KI Media

Cambodia denies premier's daughter taking stake in air traffic firm

2009-11-23T23:01:00.002+07:00

Mon, 23 Nov 2009
DPA

Phnom Penh - Cambodia rejected Monday a Thai media claim that the daughter of Prime Minister Hun Sen is to take a stake in a Thai firm at the centre of a spying row. A cabinet statement said the government's management of Cambodia Air Traffic Services (CATS), a Thai-owned air traffic control firm, is temporary.

However, the statement did not indicate how long the government's hold over CATS would last.

"The spokesman wishes to stress, once again, that the Royal Government of Cambodia appointed its officials to temporarily supervise and manage the company, only to protect the national security and safety for Cambodian leaders," it said.

A Thai employee of CATS was arrested November 12 for allegedly leaking the flight details of Thailand's fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra during his recent visit to Cambodia.

Thaksin was in Cambodia in his capacity as an economic adviser to the Cambodian government and as a personal adviser to Hun Sen.

The two appointments and Thaksin's visit sparked a diplomatic row that plunged relations between the neighbouring countries to their lowest level in years, as each government recalled its ambassador.

15-Year-Old Girl Stabbs Taxi Driver

2009-11-23T22:59:00.000+07:00

11/23/2009
ShortNews.com

In Pailin province, Cambodia, a 15-year-old girl took a taxi to a secluded mountain where she then stabbed the taxi driver with a knife and attempted to rob him of his vehicle.

After the girl stabbed the taxi driver, he started yelling for help and some villagers who were nearby came to the man's aid. Police have arrested the teenage girl.

Source: www.phnompenhpost.com

Tongue tied

2009-11-23T22:55:00.002+07:00

November 24, 2009
FARIBORZ MOSHIRIAN
The Age (Australia)

DURING the recent press conference of US President Barack Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao, the two leaders did not address each other, and the body language of the two leaders indicated their frustration, which may reflect how difficult it was to come up with a joint statement. It is also noteworthy that the US official said that Obama's trip to China was only ''an important first step''.

Over the past few years, bilateral negotiations between the US and China have failed to resolve the problems - including the absence of a market-based exchange rate - that have contributed to the trade imbalance between the two countries.

In the absence of genuine reform of domestic policies by the US and China, it will be almost impossible for the G20 to achieve its goal of a ''framework for strong, sustainable, balanced growth'' in the years ahead. The lack of an effective global or regional framework to resolve the economic policy differences between the US and China is also creating challenges for other countries whose currencies have increased in value in recent times due to the decline in the value of the US dollar.

The low value of the yuan is also discouraging exports from the US, the European Union and Asia to China. At the same time, China's goods are becoming increasingly cheaper in places such as Europe and Asia. There is also a danger that the low value of the US dollar, similar to the Connelly-Nixon era, will lead to lower living standards and higher inflation in the US.

In an increasingly integrated global economy, the US needs to focus not only on its relationship with China as a way of tackling global economic, financial and environmental challenges, it also needs to focus on the Asia-Pacific region and assess how key players there, including Japan and India, can become accountable towards each other and also economically and financially integrated.

The Obama-Hu summit led China to explicitly welcome the US role in the Asia-Pacific region. In other words, there is no fear that China wishes the US out of this region. The US must capitalise on the goodwill from China and work hard for a new, inclusive, accountable and transparent regional architecture that in turn will influence the domestic policies of the relationship with China far more effectively.

The great differences between Germany and France were gradually resolved not only by bilateral negotiations, but particularly when these two countries became part of a regional bloc in Europe and had to ensure that their domestic policies were consistent with the exigencies and requirements of European policies. Despite the argument that the Asia-Pacific region is different to the 27 European countries (which also have vast differences in religion, culture, language, per capita income), modern technology, including the internet and the highly interdependent global economy in the 21st century, are making nations in Asia more willing to work closely with each other.

Despite the vast differences in religion, culture, language and political systems among the 10 member countries forming ASEAN, this bloc is gradually integrating. However, its new toothless Human Rights Commission and tension between Thailand and Cambodia have highlighted the significance of other stronger nations (such as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea and India). These, with better track records on human rights, transparency and democratic systems, could work towards a more credible regional framework that includes ASEAN and China.

While Japan's new Prime Minister, Yukio Hatoyama, is keen for a regional community with these 16 nations, China is keen to work more closely with ASEAN. To counter the forces of ASEAN and close ties with China, the US is promoting the Trans-Pacific Partnership to assist the US and seven other countries to work towards a free trade zone and bring other nations in this region into such a partnership. It is almost a parallel force against ASEAN plus China and an indirect way of encouraging other nations to join this partnership rather than work with ASEAN plus China.

Such an approach may lead to further retarding of any cohesive regional architecture of which both China and the US could be members. At the same time, Russia is somehow left out in this process. It is part of APEC, though, but APEC is not an effective regional body, as testified by the recent statement of the APEC leaders' summit in Singapore where, for instance, the issue of a market-based foreign exchange could not have been frankly discussed as China did not support it. When climate change was discussed, there was even less commitment there. The absence of India from APEC also makes this forum less effective.

The recent meeting of Obama with ASEAN was an attempt to ensure that ASEAN was willing to embrace other countries in its bloc. The Obama Administration should capitalise on this momentum, particularly when the Obama-Hu summit led China to explicitly welcome the US's role in the Asia-Pacific region.

The inability of the US and China to adequately reform their domestic policies for the sake of regional and global interests, the lack of capacity of the G20 to bring its member countries to account except through peer review, and the difficulties in non-binding regional architectures so far should be justification enough to lead to the creation an effective framework for the emergence of an Asia-Pacific community that requires some accountability on the part of the member countries.

Obama's recent trip to Asia has created momentum for seriously promoting such a regional framework that could include ASEAN plus six and the US. Russia could also apply for membership over time. Such a regional approach will be more effective than simply relying on the US and China to reform their domestic policies in the absence of other key players such as Japan and India.

Fariborz Moshirian is professor of international finance at the Australian School of Business, University of NSW.

FACTBOX: Khmer Rouge casts lingering shadow over Cambodia

2009-11-23T22:52:00.001+07:00

Mon Nov 23, 2009

(Reuters) - Closing arguments began on Monday in the trial of chief Khmer Rouge interrogator Duch, the first senior Pol Pot cadre to face a U.N.-backed "Killing Fields" tribunal in Cambodia.

