Thursday, 21 February 2008

SBK appeal to help the poor in Cambodia

In New Zealand, Canada, USA, France and other countries in the world, One dollar could not even buy an ice cream but in Cambodia one dollar that you drop on the floor and don't even want to pick it up could save people life. Please help our people and our nation if you think that you love them.
CAAI is strongly support SBK ( Sambok Khmum Radio) for helping the poors in Cambodia.

This old Lady has no family and needs help (picture SBK)
SBK helping the poor (picture SBK)
This old lady is very ill and no one looking after her and all she has to do just lay inside her house and waiting to die, Could you stop your tear when you see this happen infront of you? (picture SBK)
This is her house, Do you believe in this century people still live in this condition? (picture SBK)

This widow is very poor and SBK give some donation to help them (picture SBK)

All donation please contact Sambok Khmum Radio:
#44G, St. 360, Sangkat Boeung keng kang III,Khan Chamkar morn, Phnom Penh
Tel : (85523)-210-401Fax : (85523)-210-439
Online Contact by E-Mail

or http://www.sbk.com.kh/pages/donation_typp.php

Spain's Queen Sofia, State visit in Battambang

Spain's Queen Sofia looks at a disabled child during her visit at Catholic prefecture center in Battambang, about 290km (180 miles) northwest of Phnom Penh February 21, 2008. Queen Sofia is in Cambodia for a four-day state visit.REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea (CAMBODIA)
Spain's Queen Sofia (L) watches a technician demonstrate a demining process at Cambodia Mine Action Centre (CMAC) in Battambang province, 290 km (180 miles) northwest of of Phnom Penh February 20, 2008. Queen Sofia is in Cambodia for a four-day state visit.REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea (CAMBODIA)
Spain's Queen Sofia (C) receives a bouquet of flowers from a disabled girl during the queen's visit to a Catholic prefecture centre in Battambang, 290 km (180 miles) northwest of Phnom Penh, February 21, 2008. Queen Sofia is in Cambodia for a four-day state visit.REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea (CAMBODIA)
Spain's Queen Sofia (L) watches a technician demonstrate a demining process at Cambodia Mine Action Centre (CMAC) in Battambang province, 290 km (180 miles) northwest of of Phnom Penh February 20, 2008. Queen Sofia is in Cambodia for a four-day state visit.REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea (CAMBODIA)

Earth in Flower: Lost History of Cambodian Royal Dancers Reappears

A wartime twist of fate resulted in a rare eyewitness account of Southeast Asia's most esoteric female performers: the dancers of the ancient Cambodian ballet. More than 30 years after the Khmer Rouge genocide their intriguing story will be published as "Earth in Flower."

Honolulu, HI (PRWEB) February 21, 2008 -- In 1975, Cambodia plunged into one of the worst genocides in human history, killing more than 1.5 million people. Experts estimate that 90 percent of the country's artists died, including royal dancers and teachers who perpetuated the country's sacred dance rituals. Now, three decades later, the most comprehensive analysis of Cambodian dance will be published as Earth in Flower (ISBN: 978-1-934431-28-3).

Since the dawn of recorded history, Khmer royalty nurtured a dance style unique to their Asian kingdom, yet instantly recognizable throughout the world. Publisher Kent Davis states, "These Cambodian women have profoundly influenced Asian history as living goddesses, priestesses, queens, concubines, hostages and diplomats. Spiritually, the graceful dancers embody the essence and strength of the Khmer race."

After a military coup deposed King Sihanouk a new government seized control of Cambodia ... and the royal dancers. Surrounded by violence, scholars desperately sought to document this cultural treasure by engaging American researcher Paul Cravath. He arrived as a circle of war gripped the capital city, becoming one of the only Westerners in history to gain firsthand access to the formerly sequestered troupe of royal dancers, teachers and archives.

On April 17, 1975, Phnom Penh fell; the Khmer Rouge began their reign of terror. Cravath escaped the city on a military transport only 10 days earlier with his research intact. The archives he accessed were destroyed. Most of the royal dancers perished in the Killing Fields.
Three decades later, Cravath's painstaking documentation of the choreography, musicology, costuming, stagecraft, theatre and origins of Cambodia's ancient dance tradition will finally be published. His book offers new insights about this beautiful art, its long-hidden history and, according to the author, "Earth in Flower reveals how Cambodian dancers have, for more than a millennium, balanced the Khmer relationship between heaven and earth."

AUTHOR:
Dr. Paul Cravath is a scholar, teacher, actor and theatre director with extensive Asian research experience. He based Earth in Flower on primary research he conducted in Cambodia and Thailand, followed by ten years of archival research in the US. Cravath is now Professor of Theatre at the University of Hawaii-LCC.

Announcement of the Submission of Briefs from the Civil Party against Accused Nuon Chea

Posted date : 20-02-2008
Source : Samleng Yuvachun Khmer

1-The Pre-Trial Chamber held a hearing on the appeal by the Co-Lawyers for the Charged Person Nuon Chea against the provisional detention order of the Co-Investigating Judges on 7-8 February 2008.

2-At the date of the hearing, four civil party applications had been assessed by the Co-Investigating Judges, resulting in the participation of four Civil Parties in case file no. 002/19-09-07-ECCC/OCIJ. On 31 January 2008, the Pre-Trial Chamber was informed of the appointment of lawyers for all four Civil Parties and of their intention to appear at the hearing (originally scheduled for 4 February 2008). Prior to the hearing, notification was given of the presence of Civil Parties and their lawyers at the hearing and of the time allocated for submissions by the Civil Parties.

3-At the hearing, the Co-Lawyers argued that permitting the Civil Parties to participate in the proceedings would violate the right of the Charged Person to a fair trial. According to the Co-Lawyers, the views and concerns of Civil Parties must be presented in a way which is not prejudicial to the Charged Person. It was noted that the Civil Parties had not filed written pleadings nor had they made their interests known to the other parties or to the Pre-Trial Chamber. Furthermore, the Co-Lawyers argued that Internal Rule 23 did not provide for participation of the Civil Parties in proceedings dealing with appeals against detention orders. They referred to judgement of the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (“ICC”) dated 13 February 2007 (No. 01/04-01)06 (OA7)) in the case of the Prosecutor v. Thomas Lubanga Dyilo.

4-The Pre-Trial Chamber, on the basis of the submissions of the Parties and the unanimous desire to proceed with the hearing, decided to reserve the rights of the defence and issue a ruling on the civil party matter prior to its decision on the provisional detention appeal. The hearing proceeded on the basis that any submissions by the Civil Parties and/or their lawyers could be admitted or excluded prior to determining the provisional detention appeal. This would depend on the outcome of the Pre-Trial Chamber’s ruling on the question of principle.

5-This issue has arisen in the Nuon Chea appeal against the order for provisional detention. It may affect the position or harm the interests of Charged Persons in other appeals relating to provisional detention that are pending before the Pre-Trial Chamber. The Pre-Trial Chamber therefore joins the pending appeals in relation to this matter and invites the Co-Lawyers for the other Charged Persons to file submissions.

6-Furthermore, considering the fundamental character of the issue, the Pre-Trial Chamber considers it to be of importance to obtain the opinions of amici curiae. The Pre-Trial Chamber seeks focused submissions from amici curiae addressing the issue of the balance between the rights of the Charged Person to a fair trial and the rights of the Civil Parties in the context of the ECCC Internal Rules.

