Reduced coverage between 07 and 10 August 2010

Dear Readers,

Because several of our team members will be traveling to remote areas where Internet access is rather inexistent (read Cambodia’s remote countryside), news updates on KI-Media will be reduced between Saturday 07 August and Tuesday 10 August 2010. A few of us will be back after 10 August and we expect to update the news regularly again by 11 August (Phnom Penh time).

We apologize for this inconvenience and we hope to see you back on Wednesday 11 August 2010.

Thank you again for your constant support!

KI-Media team

READ MORE - Reduced coverage between 07 and 10 August 2010

PM: Thailand to clarify its stance to UN after Cambodian PM tells UN Thailand threatens force

BANGKOK, Aug 9 (MCOT)- Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva (pictured) on Monday affirmed the country's peaceful principles and intentions, saying Thailand is sending a letter to the United Nations to clarify its position regarding its border dispute after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen told the world body Thailand is threatening to use force to settle the wrangle.

Mr Abhisit said the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia is not yet settled and Thailand is exploring existing and possible measures to find
the best solution for both sides to stay together peacefully.

He said Thailand adheres to peaceful means and is trying to settle bilateral disputes under the law and agreements in place [such as the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding with Cambodia].

Thailand will inform the UN how Cambodia encroached upon Thai territory, he said, strongly affirming that Thailand had to protect its national interests.

The Thai premier's comment came after Mr Hun Sen sent a letter to the UN General Assembly and Security Council in which he accused Thailand of threatening to use its forces to settle the dispute.

Mr Hun Sen's letter, which was also sent to the media, said statements by Mr Abhisit when he addressed the civil society groups on Saturday represented "a clear threat to use military force" to settle the border problem and therefore in violation of UN rules.

The Cambodian premier reaffirmed his country's policy not to use military means to settle disputes with its neighbours but that it reserved its
legitimate right to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity in case of deliberate acts of aggression.

Thai civil society groups led by the so-called Thailand Patriot Network demanded clarification regarding the government's position on the Preah Vihear disputes.

Meanwhile, Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister Panithan Wattanayagorn said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was discussing the matter with experts in international law and related issues. The results are expected to be reported to the premier later today.

However, Dr Panithan -- who is also acting government spokesman -- said Thailand's standpoint would not change, that it would cooperate with neighbouring countries for mutual benefit.

The government is planning to inform the UN regarding three issues -- the legal aspect that Cambodia questioned, how Thailand's territory was intruded upon and Thailand's affirmation on the use of peaceful means and accepted international law, he said.

He said the government is worried that Cambodia was trying to draw a third party into the disputes but affirmed that Thailand would stick to the principle of finding a solution through talks.

Dr Panithan added that resolving a border dispute is normally a matter between the two nations themselves to find a solution and believed that the international community would understand and respect.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban reaffirmed on Monday that the Thai government has not yet ordered the closure of its border despite the verbal spat with Cambodia, but conceded that troops are on standby to protect the country's sovereignty.

Mr Suthep, who oversees national security, also commented on Mr Hun Sen's letter to UN that the Thai foreign ministry is now considering the issue, while reiterating that Thailand upholds to live with its neighbour peacefully.

The Thai deputy premier said that Thai troops are on alert along the Thai-Cambodian border, but they will not intrude into Cambodian territory.

He said the neighbouring country has its right to prepare its armed forces as long as they do not invade Thai soil.

Mr Suthep also gave assurances that the ongoing tension will not lead to the closure of the Thai-Cambodian border.

Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia arose after the Thai government delegation objected to Cambodia's unilateral management plan for the historic Preah Vihear temple as the neighbours could find no common ground to settle the disputed 4.6 sq km of land adjacent to the temple which was granted world heritage status in 2008.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) through its World Heritage Commission (WHC) consequently early this month postponed its discussion of the plan until next year when it meets in Bahrain.

The International Court of Justice in 1962 ruled that the temple belongs to Cambodia.

The ancient Hindu temple was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008. Under the terms of the listing, Cambodia is required to submit a management plan for WHC approval. (MCOT online news)

READ MORE - PM: Thailand to clarify its stance to UN after Cambodian PM tells UN Thailand threatens force

PM Hun Sen complained to UN after Thai PM threatened to use force to settle Preah Vihear dispute

Click on text to read the letter.