Here are some facts about the Khmer Rouge and how Cambodia is dealing with its legacy:

THE KILLING FIELDS

- Pol Pot's ultra-Maoist Khmer Rouge guerrillas launched a bloody agrarian revolution in 1975, five years after King Norodom Sihanouk was overthrown in a right-wing coup.

- An estimated 1.7 million people -- 21 percent of the population -- were executed or died of disease, starvation or overwork over the next four years in rural labor camps.

THE FALL OF THE KHMER ROUGE

- Vietnamese troops invaded in late 1978 and installed a communist government made up mostly of former Khmer Rouge cadres, including current Prime Minister Hun Sen. Hanoi withdrew in 1989.

- Fighting continued between the government and Khmer Rouge remnants between 1979 and 1991. Millions of Cambodians remained in refugee camps during the unrest.

SLOW ROAD TO JUSTICE

- A 1991 U.N.-brokered peace pact led to elections in 1993 and the restoration of Sihanouk as a constitutional monarch.

- In August 1999, two years after Cambodia asked the United Nations and the international community to help set up a Khmer Rouge genocide tribunal, the government said it wanted to maintain overall control of the court.

- The plan languished for years. Draft laws flew back and forth between Cambodia and the United Nations, and the tribunal's legitimacy was questioned in Cambodia.

CRUNCH TIME

- The United Nations gave the go-ahead for a $56.3 million, three-year trial in April 2005, but officials disagreed over the legalities of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, as the joint tribunal is known.

They finally agreed on the basic rules of the court in June 2007 and the first full trial, that of Duch, began in February 2009.

ON TRIAL:

- Five senior Khmer Rouge cadres have been arrested and charged variously with crimes against humanity and war crimes.
They are ex-president Khieu Samphan, former foreign minister Ieng Sary and his wife Khieu Thirith, "Brother Number Two" Nuon Chea, and Duch, who ran Phnom Penh's "S-21" torture and interrogation center.

- Pol Pot, architect of the Khmer Rouge's "Year Zero" peasant revolution, was captured in 1997 and died in April 1998. The one-legged military chief Ta Mok died in 2006.

LIVING LEGACY:

- Thirty years after the regime fell, more than 20,000 ex-Khmer Rouge soldiers and workers are said to live freely in the country. - Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen blasted the tribunal after an international co-prosecutor recommended five more suspects be investigated. Hun Sen said arresting more suspects could spark a civil war.

- While there is no evidence linking him to any atrocities, his government includes many former cadres.

Sources: Reuters, Cambodian Genocide Project (www.yale.edu/cgp/chron_v3.html )

(Writing by Gill Murdoch; Editing by Jason Szep)

Q+A: Cambodia's Khmer Rouge tribunal

2009-11-23T22:46:00.000+07:00

Mon Nov 23, 2009

(Reuters) - Closing arguments began on Monday in the trial of Pol Pot's chief torturer, the first for a top Khmer Rouge cadre 30 years after the end of a regime blamed for 1.7 million deaths in Cambodia.

Kaing Guek Eav, known as Duch, faces charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity while chief of the S-21 torture center, where more than 14,000 died during the 1975-79 Khmer Rouge era.

Below are some questions and answers about the tribunal:

WHY HAS IT TAKEN SO LONG FOR THE TRIALS TO START?

Cambodia asked the United Nations and the international community to help set up a tribunal more than a decade ago, but the government sought to retain control of the court. The plan languished for years, with draft laws flying back and forth.

The U.N. gave the go-ahead for the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, as the joint tribunal is known, in 2005.

The trial, originally expected to cost around $20 million a year over three years, was delayed by bail hearings, appeals and pre-trial machinations. The tribunal asked donors for a $143 million budget to run until 2010.

Many Cambodians have expressed frustration over the slow pace of bringing justice to Khmer Rouge leaders

HOW DOES THE JOINT TRIBUNAL WORK?

Conducted under a modified form of Cambodia's French-based judicial system, Cambodian and foreign judges and prosecutors will work together and try to reach unanimous decisions. If they cannot all agree, then a decision requires a "super-majority."

The Trial Chamber of three Cambodian and two foreign judges requires four to agree on a verdict. The seven-judge Supreme Court Chamber -- comprising four Cambodians and three foreigners handling appeals -- must have five judges in agreement.

Sentences can range from a minimum five years to a maximum of life in prison. There is no death penalty in Cambodia. The court can also seize money or property acquired unlawfully.

WHO HAS BEEN CHARGED SO FAR?

Duch is among five aging and infirm senior cadres facing various charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Trial dates have not been set for ex-president Khieu Samphan, former foreign minister Ieng Sary and his wife Ieng Thirith, and "Brother Number Two" Nuon Chea.

Pol Pot died in 1998 and there are fears that his surviving allies will die of old age before they face trial.

WILL ANYONE ELSE BE INVESTIGATED?

Cambodia's prosecutor opposed a bid by her foreign counterpart to go after six more suspects, citing the need for national reconciliation. Critics saw a political move to stop the court from digging too deep and perhaps unearthing secrets about some former Khmer Rouge figures in the government.

More broadly, some critics say the role of the United States and China in supporting Pol Pot's regime should also be probed.

The court says it can only try individuals for crimes committed in Cambodia between April 17, 1975 and January 6, 1979, and cannot try countries or organizations.

HOW WILL IT AFFECT CAMBODIANS?

Survivors hope the trials will bring closure to their grief, and mark a new era of peace and justice. They also hope it will educate young Cambodians about an era they know little about.

But some say its integrity is already threatened.

The Documentation Center of Cambodia, which collects evidence of Khmer Rouge crimes and estimates about five million survivors of the regime are still alive, accuses the tribunal of failing to invest enough time and resources to properly interview 93 regime victims known as civil parties ahead of the trial.

That's led to problems, it says. Each civil party has a right to a lawyer, to call witnesses and to ask questions. But some of those lawyers have tied up proceedings with repetitive or irrelevant questions, slowing the trial.

The tribunal has responded by saying it would streamline victim participation for its next four cases. Most experts say that will likely mean fewer victims involved in the testimony.

"Despite seemingly good intentions, the court's attempt to include victims as civil parties in an international criminal trial has failed," Youk Chhang, the Centre's director, wrote in a recent newspaper editorial. "The judges now stand ready to substantially reduce or eliminate the role of civil parties in advance of the second trial," he added.