Therefore, the Pre-Trial Chamber Orders as follows:

1) That the Co-Lawyers in case fules 002/19-09-07-ECCC/OCIJ(PTC01), 002/19-09-07-ECCC/OCIJ(PTC02), 002/19-09-07-ECCC/OCIJ(PTC03) and 002/19-09-07-ECCC/OCIJ(PTC04) may file written submissions in respect of the issues raised by 15.30 on 22 February 2008.

2) That the Co-Prosecutors may file written submissions in respect of the issues raised by 15.30 on 22 February 2008.

3) That the Civil Parties in case file 002/19-09-07-ECCC/OCIJ may file written submissions in respect of the issues raised by 15.30 on 22 February 2008.

4) That amicus curiae briefs will be received until 15.30 on 22 February 2008.

5) That the Parties may respond to the submissions made by any other Party or to any amicus curiae briefs by 15.30 on 6 March 2008.

6) That the page limit for submissions is 10 pages in English and French, and 15 pages in Khmer.

7) That the parties and amici curiae shall, as far as possible, submit their submissions in Khmer, English, and French.

Phnom Penh, 12 February 2008
President of Pre-Trial Chamber
Prak Kimsan

-Extracted from Samleng Yuvachun Khmer, vol14, #3247, Thursday, February 14, 2008

The US Wants To Be In A Position to Support the ECCC Politically and Financially

Posted date : 20-02-2008
Source : Moneaksekar Khmer
By : Prach Phothorn

The United Nations Assistance to the Khmer Rouge Trial (UNAKRT) has overruled the assertions of the government Cabinet’s spokesman who claimed that the Royal Government of Cambodia and the United Nations have agreed to create an expert group to oversee the expense and the time for the process of the Khmer Rouge tribunal. The denial came after it was reported that the Khmer Rouge trial will be extended from 3 years to 5 years and the budget will be increased from $56.3 million up to $170 million.

According to Reach Sambath, spokesman for the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, the meeting amongst the UN officials Thursday last week focused on other issues which were not related to the creation of the expert group. “The thing which was said by the spokesman of the government cabinet and the stand of the UNAKRT are completely different,” he said.

Recently, news reported that the tribunal will be extended through 2011 and its budget will jump from $56.3 million up to $170 million and that there will be up to 8 defendants brought to justice. However, everything is still unclear while the tribunal is being stalled and facing worryingly budgetary crisis.

The UNAKRT said in a statement that the dissemination of the suspects to be brought to justice is a misunderstanding. The UNAKRT explains that although it was previously planned that there could be 8 suspects, but it does not mean that all the 8 suspects are determined and that it is the absolute policy of the ECCC, holding the trial in Cambodia.

Concerning the gradual progress of the ECCC, a Cambodian-American living in Washington, DC has asked US Ambassador to Cambodia Joseph A. Mussomeli that “what is the United States currently doing trying to expedite to judicial process in trying the former Khmer Rouge leaders, responsible for the millions of deaths from 1975-1979?” The ambassador responded that several other people also asked about this subject.

“One of the greatest crimes of the 20th century has gone unpunished for 30 years. The Khmer Rouge systematically tortured, starved, and eradicated over 2 million fellow Cambodians,” claimed Joseph A. Mussomeli as response to the question.

“Now time is running out as the killers grow old and fade away. Patience is often a virtue, but it can also be a great impediment to justice. All those who died and all those who suffered: their deaths and their pain need to be vindicated. I have hosted literally thousands of Khmer Rouge victims and perpetrators at my home for special discussions on this matter,” replied Ambassador Mussomeli, regarding the process of the Khmer Rouge trial.

“The U.S. strongly supports bringing to justice senior leaders responsible for the atrocities committed under the Khmer Rouge regime. The United States believes there must be accountability for these atrocities, and welcomed the agreement between the United Nations and Cambodia to establish the ECCC,” wrote Mussomeli, “We want to be in the position where we will be able to support the ECCC politically and financially.”

“However, in order to do so, we need to believe, and the American people need to be shown, that the process will meet international standards,” added ambassador Mussomeli.

“As I have said on many occasions, the only thing worse than having no trial, is having a trial that is a farce. We are encouraged by recent developments with the ECCC, and the Department of State is currently reviewing all the facts about the tribunal and its operations, including its capability of meeting international standards of justice,” continued Mussomeli, adding that the US has provided more than $7 million in funding over the past decade for conducting research into document of the crimes of the Khmer Rouge and that much of the evidence that will be presented during the trials will only be available because of this research.

At present, five former senior Khmer Rouge leaders and people most responsible for the Khmer Rouge regime are being detained at the special tribunal awaiting prosecution of crimes against humanity and war crimes. These people include Nuon Chea, former President of the KR National Assembly and Brother Number Two; Ieng Sary, former KR Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister; Khieu Samphan, former President of KR State Presidium; Ieng Thirith, former KR Social Actions Minister; and Kaing Guek Eav, a.k.a Duch, former Director of Tuol Sleng Prison of the KR regime. None of these suspects has admitted their responsibilities for what they committed during the “Killing Fields” regime.

Observers of the Khmer Rouge tribunal have been concerned that the trial of former Khmer Rouge leaders might not be able to begin in June 2008 while those former leaders are getting very old and their health is deteriorating. The most concerning problem is the budgetary crisis as other obstacles frequently arise.

Unofficial Translation
-Extracted from Moneaksekar Khmer, vol. 15, #3390,
Monday, February 18, 2008

China Donated $1,000M to the Khmer Rouge Regime Before 1979

Posted date : 20-02-2008
Source : Moneaksekar Khmer
By : Chan Chamnan

After almost 30 years following the fall of the Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge regime, the hope for justice of the surviving victims seems to begin to glimmer through. However, the delayed process of the tribunal has come under strong fire. Up to the present time, five former Khmer Rouge leaders and those most responsible for the regime remain behind bars awaiting the trial of crimes against humanity and war crimes. Yet, it is not sure whether the trial which has been planned to get underway in June 2008 will be able to start.

Director of the Documentation Center of Cambodia (DC-Cam), collecting documents and evidence of the 1975-1979 Khmer Rouge regime for 10 years for the special tribunal, claims that “evidence” is not a problem for the court. "For the Cambodian side, corruption has always been the case which creates obstacles to block the process of the trial. For the UN side, problems such as bureaucracy, expanded work, and delay have become the norm in every international court,” criticised Youk Chhang. He said that the DC-Cam has given the Khmer Rouge tribunal 30,000 pages of evidential documents that the court can use them officially.

Lao Monghay, senior researcher of the Hong Kong-based Asian Human Rights Commission, acknowledges that the practice of the legal procedure does take a long time in a court which employs the international standards. However, he blames…..some countries such as China and Vietnam, which stayed behind the Khmer Rouge regime before and after 1979.

"The conflict between the Khmer Rouge and Vietnam might have created "spies". The charged people such as Ieng Sary, Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan might have known about the presence of those Vietnamese spies or agents in Cambodia," said Lao Monghay.

Lao Monghay claimed that China had given a donation of $1,000 million to Democratic Kampuchea before 1979 and another $1,000 million after 1979 in order to fight against the Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia. Currently, China is giving loans to Cambodia more than donations while both the donations and loans greatly influence the politics of Cambodia.

