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

Issue 87 http://www.cnv.org.kh April, 2005

27 April 2005 (Unofficial Translation of Selected Comments) 22-23 April 2005 (The Asia-Africa Summit 2005 in Indonesia) Inaugurating the Angprey Buddhist Temple in Takeo Addressing the 2005 Asia-Africa Summit in Indonesia

It is a great honor and pleas- history of friendship, solidarity ure to join you, honorable and cooperation reinforced by leaders of the Asian-African the historic Asian-African countries at this august Sum- Conference in Bandung 1955. mit. On behalf of the Cambo- As one of the founders of the dian delegation, I extend our Bandung Spirit half a century deep gratitude to the Govern- ago, through the direct involve- ment of Indonesia for the ment of the Former King His warm hospitality and for the Majesty Preah Bat Norodom excellent arrangements for the Sihanouk, Cambodia is very meeting. I would like also to proud today to join the com- take this opportunity to ex- memoration of the golden jubi- press our sympathies to the lee of this historic summit to Government and People of reflect back on what has hap- Indonesia on the destruction pened since then and cast our and sufferings caused by the vision to the future. In this 27 April 05 - Samdech Hun Sen with the people at the inaugu- ration of the Buddhist Temple in the Pagoda of Angprey in the recent earthquake. regard, I would like to bring to province of Takeo’s Saraong district (Photo: Virakmuny) all of you the greetings and Asia and Africa have a long (Continued on page 6) “... It is indeed a great pleasure the ribbon for the inaugura- for me to join with you all once tion of the College of Keo Din 04 April 2005 (Unofficial Translation of Selected Comments) again today for the inaugura- in the district of Samraong in Inaugurating the Buddhist Temple in Steoung Trang District tion of the Buddhist temple, 1963, in 1967 Samdech patri- ... First of all I would like to ... These achievements have the Buddhist teaching hall and arch Chuon Naat also pre- present my deep thanks and taken shape today while I various achievements in the sided over the inauguration of sympathy to fathers, mothers never promised anything to the pagoda of Angprey in the com- the pagoda of Angprey, gave and national compatriots for people in this area. At the same mune of Rumchang, district of its current Buddhist name being present here today. On time I share the view of HE Samraong of Takeo province. I Dhamanimit. The pagoda, behalf of my father and my Hun Neng, my brother and the am very thankful to our peo- however, went through seri- family, may I humbly call on Governor of Kompong Cham, ple’s understanding for the fact ous destruction under the re- the souls of my great grand- when he recalled previous that I suggested the day set for gime of the Khmer Rouge parents, grandparents to move achievements that were de- inauguration to today from between 1975 and 1979. from the old pagoda to this stroyed by the land erosion into April 25 as I had to be in Indo- new place of respect. I have a the river, as they stood on the nesia for the participation in ... January 07, 1979, the great pleasure also to be able river side. The pagoda of the Asia-Africa summit and the whole country was liberated to return to the native village Botum Kessar was built 175 fiftieth anniversary of the and the revivals of Buddhism in this auspicious occasion to years as of August last year, Bandung conference. Late is together with other religions inaugurate the Buddhist tem- when it fell into the river. In better than never. were noted. When asked ple, and various other other words the pagoda was which of the religions prac- achievements -- the health built in 1830, even before the ... According to what we have ticed in Cambodia is the older clinic and three Bailey bridges (Continued on page 5) learned from its history, the or which of the two – the are also included. These pagoda of Angprey is one of Buddha and the Mohammed – achievements are great pride In This Issue the oldest Buddhist monaster- was older, one Muslim cler- for this area which used to be 1) Takeo’s Angprey Pagoda, P. 1 ies with its record of 381 years gyman in the province of Pur- very poor. The three bridges 2) 2005 Asia-Africa Summit, P. 1 in existence, though rapid de- sat said they are born on same are built at the commune of velopment has happened only day and same time after the 3) Kg Cham’s Pagoda, P.1 Tuol Rokar, the commune of 4) Prek Kompoes School, P. 3 in the last 137 years. As is said fall of Pol Pot regime. The Peam Koh Sna and at the 5) Phnom Penh Thmei, P. 4 in the history that Samdech pagoda of Angprey has in the village of Prek Andaung. Preah cut (Continued on page 2) 6) Mine Actions, P. 8

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(Continued from page 1) nana almost die out of drought would start to come in May to enjoy the Khmer New Year. and this situation is common and we hope the forecast is The city was quiet as many past years enjoyed assistance to many countries in the 80% correct. As for the re- visited native villages in rural from the Buddhist followers world, Thailand is also in- quest brought to me HE Mok areas because we have better Mok Meas and Chhorn Hin, cluded. According to HE Su Mareth regarding the digging road condition in addition to the parents of HE Mok Mareth, Phirin, the Governor of Takeo of a canal “Chumreas Pen,” I good security throughout the Minister for the Environment. province, a land area of would urge a thorough study country. It is indeed my pleas- It has been a great example and 111.59 % of dry-season rice to be conducted as this canal ure to be able to join with all of I am glad to see that our offi- has been cultivated, or an area would involve the passing of a you here and I have only one cials have taken time to help of 66,955 hectares of the sand nested area, by which the advice that “while drinking solve the needs of the local planned 60,000 hectares has system would be clogged and water, one should know where people in general, the pagoda been put under dry-season need restoration every year in the water comes from,” or in particular. I could also say rice. The expected output per addition to washing sand into “while eating