(Reporting by Darren Schuettler and Jason Szep; Editing by Alan Raybould)

Genuine remorse or crocodile tears?

2009-11-23T22:33:00.002+07:00

The Khmer Rouge prison chief accused of crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture and premeditated murder will make his final statements to the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) this week.

23 November 2009
By Karl Dowling
Radio Netherland

In attendance at the trial are surviving victims of the Khmer Rouge regime, which killed up to 2 million people between 1975 and 1979.

The trial of former prison chief Kaing Guek Eav -- better known as Duch -- began in February and a verdict is expected early next year.

The order of proceedings in the final week of the trial sees civil parties present their arguments on Monday, followed by the prosecution’s closing statement on Tuesday. The defence will then speak on Wednesday and Thursday, after which civil parties and the prosecution will present rebuttal statements. The defence will then have one hour to make their closing argument, including any final statements by the defendant.

The accused has admitted that he oversaw the murders of approximately 15,000 men, women and children while in charge of the notorious Tuol Sleng prison and has asked for forgiveness from his victims and their families.

However, Duch has consistently denied any direct involvement in the torture and murder of prisoners. The crimes took place at the prison and in the nearby Killing Fields, where prisoners were often taken to be executed.

“Crocodile tears”

Duch, 67, has appeared remorseful throughout the trial and has apologized repeatedly for his actions under the Khmer Rouge regime. He has claimed that his job at the prison was performed under duress since he feared for his life from more senior Khmer Rouge officials if he did not carry out his duties.

Speaking about the final week of proceedings, Duch’s lawyer Francois Roux said on Sunday, "At this moment it's very important to give credit to Duch for his guilty plea. Duch has recognized his responsibility".

However, lawyers for victims of the Khmer Rouge accused the regime's jailer of duping Cambodia's war crimes court. Attorney Kong Pisey told judges on Monday that Duch had sought "to cleverly evade responsibility when it suits him" and wept "crocodile tears" in the dock.

Controversy

Controversy has surrounded the UN-backed tribunal since its inception in 2005. Accusations of government interference have been rife throughout and it’s also alleged that top jobs have been paid for.

Duch’s trial is the first of its kind to take place at the ECCC. The joint trial of four other more senior Khmer Rouge leaders is expected to open in 2011, while deliberations are still on going regarding cases against five other former Khmer Rouge cadres.

Closing arguments in Khmer Rouge trial

2009-11-23T22:29:00.002+07:00

November 23, 2009

STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Cambodian court hears closing arguments in Khmer Rouge prison chief case
Kaing Guek Eav faces war crimes, crimes against humanity, torture charges
Prosecutors say Kaing, known as Duch, oversaw killing of more than 15,000
Duch faces five years to life in prison if convicted

(CNN) -- A U.N.-backed Cambodian court started closing arguments Monday in the trial of a former Khmer Rouge prison chief accused of killing thousands of people three decades ago.

Kaing Guek Eav, known as Duch, faces charges that include war crimes, crimes against humanity and torture during the communist regime's rule from 1975 to 1979.

Prosecutors say he oversaw the torture and killing of more than 15,000 people and actively took part in some cases.

The Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot, was blamed for one of the worst horrors of the 20th century. At least 1.7 million people -- nearly one-quarter of Cambodia's population -- died under the regime, from execution, disease, starvation and overwork.

The now-66-year-old Duch ran S-21, a prison converted from a school. At the prison, men, women and children were shackled to iron beds and tortured before they were beaten to death, prosecutors said.

About 90 survivors attended the proceedings Monday outside the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh. In the courtroom, Duch was separated by a large bulletproof glass window to prevent revenge attacks.

Duch has repeatedly apologized for the atrocities and, during opening statements in March, pledged to work with court officials to resolve the case.

Cooperation is the best "remedy that can help me to relieve all of the sorrow of the crimes that I have committed," he said at the time.

"I will answer all questions you may ask me in the court ... and also the questions posed by the civil parties, and based on the evidence."

The former math teacher, now a born-again Christian, has admitted to about two-thirds of the charges, said Lars Olsen, a U.N. spokesman.

Closing arguments end later this week and a verdict is expected early next year, Olsen said.

Duch faces five years to life in prison if convicted by the tribunal, which does not have the power to impose the death penalty, Olsen said.

CNN's Faith Karimi contributed to this report.

Khmer Rouge accused's trial at closing

2009-11-23T22:26:00.001+07:00

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- Former Khmer Rouge prison chief Kaing Guek Eav, accused of crimes against humanity, faced closing arguments Monday at his trial in Cambodia.

The 67-year-old accused, also known as Comrade Duch, could be sent to prison for life if convicted in the deaths in the 1970s of more than 14,000 people in the Tuol Sleng prison and torture house, The New York Times reported.

His case is the first of a United Nations-backed tribunal looking into the atrocities of Cambodia's Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979 in which about 1.7 million people died.

Duch's lawyer has asked his client be given credit for having accepted his role and responsibility in the deaths.

But at the closing session, Karim Khan, one of the lawyers for the victims, rejected Duch's contrition and said he had "sought to evade or minimize his role" during the hearings which began in February in Phnom Penh, The Times reported.

The closing arguments were expected to go through the week. The verdict may come by early next year, the report said.

Four other senior Khmer Rouge leaders now in custody are awaiting a similar trial. The Khmer Rouge's top leader Pol Pot died in 1998.

Phnom Penh: “useless” trial of “Comrade Duch” nears end

2009-11-23T22:14:00.003+07:00

11/23/2009

Prosecutors and defence lawyers are set to give their closing arguments before a sentence is pronounced. Co-prosecutor stresses the proceedings’ success. Source tells AsiaNews that the trial will “not produce any results”. The government is concerned about an analysis of the facts because it could “threaten social peace.”

Phnom Penh (AsiaNews) – The trial of Kaing Guek Eav, better known as “Comrade Duch”, has entered its last week of deliberations, with lawyers giving closing arguments after months of sessions and testimony at the United Nations international tribunal. Sources in Cambodia told AsiaNews that the proceedings are a “compromise with the past that will not produce any result.”

The 66-year-old former commander of the Tuol Sleng prison or S-21 Prison is charged with crimes against humanity for the death of more than 17,000 Cambodians between 1975 and 1979.