Reach Sambath, Khmer Rouge tribunal's spokesman, has overruled the “allegations” and explained the efforts made by the Co-Investigating Judges. He claimed that the "real" trial of former Tuol Sleng Prison Chief Kaing Guek Eav, alias Duch, charged with crimes against humanity, will be held in June 2008. "We cannot explain all the judicial process. We cannot tell how many people and where we have interviewed nor can we tell who they are. We can only say that we are working everyday and we have done a lot," said Reach sambath.

Chea Leang, Cambodian Co-Prosecutor of the Khmer Rouge tribunal, claimed about the discovery of Nuon Chea's responsibility for Democratic Kampuchea by the Co-Investigating Judges. "On April 19, 1976, Nuon Chea was appointed president of the Standing Committee of the People's Representative Assembly. From September to October, 1976, Nuon Chea was the acting Prime Minister. Nuon Chea was appointed to be in charge of party's actions such as social affairs, culture, military and education. Nuon Chea led the internal and "external" structures and coordinated the S-21 Security Center and other zones.

According to Reach Sambath, the Khmer Rouge tribunal will continue from 2008 through 2011 by spending up to $170 million. The original budget was $56.3 million over 3 years from 2006 to 2008.

The Khmer Rouge tribunal was established after a tough negotiation between the Cambodian government and the United Nations from 1997 [to 2006]. At first, the United Nations wanted the court to use the international court system while the Cambodian government insisted on using the national court system, which the public lacks confidence on its independence and transparency.

Eventually, the two sides agreed on mixing the Cambodia’s court system with international standards of justice to try former Khmer Rouge leaders. Then, the Co-Judges and Co-Prosecutors started their work in mid-2006. It cannot be said what obstacles the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia is going to face next since it has so far gone through many of them.

The obstacles the Khmer Rouge tribunal has already faced include the disagreement on the Internal Rules between Cambodian side and the UN side, the admission fee of the Cambodian Bar Association, the denial of Nuon Chea’s defence lawyer, Victor Koppe, to represent his client in the appeal hearing on February 4, 2008, and the presence of the civil parties in the hearings of Nuon Chea, which has made the Pre-Trial Chamber spend a lot of time to discuss the legality of those civil parties or victims.

The national and international communities want the trial of the jailed former senior Khmer Rouge leaders to begin soon to catch up with those late people so that in the dock they can reveal the truth of the mass killings during the Khmer Rouge regime. In contrast, if it is still delayed, those ageing former senior Khmer rouge leaders might die before the trial takes place as their health conditions are deteriorating now. Therefore, the United Nations and the Cambodian government are obliged to make the trial possible soon and not to make the great expenditure become useless.

Unofficial Translation-
Extracted from Moneaksekar Khmer, vol. 15, #3387,
Thursday, February 14, 2008.

A boy born with no limbs

Picture Keo Chhat , Koh Santepheap
Any donation please contact Koh Santepheap http://www.kohsantepheapdaily.com.kh/donor.htm

High school student is collecting quarters for Cambodia

Lindsay Farina is a Barrington High School student.


eastbayri.com
Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Barrington High School senior Lindsay Farina has been raising money for a safe water filtration system that will be donated to people in Cambodia. As part of her senior project, she is organizing a Cambodian dinner — it will taker place in the Barrington High School cafeteria on March 5.

The dinner will be from 6 to 8 p.m., and will feature authentic Cambodian cuisine from Hong Meas Restaurant located in East Providence, guest speaker Dara Pond, a brief Cambodian Presentation, some entertainment, and a raffle. Lindsay believes that people often take for granted the luxuries that we have. She feels that we need to give back to others who are in need of help.

How did you choose this senior project? "At a meeting I attended last year for the Barrington High School Interact Club, there were some members of the Warren Rotary Club speaking about a project that they were doing to raise money for Cambodian water filtration systems and literacy programs. After hearing the devastating statistics, I knew that there had to be something I could do to help. That's where my friend Katie and I came up with "Quarters for Cambodia," and this year for my senior project I thought that a fund-raising dinner would be a good way to raise a lot of money for the cause."

Have you ever been to Asia? "No, I haven't, but I think it would be a very interesting place to travel to."

Would you like to go to Cambodia one day? "Yes, one day. I would love to go and see how the money I am raising is benefiting and helping families in need."

What are your goals with the project? "I hope to have around 200 people or more at the dinner. My goal is to raise at least $1,000 dollars!"

How are you gathering quarters for Cambodia? "To gather money, I put collection cans around in stores. I check them periodically and collect their profits. The most beneficial way that I am gathering money is by selling the tickets for the dinner. Contributions are also greatly appreciated. The checks and donations can be made payable to Barrington High School Interact Club.

How much are tickets to the dinner? Where can they be purchased? "The tickets are $10 for adults, and $8 for students (and other young people). They can be purchased at Body Natural Fitness Center, The Barrington High School Front Office, or by contacting me at 247-1874."

Do you like Cambodian food? "Honestly, I have only tried a little of it."

What's on the dinner menu? "For dinner, there will be buffet style, a choice of chicken or beef, pad Thai noodles, white and fried rice, a vegetable stir fry, and some appetizers."

Where are you applying for college? "I applied for nursing at Rhode Island College, University of Rhode Island, and also to UMASS Dartmouth ... I want to be a nurse because I want to be able to make a difference in someone else's life ... just as the nurses did for my aunt when she was sick with cancer."

What's your favorite subject? "This year, my favorite subject is anatomy."

What else do you like to do? "I love hanging out with my friends, baby-sitting, listening to music, playing tennis, and doing community service."

Do you have a job? "Yes, I work at my dad's gym, Body Natural Fitness Center right here in town."

Who has made a difference in your life? "There have been several different people, but if I had to choose one it would be my grandma. She passed away but she has had a huge impact on my life and I think about her every day."

If you could have lunch with any three people, who would it be and why? "Oprah, my grandma, and my Auntie Mel. They are my three heroes and all gave back to the community in their own individual way."

What are some special memories you have of your grandmother? "We would always cook Italian food together. She was a great cook. I would also look forward to Wednesday night sleep-overs during the week when we would watch movies, play games, and shop together."

Why meet Oprah? "She is an inspirational person. She always gives back to others who are in need. She is one of the people who inspired me to take a stand for another country and put a plan into effect."

What's you ideal lunch? "I would have to say pasta. It is my favorite food and I would eat it for any meal."

Favorite movie, book and TV show? "This question is tough. I have a lot of favorites, but I would have to say 'Remember the Titans,' 'The Kite Runner,' and House."

BY JOAN D. WARREN

Safe water flows in Cambodia

Matt Siebert appreciates Canadians’ full access to clean water. Annie Gallant

By Annie Gallant - Quesnel Cariboo Observer - February 20, 2008

How can a small group of teens in B.C.’s central interior make a difference in the world?

Bethel Church’s youth pastor Monte Harrop is guiding his dedicated youth group to do just that, bringing wells to families in Cambodia.

But they need the community’s help to raise the money to build the wells.

Harrop knew they needed to go beyond the church’s youth group, so members of the group took the project to their respective high school groups and a friendly rivalry ensued.

Grade 8 QSS student Matt Siebert had doubled his challenge by also assuming the role of leader of the QSS youth group.