fruit, one should that this gesture is no new for hectare is 4,395 kg. downstream canal and rice know from where the fruit is.” the members of the Cambodian field. A serious study should People’s Party as they have ... At the review meeting of be conducted to look into ... With the overthrow of Pol been practicing this people- the Ministry of Agriculture, impacts the canal may have Pot, the prevention of the re- oriented assistance since the Forestry and Fisheries, I have on environment. As irrigation turn of the genocide, peace 1980’s, when they spent from recommended to maintain the is necessary here, attention prevailing throughout the six months to one year in the cultivated areas for dry-season should also be paid on what country, and especially the province to help people deal rice because we have failed to crop could be grown. breaking of the political stale- with their problems right on cultivate the rainy season rice. mate thanks to the collabora- spot. We are lucky that the dry- ... Over the Khmer New Year tion between the CPP and Fun- season rice output has given this year it has been quite a cinpec, where Samdech Krom ... Some people claim that Fun- us a good result with a surplus joyful event for the people of Preah and I have come to an cinpec have not had chances of about one million tons for Cambodia in general, despite agreement to the setup of the and resources to provide assis- the first time more the previ- the fact that the weather was third-legislature Government, tance to the people. On the ous years. We are conducting hot. Taking death over the we will be able to continue our contrary, we have mobilized searches to find out reason New Year into consideration, march toward our goal of alle- bulldozers, water pumps, etc. why the dry-season rice has we have had less number of viating poverty through the for Samdech Krom Preah soared up, while water is accidents involving deaths -- implementation of the rectan- (Norodom Ranaridh) so that he scarce. Two major factors only about ten people and gular strategy, the core of is capable of providing assis- have to be put into considera- some wounded. In Thailand, which water policy is the main tance for the people. For those tion in analyzing this trend of in what HE Prime Minister focus for the years to come. who claimed Funcinpec pos- dry-season rice production – Thanksin called an improved sessing no rights to help peo- the Royal Government’s pol- statistics, 520 Thais died and Samdech Hun Sen on that oc- ple, I would tell them that help icy and the people’s efforts in 15,000 wounded. In the past casion offered to provide is welcome from everyone, coping with hardships caused between 1970 and 1999, a twenty million Riels to the pa- except those who allied with by failure of the rainy season period of 29 years Cambodia goda of Angprey, a water pond terrorist groups. As far as rice production. Whether one welcomed the new Goddess for the Sla Rong pagoda, a 10 school building request is con- of the two or both reasons has with fire arms shooting into KVA generator and a set of ten cerned, I am glad to see that brought about this progressive air. They shot to welcome computers and a printer and a schooling children has in- trend, it is worth noting that both the Khmer and the Chi- school building of six class- creased which prompt us to the rainy season rice cultiva- nese New Years. Splashing rooms for the Bun Rany-Hun address the demand-supply tion produce only about 2 tons water on one another in Sen Sla Rong College, a school situation. per hectare while the dry- Phnom Penh this year, thanks building of six classrooms for season rice produce up to four to the efforts made by HE the primary school of Treang ... In general this year we have tons per hectare. Governor of the Phnom Penh Andet, a set of ten computers a harsh weather condition, city, was less in observation. and a printer with one 15 KVA though some parts of our coun- ... Taking its high yield into We also noted decrease in generator and two school try have had some rains, but consideration, we should fighting while dancing in vil- buildings of 12 classrooms to many are still in drought condi- think of transferring some lages. The number of theft is the College of Hun Sen- tion. As usual, by this time of land for floating rice to dry- also under control. Angprey. Samdech Hun Sen the year, some parts of our season rice, for which water also approved requests for country have had some seed- resources for cultivation irri- Taking this opportunity I wish renovation of canals and roads lings already, as of this year gation will be of great atten- to express my sincere thanks made by the CPP working not even grass has grown after tion to be paid by the Royal and appreciation to police, group in Samraong district of some rain because of hot government. As far as when soldiers, and military police Takeo, headed by HE Mok weather. Fruit trees ranging the rain is coming, according for their sacrifice to keep Maret■ from coconut, mango to ba- to the weather forecast, rain good security for our people

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02 April 2005 (Unofficial Translation of Selected Comments) now Cambodia registers 3.5 one day the School of Boeung Inaugurating a Building in the Prek Kompoes Primary School million students, where the Trabek brought a proposal to number of students before my father and he had HE Kep ... It is indeed a great pleasure dhist and the secular worlds 1970 – the Reastr Chutema, the Mayor of Phnom for me to join with all of you we have built more schools, Niyum period -- was less than Penh to come up with a plan. today to put into use a new especially here in Prek Kom- a million. He then gave the plan to me school building which would poes commune the school has and said, “Sen (Hun Sen) you contribute to the betterment of been built in many stages, in ... As for the Primary School take this plan and build a the children’s schooling in the peace and in wartime. In be- of Prek Kompoes, in additions school in the Primary School area. May I take this opportu- tween 1970 and 1975, Cam- to school buildings built so of Boeung Trabek.” As for nity also to express my sincere bodia was divided into areas far, I would suggest this time