This day in history, March 30, 1997, 14 years ago, 4 grenades were launched to a demonstration in Phnom Penh killing 16 and wounded around 100 people. The demonstration was organized and led by Sam Raingsy then President of the Khmer Nation Party as part of a campaign for judicial independence and to abolish corruption.. He was with the crowd when the attack occured but was safe, thanks to his bodyguards who covered him at the cost of their life.
The investigations done with the assistance of the Amwerican Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) - because one American was wounded - have identified some perpetrators but they were later killed or disappeared. No word of who are behind the attack until now.
This attack is a big blow to human rights. The Cambodian people were traumatized by the Khmer Rouge reigime, now they are fear stricken by city violence. This attack has also an indirect on the newly restaured democracy with political parties subjected to organized violence.
The US Government and the FBI should reexamine the case...
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Le Neo Khmerisme: Lon Nol
This is the title of a book written in French by the General Lon Nol and published in 1974, a year before the fall of the Khmer Republic. Through this book, General Lon Nol would justify the "Revolution" of March 18, 1970. He saw the grave communist Vietnamese threat to Cambodia and Prince Sihanouk siding with them.
He wrote that from March 29, 1970 - today in history, 41 years gao - the communist Vietnamese start invading Cambodia, after ignoring the Khmer ultimatum to withdraw from the Cambodian territory at the boders.
The Khmer Republic proclaimed on October 29, 1970 had survived until April 17, 1975.
He wrote that from March 29, 1970 - today in history, 41 years gao - the communist Vietnamese start invading Cambodia, after ignoring the Khmer ultimatum to withdraw from the Cambodian territory at the boders.
The Khmer Republic proclaimed on October 29, 1970 had survived until April 17, 1975.
March 18: Le Grand Assassinat
A film about the March 18 produced by the King Father Norodom Sihanouk in 1998. Shown in TVK and stored in archive for public viewing. Cyber Link provided to me by Mr. Mam Hean in Joliet, Illinois.
The movie retraced the story hehind the March 18 1970 coup that is anlogous to an assassination.
The movie retraced the story hehind the March 18 1970 coup that is anlogous to an assassination.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Libya: President Obama
President Obama adresses the Nation on the US attack on Libya to implement the UN resolution # 1973, along with NATO forces.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
52. March 18: The Turning Point
On the 23rd day of March 1970, 5 days after his dismissal on March 18, and a visit by North Vietnamese Premier, Prince Sihanouk made a radio broadcast from Peking asking for a call to arms and announce the formation of a United Front to fight against the Lon Nol Army. It is a turning point that changed the course of the Khmer History with the call to foreign power for help.
The FUNK french acronym of the Khmer National United Front would include the Khmer Rouge (local Khmer Communists), the Khmer Vietminh (Khmer Communists trained and supported by the North Vietnamese), and the Prince Supporters. The FUNK was back up by the NVN and the NLF Army.
The Lon Nol Army was called on the US to have the assistance of their Special Forces or Mike Forces, special units composed of the elements recruited in the Khmer Krom communities in Kampuchea Krom. With their bombardments along the borders, the US expand their operations, and the Vietnam War was overspilled to Cambodia she was forced to defend themselves against the Vietnamese communists. Unfortunately it is too bad that Cambodia entered a war that the US was in the phase of disengagement and their assistance to Cambodia was limited.
With less manpower and poorly trained and armed, the Lon Nol Army was doomed to loose, and the winner is not Prince Sihanouk, but it was the Khmer Rouge. It is the story of the Killing Fields...
The FUNK french acronym of the Khmer National United Front would include the Khmer Rouge (local Khmer Communists), the Khmer Vietminh (Khmer Communists trained and supported by the North Vietnamese), and the Prince Supporters. The FUNK was back up by the NVN and the NLF Army.
The Lon Nol Army was called on the US to have the assistance of their Special Forces or Mike Forces, special units composed of the elements recruited in the Khmer Krom communities in Kampuchea Krom. With their bombardments along the borders, the US expand their operations, and the Vietnam War was overspilled to Cambodia she was forced to defend themselves against the Vietnamese communists. Unfortunately it is too bad that Cambodia entered a war that the US was in the phase of disengagement and their assistance to Cambodia was limited.
With less manpower and poorly trained and armed, the Lon Nol Army was doomed to loose, and the winner is not Prince Sihanouk, but it was the Khmer Rouge. It is the story of the Killing Fields...
51. March 23, 1907...
... is a most important Day to remember. On that day now 104 years ago the France - Siam Treaty was signed in regard to return back to France (acting as Protectorate Authority) of the Khmer provinces of Siemreap, Sisophon and Battambang. A map drafted by a mixed commission France-Siam, in compliance with the previous 104 Treaty, showing the Preah Vihear Temple is in Cambodia, is attached to the Treaty. The March 23, 1907 Treaty was later ratified by the French Parliament on June 21, 1907. Case closed.
