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359 arrested for crossing US border illegally Most of the arrestees were Mexicans, but others are from 15 countries, including Cambodia, Cuba, Israel, Laos, and Thailand. PAGE 10
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KHMER NEW YEAR
CALIFORNIA STYLE
Long Beach, Calif., home to the USA's largest Cambodian community, really "went to town" for its 2007 Cambodian New Year celebrations. Carnival floats, cultural events, and ethnic cuisine were highlights of the April 7-21 festivities. PAGE 6
photo: pagnawath khun
Whereas other countries' high-speed trains require expensive new tracks, France's high-speed system has dominated for 25 years on rails that any train can use.
May 2007
Issue: 2 • Year: 1 Price: 1,500 Riels
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Khmer New Year Battambang style Battambang has always been a bit "different" - and proud of it! This New Year, Battambang shows us all how to celebrate like the locals! PAGE
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The Portuguese superstar has the world at his feet, but he's taking it all in stride! Despite the intense media spotlight, this Manchester United midfielder leads the Premiership in goals for his position, with a 17-goal advantage over the average midfielder. PAGE 12
photo: getty images
In what would be the most deadly mass shooting in U.S. history, student Cho Seung-Hui first killed students in a university dormitory, then in a classroom building two hours later before shooting himself. Speaking in a video sent by the shooter during the rampage, Cho condemns the rich and religious, and the nation mourns another U.S. school tragedy.
photo: vt.edu
33 killed in Virginia Tech shooting Sensational Ronaldo
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Cambodia News & World Report is published by Meun Sothy. Editor: Ward Tipton Editor-in-Chief: Pagnawath Khun Managing Editor: Ward Tipton Sub-Editor: Liam Hamilton Assistant Editor: Jody Yurkowsky Managing Director: Channy Kieng Administrative Staff: Sok Ravy, Doung Pheng Advertising Manager: Seng Sopagna Graphic Designer: Roberto Ramos Distributor: Him Saro Reporters & Correspondents: Hem Chanthoeun [Banteay Meanchey], Daniel de Gruiter [Phnom Penh], Lang Hokleng [Phnom Penh], Meun Sothy [Phnom Penh], Roo Griffiths [Phnom Penh], Trinh Do [Australia], Patrick Johnston [Canada], Helena Ignasia [Indonesia], Simanithone Malivarn [Laos], Flor Togonon, Joel Orcena [The Philippines], Shawn Song'en Wee [Singapore], Tram Lyrattanak [South Korea], Vinai Dithajohn [Thailand], Kimhan Peou, Pagnawath Khun, Phalla Chea, Sry Ariya Hout [The United States], Chinh Nguyen [Vietnam]. Trademark and Copyright Notice: Copyright 2006, The Cambodia News & World Report, Ltd., and its related entities. All rights reserved. Use in whole or part of any article or information without prior written consent is prohibited. Office: 1AE1, Street 163, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Tel: (011).50.05.50 • Tel: (012).39.69.69 info@cambodianewsonline.com • www.cambodianewsonline.com
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HNOM PENH - Globally, trafficking in persons (TIP) is on the increase, and is a bigger focus of attention worldwide than ever before. Cambodia is a major target country for interventions. According to humantrafficking.org, "Cambodia is a source, destination, and transit country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of sexual exploitation and forced labor." It is against a history of a spiraling trade in persons, and a checkered past, that the Cambodian government has launched the country's first ever national task force to combat human trafficking. Cambodian women and children are trafficked both internally and externally within Southeast Asia, mostly for commercial, sexual or labor exploitation. Cambodian men are also trafficked to work in industry. Cambodia is well known as a transit and destination point for women trafficked into prostitution from Vietnam. Cambodian victims of trafficking can be found as far away as Japan, Somalia and Saudi Arabia. Humantrafficking.org places the number of trafficking victims in the sex industry at between 2,000 and 3,000. Official reports suggest that over 180,000 people were working irregularly in Thailand. In the past, interventions have been confused and overlapping.
photo: pagnawath khun
Cambodian government launches National Human Trafficking Task Force P
Credits
A wide spectrum of agencies are working to fight the trafficking of children like these in Cambodia.
With many NGOs, INGOs and government departments dealing with trafficking, it has been difficult to find a coherent approach. Some have noted that a lack of law enforcement in Cambodia has made it hard to find and arrest perpetrators, particularly when they come from the higher-ranking echelons of society. In late 2004, the government's Anti-Trafficking and Juvenile Protection Police raided a Phnom Penh hotel. A day after, those detained were released, and rescued women and girls were removed by mobs from the NGO shelter. In 2005, the US government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), knocked Cambodia down to Tier 3 (the lowest point
on its scale) for its interventions, meaning that the country had failed to make interventions appropriate to trafficking. USAID is one of the biggest donors to Cambodia in terms of trafficking and this move brought with it threats of sanctions. Since then, things have improved. Cambodia has signed and ratified the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, and various bilateral Memoranda of Understanding with neighboring countries. Government interventions have been a focus of reform, and monitoring mechanisms and referral systems from ministries to shelters and NGOs have been set up. In 2006, the US elevated
Cambodia back to Tier 2. This month, the establishment of the national task force to combat human trafficking brings together ministries, law enforcement groups and international agencies. It aims to reduce duplication among the multiplicity of agencies and NGOs and to set up universal standards in the field of trafficking. The Secretary of State for the Ministry of Women's Affairs has said that the task force is a major step forward in coordinating a unified campaign against all forms of trafficking. Meanwhile, the United Nations Inter-Agency Project against Human Trafficking (UNIAP) has called for stronger laws to protect migrants from exploitation. Recent months have seen a spate of arrests of foreign pedophiles and Cambodian and Vietnamese nationals accused of trafficking children. In March, two German nationals were sentenced to 12 years in prison for debauchery, one also receiving 16 years for human trafficking. Two Vietnamese nationals were sentenced to 17 years for providing children and one child's mother received a 15 year sentence. In April, a US national was sentenced to five years in prison for having sex with underage girls in Cambodia after being deported under the Protect Act to the United States to face charges. By Seng Sopagna
from a chinese proverb. illustrated by joel orcena / cnwr
may 2007
Cambodia-Vietnam trade and investment activities increase
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HNOM PENH - The situation surrounding Kampuchea Krom has been increasing in tension in recent months, and this escalation peaked on Friday April 20 in chaos and violence between monks from Kampuchea Krom, in Southern Vietnam, and from Wat Ounalom in Phnom Penh. What began in a peaceful march ended with stone throwing and shoving ‌ and consider-
work on plantation projects. In Cambodia, this means that the company will add an extra 300 hectares of rubber trees within the year to its current plantations in Mondulkiri province. Up to this point, Daklak Rubber Co. has grown 1,000 hectares of rubber trees and 10,000 hectares of cashews and cassava. Increased trade between Cambodia and Vietnam has led the latter's government to request that border provinces improve procedures. Vietnam's deputy prime minister has signed a directive to call for the upgrading of some checkpoints to international level and of others to national level, and two new local facilities are to be opened. Further cooperation between Cambodia and Vietnam has seen discussions on border quarantine controls in a bid to stop the spread of bird flu and SARS, among others. On April 9, the Vietnamese government met with Cambodian and Chinese representatives to step up progress on border demarcation. According to the Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam, "the work will help define clearly the actual border and contribute to creating a stable environment to foster socioeconomic development, increase cross-border linkages, and promote friendship with our neighboring countries." It is planned that work on border demarcation will be completed by the end of 2008. But it's not all work. From April 18-30, the 2007 Ho Chi Minh City Television Cup will take place, an annual bicycle race of 1,500km, with 12 stages across Vietnam and Cambodia. 17 teams are taking part, including cyclists from Cambodia, Vietnam, South Korea and Malaysia.
