repetitive issue in Thmor Reservoir and again to à vis Human Traffickers the action against trafficking of inaugurate the Japanese- Maybe it is worth sharing human and in this case women Cambodian Friendship Hospi- with all of us here today why I wish to illustrate the concern as proven to be conducted by tal in the district of Mongkul HE General Ke Kim Yan of the Royal Government and the Hotel Chhay Huor are Borei. requested me to reserve my related institutions on issue of getting the same verdict under schedule for the ceremony on repeated irregularities in the arrest. I advise that this matter Having gone through the February 25. He told me just trials relating to human traf- be brought to the attention of background of the idea to put now that February 25 for one fickers in Chhay Huor Hotel the Council of Magistracy as the Mean Cheay University reason is his birthday, the that the Municipal Court of (Continued on page 3) into construction, I wish to 52nd birthday. Phnom Penh decided to be share with you what I learned guilty. It is absurd that when In This Issue from the inauguration of the For another reason, when he the issue is being brought to Mean Chey University — p. 1 Svay Rieng University where became a soldier in 1979, on the Appeal Court, the case has NR 2 Connecting Bridge — p. 1 HE General Ke Kim Yan who this date (February 25, 1979) been marked to have no suffi- NCW’s Directives — p. 1 attended the ceremony said he was assigned to protect the cient proof. Traffickers in- Interior’s Directives — p. 4 Building NR 78 — p.6 out that he would like to pro- (Continued on page 2) volved have been set free. Building NR 76 — p.8

Mailing Box: New Vision (CNV), P.O. Box 158, Phnom Penh, Cambodia; e-mail: [email protected]; Tel: 855-23 219898; Fax: 855-23 360666/219869 Cambodia New Vision—Issue 109 February 2007

(Continued from page 1) has brought the country from that destroyed his rice in the We have many now but we war to peace and from de- field. will have to do more. We do bridge which is not far from struction to development and not speak empty words but the our sight. From a soldier, HE it is indeed a long lasting one. When the opportunity arises, I truth and the real change. We General Ke Kim Yan has As I speak about peace here and my colleagues in the should follow the wisdom of risen to his rank of general some countries in the world Royal Government as well as Father Dong and Mother Chey staff since 1987 and various have gone into troubles take the Cambodian People's Party as they set a condition that a positions - the Governor of for instance in Sudan where - which has led the country 28 road had to be built first before Battambang province, etc. we also have our de-mining years already implement this they offer their daughter for What is more important here team there. A few months ago policy of development. Fun- marriage. We have conducted today is the fact that bordering shelling landed near the place cinpec has been invited to join changes from battle into devel- with Thailand, the province of where our troops stayed but it in the coalition Government opment at what I call the Banteay Mean Chey is to have did not cause any casualties. in the belief that we will bring "toad's pace." A toad's jump a new University in addition Problems continue to be about changes for the better brings us one new thing, and if to facilities as branches of messy in the Middle East, in for our people. the toad continues to make a some Universities in the coun- the Kosovo's elections, etc. jump, new things will keep on try. The Mean Chey Univer- But we have in place now the Parties with too wide a gap in taking place too. sity is to stand on an area of 13 benefit of win-win policy our political platform could hectares with another 27 hec- which now we compete in not work with CPP. For in- As far as crop production is tares in reserve. building infrastructures such stance, CPP is talking about concerned I am grateful to the as roads, water canals and building roads, bridges, efforts made whereby the cul- I wish to express my sincere reservoirs, hospitals, schools, schools, hospitals, water ca- tivation has reached 106.4% of thanks and appreciation to HE etc. nals and reservoirs, etc, while the planned 200,000 hectares General Ke Kim Yan and others would want to spend because we have a figure here Madame, HE Yim Chhai Ly According to the Governor money on luxurious cars, etc. of 201,200 hectares under and Madame and others gen- An Sum, the construction has cultivation. This year is ex- erous fellows for bringing the indeed started since 2006. As We soon will have pecting a food surplus of University closer to the peo- the foundation began at that (communal) elections and in 20,000 tons. I wish to also ple. We have done already our time and my presence here is the campaign different parties send my best greetings to the efforts to bring primary and indeed the official approval of will bring to our people their people in Malay district and secondary schools closer to the construction. The con- promises. I do not start a cam- also wish them a quick recov- the people and it is indeed struction could be finished in paign today but to warn our ery from water poisoning. The splendid that we now bring 2008 while in early 2009 the people of promise-making. water has been sent to the the University to them. University would be ready to CPP never makes a promise laboratory in Japan for study. enroll between 1000 and 2000 but it does only when it can We have a University in the students. Now that our stu- do. Take for instance I never A proposal from the district of eastern province of Svay dents here are going to get say anything about this Uni- Serei Sophoan for a