He is the only Khmer Rouge leader to have admitted his responsibilities for the atrocities committed during the Pol Pot regime. In four years of Khmer Rouge rule, almost two million people were killed. He asked for forgiveness and if he is convicted, he could get life in prison.

Co-prosecutor Bill Smith said he believes the trial may have helped Cambodians come to terms with their horrific recent history. “I think the trial has been very, very successful,” he said, thanks in part to the participation of “the victims [. . .] through their civil party lawyers”.

“Hopefully that will send a strong signal to governments around the world that they should never again abuse people like the Khmer Rouge did to their own people," he added.

Anonymous for security reason, a source in Phnom Penh told AsiaNews that he is less certain about a any lessons that can be drawn from the trial because it “was a big compromise with the past that will not produce any results.”

The trial is headline news in English-language papers, and a sentence might lead to a debate in the country, but “proceedings have lasted far too long.”

“At the start Comrade Duch’s confession gave an impression of sincerity. Since then, he has tried to backpedal, saying that he just followed orders.”

Cambodia lacks the “objective capacity” to assume “its responsibilities” and “become conscious of what happened.” The country is incapable or unwilling “to look into its past to understand the weight individual conscience had on that historical period.”

“There is an endless attempt to justify and individual freedom is non-existent,” the source said.

In the last few months, the government has intervened only “to limit the number of witnesses and defendants.”

Prime Minister Hun Sen, a former low-level Khmer Rouge, is concerned that an actual analysis of the facts “might threaten the status quo and social peace.”

The only things that are certain are the trial’s costs and duration. “The trial has been good business for many, enriching some government officials,” the source told AsiaNews. (DS)

Final arguments begin in trial of Khmer Rouge prison chief Duch

2009-11-23T22:06:00.003+07:00

23 November 2009
France24

Cambodia's Khmer Rouge war crimes court on Monday began final arguments in the trial of Kaing Guek Eav, better known as Duch, bringing the regime's prison chief closer to justice for the "Killing Fields" atrocities 30 years ago.

On Monday, representatives on behalf of 93 victims of the notorious Tuol Sleng prison camp gave testimony. Duch had been responsible for the prison, also known as S21, from 1975-1979, during which time he is thought to have overseen the deaths of 15,000 men, women and children.

According to Nelson Rand, FRANCE 24 correspondent in Phnom Penh, the victims’ legal counsel said that Duch’s apologies were insufficient, and that Duch “failed to disclose the full truth and sought to minimise his role. They said his claim that he was simply obeying orders and that he would have been killed otherwise was nonsense. Duch did have the power to make independent decisions.”

Throughout the trial, Duch’s legal counsel has stressed the defendant’s regret and his full collaboration with the tribunal. In an interview in October with FRANCE 24, Duch’s French lawyer, François Roux, said Duch “was at times a better prosecutor than the prosecutor himself. Even if the international tribunal does not consider the fact that Duch was only following orders, he should nonetheless benefit from mitigating circumstances.”

Though the question of the validity of an apology from Duch might seem trivial, experts say that more is at stake than meets the eye.

Cyril Payen, another FRANCE 24 correspondent reporting from Cambodia, explained the possible strategic importance of the apology: “This trial is reminiscent of Nuremberg, in which Albert Speer, who was close to Adolf Hitler, was not given the maximum penalty for the reason that he apologised.”

The long drawn-out trial began in February. The prosecution is scheduled to begin presenting its closing arguments Tuesday, and on Wednesday Duch’s legal counsel will give testimony. He faces a maximum term of life in prison.

A final verdict is expected at the beginning of 2010.

Duch’s trial is the first in a series involving alleged Khmer Rouge war criminals. Five others await trial, including Khieu Samphan, the former Khmer Rouge head of state and founder of Anghkar, the regime’s supreme body. Nun Chea, right-hand man to dictator Pol Pot, is also to stand trial.

Trial of Khmer Rouge prison chief in final stage

2009-11-23T22:02:00.001+07:00

Monday, November 23, 2009
By SOPHENG CHEANG (AP)

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Closing arguments began Monday in the genocide trial of a Khmer Rouge prison chief, with the prosecution accusing Kaing Guek Eav of having pursued his role with zeal despite his expressions of remorse for atrocities.

Kaing Guek Eav, known as Duch (pronounced DOIK), is the first high-ranking member of Cambodia's ousted regime to be tried for war crimes at a U.N.-backed tribunal. Judges are expected to issue a ruling and sentence early next year.

The tribunal is seeking justice for an estimated 1.7 million people who died from execution, overwork, disease and malnutrition as a result of the ultra-communist group's policies while in power from 1975-79. He faces a maximum penalty of life in jail as Cambodia has no death penalty.

"Look at them, Duch. Look at these men and women who you wanted to smash, and whose parents and loved ones and children you smashed," said Philippe Canonne, one of the lawyers for Khmer Rouge victims, whose family members were also in court Monday. "You can smash insects and animals but you can't smash human beings, because one day they will come back, one way or another, or their successors to demand a reckoning."

As he watched the proceedings, Duch showed no emotion. He is expected to take the stand as early as Wednesday, a day after the prosecution opens its case. Closing arguments will conclude Friday.

Duch commanded S-21 prison in Phnom Penh, where up to 16,000 people were tortured and then taken away to be killed. He is charged with crimes against humanity, war crimes, murder and torture.

Despite his admissions of guilt and expressions of remorse, lawyer Karim Khan said much of what has come across at the trial is a man trying to downplay his part in the "awful reality" of the S-21 prison.

"The accused has sought to evade or minimize his role and the reality, the awful reality, that was S-21 and the regime that operated there and the fate and the suffering that befell so many civil parties," Khan said.

Another lawyer for victims, Kong Pisey, dismissed earlier assertions by Duch that he acted out of fear of being persecuted by his superiors. Instead, he portrayed Duch as someone who put everything he had into his job and had no empathy for his victims.

"He was not only proud of his job and convinced of the party line to identify and eradicate the enemy without any sense of guilt," Kong Pisey said. "But moreover, he enjoyed the power as a power-hungry man who performed more than 100 percent without any empathy for his victims."

Duch is the only accused Khmer Rouge leader to acknowledge responsibility for his actions. Four other senior Khmer Rouge leaders are in custody awaiting trial.