Kampuchea Krom demonstration comes face to face with resistance photo: neth pheaktra
PHNOM PENH - A recent visit to Cambodia by Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet focused on bilateral cooperation at the same time as agreeing some first steps towards new deals in trade and investment. Since the visit in late February 2007, the two countries have kicked off a spate of activities, heralding increased future partnership. According to Thanh Nien News, Vietnamese exports to Cambodia in 2006 were at US$780 million, and Vietnam imported Cambodian rubber, forest and agricultural products worth US$170 million. Trade between the two countries is expected to grow by 27 percent per year to reach US$2.45 billion by 2010. Between April 6 and 8, Cambodia's National ICT Development Authority (NIDA) and Vietnam's IDG World Expo jointly hosted the ICT Digital and Electronics World Expo 2007. This expo, held annually in Cambodia, drew around 40 local and foreign companies, some coming from as far afield as the European Union. The event aimed to showcase the latest IT products and enable service providers to have a chance to communicate their ideas and plans, both for Cambodia and the region. Other recent news saw Vietnamese mobile telecommunications company Viettel announcing that it will provide mobile services in Cambodia by the end of 2007, investing US$27 million in the construction of the necessary infrastructure. Viettel also announced plans to work in Laos. Plans for Vietnamese partnership in Cambodia and Laos are not restricted to telecommunications and ICT. Daklak Rubber Co. has signed cooperation programs with both countries with regard to
cambodia news & world report
A group of Khmer Krom monks hold a sign saying "The Vietnamese government must stop abusing the rights of religion and people of Kampuchea Krom who are the owners of the land."
By Lang Hokleng
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ably worsened relations. Khmer Krom monks marched from 7.30am on the Friday morning in an attempt to deliver a letter to the Vietnamese Embassy to call Vietnamese authorities to account for alleged human rights abuses towards the Kampuchea Krom community. They were blocked from approaching the embassy by police so they sat in front of the Royal Palace to pray for around an hour, surrounded by hundreds of police, in uniform and in plain clothes. They were then told to end their rally by the deputy chief monk of Daun Penh district. Marchers then passed Wat Ounalom, on the Phnom Penh riverside, an important seat of Buddhism and the home to the Great Supreme Patriarch Tep Vong. Monks from the pagoda came outside with civilians and clashed with the protesters, trying to block the march. Plastic bottles were thrown and there was general pushing and shoving. One Khmer Krom monk was wounded when he was hit in the eye with a stone. The march carried on and finally ended with a letter being presented to the US Embassy, to ask that the US pressure the Vietnamese government on the issues concerning the Kampuchea Krom community. It is not clear on whose authority the monks from Wat Ounalom became involved in the demonstration. Over the past few months, Khmer Krom monks have been protesting about alleged human rights abuses of monks and other Kampuchea Krom residents by
the Vietnamese authorities. Despite continually improving relations between Cambodia and Vietnam, the Kampuchea Krom community claims Vietnamese repression of their community and their religion. Key incidences highlighted by the community have been the alleged defrocking of six Khmer Krom monks in February (said to be ringleaders of anti-Vietnamese protest) and the disappearance of three more. Juong Sin, head of the Samaki Rainsey Pagoda, 5km from Phnom Penh, said that the number of protesters on April 20 was over 100 (although other reports have said between 40 and 50). He said that the purpose was to ask Hanoi to loosen its grip on Kampuchea Krom residents and monks: the Vietnamese authorities had confiscated their lands and houses and restricted the freedoms and rights of the people of Khmer Krom. Kampuchea Krom associations have been involved in protests
since February, in organizing demonstrations and asking for support from the Cambodian opposition party (the Sam Rainsy Party) and from human rights organizations. Kampuchea Krom residents have returned to Cambodia across the borders, although claims of Vietnamese repression have been refuted by the Cambodian government. This is not the first demonstration to have brought violence with it. At the end of February, 50 monks tried to demonstrate in Phnom Penh but were not allowed to do so (on the grounds that with Vietnamese premier in town, the timing of such a demonstration was bad). A demonstration was allowed further away in Meanchey district of Phnom Penh, with the attendance of 300 monks; after this, one monk died (said to be by his own hand but in a climate of suspicion). In the April 20 demonstration, according to Juong Sin, there were six injuries
Monks display banners of protest against what they see as Vietnamese repression of Kampuchea Krom.
to Khmer Krom monks at the hands of the Wat Ounalom monks. As for the April 20 demonstration, authorities have left resolution in the hands of the monks themselves. The Vietnamese Embassy has not commented, although earlier this year Vietnamese representatives stated clearly that there was no repression in Vietnam of Khmer Krom people. The US Embassy has acknowledged reception of the letter from the protesters but has not committed itself to any action. Although the deputy chief monk for Daun Penh district told reporters that if the Khmer Krom monks did not obey Buddhist law they would be arrested, other groups have condemned violence in general. The Khmer Kampuchea Krom Association and the SRP, in separate press releases, said that the clash represented an abuse of religious freedom. Soen Yoeung, President of Khmer Krom for Development, said that his association had helped Kampuchea Krom residents who lack support to come and live in Phnom Penh. He stated that there were 21 provinces in Kampuchea Krom, with a population of 11 million people (similar to Cambodia). Juong Sin said that "there are currently eight Khmer Krom associations in Cambodia and global associations in the US, France, Australia, New Zealand and Canada." Soen Yoeung called on the UN and powerful countries to help Kampuchea Krom residents and monks. (Additional Report: Meun Sothy) By Roo Griffiths
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ATTAMBANG - A trip to Battambang always offers a chance to see a different side of Cambodia. Historically, Battambang has been fought over between the Khmers and the Thais for centuries. Nowadays, Battambang province often throws up different political results to the rest of the country, and Battambang food and customs reflect both a Thai flavor and a unique flavor of Cambodia's northwest. Battambang has a different feeling to it than other provinces, and even now prides itself on its separateness. "We feel quite far from Phnom Penh here. We used to be the richest province in Cambodia before Pol Pot. We don't have that now, but we still do feel a little bit different," says Uy Sameth, a fruit exporter from just outside the provincial town. Visiting Battambang for Khmer New Year, then, makes for an interesting trip: the whole New Year period is infused with traditional Khmer customs at the same time as being overlaid with a hint of "Battambang-ness." Leaving O'Russey Market early on Friday 13 May, the area is chock-a-block with people waiting to return to their homeland for the New Year. The bus service has more than quadrupled, and police have been brought in to make sure that not too many people fall off their motorbikes as they squeeze between buses and people on the main roads. The mood is one of patient joy, echoed once passengers have boarded their buses in the special Khmer New Year karaoke: usually the buses play the ubiquitous
The lotus flower is ever present in Cambodian festivals and ceremonies: the symbol of uprightness and integrity.
Khmer New Year: Battambang style Khmer mournful ballads but today the New Year songs are on. These are for the most part representations of traditional Khmer dancing with flirtatious couples singing in rounds while hoards of young people sing along, clap and dance. Arriving in Battambang, there is the chance to sample some of the food, including the delicious drey ngiet. This is smoked fish, which is available all over Cambodia, but that on offer here in the northwest is acclaimed to be of a vastly higher quality and taste. To counter the salty taste, people eat it with watermelon or drown the accompanying rice in cold tea. It makes for an amazingly addictive snack. The sun rises steadily on the first day of the New Year festival. It's now burning hot in Cambodia and the whole country is gasping, but in Battambang there is a breath more wind, albeit one which is swirling the dust around the passers-by and choking those on motorbikes. The first task is to go to the pagoda and pray to the ancestors (vinyeanakan). People dress in their finest clothes, and the pagodas are ready for the crush.