bridge is Rieng and now we have a their exams soon, we have versity until I am sure of its welcome and after I discussed University in the western started the construction of the development as the founda- with Senior Minister for Fi- province of Banteay Mean University for them so that tion is now in place. nance and Economy, HE Keat Chey. We will do more for the they do not have to go far for Chhon, I wish to take this op- whole country. further education. Talking about education in portunity to announce the cor- Banteay Mean Chey, accord- nerstone laying for the con- According to the report by I used to be separated from ing to the report by HE An struction of the Serei Sophoan Governor An Sum the Uni- my parents in Kompong Sum, what impresses us is the 120 meters long and 7.5 me- versity comprises of six facul- Cham province in pursuit of fact that there 64 communes ters wide bridge as well. ties that are appropriately ad- education in Phnom Penh in Banteay Mean Chey and dressing market's demand - when I was 13 years old. I felt 624 villages with the total Today we have Governors agriculture, technical science, that part of my life was a sad population of 664,014 people. from Siemreap, Uddor Mean agro-mechanics and electric- one. It is not without a reason With this figure we have 120 Chey, Banteay Mean Chey ity, information technology that I have requested for the kindergartens, 394 primary and Pailin and I would urge all and foreign languages and mounting of statue of a monk schools in 64 communes and provinces bordering with pedagogy. and a young boy at every this means that there are two neighboring countries to take major achievement like to three primary schools for measures in banning import of Teaching will be the sound we bridges and schools. I knew each commune. We have here right-hand drive vehicles. hear here instead of sound of our problems and I am deter- 56 junior colleges and 20 sen- Some of those involved have fighting which used to be mined to resolve them when- ior ones making in all 76 col- been removed, and there are echoing from the districts ever I had a chance to do so. I leges and most of them are in more. If the rest continue to around - Thmor Puok, Phnom used to see my father's eyes the district of Mongkul Borei. make mistakes I would not Srok, etc. The win-win policy full of tears because of flood (Continued on page 3)

Page 2 http://www.cnv.org.kh Cambodia New Vision—Issue 109 February 2007 (Continued from page 4) provincial authority would be returned to the people. sters, you should give your others have grown fruit trees re-issued by a Royal Decree. posts to others. that provide already fruits. Some people have indeed On Issue of Gangsters We have more from samurai I warn about setting protection settled in that particular area sword fights to car or motor area that is raised to me by the with a house or other liveli- After my reaction to issue of races. Governor of Koh Kong prov- hood activities in place but gangsters, the head of national ince. The protection area was they would sell the land and police, the governor of I think this matter should not drafted since when the Khmer seek for other land opportu- Phnom Penh also issued their be reminded by the Prime Rouge have not yet left the nity. orders, especially on issue of Minister, Minister of Interior, forest area, take for instance Samurai sword selling in pub- National Police Commis- Daun Sam area. This issue has to be carefully lic. sioner, etc. at all. looked at. I understand your In reality people already set- difficulties but I would urge If they were to prove being In fact they should consider tled there. I ordered HE Yut you to put a stop to further unable to resolve the problem this as their day to day works. Phuthang Governor of Koh logging, to confiscate illegally of gangsters they should be Indeed today's talk about is- Kong that there are two differ- grabbed land and/or punish replaced because they do not sues of gangsters should be a ent issues - one, area covered with a fine, etc. make efforts to smash them. final remind and I would also by the Royal Decree, any en- appeal for cooperation from croachment upon the people's We have done so in the prov- They should do the work eve- parents and their supervisors in residences will have to be ince of Banteay Mean Chey ryday and not only when the educating their children ...■ resolved for the people's inter- where a group of experts have Prime Minister is talking ests, and two, reserved land been sent to resolve land con- about it. If you do not know (Continued from page 2) for future increase of popula- flict, as a result, much of the how to prevent violence from hesitate to act. tion that is proposed by the land is being recognized and sword fighting among young- I wish to also call on the Thais (Continued from page 1) Philippines sent out thousands to help prevent smuggling of to why the Appeal Court On Cambodian Laborers to of laborers every year, and right-hand drive vehicles into ordered the release of the Foreign Countries some of them ended up in Cambodia as in the past we offenders captured from Cambodia - like musicians, discovered that some of the Chhay Huor Hotel. Though Cambodia has sent some of etc. Cambodia sends its labor- vehicles came with parts of the same offenders has been its laborers to foreign coun- ers to countries in the region human bodies i.e. there was a arrested and placed in cus- tries. If we were to have whereas those countries send crime committed prior to get- tody, the Royal Government budget we would send an their laborers to other markets ting the vehicles out to Cam- should conduct a study as to attaché to every Cambodian in the world. bodia. This could indeed in- why