Jan 07, 2010: The 31st anniversary of the Vietnam invasion on Cambodia

Dear Compatriots,

Tomorrow is the 31st anniversary of the Vietnam invasion on Cambodia which consequently ruled over our country for 10 years and still continues its influence until today through its installed puppet leaders-Hun Sen, Heng Samrin, and Chea Sim whose role is to implement new Vietnamization politics over Cambodia. They are subjected to implementing all the illegal treaties, 1979, 1982, 1983, and 1985 and the Border Supplemental Treaty 2005 and the recognition of the invasion day 7 January 1979 as the Liberation Day.

With this, The Cambodia Watchdog Council International (CWCI) strongtly condemns such an act of the Cambodian leaders, esp. CPP leaders who they themselves are the puppets of Vietnam. Please view full statement here in Khmer.

Best regards,
CWCI Secretariat
Kristiansand City, Norway
Tel: +4790818257/+4799489347
E-mail: cwci_secretariat@yahoo.com/ cwci@start.no
http://cwcinternational.wordpress.com/

CWCI calls for the release of 2 villagers in the border

29 Dec 2009
By Rithipol
Free Press Magazine
Translated from Khmer by Socheata, KI-Media

The Norway-based Cambodia Watchdog Council International (CWCI) demanded that the Cambodian government release the two Khmer villagers whom the Svay Rieng tribunal decided to imprison.

Men Nath, the Chairman of the CWCI, indicated in a statement released on 27 December 2009 from Kristiansand, Norway, that “the court should stop being used to arrest the victimized villagers and the latter, Mr. Prum Chea and Mrs. Meas Srey, should be unconditionally released.”

Mr. Prum Chea and Mrs. Meas Srey were among 5 villagers who were summoned by the Svay Rieng court for questioning, and they were placed under arrest on Wednesday 23 December. The other 3 villagers fled in fear.

CWCI criticized this situation. It indicated in its statement that “the Cambodian government is serving Vietnam’s policy by inflicting sentences on its own people to please the Hanoi’s regime.” CWCI also condemned the Cambodian government in the planting of border posts that led to the loss of 4,000 to 6,000 square-kilometers of rice fields belonging to Cambodian villagers living along the border.

CWCI also expressed its extreme disappointment in the answers provided by Var Kim Hong, the chairman of the government border committee, to the National Assembly based on the questions raised by SRP MP Son Chhay. During the clarification session, all that Var Kim Hong did was to dodge the questions asked.

With all that can be seen above, CWCI considered that not only the Cambodian government does not have the will to defend Cambodia’s national integrity, but it also allows neighboring countries to encroach on Cambodian territories, and the government made all attempts to defend these countries in their swallowing of Cambodian territories. Please view here both Khmer & English.

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On December 27, 2009 The Cambodia Watchdog Council International (CWC-International) released its statement to condemn Cambodian Govt arresting two farmers in jail in Svay Rieng province after they participated in the border posts’ removing between Cambodia and Vietnam. Then Govt representative Var Kim Hong did not answer the questions of MP Son Chhay on Dec 24. Please click here to read statement

Best regards,

CWCI Secretariat,
Havrevien 94,
4635 Kristiansand, Norway
Tel: (+47) 90818257/99489347
cwci_secretariat@yahoo.com

CWCI´s Statement on Hun Sen´s Repeated Interference in ECCC.

As a reacion to Hun Sen´s reeated warning about civil war if more Khmer Rouge leaders who are now holding in the high positions of Cambodian government today are to be investigated related their roles and crimes committed in the killing field regime, CWCI released its statement to condemn Hun Sen for his interference and a threat to national unity and peace.

• CWCI Statement on H.S’s Interference in ECCC

Below is the publication of CWCI´s Statement in DAP News:

• DAP News – CWCI Condemns Govt for Interfering in ECCC´s Internal Affairs

Hun Sen, Prime Minister

The statement rejected all border treaties and border demarcation works with Vietnam

Cambodia Watchdog Council International has released a statement rejecting all border treaties and border

demarcation works with Vietnam signed in the 1980s.

The statement said that those treaties are in favour of Vietnam and had ceded large chunks of Khmer territories to Vietnam.

Click here to read the Statement in Khmer..

Prime Minister Hun Sen and

Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung

CWCI Statement on the Lifting of MP Mu Sochau’s Immunity

This is the released statement of CWCI concerning the plan of lifting MP Mu Sochua’s immunity during the National Assembly’s session on 19 June 2009 in order to pave the way for municipal court to carry out Hun Sen’s counter suit against MP Mu Sochua on defamation.