The monks are in position to bless those bringing their offerings and their prayers, and the sacred buildings are decked out with flags and adornments (and the children are armed with water pistols‌ so watch out!). After duty has been done at the pagoda, people head out to the villages to see their relatives. Women and men stop en route to rip off their posh clothes and climb into jeans ("I can't stand to be dressed up for more than one minute!" says Srey Roth). At the country farm, the family has been busy creating the altar to welcome Mahotaradevi, the angel of the New Year. This year, the angel is arriving at 12:48pm, comparatively late. The family enjoys the chance to eat soup together and strengthen their bonds with each other before welcoming in the spirit with prayers and blessings. Children chatter and grown-ups eat, drink and make merry, as those who live afar and those from nearby have the chance to meet again. "I miss my family so much when I am in Phnom Penh. I have to work so far away but this is the best thing: to return," says Khun Vantha, a graphic designer. After the angel has arrived, the time has come
to relax completely. Among the other rituals, nowadays the most important thing is to have a good time and be with your family. Some families head off to Pailin or other nearby areas to visit friends or see the sights. Some families hold parties, where the same dancing as on the karaoke DVDs takes place. Some play games, both modern, such as bingo, and traditional. One of the most popular traditional games is Bos Angkunh, played with flat edible seeds (angkunh) between groups of boys and girls. The winning group is that which throws the angkunh and hits the other group's angkunh. The winners get to rap the losers' knees. Everybody is scared of the girls: generally, the boys try to be polite and gentle when they win but the girls are known to be savages in the knee-rapping: "I used to run away when the girls won: they were so cruel," remembers Sat Bunna. Across Cambodia, over recent years, the government has tried to crack down on water and powder fights,
claiming this custom is not Khmer. In Phnom Penh, the streets have been very quiet. However, in Battambang, nearer to Thailand (where water and powder throwing are rife at this time of year), things are a little different. Watch your step, and more importantly, your motorbike! Out in the countryside in particular, gangs of fun-loving folk gather, waiting to pelt you with water bombs and sacks of powder. I was nearly spun off my motorbike into a hedge, when one over-zealous young man realized the kudos to be made by hitting a foreigner! A stroll around Battambang in the evening during New Year is a pleasure. Battambang natives like walking more than their fellows in Phnom Penh, and there is plenty to see. On many of the balconies of the colonial buildings, the altars to the inhabitants ancestors wink colored lights at passers-by. Music thumps from different houses as young people dance on the streets under the happy eyes of their families. Battambang is alive with joy and laughter: if you can avoid the most dangerous of the water and powder explosions, it's the perfect place to be to celebrate the New Year in Cambodia. By Roo Griffiths
Thailand's New Year saw at least 3,800 causalities across the nation, with 318 killed and at least 4,000 injured. The excitement of New Year in Thailand had sadly started with a low note. However, one consolation is that the total number of tourists and holiday travelers who lost their lives during the festival is down on the corresponding figures for last year. According to the police, the excitement of the festival was at its peak among young people. Accidents included motorcycle crashes due to driving while drunk, overspeeding, and the sheer recklessness of crossing lanes heedlessly. The government had given many warnings and notices for tourists and those celebrating the holiday to exercise caution while driving, in an effort to curb the causality toll. The highways pose particular risks owing to the expected huge volume of traffic, flowing both with those returning from upcountry and those leaving for up country.
Khmer Rouge tribunal in trouble again The beleaguered Khmer Rouge trial process at the Extraordinary Courts in the Chambers of Cambodia (ECC) has hit another setback in recent weeks; this time one which has led to deadlock. A conflict has arisen between the Cambodian Bar Association (CBA) and the international judges over bar fees. The CBA has insisted on charging higher fees (10 times higher than any other international tribunal) for international judges participating in the trials. This move led to the international judges canceling the court's plenary session on April 3. The international participants claim that this is not an issue of money but of ethics, stating that such fees limit freedom of choice for those claiming representation, and that the CBA is a political tool of the Cambodian government. The CBA denies this, asserting that the fees are a legal requirement. NGOs, civil society and other institutions have expressed concern that the deadlock will impede the adoption of the court's internal rules, which will mean that the trial can not proceed. NGOs have also stated a fear that victims will continue to be disallowed justice if this issue can not be resolved.
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Election Day drug bust gives rise to fears of expanding production
By Roo Griffiths
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ANTEAY MEANCHEY Thailand sends back as many as 200 illegal entrants daily into Cambodia, a Poi Pet border police officer said recently. The repatriated Cambodians have previously crossed into Thai territory seeking work on plantations, in fishing and in the construction and crafts industries. Most of the illegal immigrants come from the provinces of Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Pursat, Prey Veng and Svay Rieng. On being returned to Cambodian territory, they are given advice by the Cambodian authorities and then sent home. According to Kong Chan, 32, of Prey Veng province, one of a group of laborers recently sent back to Cambodia, the group crossed into Thailand through a passageway in Prey Kob village, around Poi Pet. Each of the migrants paid 50 to 100 baht to the Cambodian and Thai authorities to facilitate the journey. Crossing into Thailand is easy because several Cambodian provinces border the country, so that many cross-border trails are unguarded, he said. Many Cambodians go to Thailand because of low employment rates in Cambodia, and a low level of wages for the jobs that are available. Cambodian wages are usually not enough to support a family, Chan said. In Cambodia, he added, there is no large-scale industry, such as in paper, rubber, cement etc, which can absorb the large and growing male labor force. The country's economy relies on smallscale industry; such large-scale industry as there is remains undiversified, centered heavily around garments and tourism and, to a lesser extent, agriculture. These sectors provide only low pay and limited employment, and do not represent a chance for the majority of the male labor force to better themselves. Chea Mony, President of the Cambodian Free Trade Union, says that many Cambodian men seek work in Thailand because Cambodian factories refuse to hire men, hiring only women instead. Furthermore, abject poverty exists in some areas because of insufficient water and lack of irrigation facilities for farming. Men are therefore forced to seek employment elsewhere, such in Thailand and South Korea, among other places. In addition, Son Chhay, a Sam Rainsy Party Member of Parliament, speaks of the need to
The Poipet border (pictured above) is a hive of activity, including for those who are being repatriated.
translate the economic growth rate in Cambodia into action for the poor. In 2006, Cambodia saw economic growth at 8.9%, as compared with 6.7% for 2005: a moderate growth rate increase of only 2.2%. Corruption in the government also plays a large negative role in preventing many investors from venturing into the Cambodian economy, he says.
Political partisanship, forgery, and bureaucratic red tape, including high fees imposed on necessary documentation, also deter investors, Son Chhay adds. Illegal Cambodian migrants to Thailand usually have a leader who guides them over the border and finds them employment in Thai territory. The leader is paid in advance anywhere bet-
ween 2,000 and 3,000 baht to find employment for the workers. This arrangement is open to abuse and trafficking for labor exploitation is always a risk. Other problems exist with employers: Kong Chan relates that after working four to five months or a year, some workers may wish to return to their hometown and then ask for their salary. If they have reasonable employers, they get paid; if they have difficult employers, they are reported to the police for lack of legal status and are in many cases jailed. Many Cambodian illegal migrant workers are abused, Chan explains, because of their lack of documentation and their illegal status. Employers capitalize on these factors to give their workers only very low wages, to force them to work long hours and, even worse, to refuse payment of salaries. Some workers returned by Thai authorities to Cambodia do not possess even a single baht to their name, and are poorer when they come out than when they go in to Thailand. (Additional Report: Hem Chanthoeun) By Meun Sothy ad
carrying 1.9kg of heroin: heroin and methamphetamines are the most commonly found illegal drugs. "Ice" was first found in 2005, but more and more has been seized since then. Three Malaysians were arrested with 12.4kg of "ice" on November 30, 2006, and an Indonesian national was arrested with 2kg a few days later. The 18 arrested on April 1 were later formally charged with producing and trafficking drugs, or conspiracy to produce drugs, at Kompong Speu Provincial Court and Phnom Penh Municipal Court. Both crimes are punishable by 20 years to life in prison. Those charged with the former offence were the foreigners; 14 Cambodian nationals were charged with conspiracy to produce drugs. They are now all in detention pending further investigation. Cambodian authorities have sought help from other countries to destroy the materials confiscated: experts from the UN and other countries have been involved in the process and are also following up with technical advice and investigation. The raids were the result of a month of undercover investigation and surveillance and the raid was finally carried out when those involved used Election Day as a cover to transport 48 tanks of chemicals onto the farm. Around two tons were found at the farm and two tons in Phnom Penh. The land the farm lies on allegedly belongs to Chea Chung, a former adviser to the FUNCINPEC SecretaryGeneral. FUNCINPEC has officially denied any link to the farm and has thrown its support behind the police. Chea Chung is now under investigation. He has apparently disappeared although an unnamed witness told journalists that he had fled five minutes before the raid. Jeremy Douglas of UNODC said to the Phnom Penh Post "this is valuable, valuable stuff ‌ by the sounds of it, it's linked to transnational organized crime."