the person was being embassy to oversee the issue crease car theft and crimes on released before by the Ap- of laborers. People from the On Future Tasks the Thai side as well. peal Court. The Royal Gov- Ministry of Labor should be ernment has to sue for re- designated to this task. I received a letter from the I would stress again the issue investigation of the previous NCW concerning the lack of of tax collection. All imported case. We are in search for an In case of difficulties, the budget and means of trans- goods should be taxed with a appropriate explanation. Ministry of Foreign Affairs ports. I have sent to the Minis- ten percent of the amount What else do they need as and the Ministry of Labor try of Finance and Economy given to the collectors. Last proof? should try and cooperate so my request to increase the month income from this exit that our staff from embassies 2008 budget from 200 to 400 has gone up to 18 billion Riels. It might be interesting also to could be brought back for million Riels and in 2007 for I warn that I would not hesitate know who is behind this necessary training in relation a van and a pickup truck. I to remove you from your posi- guilty person as I sometimes to labor protection, which I have discussed this issue with tions, no matter who you are. I hear they say that there were would say is an alternative HE Deputy Prime Minister designate you. So I will be the interventions from so and so. choice. Those chosen for this and Minister in Charge of the one to remove you too. The But I want to hear frankly task could be councilors or Council of Ministers Sok An same is true that while people from whom? Now we have chief councilors from embas- and decided that while incor- elect us, they also could re- to fight on the same issue. sies in countries there have porating the budget to 2008, move us. This has in fact been an insult been Cambodian laborers. the Royal Government issued to the plaintiff and in this These are two options that we for immediate needs the On that occasion Samdech case the Royal Government. must giver consideration on. budget of 200 million Riels Hun Sen offered a school I would urge concerned insti- and purchasing two cars un- building of six classrooms for tutions to keep close pursuit Laborers and embassies must der the 2008 budget from the the Primary School of Toek to the issue and do not feel go to see one another and the current reserve package of the Thla and a school building of hesitant to bring the case to Ministry of Foreign Affairs Royal Government...■ six classrooms for the Primary the Supreme Court. should be a contact point. The School of Mkak■

Page 3 http://www.cnv.org.kh Cambodia New Vision—Issue 109 February 2007 22 February 2007 (Unofficial Translation of Selected Comments) (Continued from page 8) We also have to look for a Interior’s 2006 Stocktaking and 2007 Directive Setting Meeting one more bridge to be built at company to build the NR 10, Ta Khmao town of Kandal. and a company to build the Presiding over the 2006 stock- I have an idea that maybe we bridge over Bassac at Ta taking and 2007 directive should swap positions be- I raised this matter to HE Khmao. setting meeting of the Ministry tween Ministers and provin- Prime Minister Wen Jiabao of Interior, Samdech Hun Sen cial or municipal governors as when I attended the Sino- The project we celebrated its delivered a prepared address I used to say that a provincial Asean Summit in Nanning opening today is one part of (which is unavailable in Eng- governor used to have a big and I could recall that HE the whole package of 300 lish) with the following se- power and when s/he is be- Wen Jiabao said to HE Am- million US dollar loan on lected comments. coming a Minister, s/her also bassador to Cambodia that communication and transport behaves as if s/he is still "you are Ambassador for infrastructural development. On Co-Leadership power-rich as provincial/ Cambodia and not for China." The military engineering team municipal governor. I told him that 200 million US (MET) had fulfilled its mis- Before we abided by the con- dollars is not up to what we sion at a critical stage for the sensus system, which I later Maybe they should swap their need yet. I requested for an- Royal Government in im- discussed with HE Sar Kheng position for a year. A provin- other 200 million US dollars proving the laterite road be- to abolish it. We have now cial governor may not be able which will will be used to tween Snuol and Sen Mono- removed the ranking system to perform the position of build the NR 10 which has rom and we had inaugurated it of first, second ... deputy gov- Minister or vice versa because now become the NR 57 from once in 2003. MET was sent ernor to just deputy governors, it requires different skill and Battambang to Pailin and to work here for the fact that whereas the Governor is the expertise. There is a need for through to the border with this area was full of UXOs united commander. coordination in relation to Thailand, another 28 kilome- left from wartimes. Especially power and authority. ter road from Sen Monorom as Samdech Preah Norodom We applied the consensus to the border with Vietnam, Sihanouk had gone into jun- system at that time because In fact I do not want to limit the part that connect the NR 8 gle in this area, bombard- we had the co-minister for the approval limit of 2 million to the NR 7 which is about 27 ments had been intense. HE Interior and as we now have US dollars to the provincial kilometers, and a bridge at Ta Soey Keo led a battalion in removed the latter, there is no investment authority but this Khmao over the Bassac defence of Samdech Preah need for keeping the ranking could be a starting amount. I