"He has said from the start 'I want to explain in front of the judges, in front of public opinion.' This will be the last moment when he can explain," Francois Roux, Duch's lawyer, said Sunday. "So he's worried about what he's going to say and how he's going to say it."

Roux described his client as "nervous and anxious" about taking the stand for one last time and refused to detail what Duch would say. But he said that his client was hopeful the judges would take into consideration the fact he has admitted his guilt and apologized to his victims.

In earlier testimony, Duch accepted responsibility for his role in overseeing the prison and asked for forgiveness from victims' families. He also told the court that he was ready to accept heavy punishment for his actions.

He has denied personally killing or torturing the S-21 prisoners, and said he felt compelled by fear for his own life to follow the orders of senior Khmer Rouge leaders.

"At this moment it's very important to give credit to Duch for his guilty plea. Duch has recognized his responsibility," Roux said. "He has asked forgiveness from his victims."

The tribunal, which opened March 30, has featured testimony from nine expert witnesses, 17 witnesses on facts and seven character witnesses and 22 "civil parties" representing victims. Some Cambodians have expressed frustration over how long the trial is taking, fearing the other aging defendants may die before they can be tried.

Several of the remaining S-21 survivors attended the trial. Chhum Mey, 78, said he had been waiting for justice for a long time and was attending the trial to see whether it would be carried out.

Cambodian gov't rejects report on PM's daughter

2009-11-23T21:58:00.002+07:00

PHNOM PENH, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Cambodian government Monday denied the news report that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's daughter was planning to hold shares in Cambodia Air Traffic Services (CATS).

A statement issued by the Cambodian government on Monday said "The Spokesman of the Royal Government of Cambodia totally rejects the report of the Thai News Agency on Nov. 21, 2009, which was confirmed by Panitan Wattanayakorn, the Royal Thai Government's acting Spokesman, alleging that the daughter of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Cambodian Prime Minister, was planning to hold shares in Cambodia Air Traffic Services (CATS), a private company."

"The Spokesman wishes to stress, once again, that the Royal Government of Cambodia appointed its officials to temporarily supervise and manage the company, only to protect the national security and safety for Cambodian leaders," it said.

"In addition," the statement went on that "the temporary supervision and management of CATS by the Royal Government of Cambodia will continue until the court's final decision to bring an end to the case of the Thai staff, who has been accused of disclosing the confidential flight schedule of Thaksin Shinawatra."

"Following the court's final decision, the Royal Government of Cambodia will take position on the company's management," it added.

Arrested Thai engineer confessed - lawyer

2009-11-23T21:55:00.001+07:00

November 23, 2009
The Nation

A Thai engineer charged of spying in Cambodia had confessed in Cambodian court last week that he passed on fight plans of former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra to a Thai diplomat diplomat who was expelled.

Siwarak Chotiphon said that he sent the flight to Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh's First Secretary Kamrob Palawatwichai ten minutes after Thaksin's aircraft landed in Phnom Penh on November 10.

SM Goh calls on Cambodian PM Hun Sen, reaffirming strong ties

2009-11-23T21:51:00.002+07:00

23 November 2009
By Satish Cheney
Channel NewsAsia

SINGAPORE: Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, who is now in Cambodia for a two-day official visit, called on Prime Minister Hun Sen at the National Assembly on Monday afternoon.

During the hour-long meeting, they reaffirmed strong bilateral ties.

Mr Goh also congratulated Mr Hun Sen for the significant economic progress Cambodia has achieved since his last visit in 2002.

He was also briefed on Cambodia's recent economic developments.

Both leaders exchanged views on Cambodia's tourism sector as well as how to attract more foreign investments.

They also agreed that investment in human resource was essential to ensure Cambodia's long-term economic development.

Mr Goh said Singapore would be pleased to continue contributing to Cambodia's development through the Singapore Cooperation Programme and the Initiative for ASEAN Integration.

In the evening, Mr Hun Sen hosted Mr Goh to dinner at his residence.

Mr Goh is expected to call on King Norodom Sihamoni on Tuesday.

After Cambodia, Mr Goh will proceed to Laos.

Cambodian PM meets with former Singaporean PM on global financial crisis

2009-11-23T21:48:00.002+07:00

PHNOM PENH, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Monday met with visiting Singaporean Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and discussed the updated situation of the country and measures of dealing the global financial crisis, an official to Cambodian Prime Minister said.

During the meeting, Hun Sen told Goh that the Cambodian government made the policies to keep the macro-economy stable, and the National Bank of Cambodia, together with other banks, also took some measures for the financial system, Eang Sophallet, an assistant to Hun Sen told reporters after about one-hour talking between the two leaders.

Eang said that the global financial crisis has affected the world and Senior Minister Goh wanted to know the measures and challenges Cambodia has taken to deal with the economic crisis, as well as the policy strategy to follow in the future.

Hun Sen also said that Cambodian government has been boosting construction of infrastructure and strengthening agricultural sector for economic growth.

Meanwhile, Goh told Hun Sen that Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is inviting him to visit Singapore. Hun Sen accepted the invitation and agreed to pay an official visit with appropriate time in the future, Eang added.

Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong visits Cambodia from Nov. 23-24 at the invitation of Prime Minister Hun Sen. In Cambodia, Goh will also be received in Royal audience by King Norodom Sihamoni, and meet with Senate President Chea Sim and National Assembly President Heng Samrin.

Thai govt check report that Cambodia closed waters

2009-11-23T21:29:00.002+07:00

Mon, November 23, 2009
The Nation

Thai government on Monday assigns authorities concerned to check Pheu Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh's claim that Cambodia closed territorial waters for Thai fishing boats.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said he just learnt of Chavalit's claim.

"Authorities concerned are checking accuracy of the report," Suthep said.

Chavalit earlier told reporters that Cambodia's waters were sealed off for unknown reason.

"I just learnt that Cambodia decided to seal off its territorial waters for Thai fishing boats. About 1,000 Thai boats had fished in the Khmer waters," he said.

He was not sure the reason of the closing. "It may cause by some conflicts. We should not make a speculation on the matter," Chavalit said.

Chavalit said the government will have to check the accuracy of the report.

Thailand and Cambodia have been in conflicts for weeks after the latter's appointment of ex-Thai Thaksin Shinawatra as economic adviser to Khmer PM and his government.