photo: pagnawath khun
PHNOM PENH - On April 1, Election Day as most knew it, 18 people, including three Chinese nationals and one Thai national, were arrested in separate raids on a house in the Tuol Kork district of Phnom Penh and a farm in Kompong Speu province, around 45km west of the capital. At the same time, authorities seized over three tons of chemicals which are used to produce varieties of amphetamines. This was Cambodia's largest ever seizure of drug-making materials, according to Lieutenant General Luor Ramin, Secretary-General of the Cambodian National Authority for Combating Drugs. Concerns are rising in Cambodia surrounding the production of drugs, and the fact that the country may be transforming from merely a transit point for drugs trafficking into a manufacturer and exporter of drugs. Journalists interviewing Jeremy Douglas, Regional Project Coordinator for the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) found that "there have been allegations in the past about production sites in Cambodia, but this is the first proof. It's unknown if there are more, but this is definitely huge." The drugs included 400500kg of chloroephedrine; experts in Cambodia believed that the laboratory was making the chemical ingredients found in methamphetamines, including crystal meth and "ice". Methamphetamines are highly addictive. A common strain found in Cambodia, known as yabba or yamma is powerful and has been the ruin of many. High numbers of foreigners turn up every year dead in their hotel rooms after falling victim to yabba. Yabba is also common among Cambodian nationals, along with glue sniffing. The latter is mostly to be seen among homeless youths. Cambodia has till this point mostly seen its arrests for drugs take place at airports. Last May a 90year-old Taiwanese man was arrested at Phnom Penh international airport
Thailand repatriates hundreds of Cambodians
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L
ONG BEACH, Calif. - The month of April could not have been more joyous for members of the Cambodian community. The events of Khmer New Year were celebrated from April 14-16 in Cambodia as well as in Cambodian neighborhoods in other countries around the world. As the ancient Cambodian astronomer Horas had pinpointed, the actual change of year took place on April 14 at 12:48pm. At this time the Year of the Dog transitioned into the Year of the Pig. This time of year represents the end of the harvesting season and signals a time when farmers can enjoy the fruits of their labors and relax before the rainy season begins. With a very extensive Cambodian community, Long Beach, California plays witness to a large Khmer New Year celebration each April. Nicknamed “Cambodia Town” the area is the official sister city of Phnom Penh. There are hundreds of Cambodian-owned businesses in this strip which runs along Anaheim Street.On April 7, “Cambodia Town” hosted the 3rd Annual Cambodian New Year Parade. This year’s theme was “Building the Bridge to the Future Together” in recognition of Long Beach’s wide-
Khmer New Year
Young men dressed up like warriors from ancient times (above) to march in the New Year parade in Long Beach. The 2007 festivities included music, costumes, and more people than ever. ad
Cambodian-Americans celebrate New Year in style unique and interesting manner. It was a seemingly endless stream of floats, which in the end had to be limited to 91 despite potential for more entries, representing various cultural organizations, temples, clubs, arts groups, traditional dancers, and a local restaurant. There were even convertible and classic cars which transported Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster and Vice Mayor Bonnie Lowenthal. Other high ranking government officials from the City of Long Beach as well as the Cambodian community also took part in the parade. Media attention surrounding the parade was unexpectedly high as TV crews, cameras and reporters caught every moment of the celebration. With the aid of sponsors from the Cambodia Town area, the post-parade celebration at MacArthur Park generated an enormous amount of support as well. Overall the 3rd Annual Cambodian New Year Parade was a great success and a vast improvement on last year both economically and socially. The organizers are already looking forward to making next year’s
events even better! No sooner had the buzz surrounding the successful parade had died down, than two weeks later Cambodia Town was alive again with the sound of celebration. The “official” New Year took place on April 14, but the festivities had had to be pushed back one weekend due to the Toyota Grand Prix of Long photo: pagnawath khun
spread diversity and the coming together of a united city. The parade got underway at 9:30 in the morning and traveled throughout the Cambodian business district and ended in MacArthur Park with live music, exhibits and vendors. After a flood of complaints due to last year’s parade and festivities, this year’s events were well monitored and policed. Parking, trash, congestion and the length of the festivities came under scrutiny from residents of the area frustrated with the hindrance on their daily lives. This region is an important transportation route to the St. Mary Medical Center and this had posed a problem in last year’s celebration. However, this year’s organizing committee solved all of the worries of previous years and moved forward. The committee feels that, in what is after all, only the third year of this event, each year is bound to be a learning experience. The parade itself was a flawless show which attracted crowds of up to 20,000 and exhibited Khmer culture in a
Bob Foster, Long Beach Mayor
Beach. April 21 saw over a thousand carloads of people mill into El Dorado Park in Long Beach to enjoy the music, atmosphere and worry-free attitude that encompass Khmer New Year. A $30 per car entrance fee was a much needed boost to the local economy - increased commu-
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California Style more photos can be found at www.cambodianewsonline.com
photo: kinmhan peou
photo: pagnawath khun
nity input was the goal of this year’s festivities. This one week delay allowed the religious elders to spend the New Year at local temples, as well as being able to experience the excitement at El Dorado Park. California’s Cambodian population is by far the largest in the United States, a fact reinforced on April 21 with tens of thousands of people entering El Dorado Park sampling traditional Khmer food, activities and entertainment. Co-organizers Peter Long and Richer San were pleased to both introduce and enjoy the show on three new classical stages featuring: comedy, twoperson plays and opera. Over 20 booths selling American, Cambodian and other Asian cultural food were a big hit at the park. The beauty of this year’s events at El Dorado Park was the diversity of entertainment. Featured was a religious booth which included monk chanting and the customary sand hill ceremony for spiritual
Playing traditional games at El Dorado Park. photo: kinmhan peou
photo: kinmhan peou
photo: pagnawath khun
Dancing, singing, parades, traditional costumes … Khmer New Year gave something to everyone this year in Long Beach. photo: pagnawath khun
A local TV host interviews Danh Monica, the Cambodian singer, after her performance at MacArthur Park in Long Beach.