River. He took my request - who at system. would consider the possibility and promised that he would the time was the head of the of providing approval rate to a give it a consideration. Front against the US - from On Investment and Land bigger amount. this area through to Siemreap. Ownership In the ASEAN + China Sum- However, with such a small mit in Cebu of the Philippines Bombardments of Ho Chi The Royal Government has amount to start with, it is no- early this year HE Prime Min- Minh trail had led to expo- offered the local government ticeable that we are in a state ister of PRC Wen Jiabao told sures of UXOs - bombs of power to approve any invest- of indecisiveness, whereas me that the PRC agreed to my various types. The area of ment projects up to 2 million only 30 projects have been request for another 100 mil- 2,142,400 square meters has US dollars but concerned in- approved so far. lion US dollar loan. I just been cleared and 692 pieces stitutions with their branch talked to HE Ambassador of of unexploded ordnances had offices at the provincial and Another matter of concern is PRC that we would have to been destroyed. In this regard municipal levels seem to be land conflict and I have raised address these projects as a thanks go to MET and its hesitant. this issue in the stocktaking package of 300 million US principal financial officer for and directive setting of the dollar loan. As for the con- disbursing fund so that the Indeed governor of a province Ministry of Environment struction company here, if the clearing work is fully per- is powerful and soon we will once. negotiation permits they will formed. In the course of doing have a law for a unified ad- have to go on building the we have used only our fund ministration in which the gov- I do not believe that the pro- next 28 kilometer part be- and all of our funding have ernor is in fact the Govern- vincial authority is not aware tween Sen Monorom to Dak come to assisting bridges and ment's proxy for each prov- of deforestation or land grab- Dam on the border with Viet- roads construction. This is one ince. bing in their geographical nam. The Shanghai Company way of redistributing fund administration. which will take the construc- from the economic growth. It is therefore necessary and tion of the NR 8 would be Some countries have ex- urgent that those institutions I would urge all institutions given the project of connect- pressed their concerns and we have to transfer in a timely concerned to give inspection ing the road to Punhea Krek accepted it as good advice but manner their power and au- to the issue. A survey needs to district of Kompong Cham on we are not that stupid to divert thority to the provincial gov- be held. Some people just put consideration that they have funding for roads and infra- ernment in relation to invest- some fences and declared their construction machines structural development to ment. themselves to be owners but and materials already in place. (Continued on page 5) (Continued on page 3)

Page 4 http://www.cnv.org.kh Cambodia New Vision—Issue 109 February 2007 (Continued from page 4) some people are making false factors - water, road, electric- houses in the village raised purchasing new cars, etc. remark against us. ity and human resources. The white banners to ensure that four factors are still relevant the US would not bomb their Redistribution of benefit from Yesterday I read an article that today. Eventually, building houses. We had lunch offered economic growth has been Cambodia by early 2009 new concrete bridges in place by the villagers. As of now I serious or otherwise we could might have doubled its current of Bailey bridges we will have approved a request for not generate a two-digit revenue from oil while Hun have to relocate them to place building a road to the village growth. Thanks to the fact that Sen and his Government where there is a need for of Anchanh. Not long after we have peace and national would not listen anymore to them. I would suggest to the the US plane bombarded the reconciliation that we could the West. So they say the construction companies to bridge of Chhlong as I trav- generate social and economic West is giving Cambodia's adopt the Shanghai standard... eled to and from across the development as we have to- their advice. The article also The Shanghai Company will Chhlong River frequently - day. Nothing could be done mentioned about competition work on the NR 8 while this twice a day. It would be ex- when war exists. Therefore between China and the US in road will be built by China's cellent if the US build this peace and national reconcilia- search for oil interest in Cam- Road Construction Company. bridge for us in return. As far tion that we have brought bodia. Cambodia would only They should compete for a as the US forces are con- about should not be disturbed ask for equal rights among better quality and if Cambodia cerned it was a good thing by whoever it may be and partners as we did with China. got more loans they will have that no matter who you are as they should not be forgiven at China is a big country with its to come to work again... long as you raised your two all. No one could talk about population of 1300 million fingers in a V shape they human rights when bombs kill but it has performed as equal In the event of the coup on dropped you cigarettes, sar- people everyday. As long as partner with countries of any March 18, 1970, on March 23 dines, etc. people have no lives how size. Take for instance, as Samdech Preah Norodom could they claim their rights to providing 200 or 300 million Sihanouk appealed on Radio The US forces brought water life, to have a political party, US dollars China never tells Beijing to his