By Khmerization

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has sought UN's help by writing a letter to the UN Security Council after Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva threatened to use force to settle the Preah Vihear dispute if diplomacy does not yield a satisfactory result for Thailand.

In an address to Thai protesters on 7th August, Mr. Abhisit was alleged to have said that Thailand is prepared to use force to take control over a plot of land surrounding the temple complex claimed by both Thailand and Cambodia. "About the land encroachment, we will cancel the MOU if the problem can't be settled. We will use both democratic and military means," Mr. Abhisit was quoted by The Nation newspaper as telling the protesters. The Cambodian Foreign Ministry swiftly issued a strong statement in response to Abhisit's threats.

In the letter, Mr. Hun Sen had drawn the attention of the UNSC to the fact that Preah Vihear temple issue had been settled once and for all by the Franco-Siamese Convention of 1904, the Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907 and the verdict of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) of 1962 and the 1908 maps which were accepted by the then Siamese king.

Mr. Hun Sen's letter had also drawn the UNSC's attention to the verdict of the ICJ which stated that "...the Temple of Preah Vihear is situated in territory under the sovereignt of Cambodia;"
and that "Thailand is under an obligation to withdraw any military or police forces, or other guards or keepers, stationed by her at the Temple, or in its vicinity within Cambodian territory."

The letter accused Thailand of violating articles 2.3 and 2.4 of the UN Charter. The letter also stressed that Cambodia re-affirms its policy not to use force to settle any disputes, but said it reserves its "legitimate rights" to defend its "sovereignty and territorial integrity" in the face of aggression by Thailand.

Mr. Hun Sen had also requested the UNSC to widely circulate the letter to all members of the UNSC for information.

READ MORE - PM Hun Sen complained to UN after Thai PM threatened to use force to settle Preah Vihear dispute

Sacravatoons no 1802 : " Preah Vihear Temple "

READ MORE - Sacravatoons no 1802 : " Preah Vihear Temple "

"Kall L'bech Hanoi neung Kamsoy Roboss Khmer" a Poem in Khmer by Hin Sithan

READ MORE - "Kall L'bech Hanoi neung Kamsoy Roboss Khmer" a Poem in Khmer by Hin Sithan

"Chum-vinh Kar Batt-bang Teuk Dei Khmer" Op.Ed. by Cheath Hangsa

READ MORE - "Chum-vinh Kar Batt-bang Teuk Dei Khmer" Op.Ed. by Cheath Hangsa

Politiktoons no 116 : " WikiLeak " by Sacrava

READ MORE - Politiktoons no 116 : " WikiLeak " by Sacrava

Sacravatoons No 1801 : " Honey Sam "

READ MORE - Sacravatoons No 1801 : " Honey Sam "

“Reconciliation for me is easy, I want all the leaders to answer for the deeds they committed”: Sum Rithy

From left to right: Mr. Sum Rithy, civil party complainant for case #002, and Mr. Lat Ky, tribunal monitor chief of ADHOC, on 'Hello VOA". (Photo: by Heng Reaksmey)

Government Can Help in Tribunal Reconciliation: Monitor

Sok Khemara, VOA Khmer
Washington, DC Friday, 06 August 2010

Compensation for victims of the Khmer Rouge is in part a responsibility of the government, a tribunal monitor said Thursday.

“Because the state has an obligation to take responsibility for all kinds of people's suffering,” said Lat Ky, a court monitor for the rights group Adhoc, as a guest on “Hello VOA.”

Many victims were disappointed with the UN-backed Khmer Rouge tribunal's sentencing of prison chief Duch last week. He received a commuted sentence of 19 years for supervising the torture and execution of more than 12,000 people.

Victims who lost family in the infamous prison say they want a stupa erected with the names of the dead. Lat Ky said a stupa would help.

“Even if the verdict is a [court] order, how do we make the victims mentally reconcile, fix their suffering, and find justice for them?” he said. “That's more important than the complexities that the judges are thinking.”

Sum Rithy, a 57-year-old who has filed grievances in both the Duch case and the upcoming Case No. 002, said he was disappointed he saw no compensation in the Duch verdict.

“Reconciliation for me is easy,” he said. “I want all the leaders to answer for the deeds they committed.”

READ MORE - “Reconciliation for me is easy, I want all the leaders to answer for the deeds they committed”: Sum Rithy

Cambodia Preps for Oil Agreement With Iran

Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh Friday, 06 August 2010

“We want Iranian companies to invest in Cambodia, boosting economic growth and development for poverty reduction.”