other countries, especially thanks to teaching staff and the under the control of Lon Nol to build a two-storey building Europe, when they are at 18 community of Prek Kompoes and those under the control of of twenty-classrooms like the years old, the kids are inde- for their efforts to reach me for the National Liberation Front one we built for the Primary pendent and possess every assistance in the construction headed by Samdech Preah School of Wat Phnom in right. They may send their old- and improvement of schools in Norodom Sihanouk. Areas Phnom Penh. I have just or- age parents to the house for old the district of Kandal Stoeung under Lon Nol were luckier dered five more solar- people, and on the contrary in of Kandal province, one of because they have more energized lights to be installed Cambodia the older they get, which we are here to inaugu- schools and teaching staff, in addition to the existing ten the better care we children rate. According to the report by except from time to time there – two of which should be have to provide. HE Khim Bo, the school was had been threats of artillery placed here and the rest first built in 1952 at the initia- shells. As for those in the should go into the schoolyard. ... Our Constitution states that tive of the head monk Ek Sieng liberated zone of the front As far as how we call the the Cambodian children must of the pagoda of Prek Thloe- there were two differing situa- school, I would suggest this complete at least nine-year ung, since before Cambodia tions. First there were no time to name it after my fa- education. To achieve this aim won independence from the teaching activities when the ther’s, the Primary School of one of the efforts should be to French protectorate. area was liberated, and sec- Hun Neang-Prek Kompoes as place school as close as possi- ond, schooling continued it is built as a two-storey ble to the people so that their ... Looking back into the tradi- while teaching was an unpaid building like in the city. This children could access schools tion of our country, the Bud- job because we did not have a is a token of gratefulness to and does not inquire payment dhist monks played very cru- viable state system. my father for the birth, the life for traveling to and from. As of cial roles in education, espe- and education I have had to this school, I think we could go cially in gathering contribution ... Worse still, the Khmer these days. I also have some from the Primary to the first- for the construction of schools. Rouge, having placing their school named after my level secondary school, and In many visits to foreign coun- leadership upon the whole mother’s like the Primary from there, when the teaching tries, some of the friendly country between 1975 and School of Di Pok-Kdey staff and school facilities are countries were confused that 1979, completely destroyed Lovea. Another reason for available, they should be up- all of the Cambodian men have the education system, where doing so was because the graded to the second-level to enter monkhood. That was no-one was taught or teach- school is being built at the secondary school. We have to not true, I told them. I myself ing. After the liberation of the help of three pagoda boys – provide school access to both became a monk for a short country from the genocide Hun Sen, the School Director male and female students. Sons time when my grandmother regime in 1979, though the Uy Sun and Okhna Mong can go to schools in far away died. It was once a practice that then Government had little or Ritthi. areas, but parents have major men become monks in repay- nothing to assist the need for concerns for their daughters to ment of gratefulness to their education, still the the Na- ... In Cambodia, things are go the same distance. The best parents. In relation to men tional United Front, take for different from some countries solution to ease parents’ con- staying in the pagodas, I told instance the area of Prek in the world when talking cern is to bring the school fa- them that they went to pagoda Kompoes, gathered teachers about family relationship. No cility, and in this case I mean for education because the pa- and children of school age to matter how old the child may the first-level secondary school goda in those days was indeed join in the campaign of those be, he or she is still a kid for of class 7, 8 and 9 to the com- a school. Some stayed in their who know more teach those the parents. Take for instance munal level. monkhood for their whole who know less, and those my parents consider me their lives, while others just for the who know less teach those young kid no matter how ... I am very happy to notice sake of being educated. who do not know. As I could grown up I am. For them I am that human resource training recall, we did not have even still a young kid. I would have has become a national move- ... As time went by less and good chalk, but clay or char- similar approach to theirs with ment. From HM the King to less men stay in monkhood for coal. However, with active regard to my kids. No matter the people in general, the the whole life because more participation of our people in they had master or PhD de- monks, charitable persons, schools have been made avail- education from the beginning, grees, they are still my chil- parents, students themselves able. Because we have a good the education system in the dren. It was in this respect that (Continued on page 4) cooperation between the Bud- whole country booms, as of