children to go by plane; the soldiers un- to talk about democracy? We Cambodia for which roads or into marquis. On April 4 I dressed themselves and have come to this stage be- bridges to be built. contacted with the resistance bathed in the water sprayed cause we have a correct lead- forces and I have numerous down from the plane. The US ership and the efforts made by Integrating rural and urban choices at that time. I could spent a lot of money to make our people. The two factors areas is important as one stay still, or join the marquis war in Cambodia and most of could not be separated. Aver- could not integrate politics or go to Lon Nol. But as I the bridges were damaged by age economic growth between and administration while ne- realized that there was this the US bombardments. The 1999 and 2006 was 8.9% after glecting such a gap between foreign invasion and toppling commune of Choeung Thnu the country secured a com- rural and urban. People in of the throne, I decided to go or now called Pi Thnou plete peace through the win- rural area would consider the to resistance forces. I have (December 2) was the place win policy in 1998. central Government gives no three brothers and three sisters where we established the care for them and this would and I decided that I join the Front to fight against the Pol In between 1999 and 2003, in the end lead to insurgency marquis and no one learned Pot regime… average growth was recorded or/and even secession. De- about my decision only my at 4.5% and in 2004, 10% mand for autonomy in some father... After a ten days train- Samdech Hun Sen on that while 2005, 13.4%. In 2006 countries has appears to be ing I was sent with my unit to occasion offered two school we have achieved 10.4% and taking this course. Here, we fight Snuol battle. buildings of twelve class- the rate will be readjusted will have what I call "Pancha rooms, a director's office of because we will have to make Road or Road of Five Direc- After the event I was pro- two rooms, a sewing training an evaluation once again in tions" from Snuol to Kratie, moted to head 36 soldiers. I building, school fence, com- May and again in August and Mehmot, Chhlong, Mon- stationed in the rubber plant puters and accessories to the we will see that it will not dulkiri, and the border with area and at that time I noticed Hun Sen - Snuol High School, back down but go up. Where Vietnam. Cambodia is work- that about 70% of the rubber a school building of six class- have they come from? The ing on a request to Vietnam to workers were Vietnamese rooms to the Primary School two digit growth is achieved asphalt the road from its bor- while our rubber workers of Snuol, a school building of because we have a better state der with Cambodia to Snuol today are all Khmer. In May five classrooms to the High of infrastructure which is as well, and also to provide the US and South Vietnamese School of Cham Kar Kao Su, benefiting the rural area as electric transmission to Snuol. forces attacked Cambodia. a school building of six class- well. Would one leave rural The market was on fire be- rooms to the Primary School infrastructure out of criteria to The people in Snuol and cause of bombardment and of Mean Chey, a school build- be considered an equal redis- Mehmot will have better and the new recruits of 36 in my ing of six classrooms to High tribution of economic growth? cheaper electricity than in team fled and I had with me School of Svay Chrus, a 14 The amount of money spent Phnom Penh. I used to men- only 16 of them. We ran kilometer road between the for upgrading living condi- tion that a country would de- across the forest to a village villages of Ta Ngan and tions in the rural area is big but velop on the basis of four called Anhchanh and all Anhchanh.■

Page 5 http://www.cnv.org.kh Cambodia New Vision—Issue 109 February 2007 04 February 2007 (Unofficial Translation of Selected Comments) Socialist Republic of Vietnam first started my struggle I was Building NR 78 — Ratanakiri’s Baan Lung and O Yadao for sharing of their resources 25. So we have to be clear at the time when they are also that the Coalition Govern- … Today I have a great pleas- people's hardships from lack- in difficult situation. I first ment's partners - CPP and ure to be with all of our people ing of the road, Vietnam sets came to Ratanakiri in 1982 Funcinpec has to raise high in the province of Ratanakiri aside a sum of fund for the with HE Soey Keo and I no- the banner of national unity. to officiate the groundbreak- construction of this segment ticed that all roads in the city Secondly, uniting a country ing ceremony to build a seg- of NR 78. I would take this were dirt roads big enough for only in terms of administra- ment of the National Road time to request to Japan, just oxen carts. The province tion and politics is far from (NR) 78 from Baan Lung to O whose Ambassador HE Fu- was established in 1959 by sufficient. That is why I have Yadao on the border with miaki Takahashi is also pre- Samdech Preah Norodom put out a policy for domestic Vietnam. I am pleased that we sent here, to cut no assistance Sihanouk and in the year integration while making ef- have with us today HE to Vietnam on this ground. 