visitors. There were face painting stations and prizes given out to the winners of a long line of games such as Boh Angkhugn and Chaul Chhoung. 37 year old Vengtry John, a Service Engineer for Mitsubishi, who lives in Long Beach said that he “was very proud to see the different activities that they play at that time, especially games for the kids, culture dancing shows and other performing, all increases from last year.” All the while, a chain of live bands and local celebrities captivated the onlookers at the main stage. There truly was something for everybody at this year’s Cambodian New Year celebration at El Dorado. Even more excitement was generated with four lucky draws featuring a grand prize of a return trip for four to Cambodia. Cambodian-Americans have the same practices as traditional Khmer; Moha Songkran followed by Vanabat followed by Tngai Laeung Saka. In the United States, traditional worship at temple is customary followed by Khmer games and socializing. Cambodians in the
United States, however, do not practice the customary symbolic cleansing with water. On the parade day, the crowd packed onto Anaheim Street as dancers, musicians, monks and other cultural performers entertained the thousands in attendance. Spectators motivated and encouraged the crowd and artists by waving Cambodian flags and cheering as the floats and marchers went past. According to organizers of the event, there is a remarkable increase in the number of people attending the show and parade, along with the number of floats. One float represented an amazing 12th Century royal Cambodian court magnificently created with gold costumed king, queens, tattooed soldiers and brilliantly colored court ladies marching alongside. According to costume designer, Narinne So, the whole parade brought to life the cherished remembrances of the Cambodian Empire which fell 900 years ago. There was a great emphasis on the rich culture and tradition of the coun-
try. Many people spent sleepless nights for months waiting for this day. Some of the participants revealed that they along with the group prepared the rich costumes, jewellery, parasols, bows, arrows and spears well in advance for the show. Even the residents of Long Beach showed tremendous interest and a great deal of enthusiasm to make the show a great success. One resident of Long Beach, Sammeth, along with his friends, showed enormous dedication to design and build the float over a period of nearly three months – apart from playing the role of a king. There was laughter, fun and excitement everywhere. Most of the families attended the parade and then left for MacArthur Park. One of the parade emcees announced that it is important for the current generation, many of whose parents came to America as refugees many years ago, to preserve the culture and heritage of Cambodia. Some dignitaries and politicians referred to the ongoing push for an official Cambodian Town designation for the Cambodian business district where the parade took place. City Council member Suja Lowenthal commented at the end of the parade, “this year it’s Anaheim Street and next year this will be Cambodian Town.” The crowd cheered and applauded as the statement was broadcast. The parade came to an end with Mayor Bob Foster making a strong speech and presenting a vote of thanks to all the top officials, dignitaries and celebrities who had made it to the show. Many Cambodian celebrities and dignitaries attended the parade including Soben Huon, Miss Utah and Danh Monika, a Cambodian movie star. These attractions brought more than 50 companies, a massive improvement on last years parade, and with the help of over 400 volunteers the event at El Dorado Park was a brilliant success. Regardless of the style of celebration, throughout Cam bodia, parts of America and the rest of the world, Khmer New Year was enjoyed by all. The four main pockets of Cambodian-Americans are located in Long Beach, Fresno and Stockton, California as well as Lowell, Massachusetts. Each area had their own New Year celebration but none near as large or well organized as that in Long Beach. There is no wonder it is the unquestioned sister city of Phnom Penh. ( Additional Report: Kimhan Peou). By Pagnawath Khun
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Illegal immigration con-artist jailed
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Brunei-Cambodia ties strengthened by Sultan's visit P Diplomatic relations between Brunei and Cambodia were initiated in 1992, and recent times have seen efforts made to consolidate the links between the two countries. Both countries are members of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), and 2006 and 2007 in particular have been years of open discussion on strengthened bilateral ties and cooperation. One of the most important issues on the agenda is oil. Brunei is the third largest producer of crude oil in the region and the two countries have been in discussions regarding Cambodian imports of oil from Brunei. In addition, recent discoveries of Cambodian offshore oil and gas deposits have led to expectations that Cambodia will begin its own oil production by 2010. Cambodia has stated publicly that it will welcome advice from other countries on managing its new resources. The Cambodian Ambassador to Brunei, Mr Nan Sy, recently held talks with Brunei's Minister of Energy and representatives of the Brunei National Petroleum Company. The Cambodian Ambassador
to Brunei has also held discussions with the Managing Director of the Brunei Investment Agency, the Managing Director of BLNG (Brunei Liquefied Natural Gas) and the General Manager of Baiduri Bank in Brunei. Discussions with the latter focused on Cambodia's banking system and investment from Brunei in this area. During his visit to Cambodia, His Majesty the Sultan celebrated ties between Brunei and Cambodia at a banquet given in his honor at the Royal Palace. He noted the respect, friendship and goodwill between the two countries and congratulated the Cambodian people on their sensitivity and humility. At the same time, his speech lauded Cambodia's recent economic and social achievements and its moves towards development. The Sultan confirmed that the two countries would continue to work towards the future as partners. Meanwhile, most ordinary people in Cambodia are keenly aware of Brunei and its position and importance to Cambodia. A profile of the Sultan is even included in one of the
Headway books, the most used English teaching aids in Cambodia. By Roo Griffiths
Flashflood in Thailand The Sultan of Brunei recently made a four-day trip to Cambodia.
Fish in Philippines's rice paddies become extinct grams of dry weight: ash, 14.42 percent; crude fat, 10.83 percent; crude fiber, 0.52 percent; crude protein, 70.43 percent; and nitrogen free extract, 3.80 percent. With this rich protein content, authorities see that the dojo has great potential to be part of the solution to the region's malnutrition problem. In recent surveys Mountain Province was ranked sixth among the ten
regions for poor nutrition among residents. In fact, results from "Operation-Timbang" indicate that 9.53 percent of all school children in the province have a diet that is below the accepted rate of nutrition. In a meeting among local authorities, Paulo Pagteilan suggested giving attention to the dojo fish to help address the malnutrition problem in the region. He urged authorities to photo: daniel
PHILIPPINES - In the Banaue Rice Terraces, a famous landmark in the Philippines and an area of outstanding natural beauty, fishing in the rice paddies has always been a tradition. Unfortunately, in the past few years, fish stocks in the terraces have fallen and some species have actually become extinct. Thankfully, local authorities have begun to recognize the benefits of these protein-rich fish and are working on ways to increase the fish population. Arsenia Bolasco, a coordinator of Provincial Fisheries has conducted studies on Misgurnus Anguillicaudus, locally known as dojo. Dojo is a kind of mudfish which was abundant in terraces until the late 1990's. These fish thrive well in the rice paddies, where algae, rice pollen, weeds, insects and rotting plants serve as their sources of food. Bolasco's studies have revealed that this fish has a high level of protein in comparison to other kinds of fish. Moreover, University of St. Louis laboratories examined the dojo fish and revealed it has the following content per 100
Experts are studying ways to save the fish populations in the Philippines' famous rice terraces.
photo: caexpo.org
HNOM PENH - On Wednesday, April 4, 2007, a riot of flags waved in the streets of Phnom Penh as the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, made his first official visit to Cambodia. The busy four-day trip kicked off in Cambodia's capital with separate meetings between the Sultan and King Norodom Sihamoni, Prime Minister Hun Sen, Senate Chief Chea Sim and National Assembly Leader Heng Samrin. On Friday morning, His Majesty the Sultan viewed activities of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces Special Forces "Airborne 911" in Kambol, just outside Phnom Penh. Members of the Special Forces have taken part in overseas training in the US, Australia and Indonesia, and His Majesty the Sultan witnessed a guard of honor and demonstrations of sniper skills, martial arts and antiterror tactics. Later that day, he traveled up to Siem Reap to visit Angkor Wat and a demining project in the area before leaving on Saturday April 7 from Siem Reap International Airport.
A 38 year old fraudster who organized illegal immigration into Cambodia from Vietnam was sentenced to two years in prison by the Kon Tum provincial court on April 13. A Kak and nine other Central Highlands residents were arrested by Cambodian police in O Ya Dao district on December 30, 2006 and were later extradited to Vietnam. On January 5, 2007, A Kak was prosecuted by Kon Tum province's police for "masterminding illegal immigrations." He pleaded guilty to immigration fraud, and admitted that he had organized crossborder migration for people through jungle tracks. Kak also admitted that he had duped his unsuspecting victims by promising well-paid jobs for them once they arrived in Cambodia, and charged a brokerage fee of between 2 and 3 million VND for each victim. The court also ordered Kak to pay 6 million VND in restitution to his victims. (VNA)
consider a dojo fish project because the fish don't need to be fed with commercial feeds, nor do they need to be domesticated because they propagate on their own. Among the common causes for the decline in the population of the dojo fish are such factors as the introduction of the golden kuhol, the mosquito fish, and use of chemical inputs in the rice paddies. Farmers in the province report that the dojo fish population started to decline in the year 1970 when the golden kuhol was introduced in the agricultural industry in their region. They argue that the golden kuhol eats the eggs of the dojo fish, causing its population to drop. For this reason there are local programs which are aimed at eradicating the golden kuhol in the rice paddies as a way to increase the population of the dojo fish. Like the introduction of golden kuhol in the same year, the introduction of Kelkelyat, the local name of the Mosquito fish, are believed to be another cause of the decline of the dojo fish population. Local farmers
believe that kelkelyat eats the eggs and fingerlings of the dojo fish. Some local folks have pleaded with their relatives to acquire a taste for kelkelyat so that they would fish this breed to extinction, knowing that these fish do not benefit them in their farming. Chemical fertilizers are also believed to have contributed to the decline of the dojo population. Since the introduction of chemical fertilizers, the dojo fish numbers have gone down. The decline in the population is most evident in the areas were chemical fertilizers were most used such as in Bauko, Barlig, Besao, Bontoc, Natoni, Sabangan, Sadanga, Sagada, and Tandian. In areas and places where traditional farming has been practiced and in areas not infested with golden kuhol, the dojo fish continues to thrive and propagate. The local authorities of Mountain Province see the dojo fish as a means to help address their malnutrition problem. Now their strategic plan to come up with concrete ways to increase the dojo fish population includes going back to the traditional ways of farming. By Joel Orcena
Rescue workers searched for survivors on Sunday, after a flash flood killed at least 35 holidaymakers bathing in waterfalls in the southern Thai province of Trang yesterday. A torrent of water poured over the waterfalls on a southern Thai mountain, packed with picnickers and swimmers celebrating the country's New Year. The flash floods, triggered by heavy rains, swept over the two waterfalls in the Bantad Hill Range south of Bangkok. Most of the victims died due to being hit by rocks after they fell in the force of the water, and dozens of people are still missing, according to officials. The area was particularly crowded because of the fiveday Songkran holiday weekend celebrating Buddhist New Year, when Thais traditionally head home or into the countryside for some of the hottest days of the year. The floods were caused by three consecutive days of rain that raced down the steep Bantad mountain range. The Meteorological Department issued a warning for more possible flash floods in the area, due to continuing rain.