Please view full story here in Khmer.

Notice: If we remember the defamation case complained by the CPP and Hor Nam Hong in 2008 agaist MP Sam Rainsy, while MP Sam Rainsy critizing the CPP’s leaders by quoting the Global Witness’s report on the “Family Tree“  and the history of Bang Trobaek prison chief, MP Sam Rainsy didn’t indicate their names as well, yet he was sued and lost the cases in court.

It is really like the case that Hun Sen spoke out in Kampot Province defaming MP Mu Sochau, yet the suit against Hun Sen is dismissed and it seems that he has already won the case.

Non-violence demonstration of CCU against Thai PM visiting Cambodia

The Cambodia Watchdog Council International (CWC-International) released its statement after the Govt forces cracked down to the non-violence demonstration of Cambodia Confederation of Unions (CCU) during Thai Prime Minister visits Cambodia.

However, CCU President Rong Chhun and his colleagues suddenly have conducted the press conference at their office while Govt intelligences and police controlled and attempted to crack down them. Please view full statement here in Khmer; and English below.

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CAMBODIA WATCHDOG COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL
# Havreveien 94, 4635 Kristiansand City, Norway, Tel: +4790818257/+4799489347
E-mail: cwci_secretariat@yahoo.com / cwci@start.no
Website: www.cwcinternational.wordpress.com

Kristiansand, 12 June 2009

STATEMENT

On 12 June, the Cambodian Confederation of Unions (CCU) was prevented by several hundreds of Cambodian government police force from holding a peaceful demonstration during the official visit of Thailand Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva in Cambodia. The demonstration goal was to demand that Thailand pays damage compensations for Cambodian people living near the Preah Vihear temple. The action [of the Cambodian government] clearly confirms that Mr. Hun Sen’s government is nothing but a client-state of Thailand, and it agreed to dismiss Cambodia’s honor and benefit altogether. Furthermore, the prevention of this peaceful demonstration by CCU only encourages Thailand to pursue further its aggression on Cambodia because the Cambodian government is taking all measures to silence its own people, and preventing them from protesting. This is a clear violation of the Cambodian Constitution which grants full rights to Cambodian people to hold public gathering, and to hold peaceful demonstration and strikes.

With its plan turned down by the authority, CCU led by Mr. Rong Chhun and his colleagues decided to hold a press conference at its office instead. Nevertheless, Mr. Rong Chhun and his colleagues were still followed by the authority, and especially by secret government agents. This is tantamount to intimidation and threat against the personal safety of Mr. Rong Chhun and his colleagues.

CWCI is very concerned about the safety of Mr. Rong Chhun and his colleagues who could suffer from [ill will] attempts by Cambodian government secret agents. Due to past mishaps suffered by union and political activists after they were followed and threatened by government agents, these activists became target of murder attempts and the perpetrators of these crimes were never apprehended by the government nor were they brought in to face justice.

CWCI strongly condemns the actions taken by the government authority against CCU, and we call on International and National human rights groups to pay close attention to this case, we also call on them to push the Cambodian government to immediately cease all its threatening actions, as well as its prevention to hold public gathering and peaceful demonstration, and its repression against union and association activists.

CWCI President,
(Signed) Men Nath

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English text of Ki-Media, by Socheata
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Statement on the Visit of Thai Prime Minister to Cambodia

The Cambodia Watchdog Council International (CWCI) released its statement, regarding to the visit of Thai Prime Minister to Cambodia on 12 June 2009, in order to introduced himself as the new elected Prime Mintser of Thailand in accordance with Asean traditon, in which CWCI has demanded the two leaders of the two countries to upphold the inter national laws and determine to commitment for mutual respect, peaceful resolution, and political sincerity.

Actually, the dispute of the border lines at the Preah Vihear temple stemmed from the irresponsibility of the two countries’ leaders who are leading the countries without thinking of their own people’s need for peace, respect, and brotherhood but to serve their own political greed and their group interests. Please view full statement here in Khmer; and English below.

Men Nath, President of the CWC-International

CAMBODIA WATCHDOG COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL
CWC-International, # Havreveien 94, 4635 Kristiansand City, Norway, Tel: +4790818257/
+4799489347/E-mail: cwci_secretariat@yahoo.com/ cwci@start.no

.