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07 April 2005 (Unofficial Translation of Selected Comments) (Continued from page 3) from Kompong Speu to Dang- Inaugurating a Buddhist Hall in Phnompenh Thmei Pagoda have all been part and parcel kao of Phnom Penh, and to to the development of educa- 2004 that we could organize ... Today I have a great pleas- two worlds are of inseparable tion sector. It is a crucially boat race in the Rolaing Ken ure to join with all of our peo- relations, where the lack of important role that human before the Khmer New Year, ple in the inauguration of a development in one would resource of high quality plays this year we don’t even have new achievement in the pa- lead to impasse of the other. in the country’s development. water for cows and buffaloes. goda of Sovanmuni or Sam- Having said so I would argue We are living in the era of Drought severely affects not raong Andet – the Buddhist that the development in the knowledge-based economy only Cambodia but also Thai- hall. Let me take this joyful Buddhist world would allow and not natural economy as land and Vietnam in the re- occasion to express my sincere us to measure the develop- before. We are living in a gion. We all are looking only appreciation to the head monk ment in the secular world in situation of competition, so at the sky for rain. In Thailand Rat Saroeun of the pagoda part or the living condition of quality and reasonably afford- they conducted this operation Samraong Andet for such an our people, because as long as able prices are what we try to for an artificial rain, though it honored hospitality for my the people are getting better in achieve. helps resolve only a small part presence in this ceremony. The their living standard, their of the problem and would be fact that I have proposed for a contribution for the develop- ... To be on the side of strong costly. Yesterday the Cambo- rescheduling of the inaugural ment of the Buddhist infra- competitor and to make the dian Deputy Prime Minister program to one day earlier structure is also gaining country developed, human Hor Nam Hong raised this because tomorrow we will shape. When our people suf- resource development is issue with the Foreign Minister have the visit of the Prime fer poverty, the Buddhist de- prime, where children of of Thailand and asked if they Minister of Myanmar in the velopment would also be in school-age are to be focused. can help Cambodia with artifi- Kingdom of Cambodia. the desperate state. It is not true to buy the idea cial rain. As for some parts of

that children of the urban Cambodia where drinking ... I am very thrilled to see that ... Take another angle into families are doing better in water is a problem, like in the efforts gathered under the consideration, the Buddhist school than those from the Banteay Mean Chey and Bat- leadership of the head monk world contributes largely to rural area. Children of the rich tambang, I have ordered for Rath Saroeun has brought the education of every indi- sometimes could not compete water tank to bring in water for about this pagoda not only as a vidual to perform good deeds in school because they do not the people. I hope we will have place for Buddhist teaching and this has a positive impli- work hard in their studies, and some rain towards the Khmer and prayer but also a beautiful cation on the governance of it is not necessarily true that New Year place of serenity for our elders the secular world. If we were children of the poor could not to learn and practice Buddhism to have many bad people then do better. What is the most Samdech Hun Sen has in that here. I did not have a chance to the effort to keep a society importance is the fact that occasion provided two PCs, travel across this area, though I intact would be enormously they should have equal access one copying machine, one heard about this place very difficult. In general acts of to education. These days I printer and one ten KVA gen- much. What we all see as de- violence has decreased thanks have noticed that we have erator to the school of Prek velopment in the pagoda not only to the efforts made many competent people but Kompoes, ten million Riels to proves that our people have by the police or the judicial they do not have chances, so the people of Prek Thloeung strong belief in the Buddhism. system, but largely because they have not fully developed for building dike to protect According to the report of HE we have the Buddhist teach- their natural intelligence yet. flood and a school building of Kep Chutema, Governor of ing to the heart of everyone. six classrooms and five PCs Phnom Penh, the pagoda had Not only the people who re- ... On the contrary to 2003 and a printer to the Secondary not been different to other pa- side and practice Buddhism in that we could bring water School of Prek Kompoes■ godas throughout the country the pagoda, those residing after the fall of the regime of outside have also benefited the genocide of Pol Pot. from the Buddhist teachings resource is being produced in and 51 Buddhist nuns. Com- as well. part because it provides shel- paring to the military facility, ... Under the wise leadership of ters to students who could not this pagoda houses more peo- Samdech Patriarch, and all ... On behalf of the Royal afford a place to stay while ple than in the military batal- levels of the local authorities, Government of Cambodia and pursuing their studies to lion. since the former People’s Re- my own behalf, I would in places away from home. Take public of Kampuchea regime this solemn occasion express for instance thousands of stu- ... The Royal Government at to the State of Cambodia, and my sincere thanks to the head dents have been provided all levels should offer support to the second Kingdom of monk Rat Saroeun as well as shelters by pagodas in Phnom to the Buddhist activities in Cambodia, in the past 26 years the Buddhist monks through- Penh, and I myself was once this respect, especially in ac- the Cambodians have proven out the country for the fruitful benefited from such facility as cordance with Buddhist Con- that they are willing to make and educational efforts they well. Take for the pagoda of gress’s resolution at the advice efforts for development of the have done. We should also Samraong Andet alone we of Samdech Patriarch to estab- Buddhist world as well as learn that pagoda is also a have here 183 (male) students, lish the Fund for Assisting those of the secular world. The place where certain human and 230 other pupil monks (Continued on page 5)