During Thaksin's visit to Phnom Penh last week, Cambodia expelled Thai first secretary of the embassy and arrested a Thai engineer working in Phnom Penh on charge of spying.

Referring to arrest of a Thai engineer, Chavalit said we should support the government which has tried its best to secure freedom of the engineer.

He will wait for the government's decision before looking into the matter.

Chavalit's Monday statement on the matter was opposite to what he said last week. Chavalit had said he would fly to Phnom Penh to pick up the engineer as he was expected to be freed after ex-Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra stepped in by talking with Khmer PM Hun Sen.

No Love Lost

2009-11-23T21:20:00.004+07:00

Thaksin Shinawatra (R) shakes hands with Hun Sen at a house that the Cambodian Prime Minister for Thaksin in Phnom Penh. (Photo courtesy: AFP)

2009.11.23
By Nirmal Ghosh in Bangkok
The Straits Times/ Asia News Network

Former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra risks a backlash at home by reaching an alliance of sorts with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Given the historical baggage of Thai-Cambodia relations, the move is a gamble which could fuel mistrust between the neighbours.

At the root of the Thai-Cambodian feud is what Thai historian Charnvit Kasetsiri calls “stone temple nationalisms” and competing versions of history.

The current Thai-Cambodia squabble shows just how far Asean has to go to bury old hatchets as it works towards the creation of a regional community inspired by the European Union in a few years.

On November 8, on his return to Cambodia from the inaugural Mekong-Japan leaders’ summit in Tokyo, Hun Sen, in one of the long, fiery speeches he is known for, recalled how Thailand once gave shelter to two leaders of the infamous Khmer Rouge, Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan.

The Khmer Rouge, which ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979, left up to two million people dead.

“Thailand did more than violate international law. It had signed a peace pact. If Thailand does not respect international law, how can you expect us to respect Thai law?” he said.

Asked about this in an informal chat, Thai officials were quick to say the episode was in the past.

In 1969, elected Burmese leader U Nu, who had been thrown out in a military coup by General Ne Win, set up a ‘government in exile’ in Bangkok which was active till 1973. Burma is now known as Myanmar.

In a recent talk at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand, professor Charnvit noted that Thais are brought up on textbooks that outline how their country—once known as Siam—has repeatedly “lost” territory to neighbours.

When Thailand contested the ownership of the Preah Vihear temple, ordinary Thais donated money to help pay legal fees. The temple is on the Thai-Cambodian border.

On the Cambodian side, any suggestion that Thailand has any claim to Khmer heritage touches a raw nerve.

The ancient Khmer culture preceded that of Siam. But in modern times, Thailand is by far the greater power in mainland Southeast Asia, its economy dwarfing those of its neighbours—and the Thai elite tend to look down on Cambodians.

When The Hague ruled in favour of Cambodia on Preah Vihear in 1962, Thais mourned and Khmers rejoiced.

A remark—later proven to be a misquote—by a Thai actress in 2003 insinuating that Angkor Wat really belonged to Thailand sparked mob attacks on the Thai embassy and Thai businesses in Phnom Penh. Cars were torched at the Thai embassy and diplomats had to run for their lives, climbing over a back wall to escape.

Thailand’s ‘official nationalism’ today is a hybrid of ‘royal nationalisms’—a term coined by Thai historian Thongchai Winichakul, who teaches at the University of Wisconsin - and professor Charnvit’s ‘military-bureaucratic nationalism’.

Thaksin is pitting his own popularity against the nationalist feelings of many Thais by taking up Hun Sen’s offer to become his economic adviser.

Things cooled somewhat after Thaksin left Cambodia on November 14 but the latest episode has galvanised efforts to bring him home to face trial.

Thailand said on November 16 it had passed information to the United Arab Emirates proving that the fugitive billionaire is living in Dubai.

Thais banned from Cambodian waters

2009-11-23T15:06:00.003+07:00

23/11/2009
Bangkok Post

The Cambodian government has banned Thai fishermen from its territorial waters, opposition Puea Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh said on Monday.

Former prime minister Chavalit expressed concern over the Thai-Cambodian maritime dispute after more than 1,000 Thai trawlers could not enter Cambodia's territorial waters.

He called on the Thai government to end this problem quickly, as it has caused trouble for many fishermen.

"I don't know whether the problem has come about because of the Thai-Cambodian rift, and I don't want to make any predictions." Gen Chavalit said. "Former prime minister [Thaksin Shinawatra] and I are not the cause of the Thai-Cambodian row."

On the government's plan to help the detained Thai engineer in Cambodia, Gen Chavalit said he wanted to support the government and believed the government could resolve the situation.

"If the government fails to resolve it, I am ready to give a hand since I've made a promise with the engineer's mother that I will help him and ensure his safety."

On Nov 11, the Cambodian government arrested Cambodia Air Traffic Services (CATS) employee Siwarak Chutipong for allegedly stealing the flight information of Thaksin.

Thai engineer confessed to providing info to Thai embassy

2009-11-23T14:58:00.001+07:00

23 Nov 2009
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

Siwarak Chothipong, the Thai engineer accused of spying and stealing Thaksin Shinawatra’s flight schedule, confessed that he did provide Thaksin’s flight information to the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh. Kao Sopha, Siwarak’s defense lawyer, told news media that his client gave a confession to the court that he did provide Thaksin’s flight information to the Thai embassy, but Siwarak allegedly reported to the embassy 10 minutes after Thaksin’s plane landed. Furthermore, Siwarak allegedly did not know that Thaksin was in the plane at that time. Kao Sopha said that the accusation about his client stealing flight schedule is not correct because it was his professional responsibility as an employee of CATS, and he had the right to know this information.

Khmer Rouge prison chief anxious as trial wraps up

2009-11-23T14:26:00.001+07:00

2009-11-23
By JERRY HARMER
Associated Press

Closing arguments began Monday in the trial of former Khmer Rouge prison chief Kaing Guek Eav, the first high-ranking member of Cambodia's ousted regime to be tried for war crimes at a U.N.-backed tribunal.

The proceedings conclude Friday and tribunal judges are expected to issue a ruling and sentence early next year. Kaing Guek Eav, known as Duch (pronounced DOIK), is expected to testify as soon as Wednesday.

