Daily Update from Local Newspapers October 19-21, 2013

1.                               Politics/Human Rights

Ministry of Interior Not Yet Confirms the Three Days Mass Demonstration of CNRP

The Phnom Penh Capital Hall has not yet confirmed the three days non-violent demonstration leads by Cambodian National Rescues Party (CNRP) as it needs a decision from the Ministry of Interior. The representative of Phnom Penh Capital Hall met the representative of CNRP on 18 October concerning a non-violent mass demonstration to be held from 23 to 25 October 2013, at Freedom Park. According to Mr. Ho Van, Representative of CNRP, the aim of making demonstration are to find justice for citizens regarding the irregularities during the election, to claim the Royal Government for fully respect and implement in accordance with the Paris Peace Agreement on 23 October 1991, and to bring a petition for the United Nations high commissioner to Cambodia including French, Japan, the United States, China, Indonesia, the United Kingdom and Australian Embassy. (Rasmei Kampuchea, 19 October 2013)

2.                 Diplomatic Issue

The Government of Japan Provides 687,266 USD to Japan

Mine Action Service

The Government of Japan has provided 687,266 USD (56,355,812 million Yen) to Japan Mine Action Service (JMAS). The grant contract was signed on 17 October 2013 with the presence from H.E. Kumamaru Yuji, Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia and Mr. Takakaru Fumitoshi, Representative of JMAS, for the improvement of explosive remnants of war clearance in provinces of Cambodia including Siem Reap, Kompong Thom, Pursat, and Kompong Chhnang. (Kampuchea Tmey, 19 October 2013)  

3.                 Economy/Development

4.                 Korea’s Interest in Cambodia

Suwon City of the Republic of Korea Hands over a Handicraft Building for Vocational Training to Citizens in Siem Reap Province

Suwon City of the Republic of Korea has provided a handicraft building to citizens in Siem Reap province. The handover ceremony was made so as to further strengthen the bond of relationship between Siem Reap province of the Kingdom of Cambodia and Suwon City of the Republic of Korea, which have already signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) since 16 July 2004. The ceremony was held on 16 October with the presence from Mr. Kem Bunsung, Governor of Siem Reap province and Mr. Yom Taeyong, Governor of Suwon City of the Republic of Korea. “The building was built for the citizens who living in Phnum Kroam area, and it was a fruitful result of a very close relationship and cooperation between Siem Reap province and Suwon City, which will be inaugurated very shortly. Furthermore, Suwon City is providing education on vocational training, promoting social welfare, as well as supporting the standard of living for citizens”, said Mr. Kem Bunsung. (Rasmei Kampuchea, 19 October 2013)