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(Continued from page 1) and 1968, we had the Khmer ... Well Ruom Rit is said to ing in the native village. One French arrival to Cambodia in Rouge residing along the Tuol stop writing but if he were to important reason is that the 1860. As most of the achieve- Sambo area. The commune continue writing he should money used in such recon- ments in this fallen pagoda head of Tuol Sambo was narrate the story of executing struction efforts are donated by were contributed by the Hun’s killed by the Khmer Rouge in Preab In at Tropeang Kroloe- charitable persons and I do not family, it tells us that the Hun’s the 1960s. They called one ung. Take for instance HE want them to blame me for is here for such a long time. another rouge, blue or pink. Tea Banh was formerly called channeling them to the native Tea Sangvaat, but because he village’s construction. It is ... In recent years, as I could ... Cambodia gained inde- was not killed from the shoot- even more hesitant when it recall, many pagodas built pendence only to fight its own ing he then has been renamed comes to using the national along the river bank have war killing people and making to Tea Banh (shooting). What budget.■ fallen off the shore into the documentary film out of it. is important is he was not shot river – and we have three pa- Unstable peace existing for 16 under the Khmer Rouge but (Continued from page 4) godas from this area alone fell years recalled us of a situation the Sangkum Reastr Niyum. Children in all pagodas as off the land into the river be- here where people feared to If Ruom Rit were to go on, I many have been accepted to cause of the river’s change its stop peddling bicycle when would not be reluctant to or- reside in the Buddhist facility course. In 2003 we inaugurated called in the Rubber plant, as der for replay of the films on in pursuance of their studies. the new pagoda of Khpop Tan- they were afraid of the Khmer televisions. It was because of For me what I have achieved guon for the old one fell off Rouge. The central headquar- such brutal act of execution at through hardship and effort- into the river, followed by the ter of the Khmer Rouge was gunpoint that contributed in making is very valuable. Take 2004-inauguration of the new then right behind this place part to wars. for instance, a friend of mine pagoda of Prek Andaung after and in 1970-71, all the Khmer back in the old days share a the fall of the old pagoda, and Rouge leaders – Ke Pork, Pol ... No one seems to have piece of tobacco, which was in 2005, we have this Botum Pot, Koy Thuon... were all talked about it, only I, Hun scarce in those days, with me Kessar pagoda to rebuild for present here. Sen, dare bring this out. If I and I considered that more the same reason. If we were to were to let this go on, more important and valuable than have no war for the last 35 ... As I have mentioned about will continue to come. Hun the triple fives (555) cigarettes years (from 1970) I would executing people and making Sen is accused of being a dic- these days. hope that the water course film out of it, they were true tator but what were done could have been diverted in but Mr. Ruom Rit never wrong in the past by elder ... In 1979, back to those days, such a way by modern technol- writes about it and all he was leaders were forgotten. I wish the pagoda was in shortage ogy to avoid causing such writing so far was just criticiz- to remind that the district of situation. There was no cur- damages to the shores along ing those who have made Stoeung Trang has produced rency in those days and all they here. It has been possible as great efforts in rebuilding the three Prime Ministers already offered to the Buddhist monks they did in some countries to country. Ruom Rit missed in for Cambodia – , Hang was rice. That was why in take away the silt leaving the his writing the stories of peo- Thun Hak and Hun Sen. Hun those days we always compare water current to continue to ple like Sao Ngoy, Preap In, Sen will not disappoint the our situation to defend the flow in its original direction. Chao Borei, etc. who had people of Stoeung Trang like country with one hand and to We did try with limited efforts been executed in those days. In Tam and Hang Thun Hak develop it in another. to save the city of Kompong On my way here I read in the did. But they were lucky be- Cham in the mid 1980s. newspaper that Mr. Ruom Rit cause they did not meet Ruom … Just now I have a request is seriously ill and Samdech Rit as I do. from Samdech Patriarch about ... I wish to take this opportune Preah Norodom Sihanouk sending some senior monks for moment to express my sincere would not post in his website ... However, we have study at the Royal School of thanks and appreciation to Ruom Rit’s articles anymore. achieved a stable peace and Administration (RSA). Though those contributors, near and I dare mention this on my with it we all could rebuild I have not got a reply from the far, to the construction of the birthday because I am a kid this pagoda and today I have Royal School of Administra- Buddhist temple, study hall, who has been victimized by here a list of contribution of tion, still I may respond that and residences in the pagoda. what was done by the elderly US$ 27,450 in response to the the RSA would accommodate These are made available with- people. I was wounded five need of only US$ 16,560. The three monks for each course, out my promise. I understood times and lost one eye be- extra fund should, if I may after which they could go to that first of all our people need cause of those kinds of lead- say, be spent on building a work in the Cabinet of Sam- peace, and my actions have ers. To let our people see what race-boat shed. May Dr. Saat dech Patriarch and the provin- been conducted in search for was done in the past (by those Samy draft for me how much cial Buddhist administration. peace. The country won inde- leaders), we could have all the would it cost to have twenty pendence in 1953, but this seven TV stations replayed solar-energized bulbs here. ... Thanks to the initiation from region continued to be dis- the film. The younger genera- the Governor of Phnom Penh turbed by the group under Put tion should not be deceived … Well to sum up this part I and in contribution for travel- Chhay (local troublemaker) by elder ones. have built many things in ing from-to the pagoda and the until 1960. In between 1967 many places but little or noth- main road of 1,200 meters...■