Cambodia is preparing a high-level delegation to visit Iran next week, where they expect to sign an agreement on petroleum cooperation, among others.

Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Koy Kuong told VOA Khmer Friday the petroleum agreement would allow Iranian oil experts to provide technical assitance to Cambodia.

The delegation will be led by Foreign Minisgter Hor Namhong and will include Ho Vichit, vice chairman of the National Petroleum Authority, a ministry statement said.

Cambodia expects to see oil flowing from offshore blocs in 2012, Koy Kuong said, and Iran is one of the largest producers of oil in the world.

The visit will improve diplomatic relations between the two countries, as well as promoting trade, tourism and investment, he said.

The trip, scheduled for Aug. 11 and Aug. 12, could also mean positive developments for Cambodia's Muslim community, said Sman Teath, a Muslim and deputy director of the National Assembly's finance committee.

Cambodia has a population of nearly half a million Muslims, many of whom remain in poverty after devastating treatment at the hands of the Khmer Rouge.

Sos Mos Sin, head of the Cambodian-Muslim Student Association, said the community needs trade and investment opportunities as well as humanitarian assistance from Iran.

“We want Iranian companies to invest in Cambodia, boosting economic growth and development for poverty reduction,” he said.

There are so far no plans for Iranian businesses to come here, Koy Kuong said.

Cambodia has had diplomatic relations with Iran since 1992, but it communicates with the country through its embassy in Hanoi.

Mohsen Kohkan, head of the Iran-Cambodia Parliamentary Friendship Group, who visited Cambodia in June, asked Cambodia to establish an Embassy in Iran. The Iranian Assembly has been encouraging its government to appoint an ambassador to Cambodia.

READ MORE - Cambodia Preps for Oil Agreement With Iran

Cambodia Issues More Warnings to Thais Over Temple

Heng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh Friday, 06 August 2010

Cambodian officials responsed to strong rhetoric in the Thai media on Friday, claiming that increased political pressure over the border near Preah Vihear temple could mean an end to a bilateral solution to the problem.

Foreign Affairs Minister Hor Namhong told reporters Friday Cambodia would consider filing a grievance with the UN Secretary General over the border issue if Thai officials did not stop making public claims to a stretch of land along the border.

Thailand and Cambodia are at odds over a 4.6-kilometer stretch of land that each side claims for itself. Cambodian officials maintain that the land, west of Preah Vihear temple, does not belong to Thailand.

Both sides have had troops amassed on the border since July 2008, when Preah Vihear temple was listed as a World Heritage Site under Cambodia.

Cambodia issued a management plan to Unesco's World Heritage committee last week, but Thailand says the plan would eat into Thai soil. Cambodian officials have denied the the claim.

Hor Namhong said Friday he was responding to recent Thai media reports that quoted Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva saying border problems only started after the Unesco World Heritage listing.

READ MORE - Cambodia Issues More Warnings to Thais Over Temple

Thailand's "yellow shirts" agree to change rally venue

BANGKOK, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's "yellow shirts" have agreed to shift their rally venue from the Government House to the Kilawes Stadium in central Bangkok on Saturday, the Thai News Agency (TNA) reported quoting Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva as saying Friday.

The decision to stage the rally at the Kilawes Stadium of the Thailand-Japan Youth Center in the Din Daeng area was made after an over two-hour meeting between Abhisit and representatives of the "yellow shirts" network.

The "yellow shirts" rally is aimed to demand the government to revoke the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on boundary demarcation signed with Cambodia in 2000.

The MOU, which recognizes the Siam-French demarcation map, is feared to allow neighboring Cambodia to claim the Thai territory, the "yellow-shirt" group said.

In a related development, the Center for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) has declared a ban on traveling on four routes surrounding the Government House in central Bangkok, effective from 08:00 p.m. local time, on Friday.

Also, the CRES said none is allowed to enter into the Government House compound.

Any who breaks the CRES rules will face a maximum two-year jail term and a fine worth upto 40,000 baht (1,247.68 U.S. dollars).

READ MORE - Thailand's "yellow shirts" agree to change rally venue

"Bandit Chor" a Poem in Khmer by Diep Champa & Sék Serei

READ MORE - "Bandit Chor" a Poem in Khmer by Diep Champa & Sék Serei

Cambodia to sign oil deal with Iran

Sat, 07 Aug 2010
Press TV (Iran)

Asked why Cambodia had chosen Iran for such agreements, he said, "We are a non-partisan country. We are friends with everyone in the world." [including rogue states?]