Kristiansand, 10 June 2009

STATEMENT:

Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, the Prime Minister of Thailand, will perform an official customary visit to Cambodia on 12 June as the new prime minister of Thailand and as a member of the ASEAN community. During his visit, he will return 7 artifacts to Cambodia and he will also raise a number of issues to discuss with his Cambodian counterpart. Regarding the dispute near Preah Vihear temple, Mr. Abhisit did not provide a clear indication on whether he will discuss this issue with Cambodia or not. He simple said: “I will try to resolve it according to my ability. If it can be done, just the fact that there is no serious clash, and the people can live quietly, this is acceptable.”

At the same time, the Cambodian government seems to show its political stance indicating that it truly has the will to resolve this dispute issue in the Preah Vihear temple area involving Thailand’s aggression, and that it is willing to accept bilateral negotiations based on the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding. Cambodia also demands for more than $2.15 million of damage compensation form Thailand for the destruction of properties owned by Cambodian people living near Preah Vihear temple, and the damage incurred on the temple itself resulting form the armed clash which took place on 03 April.

However, in rea/ity, these actions by the Cambodian government show that it does not have a clear stance to resolve this dispute because it allowed armed clashes to take place twice already, and it also allows Thailand to lead its aggression on Cambodian territories at will. In fact, the Cambodian government does not pay attention to the existing legal basis which it can use to resolve this dispute – such as the 1991 Paris Peace Agreements on Cambodia, the 1962 decision handed down by The Hague International Court of Justice, and the 1904 and 1907 Franco-Siam conventions. Furthermore, Indonesia, the co-President of the 1991 Paris Peace Accord, wanted to intervene on this issue, but it was met by the rejection from Mr. Hun Sen’s government instead.

Because Cambodia is a victim of Thai aggression, the Cambodian government must fulfill its role by displaying a strong stance toward the Thai PM, and it must also resolve the dispute issue in the Preah Vihear temple area through international institutions, based on the 1991 Paris Peace Agreements on Cambodia, the 1962 decision handed down by The Hague International Court of Justice, and the 1904 and 1907 Franco-Siam conventions.

(Signed) Men Nath
CWCI President.

..

Note: KI Media source, Unofficial translation from Khmer by Socheata

Hun Sen govt disinformation lawsuits against opposition and press

Government Critics Abused by Courts: Group
Source: By Chun Sakada, VOA (Voice of America) Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
09 June 2009

The Cambodia Watchdog Council on Tuesday called on Prime Minister Hun Sen to drop a suit against an opposition lawmaker, claiming the courts are being used to stymie critics of the government.

A rash of defamation suits and criminal cases against incitement have appeared in recent weeks in the courts, including the suit of Hun Sen against Sam Rainsy Party parliamentarian Mu Sochua, who herself is suing the premier for defamation, for allegedly lewd remarks in the 2008 election campaign.

The head of a non-governmental agency and the editor of an opposition newspaper are also facing lawsuits and criminal offenses in Phnom Penh Municipal Court after offending senior officials, said Rong Chhun, a member of the Watchdog Council.

“Our national leaders do not accept constructive criticism from critics, to consider and to resolve, but the government uses the court system to cover their wrongdoing and has no courage to accept the facts,” he said in a statement. The use of the courts to “pressure and silence critics” was “threatening freedom of expression,” he said.

Council of Ministers spokesman Phay Siphan denied the charges, saying the government was working to “strengthen the rule of law and protect people’s rights and freedoms.”

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Hun Sen govt disinformation lawsuits against opposition and press

On June 6, 2009, the Cambodia Watchdog Council International (CWCI) declared its statement on the Cambodian govt disinformation lawsuits against opposition and press activists.

The statement criticized Mr. Prime Minister Hun Sen and his govt using the court systems to threat and file the complaints against opposition lawmakers Ms. Mu Sochua and Mr. Hor Vann; lawyer Mr. Kong Sam Onn; editor in chief of the Khmer Mchas Srok Newspaper Mr. Hang Chakra and other NGOs activists. Please view full story here in Khmer.