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(Continued from page 1) conditions for preventing and tainable social and economic On the security, political and good wishes of His Majesty solving the lingering strategic development. In this regard, diplomatic front, we must Preah Bat Norodom Sihanouk, and geopolitical problems. Cambodia highly appreciates jointly fight against terrorism the Great Father of Cambodia Nevertheless, the rapid evolu- the African Union for its pro- that endangers people lives and and His Majesty Norodom tion and revolution have also gram for poverty eradication, the social fabric, regardless of Sihamoni, the King of Cambo- presented major challenges socio-economic development the reasons for the acts com- dia, and the people and the and uncertainty for our fragile and growth so called mitted either in the name of a Royal Government of Cambo- world. Therefore, efforts to “NEPAD” (New Partnership religion or on national aspira- dia. ensure peace among and be- for Africa’s Development). tions of any nation. With re- tween nations and the fulfill- gard to elimination of weapons The Bandung spirit started a ment of the basic needs of all At the regional and cross- of mass destruction, Cambodia wave of decolonisation and continue to be an uphill strug- regional level, it is imperative has joined with fellow ASEAN emergence of newly independ- gle as we grapple with the for today for Asia and Africa members in the establishment ent states in Asia and Africa. It interlinked problems of popu- to work even more closely to of the Zone of Peace, Freedom helped establish the Non- lation growth, the growing pool our resources to address and Neutrality in Southeast Aligned Movement (NAM) digital divide, the specters of the continuous and enormous Asia (ZOPFAN) and the which provided a very critical disease – particularly HIV/ challenges and grasp opportu- Southeast Asia Nuclear and useful balance between AIDS, SARS- wars in some nity in the 21st Century. To Weapon-Free Zone Treaty opposing ideologies during the regions, terrorism and transna- this end, we need to enhance (SEANWFZ). This problem Cold War. But Asia and Africa tional crime, the arms race our cooperation in all levels should be solved only through continued to be the proxy bat- and nuclear proliferation and and all areas ranging from peaceful means. tleground of great powers especially the worsening dis- political solidarity, security, causing devastation and trauma parities in development both development cooperation and Cambodia has always been an to the local people. Cambodia across and within countries. economic integration to socio- active member of the Bandung is a prime example of such cultural relations and people Asian-African Conference. I devastation and neglect and As a legitimate Leader receiv- to people exchange between reaffirm our commitment to suffered the most in Asia. But ing the mandate from our the two regions. Fostering cementing our bonds with we have emerged from our people, we have obligation to relationship based on equal other member countries as darkest chapter as a reinvigo- take measures to forcefully footing and mutual benefits together, we strive to throw off rated and vibrant, democratic, and effectively respond to will bring about shared pros- the shackles of economic back- unified nation assuming our both challenges and opportu- perity and harmony. In this wardness and boldly assert our rightful place in the interna- nities facing our peoples. I regard, we must revisit it in right to be prosperous and dig- tional community. Today, we believe that the utmost prior- order to improve and further nified nations. Africa and Asia look to the future with great ity of most of the countries in strengthen inter-governmental are two different continents, far optimism, borne out of own our two continents is to re- mechanisms, regional and separated. Yet we are of the achievements through imple- duce poverty and work to- sub-regional organizations same world, and our peoples mentation of sound economic ward poverty elimination. and people to people interac- and governments pursue the and social policies. This requires all of us to work tion between the two conti- same aspirations – human dig- at three different levels nents. At this level of coop- nity in life and work, and At this Summit, I suggest we namely national, regional and eration, I am very proud to peace. Let us put our shoulders focus on the key essentials that inter-regional, and global take note that ASEAN has together in the cause of a sus- shall set our strategic partner- level. resolutely and confidently tainable better world■ ship on its rightful course for stepped forward far beyond. the future. First of all, Cambo- At national level, each gov- (Continued from page 7) NGOs and International Or- dia commends the Asian- ernment is required to lay out At global level, we also need ganizations in order to well African Sub-Regional Organi- and actively implement re- to strengthen cooperation on integrate the livelihood of the zations Conference form programs in all sectors, the core issues aimed at im- victims and their families into (AASROC) process as a means especially governance in pol- proving of the global environ- the society… Also, as a present of reinforcing the relevance icy and poverty reduction ment for development through for the efforts of the national and validity of the Bandung strategy for our people, by measures such as: increased mine operators as well as sprit. focusing mainly on securing ODA, debt reduction or debt CMAA and in order to partici- peace, security and stability write -off for poor countries, pate with development part- Indeed, we all know that due to and delivering the basic goods developing real free trade, ners, I would like to contribute the forces of globalization and and services our people are especially in the framework of 800,000 US dollar as counter- regionalism as well as the IT entitled to. At the same time, WTO, preferential tariffs on part budget of the Royal Gov- revolution over the last few for the long run, we must es- the exports of developing ernment to CMAA for the year decades, the world has continu- tablish the vision, action plan countries, and expanded tech- 2005 in which such the amount ously changed and undergone and program to ensure high nology transfer and measures has been provided every unexpectedly rapid transforma- living standard and harmony to overcome the digital divide. year...■ tion, fostering more favorable for our people through sus-