The tribunal is seeking justice for an estimated 1.7 million people who died from execution, overwork, disease and malnutrition as a result of the ultra-communist group's policies while in power from 1975-79.

Duch commanded S-21 prison in Phnom Penh, where up to 16,000 people were tortured and then taken away to be killed. He is charged with crimes against humanity, war crimes, murder and torture. He faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Cambodia has no death penalty.

Duch is the only accused Khmer Rouge leader to acknowledge responsibility for his actions. Four other senior Khmer Rouge leaders are in custody awaiting trial.

"He has said from the start 'I want to explain in front of the judges, in front of public opinion.' This will be the last moment when he can explain," Francois Roux, Duch's lawyer, said Sunday. "So he's worried about what he's going to say and how he's going to say it."

Roux described his client as "nervous and anxious" about taking the stand for one last time and refused to detail what Duch would say. But he said that his client was hopeful the judges would take into consideration the fact he has admitted his guilt and apologized to his victims.

In earlier testimony, Duch accepted responsibility for his role in overseeing the prison and asked for forgiveness from victims' families. He also told the court that he was ready to accept heavy punishment for his actions.

He has denied personally killing or torturing the S-21 prisoners, and said he felt compelled by fear for his own life to follow the orders of senior Khmer Rouge leaders.

"At this moment it's very important to give credit to Duch for his guilty plea. Duch has recognized his responsibility," Roux said. "He has asked forgiveness from his victims."

The tribunal, which opened March 30, has featured testimony from nine expert witnesses, 17 witnesses on facts and seven character witnesses and 22 "civil parties" representing victims.

More than 23,000 people have observed the trial from the public gallery in the courtroom, tribunal officials said.

Roux said the fact that Duch cooperated with the court doesn't "erase" his crimes but it has gone a long ways to further the understanding of what happened.

"We have moved forward the understanding, the recollection," he said. "We have all moved forward in our understanding of the Cambodian tragedy."

Cambodian people around the world: please hold your breath, straighten your right vision and act out now

2009-11-23T14:16:00.001+07:00

Khmer Young
Op-Ed by: Cambodian Bright Future

Cambodian people are living under despair. They don't have any incentive in fighting against foreign invaders. From day to day, they are overwhelmingly fooled and intoxicated by soap operas, one-sided media, political serving commentator, biased TVs, biased radios, biased newspapers, corruption and manipulation etc.

In order to have a positive change in Cambodia, you have to do something meaningful. You are the agent of change. Join the demonstration, express your voice to your friends and relatives, jot your critical idea down, write letters to leaders of international communities, write letters to Cambodian leaders, be active with all political parties in a right vision, and participate with other activities to raise awareness and be instrumental to positive change of Cambodia.

It is a very good initiative to demonstrate peacefully around the world to show our unity and in-one-minded common-sense.

Sam Rainsy attentively followed the farmers to physically check the dispute border poles. Those wood-poles are possibly planned by Vietnamese partner alone. It seems H.E.Var Kimhong didn't realize that Vietnam installed those poles. But Var Kimhong as usual will keep his face and accuse Cambodian farmers. In the meantime, Sam Rainsy didn't take part during farm-owner uprooted those posts.

However, as a leader, Sam Rainsy has to take responsibility by accepting fault and defending those farmers. See the video tape, we can see that Sam Rainsy didn't uproot the posts. He was busy talking on the phone.

But what is worse is the measure of Hun Sen government that has not reluctantly tried Sam Rainsy in their politically motivated court...or we can see Hun Sen government will try any Cambodian who dare criticize the misbehavior of Vietnam.

Previously, we admire the "rule of law" and the election of national assembly, now we can clearly see that assembly in Cambodia is the dictator assembly. The members of this assembly are good in serving politics to protect their power and wealth, and bully the minor voice like a big man bullies a small boy, the SRP. The rule of law in Cambodia, if it is not the worst mechanism, it is the tool only for those powerful, the elites and the rich to control the minor, the weak and the Cambodian farmers. It is relevant to declare that to strengthen the rule of law under Hun Sen administration is to weaken the weak (opposition, dissents, farmers, workers and teachers etc).

It is absolutely the dictatorship assembly and the rule of law of a wrong policy.

The theory of building economics and infrastructure alone is out of date and stupid. This theory is good to serve the interests of Vietnam under incumbent Cambodian government. Look at Lao nowadays, Vietnam is happy to allow this country develop its economic and infrastructure in order to bolster its control grip. Of course, Cambodia is in need to build a strong political institution. Under Hun Sen leadership, our main institution such as Monarchy and Buddhism have been totally weakened. Nation institution is also heading to self-destruction.

There are relevant evidences to reflect the reality of disencouraging Cambodian nationalists in protecting its border with Vietnam. For instance, the discarding power from Ke Kim Yan (as a Cammander in Chief of Cambodian national army), is very interesting.

Of course, it is because of good work and responsibility of Ke Kim Yan in handling border issues with Vietnam led him to loss his important position in the government.

Please straight your eyes to look closely at those people who have taken gut to fight against Vietnam will end their time like this.

Pol Pot who expressed fierce hate towards Vietnam
Pen Sovann who dare criticize Vietnam's occupational approach
Mom Sonando, Rong Chun and Khem Sokha were jailed because of their critics of supplemental border treaty in 2005
Ho Van was lifted his immunity because of his critics about the PhD graduation of those 22 high rank military from Vietnam
Sam Rainsy was lifted immunity because of his brave to physically check the dispute border poles cried by Cambodian farmers
Others...

What is the biggest thing Hun Sen administration has accomplished?

To develop economics and infrastructures to favor the hegemony of Vietnam?
To utilize biased mass media to fool and intoxicate Cambodian people. For instance, there is the speech that every country has corruption, sometime America and England are worse than Cambodia. Cambodian people have finally believed this because of the repeat news and commentating.
To weaken all national institutions such as Buddhism, Monarchy and Nation to welcome the coming of Vietnam administration?
To uproots all strengths of the political opponent parties and dissents to gratefully follow Vietnam's recommendations?

In reality, politics is not about building infrastructure at the bottom line solely. Some Cambodians are overwhelmingly misled by the propaganda through biased media. Good infrastructure might help the Vietnam only because it can provide them more healthy society to control over Cambodia while the political insitution is messy like current Hun Sen administration.