“I didn’t know if they would listen to me, but they have,” he said with a humble grin.

Siebert carries strong beliefs in God and worship, but said the school group isn’t about religion, it’s about making a difference in the world.

Harrop said both high school groups draw students from beyond the Bethel Church youth and welcome anyone who wishes to join.

The plight of Cambodians came to light for the students when they heard about money raised to build a well in Ethiopia.

“As a result of that well, a road was built, because of the road, a school was built and because of the school a hospital was built, all in the space of about 18 months,” Harrop said.

“That inspired us to do something. I wanted to show the students they could make a difference and clean water seemed a good place to start.”

They search the Internet and found Hope International, an organization dedicated to working along side the poor, helping set up programs which enable the poor to cultivate their skills and knowledge to develop self-reliant communities.

Its website says HOPE International is motivated by the mandates for justice and compassion as demonstrated in the life of Jesus Christ.

In its gift catalogue, Harrop and his enthusiastic youth discovered, for just $500, they could provide a well for a family, but in fact that well would serve several families in a village.

Now, both high school youth groups are busy organizing fundraisers as the goal to raise enough for several wells.

Whenever they have presented their project, Siebert said they’ve received strong support.
Hope International is prepared to send a speaker to the schools to help promote the project.

They know the well will provide much more than clean drinking water. Harrop said it can irrigate crops which will feed the families and maybe even provide a small income for them.
And children who are healthy and full have hope and prosperity.

“We could have done this with the church youth group but felt it would have a bigger impact on the community this way,” Harrop said.

Between the two schools, almost 30 students are involved in fundraising and many of the activities are right within the school. QSS school group has operated Tuesdays during lunch in room 100 for the past three years.

Correlieu began this year and meets Wednesdays at lunch in room 602. Harrop brings hot dogs to both groups.

Siebert was very moved by the need in Cambodia and hopes someday to visit the country and see for himself the value of the project.

“I’d love to talk to some of the families to know what they’ve been through and the hope the wells would bring,” he said.

Although the need is great in Cambodia, Harrop said the groups will stick with wells and raise as much money as they can for as many wells as possible.

“We’re teaching the students it’s a small world,” he said.

“We’re blessed to live in Canada.”

The students are prepared to work for donations and plan to carry their campaign through until June.

For information about the project or the students, contact Harrop 747-3116.

Senior Khmer Rouge accused withdraws cooperation

ABC Radio Australia
21/02/2008

The French lawyer defending Khmer Rouge leader Khieu Samphan at Cambodia's genocide tribunal has said his client will no longer cooperate with the UN-backed court.

Jacques Verges has told the Cambodia Daily newspaper that Khieu Samphan would not speak to court officials until thousands of pages of evidence against him are translated from English into French.

Mr Verges says that without a translation of the court documents, he will not be able to adequately defend his client.

However, one the tribunal's investigating judges, Marcel Lemonde, says Nuon Chea's decision will not materially effect the court's hearing of his alleged crimes against humanity.

Lowell man discusses youth as child soldier in Cambodia

Photo by Courtesy photoSayon Soeun will speak at Northern Essex Community College as part of its genocide series on Wednesday, Feb. 27.

Wed Feb 20, 2008
wickedlocal.com

Sayon Soeun, a genocide orphan from Cambodia, will share his story of being raised as a child soldier in the Khmer Rouge labor camps where he was taught betrayal, violence, and bloodshed, at Northern Essex Community College as part of its genocide series on Wednesday, Feb. 27, from noon until 1 p.m. in the Technology Center on the Haverhill campus, 100 Elliot St.

Soeun was born in Takeo province, Cambodia, in the early 1970s. He was taken away from his family at the age of 5 and was raised as a child soldier. This is the story of his experience as a genocide orphan.

He currently resides in Lowell and is the executive director of Light of Cambodian Children, Inc. and a member of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee.
For more information visit cit.necc.mass.edu/ofsd/genocide.shtml or contact Judith Kamber, dean of professional development, at 978 556-3955 or jkamber@necc.mass.edu.

Khmer Rouge war crimes suspect will no longer cooperate with ECCC: lawyer

[JURIST] Former Cambodian head of state Khieu Samphan [JURIST news archive] is ending his cooperation with the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) [official website], Khieu Samphan's lawyer told the Cambodia Daily in a Wednesday report. Khieu Samphan was arrested [JURIST report] by the ECCC in November 2007 upon being released from the hospital where he was receiving treatment after suffering a stroke [NYT report]. Khieu Samphan's French lawyer, Jacques Verges [BBC profile], said that he his client would not speak with court officials until court documents and pages of evidence against his client are translated into French. AFP has more.

Khieu Samphan was the fifth senior Khmer Rouge [JURIST news archive] leader to be detained by the ECCC when he was arrested last year. The Khmer Rouge is generally held responsible for the genocide of an estimated 1.7 million Cambodians [PPU backgrounder] who died between 1975 and 1979. The ECCC was established by a 2001 law [text as amended 2005, PDF] to investigate and try surviving Khmer Rouge officials, but to date, no top officials have faced trials.

The Inauguration Ceremony of a Memorial Tablet with the Seven Sins List of Mahatma Gandhi


21 February 2008.

The Mirror, Vol. 12, No. 548

“On 18 February 2008, the governor of the Phnom Penh municipality, Mr. Kep Chuk Tema, presided over the inauguration ceremony of a memorial tablet with a list of the Seven Sins of the Indian statesman Mahatma Gandhi, with the participation of an Indian minister as well as the ambassador of the Republic of India. Local and international visitors also participated in the ceremony.

“The Seven Sins list states:

- Politics without principle.
- Wealth without work.
- Pleasure without conscience.
- Knowledge without character.
- Commerce without morality.
- Science without humanity.
- Worship without sacrifice.


“The Indian Union Water Resources Minister Mr. Saifuddin Soz, who participated in the ceremony, said that Phnom Penh is growing in almost all sectors under the leadership of the governor of the Phnom Penh municipality, Mr. Kep Chuk Tema.

“The Indian minister continued that Mahatma [“the Great Soul”] is the father of independence and of peace for India, and the preacher of non-violence. India and Cambodia comply with this message in order to make the whole country peaceful and non-violent.

The governor of the Phnom Penh municipality, Mr. Kep Chuk Tema, said that the memorial tablet with the Seven Sins list of the Indian statesman and father of world peace, Mahatma Gandhi, is set up in the Dragon Park in Phnom Penh, next to his statue.

The memorial tablet with the Seven Sins list, engraved in gold script on a 0.80 by 1.50 meters marble stone, and adorned with an Angkorian base, was constructed by the Phnom Penh municipality under the direction of Samdech Akak Moha Senapadei Dekchor Hun Sen, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia. This statue is set up in Phnom Penh as a symbol for the whole nation, as all people must unite together in a peaceful and non-violent manner. It is also to serve as a solemn emblem of the bond of friendship between Cambodia and India.

At this occasion, Mr. Kep Chuk Tema expressed his sincere appreciation and gratitude for the invaluable heroism of Mahatma Gandhi, saying that he is not only the father of peace for India but he is also the father of peace for the world. This list will eternally touch the hearts of all Cambodians to stick to non-violence in the course of building and protecting the nation.”