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(Continued from page 8) provincial and municipal level technical group searching tized land. Another issue is that progress in order to high- in linking mine clearing ac- mine field and the world tech- how can we assure such out- light advantages and dis- tivities to local development, nical group. For Cambodia, I come? Or should Cambodia advantages as well as which is the only objective of understand that the implemen- operate in more productive to following up casualties the government’s policy in tation of this methodology to reach the target as early as and real result from the poverty reduction. To achieve give the priorities as 1st, 2nd possible? Clearly, CMAA has mine clearing activities. this objective, the CMAA has and 3rd is not applicable. For to enhance its coordination and to strengthen the decentralized instance, Battambang’s first cooperation with all players 5. To continue developing mechanism, which means that priority is to clear mine for and international mine experts the information manage- the planning of mine clearing farming, Siem Riep and Preah to seek new techniques or ment tools. In the present must have broad cooperation Vihear’s first priority is to methods for more productive time, the Mine Action from the commune-sangkat clear mine around temples operation. Authority has already set councils, working groups of and national heritage sites ect. up a data center and it is mine clearing at district-khan Therefore, CMAA must have (3) We pointed out that only now gradually opera- levels, operators and develop- its technical team in order to 10% that affects the livelihood tional, but it has not yet ment agencies at the prov- cooperate with international of rural people every single been strong. In this sense, inces and cities. technical team to reexamine month. The reports argued that I would like to take this the methodology by incorpo- 90% of the areas that techni- opportunity to thank the At the same time, we have to rating the assessment of com- cal team mark as a constantly European Union, Ger- ensure and to promote within munity impacts to be a basis mine clearing site is excessive. many, England and the socio-economic frame- for prioritization. Moreover, Therefore, the secretariat of UNDP for equipping, work, to focus on strengthen- those areas along the border, CMAA has to organize work- providing consultants and ing the national framework as far as I know, is still a mat- shop for discussion with veter- offering training to offi- and to enhance priority of the ter to be discussed in the sense ans, all-past-fraction com- cials in using computer, poor. In this sense, the that CMAA, RCAF and local manders and communities in which is an important tool CMAA has to strengthen authority have to clearly de- all geographic areas with help in evaluating local work socio-economic groups by fine by taking the inhabited of satellite images analyses. as well as keeping and linking with the Provincial areas or unresolved border analyzing data from op- Mine Action Committee area as the basis. All operators (4) The implementation of erators and all develop- (PMAC) and Mine Action have to strictly implement this National Standard. CMAA has ment partners at the prov- Planning Unit (MAPU). If policy. finalized a standard that is inces and cities. these units are fully opera- crucial to manage mine clear- tional, we will be able to en- (2) The mine clearing ing operation and I will exam- Second objective: to enhance sure the implementation of achievement is limited, but is ine and put it in use shortly. mine sector by linking to the provincial, municipal and on the right target. According socio-economic development: national plans at the right to the report of the first round Fourth objective: I focus on we have to remember that the direction, to ensure the selec- landmine impact survey by the prevention for people from inception of the mine clearing tion of land as priority to have specialist team, the area of mine-related accident. The activities had been organized mines cleared, to select the 446,000 hectares is expected statistics for the last five years after the end of two decades of real poor as the beneficiaries to have mines in which 10% shows that the mine-related civil war, which was in 1992, and to ensure the transparency or 42,000 hectares of the area accident was 46% and the un- and the operation was in re- of the selection process. directly affects the livelihood exploded ordinance accident sponse to the emergency with- of thousands of rural people. was 56%. So, all levels of au- out any clear plan. All opera- Third objective: to Therefore, if we compare the thorities including operators tors worked according to the strengthen mine-clearing op- present operation and the have to prepare its work plans request from village and com- eration over the present achievement from 12-year and programs by allowing the mune authorities. After that the achievement. In this sense, I work, we need at least 12-15 participation of people and shortage of land has emerged, would like to raise three rec- or 20 years more to clear community in particular to especially the land distribution ommendations for the confer- mines marked as highly pri- raise awareness of the acci- did not reach the real ence to consider as they are oritized land. dences. At the same time, the poor. The shortage of land for the core activities of mine public services to mine and the people and land distribu- sector in Cambodia. Remarkably, if we examine unexploded ordinance victims tion are the primary factors in the achievement of the four should be enhanced, especially preparing proper mine clearing (1) To completely clear the large scale operators from the Ministry of Social Affairs, plan based on priority, which high-priority mine field by 2000 to 2004, we attainted Veteran and Youth Rehabilita- means to benefit to the socio- 2012. CMAA has compiled 16,200 hectares or 3,200 hec- tion has to clearly outline the economic sector. the criteria to generally assess tares on average per year. In handicaps caused by mines and socio-economic impact on the that sense we need 13 years unexploded ordinances and to In this framework, we have to community by using the more to completely clear coordinate with other players, ensure the responsibility of the methodology formulated by mines on the highly priori- (Continued on page 6)