Why I say this?
Because the top level especially the decision-makers are supportive to Vietnam's hegemonic policy. For instance, you can see any political moves under Hun Sen leadership are both directly and indirectly serving Vietnam. Who can deny that the increased tension between Cambodia and Thailand is benefiting Vietnam? Who can deny that the immunity lifting of Sam Rainsy is prosprating Vietnam but threatening Cambodians?

The theory of building economics and infrastructure alone is out of date and stupid. This theory is good to serve the interests of Vietnam under incumbent Cambodian government. Look at Lao nowadays, Vietnam is happy to allow this country develop its economic and infrastructure in order to bolster its control grip. Of course, Cambodia is in need to build a strong political institution. Under Hun Sen leadership, our main institution such as Monarchy and Buddhism have been totally weakened. Nation institution is also heading to self-destruction.

Cambodian people are living under despair. They don't have any incentive in fighting against foreign invaders. From day to day, they are overwhelmingly fooled and intoxicated by soap operas, one-sided media, political serving commentator, biased TVs, biased radios, biased newspapers, corruption and manipulation etc.

In order to have a positive change in Cambodia, you have to do something meaningful. You are the agent of change. Join the demonstration, express your voice to your friends and relatives, jot your critical idea down, write letters to leaders of international communities, write letters to Cambodian leaders, be active with all political parties in a right vision, and participate with other activities to raise awareness and be instrumental to positive change of Cambodia.

In Solidarity,

KY

S Korean university provides 20 scholarships for Cambodia: official

2009-11-23T14:14:00.003+07:00

Will Hun Mana, Hun Xen's daughter, be next in line to receive a PhD from Seoul Women's U?

In June this year, the 55-year-old Bun Rany Hun Sen, wife of Premier Hun Sen received an honorary doctorate in economics from Seoul Women's University in recognition of her outstanding contribution to women's rights and social welfare in her country.

PHNOM PENH, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Seoul Women's University of South Korea has provided 20 scholarships for Cambodian woman students to study four-year program for human resource development in the country, an official to Prime Minister Hun Sen said here on Monday.

Seoul Women's University of South Korea showed their commitment to continue their support for women education and human development for Cambodia, Eang Sophallet, a assistant to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen told reporters after Premier Hun Sen met with Rhee Kwang-ja, president of Seoul Women's University at National Assembly.

During the meeting, Hun Sen said that the support from the university of South Korea will help contribute to promote gender and human resource development in the country, and that Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport of Cambodia will work with the university to select high qualified women students to study in the university.

In June this year, the 55-year-old Bun Rany Hun Sen, wife of Premier Hun Sen received an honorary doctorate in economics from Seoul Women's University in recognition of her outstanding contribution to women's rights and social welfare in her country. As chairperson of the Cambodian Red Cross since 1998, Bun Rany has been engaged in fighting poverty and AIDS, as well as helping civil war orphans in her country.

Cambodian's reunion with elephant

2009-11-23T14:09:00.001+07:00

Monday, November 23, 2009
Al Jazeera

Cambodia's Khmer Rouge was responsible for the deaths of an estimated two million people from 1975-79, and millions more were left with deep mental and physical scars.

Sin Son was one of them.

He lost several of his relatives in the mass slaughter but one very special companion, an elephant named Sambo, survived.

Sin Son told Al Jazeera of his reunion with his childhood friend after many years apart.

Final week of hearings starts in trial of Khmer Rouge cadre Duch

2009-11-23T12:31:00.001+07:00

Mon, 23 Nov 2009

Phnom Penh - Closing arguments began Monday in the trial of the former Khmer Rouge prison camp commander Duch, who is charged with crimes against humanity and grave breaches of the Geneva Convention. Duch, whose real name is Kaing Guek Eav, ran the infamous torture and execution centre known as S-21 in Phnom Penh between 1975 and 1979. At least 15,000 people died at S-21 during that time, and just a handful survived.

Lawyers for the prosecution, defence and civil parties are scheduled to address the court from Monday to Thursday. The civil parties are a grouping of 90 people whose relatives were killed during Duch's command of S-21.

Karim Khan, a civil party lawyer, told the court on Monday that Duch had run a camp "dedicated to death" and said the accused's stance that he had little choice but to carry out his functions held little water.

"The accused did what he did not only because he was ideologically of the same mind as the senior members of the [Khmer Rouge hierarchy] ... and wished to belong, but because it made life easier for him," Khan said.

Khan said the evidence heard during the 72-day trial had shown Duch enjoyed the autonomy to carry out certain important actions at S-21, including building prison cells at the former school.

"What happened to this autonomy when it came to the interrogation, the torture and the killing of so many people?" Khan asked.

"This is no Schindler before you," Khan concluded, referring to Oskar Schindler, the German industrialist who famously saved several hundred Jews from Nazi death camps during the World War II.

Khan told the bench of five judges that they would need to weigh up Duch's acceptance of some of the crimes of which he is accused against his unwillingness to shoulder responsibility for other crimes that witnesses said he committed.

"The evidence shows only one conclusion: For all that has been said by the accused and his defence in large and important particulars, the accused has sought to minimize his role," Khan told the court.

Duch has testified that he was simply following orders and had almost no power to help detainees sent to S-21.

Sentencing in Duch's trial will be delivered early next year. There is no death penalty in Cambodia, and he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison for his crimes.

Four senior surviving leaders are currently in jail and awaiting trial.

The Khmer Rouge ruled Cambodia between 1975 and 1979 before being forced out of power by neighbouring Vietnam. Around 2 million people died of starvation and disease or were executed under the Khmer Rouge regime.

Man arrested for child sex

2009-11-23T12:28:00.001+07:00

Nov 23, 2009
AFP

PHNOM PENH - A FRENCHMAN has been arrested for allegedly soliciting sex with a child prostitute, Cambodian police said on Monday.

Police said they found Olivier Madrieres, 48, at a guesthouse on Saturday in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh.

'He was arrested while he was having sex with a prostitute,' said Keo Thea, chief of the municipal anti-trafficking and juvenile police unit.

Madrieres, who arrived in Cambodia last month as a tourist, was being held on charges of soliciting sex from the 15-year-old girl and faces up to five years in jail if convicted, Mr Keo Thea said.

Cambodia has struggled to shed its reputation as a haven for paedophiles, putting dozens of foreigners in jail for child sex crimes or deporting them to face trial in their home countries since 2003.