Officials from Cambodia will travel to Iran next week willing to sign agreements on cooperation in the oil sector, the foreign minister of the Southeast Asian state said on Friday.

Hor Namhong, who is to meet Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad during his delegation's August 10-11 visit, gave no details on the agreements but told a press conference that Cambodia could benefit from Iranian expertise.

Koy Kuong, the undersecretary of state at the Cambodian Foreign Affairs Ministry, told Reuters the memorandums of understanding would involve the exchange of experience and knowledge on “petroleum cooperation” and Iran would also provide technical support for the Cambodian oil industry.

Kuong said it would be the first official Cambodian delegation to visit the Islamic Republic since diplomatic relations were established in 1992.

He added, “Iran could provide technical assistance, training courses and other experience to the Kingdom.”

Cambodia has attempted to build on its relationship with the Islamic Republic in recent months.

In May, two of Cambodia's lawmakers -- Try Chheang Huot and Chhith Kim Yath -- attended an Asian Parliamentary Assembly in the Iranian capital Tehran.

Asked why Cambodia had chosen Iran for such agreements, he said, "We are a non-partisan country. We are friends with everyone in the world."

READ MORE - Cambodia to sign oil deal with Iran

Sacravatoons no 1800 : " Pen Puthsphea "

READ MORE - Sacravatoons no 1800 : " Pen Puthsphea "

Khmer duo offer heartfelt thanks to LB supporters

Phin Ken, and his daughter, Socheat Nha during the the Cambodian New Year Parade in Long Beach, Calif. on April 4, 2010. (Jeff Gritchen / Press-Telegram)

08/06/2010
By Greg Mellen, Staff Writer
Long Beach Press Telegram

LONG BEACH - Socheat Nha and Davik Teng, two Cambodian girls given second chances at normal lives, will be saying their "arkun charans," or "thank you" to residents tonight at Sophy's Restaurant.

Residents will get a chance to see the two girls who underwent successful heart surgeries at one last fundraising dinner.

Although the girls don't depart for Cambodia until Oct.18, this is the last time they will attend public functions.

Socheat, the 3-year-old daughter of a Cambodian farmer, was brought to the U.S. by Long Beach nonprofit Hearts Without Boundaries for surgery not available in her home country.

Las Vegas Childrens Hospital, which had agreed to perform the procedure, backed out when it appeared too risky. However, Hearts Without Boundaries was able to broker a deal with the International Children's Heart Foundation, which performed the surgery in the Dominican Republic.

Dr. Rodrigo Soto performed a tricky four-hour procedure to close a hole in Socheat's heart. The defect, called a ventricular septal defect, was repaired along with part of an artery.

Davik was the first child saved by Hearts Without Boundaries. Dr. Vaughn Starnes at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles repaired a quarter-sized hole in her heart two years ago.

Davik returned to Cambodia but is back in the U.S. for a visit supported by Hearts Without Boundaries.

A fourth patient, Bunlak Song, is scheduled to come to Long Beach later this year.

greg.mellen@presstelegram.com, 562-499-1291 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 562-499-1291

READ MORE - Khmer duo offer heartfelt thanks to LB supporters

[Thai] Civil groups start gathering at Thai-Japanese Sports Complex and Government House

BANGKOK, Aug 7 (MCOT online news) - The yellow-clad People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) movement gathering began at Thai-Japanese Sports Complex in Din Daeng, but activist Veera Sonkwamkid led his 'Thailand Patriot Network' demonstrated at Government House, defying rally prohibition ordered by the the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES).

Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang, a PAD core leader who led supporters to rally at Keelawes Stadium 1 in the Thai-Japanese Sports Complex in Din Daeng said the people's movement today was not the political gathering but to exercise pubic rights.

Gen Chamlong said he would not definitely led people to join the demonstration at the Government House as he wanted to see demonstration run orderly and peacefully.

He also invited the people who planned to join the rally at the Government House to join the gathering at the Thai-Japanese Sports Complex instead.

Meanwhile, Veera and Chaiwat Sinsuwong led civil society group - 'Thailand Patriot Network' to Gate number 4 of the Government House. They said the gathering at Thai-Japanese Sports Complex was not the network's consensus.

The police had closed Phitsanulok Road in front of the Government House but opened way for the demonstrators.