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"Lost" child comes home after 24 years embraced by her birth mother, María Venancia Sáenz , who would describe the day as the best gift she'd ever received. "A gift from God," the mother said, squeezing Berghaus's arm. The fulfillment of a hope kept alive through years of grieving and uncertainty. Tuesday's emotionally charged reunion, occurring in a small town near the Honduran border, was more than a private homecoming. It was one of hundreds of such reunions that have taken place in El Salvador over the past decade, aided by advances in DNA matching and an intensifying campaign to bring closure to victimized families, if not justice to those who violated them long ago.
France's train à grande vitesse or TGV: The fastest conventional train in the world
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ARIS - The high speed train program in France was started in the late 1960s. One of the reasons for the train program in France was that Japan had begun to construct the Shinkansen, their high speed train, in 1959. In the beginning,
the magnetic levitation train were explored. Because of this, the project was initially denied government funding. The idea of SNCF, or the French National Railway, for the High Speed train was to develop a complete high speed rail system,
was that the infrastructure already existed in the heart of many cities, so prohibitively expensive new buildings and tracks would not have to be built. TGV 001 was the first prototype train for the high-speed system photo: arikah.net
The house was decorated with ribbons and balloons as Suzanne Berghaus walked toward it. The 26-year-old social worker from Wilmington, Massachusetts would later recall how beautiful the place looked with its colorful bunting and hand-lettered sign welcoming her home. "Te Queremos Mucho," the sign read - "We love you very much." Valentín Argueta greeted her at the front gate. It was the first time he'd laid eyes on his youngest child in 24 years, since her kidnapping by government soldiers during El Salvador's long and bloody civil war. In Spanish, a language mostly foreign to Berghaus, he asked his daughter for her forgiveness. Moments later she was
N. Korea aids Iran in nuclear testing North Korea is helping Iran to prepare an underground nuclear test similar to the one Pyongyang carried out last year. Under the terms of a new understanding between the two countries, the North Koreans have agreed to share all the data and information they received from their successful test last October with Teheran's nuclear scientists. North Korea provoked an international outcry when it successfully exploded a nuclear bomb at a secret underground location, and Western intelligence officials are convinced that Iran is working on its own weapons program. According to a senior defense official North Korea has invited a team of Iranian nuclear scientists to study the results of last October's underground test, to assist Teheran's preparations to conduct its own test - possibly by the end of this year. There were unconfirmed reports at the time of the Korean firing that an
Iranian team was present. Iranian military advisers regularly visit North Korea to participate in missile tests. At present, the long-standing military co-operation between the countries has been extended to nuclear issues. As a result, senior western military officials are deeply concerned that the North Koreans' technical superiority will allow the Iranians to accelerate development of their own nuclear weapon. According to the defense official Iran is closely working with the North Koreans to study the results of last year's North Korean nuclear bomb test. Indications are that the Iranians are putting all their efforts towards launching their underground nuclear test. The disclosure of the nuclear co-operation between North Korea and Iran comes, as Teheran seems set on a collision course with the West over its nuclear program, although it insists it is entirely peaceful.
Nagasaki Mayor killed by gunman An assassin with alleged links to the underworld shot and killed the mayor of Nagasaki yesterday. Mayor Iccho Ito was shot just before 8 p.m. local time outside a busy Nagasaki train station as he was returning to his headquarters after a day of campaigning for reelection. Police said he died early this morning. Nagasaki was the second city ever attacked with an atomic bomb, and Ito, a vocal opponent of nuclear proliferation, used the pulpit provided by that legacy to press a pacifist message to the world. His comments during bombing anniversaries have criticized the United States as well as North Korea and Iran for contributing to proliferation. Ito, 61, was campaigning for a fourth, four-year term in municipal elections, to be held Sunday. Bystanders and police tackled the gunman after he fired the
shots. Japanese TV showed him being shoved into a police car and an ambulance slowly taking the mayor away from the scene. Japanese media reports quoted police asserting that the suspect had confessed to pulling the trigger. Police said the gunman was Tetsuya Shiroo, 59, head of an underworld faction that is part of a national criminal syndicate called the Yamaguchi-gumi. Japanese media quoted police sources saying that Shiroo had not offered a motive for the shooting. But there were reports that Shiroo had been engaged in disputes with Ito's City Hall over bids for local public works projects. Japanese crime syndicates have ties to some nationalist political organizations and there was immediate speculation that the shooting may have been politically motivated.
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The fastest conventional train in the world, France's TGV train rockets down the rails.
the program was often considered a dead end, due to the current wisdom concerning the "steel wheel on the steel rail" area of technology. So instead, more modern technologies like the jet powered hover train and
not just a train. This rail system was to remain compatible with the infrastructure of the railway that was already in place. One of most important benefits of using the same existing infrastructure for the new high-speed train
in France. It achieved a speed of 198 miles (318.650112 kilometers) per hour, and this remains the record today for a train that is not electrically powered. The design of all the TGV train models including the very noticeable
nose shape, are based on the original designs of Frenchman Jacques Cooper. On February 26, 1981, France's high speed train Number 16 broke a world record when it reached a speed of 236 miles per hour with no safety problems. On September 27, 1981, the first high-speed train that was loaded with paying passengers left Paris, France. That record of 1981 was beaten on May 18, 1990, with a new record of 320.3 miles per hour, but newer generation train equipment was used to achieve this speed. On April 3, 2007, this last record was broken by another French high speed train with a maximum speed of 357.2 miles per hour. This speed is more than half of the speed of sound. The latest record breaker by the high speed train in Paris on April 3, 2007, amassed a huge turnout from both the French public and the press. The new high-speed conventional train record was set on the newest high-speed train line, the Paris to Strasbourg line. A special train was used for this run that was made up of two locomotives as well as three passenger cars, and the train had additional engines set in between the cars. France is not the only country to have high speed train systems. The other leading countries that have high speed train systems are Japan, which had the first high speed train system in the world, Spain, Germany, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. All of these countries have the best state-of-the-art train equipment available. The train system in Sweden is quite like that in the United States in some ways. The United Kingdom also ranks high with their IC 225 train, which can operate at 125 miles per hour. By Long Nipaul
Shinhan Bank eyes wholly-owned bank in Cambodia SEOUL, South Korea Shinhan Bank said in midApril that it plans to establish a wholly-owned commercial lender in Cambodia in an effort to tap the country's growing project financing market. The flagship unit of Shinhan Financial Group said the envisioned bank will be set up in Phnom Penh as early as September. "Cambodia has high demand for project financing since there has been a social
infrastructure construction boom in the Southeast Asian country," a bank official said. Shinhan Bank also said it has applied for regulatory approval to set up its third branch in India. Currently, it has branches in Mumbai and New Delhi. In addition, the bank said it is pushing to upgrade its Chinese branch to a wholly-owned lender. Shinhan Bank's overseas push comes as its chief executive officer has recently stressed the importance of expanding
overseas operations. "Local banks need to look to overseas markets instead of competing with one another in the crowded domestic market," Shin Sang-hoon said at a ceremony marking the first anniversary of the bank's merger. Shinhan Bank merged with Chohung Bank in April last year to become South Korea's third-largest lender. Meanwhile, top lender Kookmin Bank said it plans to open branches in Ho Chi Minh
City, Vietnam and Almaty, Kazakhstan as part of efforts to boost its overseas business. No. 5 lender Korea Exchange Bank, controlled by U.S. Lone Star Funds, is also pushing to advance into Dubai, according to sources. "Domestic banks' overseas expansion is aimed at finding new revenue sources in the highly competitive local market amid tighter rules on housing loans," a local bank official said. (Yonhap) By Kim Soo-yeon
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US cracks down on illegal entry into the country
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School massacre stuns the world B
LACKSBURG, Virginia - In the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history, 33 people died at Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Lone gunman, Cho Seung-Hui, was the 33rd to die as he committed suicide after taking the lives of 32
door and kicking it down. In a total of 4 rooms Cho continued his deadly spree. Cho was armed with two guns, a Glock 19 semi-automatic and a Walther .22 calibre pistol. Both of these weapons are easily bought anywhere across the United
ning a letter and videos sent by Cho to the NBC studio. The eerie videos showed Cho angrily speaking in the past tense towards the religious and the wealthy. "You had everything you wanted. Your Mercedes wasn't enough, you brats. Your golden necklaces
nough. Those weren't enough to fulfill your hedonistic needs. You had everything." Cho was obviously mentally unstable and had even spent time in mental hospitals in the months leading up to the attack. Cho was accused of stalking two women on the photo: screenshot from cnn
The Virginia Tech killings set off a media frenzy of shock, mourning, and speculation. A video sent to the NBC television network made by the shooter, Cho Seung-Hui, shocked the world even further.