Kampuchea Thmey, Vol.7, #1571, 19.2.2008

Celcom core earner for TMI

biz.thestar.com.my
Thursday February 21, 2008

CAPITAL TALK

Two weeks ago, i Capital analysed Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) by focusing on its fixed line business. This week, i Capital will focus on TM International Sdn Bhd (TMI).

CELCOM (M) Bhd is the core profit generator for the de-merged TMI. Taking into consideration the current mobile penetration rate of 79% and Celcom’s growth potential, the telco’s earnings power equates to an average of RM900mil over the next few years.

Both PT Excelcomindo Pratama TBK (Excel) and Dialog Telekom Ltd have performed credibly.
Despite operating in a young market (see table), both have started to report strong profits.

Dialog’s substantial lead in terms of the number of subscribers over the other three mobile telecommunications players, and the fact that all call tariffs have to be first approved by the Government, places Dialog in a very comfortable position. The sole concern with regard to Dialog is the ethnic conflict in the region. We do not foresee the conflict putting Dialog out of business.

However, political unrest will have some effect on Dialog’s costs, as witnessed by a slight dent in Dialog’s profitability in 2Q07. In that quarter, due to the escalation in the conflict, Dialog’s operating margin, i.e. earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation, fell to 49% from 54% in the previous corresponding period.

In Indonesia, the mobile telecommunications market is basically dominated by Excel (15% market share), Indosat (24%) and Telkomsel (52%). Excel has proven its ability to operate profitably. The key challenge for Excel would be to select profitable areas to roll out its mobile coverage.

The implementation of the interconnection regime will further place Excel, Indosat, and Telkomsel on equal footing. TMI has announced its intention to acquire a further 16.81% interest in Excel from Khazanah Nasional Bhd for RM1.425bil, payable via issuance of 158.7 million new TMI shares.

As for TM International (Bangladesh) Ltd (TMIB), the plunge in profit in its first half was due to the downward revision of interconnection charges, as required by the army-backed interim government that took control over the country earlier this year. Going forward, the uncertain policy and regulatory decision making environment under the interim government will be a significant barrier that TMIB has to overcome.

As for Telekom Malaysia International (Cambodia) Co Ltd (TMIC), we do not expect any major contribution for the next two to three years.

Jointly controlled entities (JCEs)

TMI’s JCEs are MobileOne Ltd (M1, 15.15% interest) and Spice Communications Ltd (46.89%). M1 is listed on the Singapore stock exchange and is the smallest mobile telecommunications player in Singapore with 1.41 million subscribers (29% market share).

Spice provides mobile telecommunications services in the states of Punjab and Karnataka. Spice is the second largest operator in Punjab, with 2.1 million subscribers, and the fifth largest operator in Karnataka, with 1.1 million subscribers.

TMI’s interest in M1 is held via SunShare Investments Ltd, a company in which TMI holds 51%, and Khazanah the balance. TMI recently proposed to acquire the remaining 49% of SunShare from Khazanah for RM155mil, payable via issuance of 17.3 million new TMI shares. The acquisition of the remaining interest in SunShare would increase TMI’s interest in M1 to 29.7%.
What is the value of TMI?

Based on Celcom’s earnings, capital structure, and capital expenditure requirements, Celcom would be able to comfortably generate free cash flow of RM700mil to RM800mil per annum. As for the remaining core overseas subsidiaries and the JCEs, profit contribution of RM550mil can be expected over the next one to two years, which will put a value of RM5bil on these entities. In short, TMI is valued at between RM25bil and RM28bil.

Conclusion

At RM11.40, TM is valued at RM34.6bil. Two weeks ago, i Capital valued the fixed line division at between RM15bil and RM17bil, and this division is now expected to pay an annual dividend of RM700mil.

The combined value of the fixed line division and TMI is between RM40bil and RM45bil, a premium to the current market capitalisation. For this, what do investors get in return?
The investment community has downplayed the potential of the fixed line division. Most do not know that British Telecommunications plc undertook the same de-merger route in 2001 that saw the creation of BT Group plc (fixed line unit) and mm02 plc (the mobile unit).

The chart shows that BT did not disappear with the loss of its mobile units. Instead, broadband demand continued to drive its revenue growth.

Similar trends can be witnessed in South Korea’s Hanarotelecom Inc (Hanaro). Formed in 1997, Hanaro is mainly involved in the provision of fixed line telecommunications and broadband services.

The earlier years of its formation showed a strong increase in revenue, driven by broadband demand. KT Corp, the dominant fixed line player in South Korea, also saw its fixed line revenue improving with the growth in broadband demand.

The de-merger is a positive move, as it will unlock the value of the fixed line division. The division would be a cash cow post de-merger.

The position of Streamyx and the high-speed broadband (HSB) project that the fixed line division will undertake will provide ample growth for the division.

The HSB project involves connecting fibre optic cables to 2.2 million premises in the urban areas. Currently, TM is still negotiating the terms with the Government.

The cost of the project is estimated at RM15.2bil over 10 years, and the Government will award TM a RM4.8bil grant to undertake the project.

Some RM10bil will be spent in the first four years, i.e. TM’s capital investment in the first four years will amount to RM5.2bil. The project will be funded via external financing. Revenue is expected to fully flow in by the fourth year on commencement of the project.

i Capital sees the de-merger as a chance for investors to get hold of TM’s fixed line division at an attractive valuation, based on its current share price. With this, i Capital rates TM a “buy” for the longer term.

Color-coded news for conspiracy theorists

Details are Sketchy
February 20, 2008

Can anyone explain the use of color-coded text at Khmer Intelligence? Forever the blog has used bold red type to indicate something approaching importance, for example

The Cambodia Daily reported that Chao Phally, a member of the SRP committee and party president for Kratie province, was rewarded with the position of advisor to Hun Sen with the rank of minister, and Hor Sopheap, a member of the SRP committee from Banteay Meanchey, was rewarded with the position of government advisor with a rank of secretary of state.
At some point KI then introduced bold blue type, the use of which has become more prevalent over time, even if its meaning is still completely elusive.

The Cambodia Daily also reported Chao Phally as saying: “I have sacrificed myself for the sake of democracy for a long time.”

And then today things have gone completely mental. It’s not just sentences now, but words. And not just red or blue, but red and blue, with some black in the middle, and oversized. If the use of blue was opaque, this tri-color stuff is absolutely mind-reeling.

Jacques Verges, nicknamed “the Devil’s advocate” for his defence of some of the world’s most notorious criminals, said Khieu Samphan would not speak to court officials until thousands of pages of evidence against him is translated into French.

Is De La Gar out of Thorazine? Or does this stuff actually mean something?

CAMBODIA: SRP aims to take government

ABC, Radio Australia
21/02/2008

listen windows media >

Cambodia goes to the polls this July in an election that most observers expect will merely consolidate the power of Hun Sen's Cambodian People's Party.

One man who hopes that is not the case is the leader of Cambodia's opposition Sam Rainsy. Presenter - Sen Lam Speaker - Sam Rainsy, leader of the Sam Rainsy Party

LAM: First of all what brings you to our country, what's the purpose of your visit?
RAINSY: I am visiting the Cambodian communities in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.

LAM: Well Cambodia's economic growth has been strong for the past few years, the Khmer Rouge leadership is on trial, infrastructure is improving. Do you think Cambodia is finally now on the right track to a bright future?
RAINSY: Yes there has been some progress, there is some development, but this development has not been sustainable is not equitable either. A group of people get richer and richer whereas the majority of the people remain poor.