2009 we will be able to cele- forts for external one as well. Truong Vinh Trong, Deputy brate the 50th anniversary of It is in that instance that I Prime Minister of Vietnam I am saying so because I used its establishment. started the policy of renovat- and diplomatic corps and na- to go beg for loans from coun- ing communication which is tional and international guests. tries in the region and I was The provincial town was at primary condition for devel- Construction of the segment is told by those countries that that time located at Lum Phat opment. a major contribution and because they also are loan- and now we have it in Baan means for the area's integra- taking countries, therefore Lung. With help of HE Bu In this respect, now we go tion within the national as well giving loan to Cambodia at a Thang, HE Soey Keo and HE along the distance between as the golden triangular frame- low interest rate would result Kham Len, a master plan for Phnom Penh and Ratanakiri work - which consists of in reduction of financial assis- the province has been pre- on the road of 600 km - in- Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos. tance from Japan or ADB. pared and as you can see their stead of formerly traveling Some of those countries plans cover roads of a width first to Vietnam and from HE Minister Sun Chan Thol would give Cambodia its high of up to 30 meters, larger even Vietnam side entering Cam- has mentioned the technicality interest loans or commercial for those in Phnom Penh. bodia. I used to say that when of the road construction, the loans and not low or conces- we have road we have hope. cost as well as the amount of sional interest ones. Once again I came in 1990 at Take for instance trade vol- time required for the project. the time we put into use the ume between Cambodia and So did our guest HE Truong I have indeed requested HE electric power plant at O Vietnam may have to reach 2 Vinh Trong. Pham Van Khai former Prime Chum and the trip covered at billion US dollars from the Minister of Vietnam for a that time three provinces - current volume of over 1 bil- I wish to take this opportunity long time if I may recall it was Mundulkiri, Ratanakiri and lion US dollars. But we need to express my sincere thanks since 2002 during his visit to Stoeung Treng. The road - to have road connection so and appreciations to efforts Phnom Penh for an ASEAN though was small and in bad that goods transport faces no made by the Ministry of summit. Studies have been condition - has been the main obstacle. Transports and Public Works, conducted and we signed an supply of goods and food the provincial authority of agreement in Hanoi during from Vietnam to Ratanakiri We have to have a vision that Ratanakiri as well as those of my visit there on October 10, and Stoeung Treng and other any products from this area the people living along the 2005. areas. would take a long time to get projected road between Baan down to Sihanoukville's sea- Lung and O Yadao, without It took us from 2005, 2006 to Now we all have seen that the port but it would be easier to those contributions this project 2007 to get the project started. situation has changed and the get to Gia Lai in Vietnam could have been difficult to The project has entailed deci- fact is that we have achieved side. This would cost us less. I get to this stage. sions by two Prime Ministers peace and national reconcilia- used to compare Cambodia to of Vietnam - Phan Van Khai tion. Cambodia evolves from a dragon, where the part of I wish to take this opportune to Nguyen Tan Dung. As is being under many factions' roads that we are building moment to express my sincere said by HE Deputy Prime control to one country one today is in one of the dragon's appreciation through HE Minister of Vietnam, I have administration. Our win-win leg. Its head lies at Sihanouk- Truong Vinh Trong to the urged the project to get started policy brought about Cambo- ville, while its tail is placed at people and Government of when I attended the summit in dia's national reconciliation. the border with Cambodia Vietnam for working out fa- Dalat, Vietnam with the argu- This is achievement that we and Laos at Tropeang Kreal, vorably for this segment of the ment that it is an important have to safeguard, as we all and its chest is to be lying road for Cambodia. Indeed part of the development plan know full well about our lead- over Phnom Penh. Vietnam is in need of loans for the golden triangular bor- ers - who know how to split and grants from foreign coun- der countries - Cambodia, but do not know how to unite. We now have money to build tries as well. Vietnam and Laos. the segment between Baan Uniting is a tremendous job. I Lung and O Yadao at the However, as a token of friend- I wish therefore once again to am now over 50 and when I (Continued on page 8) ship and understanding of our take this time to thank the

Page 6 http://www.cnv.org.kh Cambodia New Vision—Issue 109 February 2007 (Continued from page 1) pen where from old to young to do? Are we to sit in office? process of the Khmer Rouge. problems in its urban develop- no one was free from their ment while more need to be labor. They abolish the gap Everyone has to have an obli- This year we may be able to done to relieve the problem of between the rich and the poor gation. Take for instance cross here temporarily and we traffic congestion... We have by demolishing the rich to Crown Prince Harry of Great should rehabilitate a small accumulated almost sufficient make them equally poor. Britain has a military obliga- bridge on that side and make it fund to cover the cost of build- tion too and he may decide to bigger too. Along with ensur- ing all needed roads - NR 8, Even in rich country like the go to Iraq. ing quality and fulfilling all NR 78 and NR 76 - and yet US, where they also have recommendations, I would the NR 68. poor people, they never take Creation of jobs and functions recommend a re-evaluation of from the rich to give to the are two important and rele- the project cost as it was dis- As far as efforts for the im- poor. They promise to pro- vant elements. Last week the cussed when fuel cost was provement of traffic in the vide jobs to the poor but when Cabinet convened a meeting