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28 April 2005 (Unofficial Translation of Selected Comments) the terms accorded in the Ot- and goals that have been Remarks at the 1992-2004 Mine Actions Sector Stock Taking tawa Convention, increasing set in the Millennium De- “… I have great honor and Youth Rehabilitation, Hallo program of activities on velopment Goals. pleasure to join you all in the Trust, MAC, Handicaps Inter- awareness of mines and unex- closing of this stock-taking national, NPA, Care Interna- ploded ordnances and mines 2. To further strengthen fa- conference on mine actions tional, CCBL, AUSTCARE clearance on high risk lands, cilitation mechanism of sector in Cambodia, organized and many others that we can- including the participation of mine sector. Indeed, I by Cambodia Mine Action and not name all. All these organi- local and concerned authori- knew that CMAA has Mine Victim Assistance Au- zations perform their duty and ties together with local peo- played as a facilitator thority (CMAA). On behalf of mission in clearing mines and ple. through different mecha- the Royal Government of unexploded ordnances. nism but we have to con- Cambodia and as the head of Second, we shall accelerate tinue to work harder. CMAA, I am proud to partici- The report to the conference our mines clearance activity, 3. To strengthen the secre- pate in this closing and meet- has taken stock of the while maintaining high safety tariat of CMAA in order ing you all, Your Excellencies achievements since 1992 to measures, in order to reduce to ensure more active representatives of donor coun- 2004 that during the period the danger to a lower level as process through employ- tries and development partners, we have cleared a total 28,000 well as to increase the culti- ing more highly qualified members of the RGC, NGOs hectares of lands, destroyed vated lands for our farmers. staffs to do the work with representatives and all the half a million of anti-human high efficiency and to mine operators. Now it is the mines and 15,000 anti- mines In this context, the Royal ensure the implementation third time for me to have the and more than one million Government of Cambodia, of the every guideline on chance to follow your discus- other weapons and unex- through CMAA, has set 4 national policy on mine sion on the achievements and ploded ordnances. core objectives into the Na- clearing at all levels of respective commitments, tional Strategic Development authority, provinces and through the report made by HE The report has clearly re- Plan 2005-2009, as HE Sok cities. At the same time, Sam Sutha, who is my per- flected the concerns and out- An, Deputy Prime Minister the secretariat of CMAA sonal advisor and the secretary standing tasks for the Royal and Vice Chairman of has to strengthen the Mine general of Cambodia Mine Government of Cambodia in CMAA, has presented at the Clearing Committee and Action Authority. The report the area of Cambodia mine Summit of Signatories of Ot- working group of the mine indeed reflects your truly and actions. The Royal Govern- tawa Convention in Nairobi in clearing activities, which tireless efforts in freeing the ment therefore shall consider December 2004. is its etat-major, to be lands of whole Kingdom of and address the following strong for the operation Cambodia from mines, and issues: Those objectives are: and to ensure the effec- thus enabling the reconstruc- tiveness in the proper tion and development of our 1. Develop plans and ap- First objective: to strengthen implementation of the sub- motherland. proaches to optimally the national facilitation frame- decree on “mine clearing reduce the danger caused work in which CMAA has to operation management” Through the reports that I re- by mines and unexploded play an important role in the in order to contribute to ceive regularly and this brief- ordnances every year. facilitating operational actions the socio-economic devel- ing, it virtually proves our Moreover, mines clear- in the whole Kingdom of opment. Indeed, the steady commitment in moving ance shall be undertaken Cambodia. In order to ensure proper implementation forward toward a Cambodia to provide productive the continuity of national de- means to strengthen the with zero rate of mine casualty, and safe lands for devel- velopment, the mine clearing provincial-municipal com- as I raised during the Mines opment. operation has to be done with mittees in the integration Awareness Day and the 10th 2. Ensure distribution and high efficiency and to ensure of mine clearing priority Anniversary of the Mines Ac- use of mines-cleared land the proper mobilization of at national level in the tion Operation on 22 February to those targeted benefi- resources according to the plan of the provinces and 2002 in Ratanak Mondul, Bat- ciaries. need of the operation. In order cities. tambang. 3. Ensure all the mines to implement these princi- clearance operations are ples, we have to: 4. The operators and all Thus, I would like to take this within an integrated pov- development partners opportunity to thank all the erty reduction policy 1. To integrate mine sector have to make regular re- national and international insti- agenda in order to con- to the national priority in port to CMAA. The secre- tutions for your physical and tribute to the develop- every sector. We have to tariat of CMAA has com- mental efforts devoting to re- ment of Cambodia. include mine clearing piled many kinds of docu- sponsibly fulfilling this ample actions into the national ments and forms as well mission. Those are CMAC, To address all these issues, we development plan in as past achievement. This Cambodia Red Cross, RCAF, must realize two main tasks: which there is a need to action will make it easy to National Police, Ministry of update the plan by moni- follow up the operational Social Affairs, Veterans and First, we must comply with toring through the data (Continued on page 7)

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