The PAD movement on Friday announced it would join a planned gathering of a network of civil groups at Government House on Saturday, their actions designed to seek clarifications from the government over the dispute regarding the ancient Preah Vihear temple.

However the PAD have agreed to move their rally from Government House to Keelawes Stadium 1 in the Thai-Japanese Sports Complex in Din Daeng.

Prime Minster Abhisit Vejjajiva on Friday had hold talks with representatives, including PAD spokesman Parnthep Wongpuapan and 2nd Lt Samdin Lertbutr, an aide to Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang.

The premier said the government did not want the groups to rally at Government House, as it could violate the law as the capital is still under an Emergency Decree and risks becoming a disorderly event incited by the thrid party.

The premier himself promised to join the rally to listen to the views of the group over Preah Vihear disputes after he finished his engagement at Hua Hin.

The premier's move followed the airing of differing views over a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Cambodia in 2000, the civil groups and the PAD urged the government to revoke the MoU and should push the Cambodians out of the disputed 4.6 sq km overlapping area.

The prime minister also pledged to provide channels for the government and the public to express their views, pro and con, regarding the government's actions and plans about the Preah Vihear disputes and the event would be televised on NBT television network on Sunday to let the public to get full information on the matter.

The Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) announced on Friday that Thailand's seat of government, the Government House, is an 'off limits' area, and that four roads around the complex were closed from 8pm Friday.

Violators could face two years imprisonment and Bt40,000 fines.

Metropolitan police chief Pol Lt-Gen Santan Chayanon said that security would be stepped up with six companies of metropolitan police and three companies of army soldiers will be deployed to maintain law and order at and around Government House and roads leading to it.

The CRES also resolved to ban PAD's Saturday gathering at the seat of government as the move is considered as violating the Emergency Decree, saying the civil groups and the PAD should send their representatives to discuss the issue with the government.

CRES spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd added that some parties also accused the government of what they termed its practice of double standards, which is a vulnerable point.

Col Sansern said the authorities will not allow any group to demonstrate while the state of emergency is still in force and police and soldiers will work together to enforce the law.

READ MORE - [Thai] Civil groups start gathering at Thai-Japanese Sports Complex and Government House

Thai right-wing group protests in capital against temple policy despite government warning

Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong makes a point during a press conference in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Friday, Aug. 6, 2010. Namhong on Friday, criticized Thai authorities for continuing to challenge Cambodia's rights to administer a landmark temple on their border. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

Saturday, August 07, 2010
By Kinan Suchaovanich (CP)

BANGKOK — About 1,500 members of a right-wing group ignored an emergency decree by demonstrating in the Thai capital Saturday, but heeded a government warning not to rally outside the prime minister's office, police said.

The number of demonstrators at the Thai-Japanese Sports Stadium was expected to swell to 3,000, but no violence was expected, said police Maj. Gen. Piya Uthayo.

The Center for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation said Friday that the Thailand Patriot Network's plan to protest government policy over a land dispute with neighbouring Cambodia was not allowed under a state of emergency governing Bangkok. It broadcast a specific ban on the action in a statement read over Thai television Friday night.

The state of emergency was declared in April after anti-government protesters broke into the Parliament building to press their demands for early elections. About 90 people died and more than 1,400 were injured during two months of protests, which the army quashed by force on May 19.

The Thailand Patriot Network claims that the government is failing to aggressively pursue Thai claims to disputed land along the border with Cambodia.

Thailand and Cambodia both claim land around the Preah Vihear temple, named a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 2008 after Cambodia applied for the status. There have been small and sometimes deadly armed clashes in the area during the past few years.

Last week, Cambodia submitted a management plan for the temple, reviving the issue. The Thailand Patriot Network and other right-wing groups charge that the government should work harder to block the management plan.

In Cambodia Friday, Foreign Minister Hor Namhong told reporters that Thai attempts to claim Preah Vihear were pointless. One Thai suggestion is that that the two countries list Preah Vihear as a joint landmark with UNESCO.

"It is too late now to oppose the Preah Vihear temple being listed as a World Heritage site and also too late to ask for a joint listing of the temple," he said. "All of these demands are just dreaming, please, prime minister of Thailand, stop dreaming like this."
___
AP correspondent Sopheng Cheang in Phnom Penh contributed to this report.

READ MORE - Thai right-wing group protests in capital against temple policy despite government warning