high. It has gone down now. capital of Phnom Penh are companies make a loss they on social security fund under As far as this development is concerned in early 2003 and always downsize their labor- the Labor Law. Government concerned some politicians 2004 I have come with Gover- ers, take for instance Boeing officials, the armed forces have spread false information nor of Phnom Penh HE Kep Company. It is absurd that we retire and they get their retire- that the price of fuel has gone Chu Tema and Minister of now hear again some people ment pensions. We are now in down thanks to demand of so Water Resources and Meteor- who campaign with similar the process to make our work- and so head of political party. ology HE Lim Kean Hor to argument. ers assured that when they observe the situation here and stop working they also are It is an absurd remark. The we have come to a conclusion We accept that there is still a covered by a pension scheme. Royal Government subsidized that this part of the city has to gap between urban and rural about 9 million US dollars a be connected to the NR 2. But areas, though we have And we have to start from month when the price of fuel because of limited size of achieved a growth that brings social security fund following had gone up from 25 US$ or budget we have not fulfilled down the poverty rate of by health security fund and 30 US$ to over 60 US dollars this project yet. On another 100% to 34%, and the peo- then pension. Once again per barrel. When the price of front Cambodia has a large ple's living condition is better when we have this road and fuel went down I asked the rural area compared to a small improving. bridge built we solve not only Minister of Finance and Econ- size of urbanization. The city's problem of traffic but also omy to tell the fuel companies vicinity to every direction is Average distribution of in- other areas of activities that to lower the price. However, indeed rural. Facing with in- come per capita is marked at impact on life. People could some companies make their crease population and industri- 500 US dollars, whereas those improve their vendor restau- stock of three month extra and alization as well as agricultural in Phnom Penh would earn rants etc. I wish to praise the they bought their supply at a sector or tourism, a study 800 US dollars and probably Municipality of Phnom Penh high price. Therefore forcing needs to be done as to which in some rural areas only 250 and the Engineering Depart- them to lower the price sud- part of the capital should be US dollars. The average in- ment of the Ministry of Na- denly is uneconomical for enlarged. come per capita for the whole tional Defense for carefully them. country has been marked by and quietly conducting the The construction of the Prek the Ministry of Finance and study on this road and bridge I would search for companies Chrey Bridge would indeed Economy as over 500 US construction. who in the previous electoral be a benefit for those who dollars, while the Institute of campaign said that they would pass this road to and from Statistics published an evalua- As we know more tourists bring the price of fuel down to Phnom Penh from the village tion of 519 US dollars, which come to Choeung Ek more 1700 Riel per litter (4000 Riel of Prek Chrey but also the is a small discrepancy be- than they go to Wat Phnom. to 1 US$) and another party provinces of Kandal, Takeo, tween the two. Choeung Ek's genocidal site that competed with a better Kampot and Keb City. is not just for tourist to see but price of 1500 Riel per litter if What we should do is to in- a proof of genocide and it they won the elections. I think The road provides better tensify investment and ensure should serve as legal evidence it is a contradiction to the means for transportation, cre- equitable redistribution of the for the trial of Khmer Rouge world economic trend and ates jobs, and jacks up the economic growth or in other regime. We'd filmed and took they should try not to lie or to land price (from ten US dol- words to provide what is photo of the scene of skulls make empty promises. lars per hectare to between 15 needed in the rural area so that and transmitted to outside and 25 US dollars per hectare) it could make progress. world, and in order to defend I am glad that today we have as it will develop into an in- Roads, bridges, water canals, those factions that occupied the presence of leaders of Fun- dustrial zone. schools, hospitals are impor- the Cambodian seat at the cinpec's President HE Keo Put tant factors for providing help United Nations, it is said that Reasmey, General Secretary Under Pol Pot they said that if to the poor. As for Cambodia those skulls were artificial. HE Nhek Bun Chhay as well they won they would provide there are more people than Without these evidences it and this is good for our coun- everyone a job and it did hap- jobs created and what are we would be difficult for the trial try...■