States. The Glock was bought at Roanoke Firearms, Virginia. Roanoke Firearms owner John Markell said "It was a very unremarkable sale. He was a nice, clean-cut college kid. We won't sell a gun if we have any idea at all that a purchase is suspicious." Cho was a legal immigrant who moved to America with his family in 1992 at the age of 8. His parents owned a
photo: nbc news
Cho Seung-Hui
Virginia Tech campus. Support has been made available to students and staff at Virginia Tech who resumed class on April 23rd. A Statewide Day of Mourning was held on April 20th. Acts of respect have been taken all across the world for the lost and the families of the lost. These acts perpetrated by Cho Seung-Hui marked the worst mass shooting in US illustration: joel orcena
other students and professors. The horrific day at the school began at 7:15am when Cho entered a dormitory and killed two people and left many others wounded. The nightmare continued at 9:45am when a call to emergency services was placed citing gunfire inside another campus building with dozens of classrooms. Police arrived on the scene to find the doors chained from the inside. Once the chains were broken, officers followed sounds of gunfire where they found the Cho had taken his own life. Police found 33 victims dead, including Cho, and another 29 wounded. Witnesses painted a chilling picture of the Cho's attack. In the first classroom he entered, Cho simply opened the door and began picking off his victims. Students dropped under their desks in silence. Cho, silently, walked up and down the isles shooting at random. After hearing these shots, students in another class attempted to block the door with bodies. Cho disposed of them by shooting through the
Location of the Virginia school shootings
Laundromat in nearby Centreville, Virginia. A further development in the shootings was the later discovery of a package contai-
weren't enough, you snobs. Your trust fund wasn't enough. Your vodka and cognac weren't enough. All your debaucheries weren't e-
history. The Virginia Tech shootings are hopefully the last of a long line of killings in educational institutions. By Patrick Johnston
CALIFORNIA - Recent campaigns on the west coast of the United States confirm American policies to reduce and eliminate illegal immigration and entry to the country. In fact. by April 3 the end of a 2-week operation - a total of 359 people had been arrested and held in San Diego for illegally entering the United States. The arrests included people from Cambodia, Cuba, Israel, Laos, Thailand, and Mexico. While some are of those involved are still detained in jail for a hearing from an immigration judge, others have been sent home to their respective countries. Reports on the case suggests that people from around fifteen countries were involved. The stern action is part of "Operation Return to Sender" launched in 2006 and having an impressive record of 18,000 arrests across USA. The main focus of the operation is to target illegal immigrants who have ignored deportation orders, and those with criminal records. According to officials from the immigration office, of those arrested fifty people are reported to have had prior criminal records including offences for robbery, drug trafficking and drug violations, and child molestation. Almost all of the arrests took place in the homes of those arrested and only 62 of the accused were on the list of the main targets under operation "Return to Sender." The remaining people arrested were simply around when the main targets got arrested resulting in "collateral arrest." According to most critics, the operation has kindled fear across the nation of similar repeat campaigns. The Customs Enforcement Field Director responsible for removal and detention in San Diego has stated that it is important to obey the immigration court's order whenever it is given - or risk being chased home by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. But the director of the American Friends Service Committee in San Diego, Pedro Rios, feels that the operation has not served its purpose completely, and does not prove to be an ideal method for enforcement. According to him, the whole program is done to target criminals but obviously there is more to it. The arrests came in amidst enhanced immigration enforcement. March saw the
arrest of 361 workers at a leather factory in New Bedford, Massachusetts and, in an another operation, around 70 people got arrested, many of them without supporting documents, at an employment consultancy in Maryland. President George W Bush recently discussed border security issues and immigration reforms while in Arizona. During his speech, he highlighted many points on maintaining law and order as well as a comprehensive strategy to reform the current immigration system. The President has emphasized border security by giving priority to catching those who enter illegally and by making it harder for people to cross borders. Many vital steps are expected to strengthen enforcement of immigration laws within the country. A temporary worker program is expected to take pressure off the border and bring workers from out of the shadows, but does not offer amnesty to those who have already crossed illegally. Interior repatriation promises to break the cycle of illegal immigration. This program enables many Mexicans who have been caught trying to cross the US border illegally to be flown back to Mexico and then bused to their hometowns in the interior part of the country. In the pilot program alone nearly 35,000 illegal immigrants were flown to Mexico from the deserts of West Arizona through interior repartition. But this method has not been seen as effective by everyone. Another, more effective tool, according to the President, is a process called expedited removal. Under expedited removal, illegal immigrants are detained and placed into streamlined proceedings. It allows the USA to deport them within an average of 32 days, almost three times faster than usual. America has always been perceived to be a compassionate nation -taking great pride in its immigrant heritage and respecting newcomers. At the same time, it is a nation built upon the rule of law. Those entering the country without permission to do so llegally violate the law. In upholding the ideals of this free and welcoming nation, the laws of the country must surely be enforced. By Sry Ariya Hout
Traffic accidents: More deaths on the roads for New Year 2007
Check your bus station‌ Whatever it says in your travel guide, make sure you check your bus station carefully with your travel agent when you buy a ticket for internal travel in Cambodia. There are many
bus companies, and evolving regulations mean that they may not be able to park in the same place as before, both on arrival and departure. Do ask your travel agent exactly where to go from and where you will arrive so you will be clear and have a safe journey. Some travel agents arrange a pick-up - this should help things go more smoothly. Koh Kong border an option Traveling from Bangkok
deaths numbered 54 and injuries 496. Police figures, compared with 2006, show an increase of 8 in deaths from traffic accidents. The reasons for accidents included drunk driving, drivers disobeying traffic rules and aggressive driving, among others. A source from Calmette Hospital said that during the three days of New Year, those hospitalized after being involved in traffic accidents in the various provinces, included six deaths, 68 cases of serious injury and 10 cases of minor injury. According to a report by Raksmey Kampuchea Daily, one alarming accident was caused by a crash between two cars, leading to eight deaths on the eve of the New Year. Of 10 people sitting in one car, only two were able to escape death. Among those killed were two young girls -aged 11 and 1 year old. The tragic incident occurred along National Road 6 in Thamaneat village, Taing Krasang commune, Santouk district, Kampog Thom province at 1am on April 13, 2007. This accident was said to be the largest tragedy occurring in Kampong Thom province in the past five years. A man in a nearby truck, whose leg was injured in the accident, said that he saw a car driving at high speed, with a driver who was seemingly nodding his head. The car veered off to the wrong side of the road and almost crashed off the side. Seeing this, the truck driver veered to the left to avoid being part of the accident. It seemed that the car driver awoke and then turned to the right, causing a direct impact with the truck's right wheel. He did not see any sign that the driver of the car had attempted to brake, the man added. By Thida Phuong
travel tips across the border with Koh Kong used to be only possible if you spent a night in Koh Kong then took the boat to Sihanoukville then the bus to Phnom Penh. Now the road from Koh Kong to Phnom Penh has been greatly improved, with bridges replacing the ferries. You can get through the border by lunchtime and take a taxi direct to Phnom Penh. This is a very full day, though, and expensive if you are alone. The road is stunning, however, and well worth a look if you can. ATMs in major cities It used to be almost impossible to withdraw money in Cambodia. Now, with the arrival of ATMs through ANZ Royal in 2005, other banks are copying the trend and you can withdraw money throughout the major cities. The imminent arrival has been announced of
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Captivated by Cambodia: Foreigners drop in and never leave
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HNOM PEHN - Cambodia has dealt with its fair share of foreigners even in historical times. Angkor Wat became a massive destination after being rediscovered in the French colonial period, and over time more and more foreigners have settled down to open up businesses. When Cambodia started to profile itself as an open and safe country, the aid organizations rushed in as well, boosting the amount of NGOs starting operations in the cities and countryside, and giving rise to a large expatriate community. Cambodia has become a popular expatriate destination mainly as a result of these many NGOs, and also because of its easy visa regulations. As with any developing country, Cambodia needs its foreign resources so that it can remain competitive with neighboring countries in terms of investment. "I arrived in Cambodia nearly four years ago. I was just traveling around the region and was charmed by Cambodia" says Andre Ruys, a Dutch citizen who owns a local tour company in Phnom Penh. "Maybe Kim Wilde's song 'Cambodia' played a role in my deciding to stay here", he jokes. "I met my current business partner, Menno, and we decided to set up a small travel agency that focused on the unexplored Cambodia. It was surprisingly easy to set up something in Cambodia", he
continues. Andre married his Cambodian wife Lily two years ago and together they also set up an orphanage in Phnom Penh. Now they are opening a small hotel in Siem Reap and it seems that Andre will stay in Cambodia for some time to come. "There's no need to return home. Cambodia has all the possibilities now and we are
EMV Chip cards, so it seems that the kingdom is moving into the world of electronic payments: carrying piles of money may soon not be necessary. Things are different in rural areas, of course, so make sure you have cash and keep it safe if you are traveling outside the main cities.