LAM: But surely you can't argue that the government of the CPP has managed to get Cambodia on this track?
RAINSY: No we are moving very slowly, we could have hoped much faster given the huge amount of international assistance we have received. And natural resources have been depleted and in exchange for that we have a relatively limited growth and the growth as I just pointed out, has not improved, the living conditions for the majority of the population.

LAM: So in your mind you think the government has not properly exploited the foreign aid that has flowed into Cambodia?
RAINSY: No the foreign aid has been misused because of corruption, corruption is rampant and corruption has caused so many destruction of the natural resources, and has allowed government officials to sell state assets and to grab land from poor farmers.

LAM: Well whether or not the government has performed well for the Cambodian people do you accept though that Hun Sen and the CPP does have a stranglehold on power in Cambodia for years to come given that elections are due in July?
RAINSY: Things are changing, there are demographic trends, there are social trends, economic trends, technological trends; all these will lead Cambodia to change.

LAM: Do you think the Cambodian people is beginning to develop a sense of political awareness, to be more active in Cambodian politics?
RAINSY: Definitely, especially among the young. Half of the Cambodian population is under 20 and two-thirds of the population are under 30, and those young people are relatively more educated, their expectations are higher, so therefore they will push for a change.

LAM: The elections are not far away, do you see the next generation, this new generation of young people that you speak of, do you see them more actively participating?
RAINSY: Definitely because they suffer from unemployment, over half of these young group of people cannot find jobs and living conditions and those of their parents are not improving, and they want to live in a more just society. So they will push for democratic change.

LAM: Hun Sen, the Prime Minister says the CPP intends to continue its coalition with Funcinpec, even after the next election. Are you disheartened by that?
RAINSY: How can you marry a dead people, Funcinpec is dying and this so-called Royalist party will be completely dead after the next election.

LAM: But nonetheless though it does pose a major challenge to the Sam Rainsy Party, to the opposition does it not with this coalition if it continues?
RAINSY: Our objective is to be the number one party and we are moving forward, our share of the popular vote has been increasing and given the trends I have just mentioned, I expect that the force represented by people who want a better and more just society, these forces will prevail.

LAM: So you hold great hope for the coming elections?
RAINSY: Yes provided that the elections are relatively free and fair, at least that election will not distort the will of the people.

LAM: And yet several of your MPs had defected to the CPP, aren't you worried about the integrity of the Sam Rainsy Party?
RAINSY: This is not the first time as we approach elections the ruling party is trying to buy some of our officials, but we are not worried about that, on the contrary it will make our party stronger because it is an opportunity for the younger generation to replace the old one.

Sacravatoons: " Xmer Robin-Hun "

Courtesy of Sacravatoon ; http://sacrava.blogspot.com/

SRP Lawmaker Sues CTN Journalist

By Mean Veasna,
VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh
20 February 2008

Mean Veasna reports in Khmer (758 KB) - Listen (MP3)

A Sam Rainsy Party lawmaker filed suit Wendesday against a CTN television journalist for defamation.

Eng Chay Ieng, SRP general secretary, said he wanted to courts to censure Soy Sopheap for an interview with a former SRP activist Tuesday, in which the activist alleged Eng Chay Ieng entered a Poipet casino.

The story was untrue and should be considered false defamation, Eng Chay Ieng said.
"Soy Sopheap did not do his job on behalf of journalism," he said.

Soy Sopheap said Wednesday he had not seen the suit but had not reported false or defamatory information.

"According to the press law, Eng Chay Ieng can send me a letter to rectify [the information]," he said.

Chan Sarith, a rights investigator for Adhoc, said Eng Chay Ieng should ask for a correction or clarification before filing a suit in the courts.

Police Viewed as Most Corrupt: Survey

By Chun Sakada,
VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh
20 February 2008

Cambodians view the police and judiciary as more corrupt than other government and non-government agencies, according to a survey released Wednesday.

In its annual corruption survey, Transparency International said more than half of Cambodian interactions with police and registry and permit services in 2007 resulted in bribes paid.

In four out of ten contacts with police or such services, bribes were requested, the group said.

Transparency International, via market research group TNS, surveyed 1,016 Cambodian adults in face-to-face interviews in five cities and provinces: Battambang, Kampong Cham, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville.

"Corruption is considered a serious problem by the Cambodians," a Transparency International statement said. "Four in ten respondents believe that the level of corruption will rise in the coming years. The fear is strongest in rural and remote areas and among low income groups."

"I would like to completely deny corruption in the police and judicial institutions," said Lt. Gen.

Khieu Sopheak, spokesman for the Ministry of Interior. "But we recognize there are corrupt individuals in those institutions, and we have punished corrupt individuals with both administrative and legal measures."

Cambodia loses an estimated $500 million per year to its national budget due to corruption, but the government has yet to pass a much-awaited anti-corruption law.

American Held Over Embassy Letter: Police

By Heng Reaksmey,
VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh
20 February 2008

Heng Reaksmey reports in Khmer (1.39 MB) - Listen (MP3)

Immigration police detained an American citizen Wednesday on suspicion he sent a letter to a local newspaper that caused security concerns for the US embassy, police said.

Gerald Francis Forbes, 53, a former US Marine, was being held and could be deported, though he had not yet been charged with a crime, Lt. Gen. Khieu Sopheak, a spokesman for the Ministry of Interior said.

Cambodian police and military units were deployed late Monday in response to a letter that constituted a security concern, officials said Tuesday.

US embassy officials said they did not consider the letter a credible threat.

Holyoke man denies home invasion charge

The Republican Newsroom
February 19, 2008
By FRED CONTRADA

NORTHAMPTON - A Holyoke man accused of pulling a gun on a 15-year-old girl in her Westhampton Road home pleaded innocent today to home invasion and larceny in Northampton District Court.

Sarun Hong, 23, of 98 St. James Ave., was one of two men who entered a home on Westhampton Road last Wednesday, threatened one of the occupants and robbed a safe of $32,000 in cash and jewelry, according to Northwestern Assistant District Attorney Michael A. Cahillane.

As Cahillane described the events to Judge W. Michael Goggins, two Cambodian men came to the residence shortly before noon. The girl, who is also Cambodian, was home because school had been canceled due to bad weather. She spoke with the men in Cambodian and they told her they were there on real estate business, Cahillane said. One of the men asked to use the bathroom and they subsequently left.

Cahillane told Goggins that the two men returned a short while later in a white four-door vehicle, telling the girl they needed more information. One of the men then pulled out a silver handgun and took the girl to her bedroom. The other man went to her father's room and took the money and jewelry from a safe, according to Cahillane.

Although the girl told police she did not know the men's names, she went on My Space and identified Hong from a photograph, Cahillane said. She also found a photograph of a white 2007 Lexus that matched the car she saw the men driving. After obtaining a warrant to search Hong's home, police found two handguns, one of them silver, in a locked box under his bed. Hong also had a white 2007 Lexus registered in his mother's name.

Cahillane asked Goggins to set bail at $50,000 cash, but defense lawyer Marissa L. Elkins argued for a bail of $1,000, saying that Hong has a minimal criminal record. Hong's wife and six-month-old son were in court, along with his parents. Elkins said that Hong is the sole bread-winner. Goggins interrupted her when she said that the family is just scraping by financially.

