Daily Update from Local Newspapers August 23, 2013

1.                               Politics/Human Rights

Constitutional Council Allows NEC to Open Security

Packages A to Verify

The Constitutional Council has allowed the National Election Committee (NEC) to open security packages A in order to verify votes following the request of Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), which called on the NEC to ensure that security packages A (contains original documents from election day) is kept in a safe place in case it needs to be checked, said Secretary General of the Constitutional Council. As a matter of fact, the NEC has taken a good care of the packages for long time, not just now, said H.E. Im Suosdey, Chairman of the NEC. (Rasmei Kampuchea, 23 August 2013)

2.                 Diplomatic Issue

Cambodian Foreign Minister to Lead a Delegation to Attend the Special ASEAN-China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

At the invitation of H.E. Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Hor Namhong, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia will lead a delegation to attend the special ASEAN-China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, to be held on 28-29 August 2013, in Beijing, the People’s Republic of China on the occasion of the 10^th anniversary of ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership. The meeting will exchange views on many issues to enhance ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership, according to a press release of the Foreign Ministry dated 22 August 2013. (Rasmei Kampuchea, 23 August 2013)

EU Provides Additional 3 Million EUROS for Khmer Rouge Tribunal

The European Union has provided additional 3 million Euros (approximately 4 million USD) in funding to Khmer rouge tribunal. The funding for the international component of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) will go to support for the payment of salary for 250 local staffs as they haven’t received their salaries since June. This new contribution is a proof of the commitment of the EU to deliver justice for Cambodian people, said Mr. Net Pheaktra, a spokesman for Khmer rouge tribunal. (Rasmei Kampuchea, 23 August 2013)