plenty of fluids, and get hold of rehydration salts available cheaply at pharmacies throughout the country. However, be aware of horrors such as giardia and dysentery, and consult a doctor immediately if your stomach does not improve or you see anything out of the ordinary.
What to do with a bad stomach Every traveler gets cast down with a bad stomach at some point. Being unaccustomed to the food, or drinking untreated water, or using ice in the countryside can all lead to a dose of Kampuchea Belly. In many cases, this is only mild food poisoning: rest, take in
Panic on arrival: Which tout to take? On arriving in a new destination, you will be faced with a huge crowd clamoring to drive you. You can avoid this by booking a hotel and arranging a pick-up. If you can not do this, be aware that the drivers are usually given commission: if you do not want to go to their guesthouse, walk on a little bit and take a driver from the back, firmly stating your destination. It is usually not a problem to get where you want if you are sure you know where you want to go.
photos: pagnawath khun
PHNOM PENH - The three-day traditional New Year celebrations were held with excitement in April. The arrival of the Buddhist Year of the Pig, 2551, saw people enjoying popular games, dancing, singing, throwing water sacks at each other and tossing powder around in the streets, in public gardens and at resorts. Those who stayed in Phnom Penh took their relatives and friends to visit Wat Phnom, the gardens in front of the Royal Palace, Hun Sen Park and other outdoor spaces. At night, these spaces were lit and fireworks lit the sky. However, as with previous years, over half of the population of Phnom Penh returned to their hometowns in the provinces. The city was relatively silent: a lack of people was a major factor in the low rate of crime during the period. In addition, district police guards were in place in all areas popular with domestic tourists and happy families. Despite the silence and the small amount of inhabitants, Phnom Penh traffic police have revealed that were 10 traffic accidents in the city. This represents four times the amount of deaths per day as compared with a normal (non-festival) day. In 2006, the Belgium NGO Handicap International released statistics which showed that traffic accidents caused 46 deaths and 816 injuries during Khmer New Year. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport has revealed that New Year 2007 saw 270 traffic accident cases countrywide, causing 50 deaths (12 of which were in Kampong Thom province). There were 511 cases of injury, 256 of these serious. Police sources also noted 270 traffic accident cases, but
travel
The wonders of Angkor Wat are but a small reason why foreigners become make their homes in Cambodia.
all happy here. I have no idea what I would be doing back home!" Besides the travel business, teaching English is big in Cambodia for expatriates. "I was traveling around and was amazed by Cambodia", says Stephen Longley, who has been teaching for around three and a half years in Siem Reap. "The
smiles and friendliness from the people got me captivated. The students in Cambodia are the best. They are very eager and understand that it's a step forward in life to learn another language", he explains. On the question of what he would do back home in the UK, Stephen is short: "I'd get a qualified degree in teaching and leave again to teach in a country where people have the same willingness to learn as Cambodians have." Many people seem to intend just to pass through Cambodia and then get entranced by its beauty and hospitality. Backpackers end up working for NGOs or as English teachers, international organizations send many of its employees out to work in Cambodia who then stay, and others simply find it a great place to retire. Now that the visa policy has changed in Thailand, it is predicted that more foreigners will settle down in Cambodia. "Sihanoukville will get a lot of new foreign residents I think. The new visa policy in Thailand will force people to leave the country for three months, and what we call now 'the visa run' will soon become a visa stay", says restaurant owner Tony, who himself settled down in Cambodia after Thailand announced its new policy. "It's great out here, I'm not going anywhere for the time to come", he concludes. By Daniel de Gruiter
Angkor Wat complex villagers made homeless by Apsara Authority On March 30, houses were dismantled in Chong Kaosou village, Slakram commune, and Siem Reap province by the Apsara Authority, the government body managing Angkor Wat. The Apsara Authority claims that the land belongs to the state and that the people were illegal squatters, most of them had recently arrived and were "not really poor." The Apsara Authority also claims that the number of families involved was only 40, a contradiction of NGO figures which suggest that the number was closer to 300. NGOs maintain that the families are poor and arrived through migration. Families say that they knew the land was state land but had no choice but
to settle temporarily as they had no other land. A spokeswoman reveals that families are now living in tents nearby, and are without water in the heat.
During the eviction, NGO workers were taken in for questioning by police and four villagers were said to have been arrested. The Apsara Authority was said to have given a week's notice of the eviction and a request to postpone this was not heeded. The Apsara Authority aims to build a cultural tourism city on the land.
sports
12
cambodia news
&
world report
may 2007
www.cambodianewsonline.com
Cristiano Ronaldo: Soccer sensation P
night in 2005, Ronaldo has been facing the cameras for years. This incident, as well as countless other claims, have proven that Ronaldo cannot be swayed by the woeful British media. He is currently leading Manchester United towards a Premiership title, aiming to stop Chelsea's two year reign in England. He is only the third player ever to be awarded the Barclay's Player of the Month in two consecutive months - in November, December of 2006. On April 24 Ronaldo was awarded the titles "Player of the Year and "Young player of the Year" -
becoming the second ever to be awarded both titles together (the last player to do this was Andy Gray of Aston Villa, in 1977). One of the worlds highest paid players, and with a host of websites dedi-
cated to him, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson recently said "I think, at this moment in time, he is the best player in the world." Not only is Cristiano Ronaldo a star in England, he has completed 45 games for Portugal and scored 17 goals - astounding for a midfielder. At only 22, he is well on his way towards becoming the best footballer in the world, after being crowned 2005 FIFPro Special Young Player of the Year. Ronaldo has shown he is truly world class during his short career thus far for both Manchester United and Portugal, and is sure to be amongst the world's elite before his illustrious life in soccer comes to a close. Until that time, he will continue to be the focus of tabloids, fabricated
scandal and brilliant football. By Patrick Johnston
photo: matthew peters / getty images
Ronaldo has learned to cope with the media torment. The spotlight shines strongly on a young man who is just coming into his own. Faced with accusations of rape after an October
photo: pracadarepublica.weblog.com.pt
ORTUGAL - Just 22 years old and leading the most famous soccer club in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo is living a dream. The native of Madeira, Portugal could not have imagined he would reach such a level of success. Not only is he the leading goal-scorer for Manchester United, he is leading the English Premier League in goals for midfielders, shattering the competition. The league average for midfielders up to this point in the season is 1.36 goals, compared to Ronaldo's 18. Although many knew Ronaldo would be a phenomenal footballer, nobody could have imagined he would reach this height of fan-fare. After recently committing to spend his future with Manchester United, Ronaldo is as big a hit with the fans as he is with the ladies. Questioned due to theatrical antics during some games,
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