"If he's having trouble making ends meet, how come he has a 2007 Lexus?" the judge asked. Elkins said she did not know all the details of the family's situation. Goggins set bail at $25,000 cash and continued the matter to March 14.

Brunei, Laos, Cambodia Ratify Asean Rights Charter -AFP

news.morningstar.com
Feb-20-2008

SINGAPORE (AFP)--Brunei, Laos and Malaysia have joined Singapore in ratifying the Association of Southeast Asian Nations charter that provides for the creation of a human rights body, diplomats said Wednesday.

All 10 Asean members were expected to ratify the landmark charter by the time the grouping holds its annual summit in Thailand in December, Singapore Foreign Minister George Yeo said.

Diplomatic sources said however there are doubts the charter would be approved by all members this year due to persistent questions over reports of human rights violations in military-ruled Myanmar.

Asean's charter, signed in Singapore last year, aims to commit the region's disparate nations to promote human rights and democratic ideals, and sets out the principles and rules for members.

It also transforms Asean, formed in 1967, into a legal entity, a move that will give the group greater clout in international negotiations.

Asean Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan "received the instruments of ratification" from Laos and Malaysia on the sidelines of a foreign ministers' retreat that ended here Wednesday, a Singapore foreign ministry statement said.

Surin also acknowledged receipt of Brunei's ratification, which was sent by correspondence on February 15. Singapore, the current Asean chair, was the first country to ratify the charter.

"We expect this (charter) to be fully ratified at the next summit in Bangkok in December this year," Yeo told reporters at the end of their retreat.

The ministers agreed to draft the terms of reference for a committee that will study the establishment of the human rights body and a dispute settlement mechanism, he said.

The terms will be tabled at the ministers' annual gathering in July.

Yeo said that once the charter is ratified, all Asean member states will appoint ambassadors to the group's headquarters in Jakarta, similar to the arrangement with the United Nations in New York.

But a Southeast Asian diplomat said the charter is likely to face tough times in the parliament of democracies like the Philippines and Indonesia.

Philippine President Gloria Arroyo last year warned her country would be hard- pressed to ratify the Asean charter if Myanmar refused to embrace democracy and free opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Amnesty International this week urged the ministers to establish an "effective and independent human rights body within a reasonable time frame".

Rights activists are concerned the human rights body would lack powers and be packed with government appointees.

South east Asia on high alert

February 20 2008

Jakarta - A strong 7.5-magnitude quake struck Indonesia's Sumatra island on Wednesday, sparking a local tsunami alert and triggering panic, US meteorologists and residents said.

The US Geological Survey said the undersea quake struck at 3.08pm (local time) about 312km west-south west of the North Sumatra capital Medan, at a depth of 34km.

Indonesia's meteorological agency, which put the magnitude of the quake at 6.6, said it struck 42km north west of the town of Sinabang, the main town on Simeulue island, in Aceh province.A 5.5-magnitude aftershock hit shortly afterwards, it said.

The Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued a local watch bulletin, saying there was no threat of a "destructive widespread tsunami" but that a local tsunami could affect coastal areas within a 100km radius.

Spanish queen visits trafficked women in Cambodia

Spain's Queen Sofia greets a child during a visit to a rehabilitation centre for women and children victims of sexual exploitation on the outskirts of Phnom Penh February 20, 2008. Queen Sofia is in Cambodia for a four-day state visit.REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea (CAMBODIA)

Phnom Penh - Queen Sophia of Spain spent her first full day of an official trip to Cambodia Wednesday visiting Spanish-funded projects, including a shelter for women and girls rescued from human trafficking. Queen Sophia spent the morning at a shelter run by local non-government organization Afesip, a French acronym which translates to assisting women and children in precarious circumstances.

She chatted easily with the residents, who are learning new skills such as sewing to help them become self-sufficient and remain free of the clutches of traffickers in the future.

The monarch, wife of King Juan Carlos, has taken a personal interest in the project, which receives substantial Spanish funding. She is close to the group's co-founder, Mam Somaly, a former sex worker who now works to assist other women and children caught up in Cambodia's rampant sex trade.

The queen is scheduled to attend a gala dinner at the Royal Palace Wednesday evening hosted by Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni, at whose personal invitation she is making her Cambodian visit, scheduled to end Saturday.

Queen Sophia is expected to travel by air to the north-western city of Battambang Thursday, more than 300 kilometres from the capital, to inspect a Spanish-assisted project to clear land mines, before moving on to the northern tourist hub of Siem Reap to visit the ancient Angkor Wat temple complex.

Malaysia Beat Cambodia 5-0 For Second Straight Win

bernama.com.my
February 20, 2008

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 (Bernama) -- Despite resting world number two Lee Chong Wei, the Malaysian team had enough fire power to whip Cambodia 5-0 and register their second straight win in the Thomas Cup Asian Zone Qualifiers on Wednesday at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Malaysia who beat the Philippines 5-0 in the morning, decided to rest Chong Wei and promoted veteran Wong Choong Hann to first singles while Hafiz Hashim and Abdul Latif Mohd Arif played the second and third singles respectively.

The trio did not disappoint when they strolled past their opponents, all in straight games with Choong Hann beating Sophorn Nuon 21-8, 21-9 while Hafiz swept aside Vaesna Troeng 21-4, 21-5 before Abdul Latif came on board to sweep aside Vannak Taev Yong 21-8, 21-7.

The Malaysian team also gave seasoned doubles pair Choong Tan Fook/Lee Wan Wah who played in the morning, a break and played Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari/Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif in the second doubles while Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong took charge of the first doubles.

Kean Keat/Boon Heong hardly broke any sweat in their 21-1, 21-6 win over Sophorn/Chanbol Chea Bun and Mohd Fairuzizuan/Mohd Zakry also spent little time on court after packing off Vaesna Troeng/Vannak Taev Yong 21-5, 21-3. --MORE Sports-Badminton 2 (last) Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia will play Taiwan tomorrow in a match that will determine the team that top Group A as both have two wins from two matches. Taiwan who beat Cambodia 5-0 in the morning scored a similar victory against the Philippines in another match played in the evening.

The Thomas and Uber Cup Asian Zone Qualifiers in Vietnam features 14 teams in the Thomas Cup and 11 teams in the Uber Cup.

From the 14, four teams will qualify for the Thomas Cup finals in Jakarta from May 11-18 while three teams qualify from the Asian Zone for the Uber Cup.

The fourth placed team in Vietnam will have to rank higher than the fourth placed team that played in the European Zone Qualifiers when the Badminton World Federation (BWF) release their ranking list, to make the cut for Jakarta.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Uber Cup team will also see action tomorrow against India.

Cambodia's Advanced Bank of Asia Selects FLEXCUBE

equitybulls.com

i-flex Solutions Ltd and Advanced Bank of Asia (ABA), Cambodia, announced that the bank will implement FLEXCUBE®, i-flex's core banking solution for its operations in Cambodia. ABA will implement FLEXCUBE across its corporate and retail banking operations.

With FLEXCUBE, ABA will have a next generation transaction-processing platform, enabling it to respond faster to customer needs, while effectively managing costs. It will also help ABA to offer newer and more sophisticated products and increase its customer base.