Government Critics Abused by Courts: Group

CWCI Letter to UNESCO Regarding Preah Vihear Temple – July 2008

CAMBODIA WATCHDOG COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL
CWC-International, # Havreveien 94, 4634 Kristiansand City, Norway, Tel: 004799489608/ 004799489347/ E-mail: cwci secretariat@yahoo.com/ cwci@start.no

No: 023 cwci/08
Kristiansand, 17 July 2008

To: Dr. Christina Cameron, UNESCO President

Subject: Preah Vihear Temple in Cambodia

To Your Excellency,

It is in our utmost respect and great honor having heard the historical news of actions taken by UNESCO to place Preah Vihear Temple into the World Heritage in Quebec, Canada on July 07th, 2008. At the same time, Thai government and her people will use every tactics to take Preah Vihear back from Cambodia.

Evidence has shown on this past July 15th, 2008, there was an incident at the border between Thailand and Cambodia. There were a monk and two of his disciples illegally crossed over to Preah Vihear, Cambodia in order to place its Thai flag on Khmer land. They were apprehended by Cambodian police and released four hours later. In addition, there were 50 Thai military personnel who were armed with heavy guns also illegally crossed over and occupied the Preah Vihear Temple and completely shut down the roadway to which the land is not even under their control. Furthermore, until this very day on July 17th, 2008, Thai military officials instigated the matter that has already worsen by the minutes by adding more of its military officials to more than 400 bodies.

Cambodian government has already sent its troops to protect the area and to oversee the situation which is very tense. There were about 200 Cambodian families who were residing along the border and they are fear for their safety. As of now, the Cambodian government is trying to calm the situation down by talking to Thai government by solving this matter in diplomatic manners.

Hence, the Cambodian Watchdog Council International (CWC-International) strongly believe that the Thai military and its government is trying to provoke and instigate the situation without respecting the decision rendered by the International Court of Justice at the Hague in 1962 and the decision made by UNESCO to place Preah Vihear onto the World Heritage on July 07th, 2008. This has clearly shown that the Thai government fail to respect the decisions as a civilized nation, in addition, made a mockery of the ICJ and UNESCO…not to mention the disrespectful to Cambodia as a sovereign nation.

Preah Vihear has a total of 4.5 kilometers squares which situated within the boundary of Cambodia according to the Map approved and rendered by the Hague International Court of Justice in 1962. In addition, from the very first step of Preah Vihear Temple entrance to the border of Cambodia and Thailand it has approximately 2.6 kilometers squares according to the France – Siam Treaties Annex I Map in 1904 and 1907 also belong to Cambodia. By observing these facts, Thailand is intentionally and slowly invading Cambodia.

For this matter and this matter alone, thousand of Cambodians around the world is worrying that Thailand will not stop here and it will lead to something far danger than this.

Cambodia Watchdog Council International and on behalf of all Cambodians around the world would like to ask for your assistance in finding resolutions to this matter as a Director of UNESCO.

Respectfully Yours,

Men Nath,
President of CWC-International

CC:
- Cambodian Minister of Council
- Ministry of Foreign affairs
- Ministry of Information
- Royal Thailand Embassy in Cambodia
- News/Others

UNHCR should help Cambodian Political Asylum Seekers in Thailand

CAMBODIA WATCHDOG COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL
CWC-International, # Ålefjæreien 51A, 4634 Kristiansand City, Norway, Tel: +4799489608/+4799489347/ cwci_secretariat@yahoo.com/ cwci@start.no

Kristiansand, 14 March, 2007

Dear UNHCR Bangkok Representative,

I am writing to you to express Cambodia Watchdog Council International’s concern about the recent arrests of Cambodian people, about 200 people including children, who have fled to Thailand, which are done by Thai authority. They are the political asylum seekers.

Cambodia Watchdog Council International ( CWCI) recognizes that Thai authority intends to capture and put them to the jail or send back to home country. We know clearly that they are staying in Thailand illegally, but they have been forced to escape from their homes and find the safe place since they have raised their dissenting views against the Royal Government of Cambodia led by Mr. Hun Sen who has been known as a dictator. They have done political activities for the cause of democracy and human rights respect in Cambodia. By doing this, members of their families were murdered and threatened but the perpetrators have not been found out and sent to jail. They are not provided justice.

According to the universal declaration of United Nations about the human rights, and Thailand is also a member of this world organization, CWCI considers that Thai authority is seriously violating the rights of those people. CWCI urges Thai authority to release those people without delay.

Finally, CWCI appeals to UNHCR and all human rights defender organizations to intervene thoroughly this case with observing and protecting them from being sent back to Cambodia where their lives can be at risk.

Yours Sincerely

Ir Channa
Secretary General