Page 7 http://www.cnv.org.kh Cambodia New Vision—Issue 109 February 2007 14 February 2007 (Unofficial Translation of Selected Comments) (Continued from page 6) back to Vietnam. Secondly I Building the National Road 76 to Mondulkiri Province border. We need further assis- would propose through HE tance so as to build another Trong three more proposals to … It is indeed a great pleasure Thnol Totoeung and Mehmot segment of 129 km between HE Prime Minister of Viet- that I came back again to the in 2000 - shortly after the Baan Lung back and O Pong nam - 1) a road from Hoa Lu district of Snuol to join you all flood. Another project had Moan. I proposed it to HE of Vietnam to Snuol district 2) in the construction ceremony been put into implementation Wen Jiabao, the Prime Minis- from Dong Thap through to of the127-kilometer NR 76 from Kratie to Mehmot using ter of China and he said that Banteay Chakrei to NR 1 and that connects the district of the funds provided by ADB let's wait till we finish the NR 3) a road connection between Snuol and the capital of Mon- and OPEC. From Kratie to 7. On February 14 we will set Long An and Svay Rieng. dultiri Sen Monorom under the border with Laos a new the ground for building NR the concessional loan from the bridge over the Sekong River 76 from Snuol to Sen Mono- I may recall that I also men- People's Republic of China and more at the total length of rom of Mondulkiri and we tioned about the possibility of and the counterpart fund from 2000 meters and 200 kilome- will have another 100 million building a bridge at Chrey the Royal Government of ter road are being built with dollars for the road from Sen Thom of Kandal province as Cambodia. Taking this oppor- the fund provided by China, Monorom to Dak Dam. well. As far as I know in Rata- tune moment I wish to express and they are almost complete nakiri, investment has yet to be my sincere appreciation to the now. We may have the inau- The connection will allow the made in providing access to Ministry of Public Works and guration ceremony to launch three provinces - Ratanakiri, clean water as of now we have Transports and the Ministry of in early 2008. Mondulkiri and Stoeung only water from the wells. I Finance - both of which have Treng to be competent partner would urge companies to mull actively worked in accordance It was an opportune moment provinces with three prov- investing in this project as I with my recommendation and that the PRC's Government inces from Vietnam and three think that it does not cost those of the Prime Minister of declared at the ASEAN Sum- more so from Laos in the much to do so. the People's Republic of mit with China and the East Triangular Development of China (PRC) Wen Jiabao to Asian Summit in Kualar the region. I have a vision that This could be a good invest- expedite the use of the 200 Lumpur in 2005 that it was by 2015 or 2020 the northeast ment for the fact that we have million US dollar loan. prepared to offer 5 billion US areas will become a new eco- an increase in the number of dollars as loan to developing nomic pole in addition to tourists to the province in 2006 Aside from this project, the countries at a concessional Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and those hotels and/or guest- 127 - kilometer road from interest rate or export credit. and Siemreap. house would see this as their Snuol to Sen Monorom, we PRC has made it clear in the immediate needs. Just now I have other projects that are following visit of the Prime This area is potentially rich have news that HE Kep Chu being implemented under this Minister of China to Cambo- with natural and mineral re- Tema, Mayor of Phnom Penh 200 million US dollar loan. dia that PRC is setting aside sources and agro-industrial and formerly was Governor of We will launch the construc- 200 million out of 5 billion crops. In this instance I would Ratanakiri agreed to build a tion of the NR 8, which is a US dollars for Cambodia. I appeal to CIENCO I and con- new theatre hall for the prov- new road that was initiated said to my colleagues that all cerned partner companies to ince. recent years ago and the con- of the money will be used for be strict with the road stan- structions of two bridges over nothing else but bridges and dard to guarantee a long last- I would on this occasion say to the Mekong River at Prek roads. ing road quality. I would also HE the Japanese Ambassador Tameak and another over the take this auspicious time to that the Triangle Development Tonle Sap River at Prek As HE Prime Minister of express my sincere apprecia- Plan is lucky to have an estab- Kdam. The fact that we have PRC said it I pointed on the tion to the military engineer- lished mechanism at the top come to achieve this much in map right away that so and so ing groups for making efforts level of the three countries just one year means that the amount will go to so and so to clear off mines from the with Prime Minister of Japan Chinese Ambassador and projects - NR 8, the Prek Ta areas so as to provide safety and which has been working related institutions and compa- Meak Bridge, the Prek Kdam for the project implementa- from 2004 in Vientian, 2005 in nies have been working hard. Bridge, etc. PRC has made tion. Kuala Lumpar. further promises during the Let me take this time to tell visit of the Cambodian dele- Also, as we have the presence Together with the top-level you a little about the back- gation to the PRC and be- of HE Truong Vinh Trong mechanism, we have been ground of this project. We cause of this generous under- here, I would seek Vietnam's able to get the job moving by have under the Japanese assis- standing we are able to get the consideration in providing establishing another level of tance renovated the NR 7 project started today. We Cambodia with electricity and discussion at the Foreign Min- from Phnom Penh to Kom- learned that 200 million US investing in transmission line ister level. Cambodia has in- pong Cham, from Kompong dollars is far less than enough from Vietnam. When Cambo- deed more roads to build and Cham crossing the Mekong as these projects have cost dia has the potential of pro- about ten of them I could men- River by the Kizuna bridge to 195 million US dollars al- ducing power in the area, we tion here that we have no Thnol Totoeung. We have ready and we feel the need for could negotiate selling power money to build yet...■ renovated the part between (Continued on page 4)

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