"With 12 banks in the region choosing us, FLEXCUBE has become a market leader in the Indo-China region. We have also demonstrated that our approach ensures swift implementation of a new generation, open platform that enables world class banking services. We welcome Advanced Bank of Asia as a customer of FLEXCUBE and we look forward to working in partnership with them," said, Kishore Kapoor, CEO, i-flex solutions pte ltd.

The i-flex Solutions Ltd stock was trading at Rs.1095, down by Rs.5.55 or 0.50%. The stock hit an intraday high of Rs.1140 and low of Rs.1090.55.

The total traded quantity was 13860 compared to 2 week average of 9477.

Source: Equity Bulls
Posted On: 2/20/2008

Asian health officials warn TB must be tackled alongside HIV

Wed, 20 Feb 2008
DPA

Phnom Penh - Health officials from nine Asian countries on Wednesday met to discuss ways of curbing the high and increasing toll of tuberculosis (TB) for people living with HIV/AIDS. In conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO) the participants voted to implement measures including increasing the rates of HIV testing among TB patients, TB screening among HIV patients and early access to antiretroviral therapy.

"HIV infection triggers reactivation of latent TB, but to this day, new TB patients have insufficient access to HIV testing, resulting in the late diagnosis of HIV co-infection," Dr Shigeru Omi, WHO regional director for the Western Pacific, said.

WHO statistics show people living with HIV who develop TB are 10 times more likely to die earlier than those who do not, and TB is the leading cause of death among people living with HIV worldwide.

TB is endemic to countries like Cambodia, which also has one of the highest rates of HIV and AIDS infection in the region, with one 2004 government study putting the TB infection rate at 64 percent.

"This contributes to very high case fatality rates of 25 to 50 percent among new TB patients," Omi said. "If antiretroviral therapy is not provided, up to half of TB patients infected with HIV die during the course of their TB treatment."

TB is a bacterial infection which is usually confined to the lungs of otherwise healthy people but can run rampant in those with an HIV co-infection, spreading to lymph nodes, kidneys and bones.

Countries participating at the meeting were Cambodia, China, Fiji, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and Vietnam.

PM rules out meeting Thaksin in Cambodia

enews.mcot.net
20 February 2008

BANGKOK, Feb 20 (TNA) - Thailand's Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej on Wednesday confirmed his planned trip to Cambodia on March 3 but ruled out any knowledge that former premier Thaksin Shinawatra would also be in the neighbouring country during his official visit.

"What a coincidence! It shouldn't be possible," exclaimed Mr. Samak. "If we're going to meet, the Cambodian goverment should have informed me."

He said he was not aware that the former premier was scheduled to play golf with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

"I don't play golf but the Cambodian premier does. I really don't know anything [about Thaksin's trip to Cambodia]."

Mr. Samak clearly stated his willingness to travel on a commercial, not an official or private aircraft, and he will stay overnight in the Cambodian capital.

Cambodia will be the second leg of the premier's tour of neighbouring countries.

He will kick off his trip with a visit to Laos and afterward, Cambodia, Malaysia and Myanmar are on the list.

Mr. Samak described as a "friendly gesture" the decision by Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Anupong Paochinda to travel to Laos with him.

"He (Gen Anupong) has been more familiar with Laos than me .

We will travel in a small team for more flexibility. I will strictly follow the Foreign Ministry's protocol but the ministry should not object to my desire to travel on a commercial flight.," the premier said.

He also thanked the media for "allowing me to lead a normal life and I can also stop to do some shopping on my way back home."

(TNA)

Haverhill: College presents discussion on genocide

eagletribune.com
February 20, 2008

Sayon Soeun, a genocide orphan from Cambodia, will share his story of being raised as a child soldier in the Khmer Rouge labor camps on Feb. 27 from noon to 1 p.m. in the Technology Center of Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill.

The presentation is part of the college's genocide series.

Soeun was taken away from his family at the age of 5 and raised as a child soldier. This is the story of his experience as a genocide orphan. He lives in Lowell and is the executive director of Light of Cambodian Children Inc. and a member of the Massachusetts Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee.

The college's Diversity Committee is sponsoring a series of speakers in support of this spring's production of "The Diary of Anne Frank" by the Top Notch Players. Throughout the semester, guest speakers will address various issues related to genocide. In addition, faculty and staff have incorporated related topics into their curriculum.

Other topics in this series will include "Can Democracy Prevent Genocide?" presented by Richard Kamber, March 26 from noon to 1 p.m.; and "The Holocaust: Lessons for the 21st Century" presented by Sonia Schreiber Weitz, a Holocaust survivor, poet, educator, and human rights activist, April 2 from noon to 1 p.m. in the E Building, Room 155.

New general manager appointments for Raffles in Beijing and Cambodia

traveldailynews.com
Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Raffles Hotels & Resorts has announced the portfolio exchange of two General Managers within the group. Mr Riaz Mahmood, presently Area General Manager, Indo-China, has been appointed as General Manager of Raffles Beijing Hotel from 18th February 2008, while Mr Peter Wynne who is currently General Manager of Raffles Beijing Hotel, will undertake his new position as General Manager of Cambodia on 3rd March 2008, and oversee both Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, Siem Reap.

Mr Mahmood has been a General Manager with Raffles Hotels & Resorts for eight years and was appointed General Manager of Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in 2003 before assuming the role of Area General Manager, Indo-China, in 2006.

Under his leadership, both Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor and Raffles Hotel Le Royal have consistently enjoyed recognition from leading travel publications as Cambodia’s best hotels. In 2007, both hotels were distinguished as the only hotels in Cambodia among Asia’s Top 50 Hotels, as voted by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. In addition, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor was voted among the world’s top 50 hotels in Conde Nast Traveler magazine’s Best of the Best list, in its 2007 Reader’s Choice Awards.

Mr Mahmood’s new appointment as General Manager of Raffles Beijing Hotel will see him lead the hotel through the highly anticipated Summer Olympics this year where Raffles Beijing Hotel has been designated as one of the official hotels to house members of the Olympic family, such as delegates from the International Olympic Committee. This will be the second time Mr Mahmood will experience the boisterous energy of the Olympics as he was also significantly involved with preparing the group’s hotel in Sydney for the Summer Olympics 2000.

Mr Wynne joined Raffles Hotels & Resorts as General Manager of Raffles Beijing Hotel, where he led the hotel through its grand opening in 2006. Within the first year of Raffles Beijing’s opening, the hotel has been conferred numerous awards and accolades from prestigious publications such as Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report Special Awards (Best New City Hotel 2007), both the US and UK editions of Conde Nast Traveler (Hot List 2007). Its elegant French restaurant, Jaan, has also been recognized as one of the best new restaurants in the world by Conde Nast Traveler (Hot Table 2007). Today, Raffles Beijing Hotel is popularly recognized as the residence of choice for discerning travellers to Beijing, having welcomed members of royalty, world renowned artists and travellers from both the corporate and leisure segments.

Said Diana Ee-Tan, Managing Director, Raffles Hotels & Resorts, “With Riaz Mahmood and Peter Wynne’s wealth of experience and excellent track record in upholding the high standards of hospitality that Raffles is renowned for, residents at Raffles Beijing, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor and Raffles Hotel Le Royal will continue to enjoy the gracious service and enchanting experiences that are synonymous with the Raffles name, while in residency at our hotels in Beijing and Cambodia.”