It was until after World War Two and the defeat of France to the Nazis that, on September 11, 1940, Thailand asked from France for the return of their "lost territories", namely Siemreap, Sisophon and Battambang. Hostilities flared up and a cease fire was proclaimed on January 28, 1941 under the Japanese auspices. Over a month later on March 11, 1941 a Treaty of Peace between France and Thailand was signed in Tokyo confirming the return to Thailand of Battambang, Sisophon and Siemreap, except Angkor.
When World War Two was over and the capitulation of the Japanese, France annulled the Tokyo Treaty. Negotiations continued in September 1945 in France and in April 1946 in Singapore, and concluded in Washington DC on November 17, 1946 with an Agreement annuling the previous Tokyo Treaty that was signed by France under duress.
On December 9, 1946, one last time, Thailand returned Battambang, Sisophon and Siemreap to France for Cambodia.
Notes: These are solid bases for the borders demarcations with Thailand. But France did not do anything for Cambodia in regard to Kampuchea Krom.
It was until after World War Two and the defeat of France to the Nazis that, on September 11, 1940, Thailand asked from France for the return of their "lost territories", namely Siemreap, Sisophon and Battambang. Hostilities flared up and a cease fire was proclaimed on January 28, 1941 under the Japanese auspices. Over a month later on March 11, 1941 a Treaty of Peace between France and Thailand was signed in Tokyo confirming the return to Thailand of Battambang, Sisophon and Siemreap, except Angkor.
When World War Two was over and the capitulation of the Japanese, France annulled the Tokyo Treaty. Negotiations continued in September 1945 in France and in April 1946 in Singapore, and concluded in Washington DC on November 17, 1946 with an Agreement annuling the previous Tokyo Treaty that was signed by France under duress.
On December 9, 1946, one last time, Thailand returned Battambang, Sisophon and Siemreap to France for Cambodia.
Notes: These are solid bases for the borders demarcations with Thailand. But France did not do anything for Cambodia in regard to Kampuchea Krom.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
50. FUNCINPEC at 30
It was on this day in history, March 21st, 1981, 30 years ago that FUNCINPEC, french acronym of the United Front for a Independent, Neutral, Pacific and Cooperative Cambodia, was officially launched by its founder, the then Prince Norodom Sihanouk. Writing on the WARRIOR PRINCE Norodom Ranariddh, Harish C. Mehta wotes: "When Sihanouk founded the royalist Funcinpec Party in Pyongyang in March, 1981, Ranariddh wrote him a letter requesting that his father induct him as a founding member. Little did he know what shape the party would take."
According to General Nhek Bun Chhay in his book "A Luck in Thousand Dangers", at time of Funcinpec founding the Prince Shanouk enlisted many fighting groups at the borders with 3 major fighters camps at Bak Roneas led by Tuon Chay, O'Smach by Svy Thoeun and Tatum. The Prince also designated a veteran politician, Mr. In Tam, to represent him at the inaugural ceremony on the field.
The Funcinpec under Prince Ranariddh won the first elections organized by the UN in 1993, subsequent to the Paris Peace Agreement signed on October 23, 1991. A military confrontation between his army with his partner Hun Sen put him in a weak situation and his demise years later. He was forced to found his own party, the Ranariddh Party, and later to quit politics. He decided to come back and rejoin the Funcinpec...but the outcome is unclear. Funcinpec itself is now very weak and divided, not the same when Prince Sihanouk launched 30 years ago. Now becoming King Father, He can't do nothing to redress it.
FUNCINPEC members, old and new, must honor the Great Founder...
We will see...
Update:
April 2 : At an Assembly Meeting on April 2, 2011, the FUNCINPEC leadership elected General NHEK BUNCHHAY as its President. FUNCINPEC has won 2 seats at the last legislative elections in 1998.
According to General Nhek Bun Chhay in his book "A Luck in Thousand Dangers", at time of Funcinpec founding the Prince Shanouk enlisted many fighting groups at the borders with 3 major fighters camps at Bak Roneas led by Tuon Chay, O'Smach by Svy Thoeun and Tatum. The Prince also designated a veteran politician, Mr. In Tam, to represent him at the inaugural ceremony on the field.
The Funcinpec under Prince Ranariddh won the first elections organized by the UN in 1993, subsequent to the Paris Peace Agreement signed on October 23, 1991. A military confrontation between his army with his partner Hun Sen put him in a weak situation and his demise years later. He was forced to found his own party, the Ranariddh Party, and later to quit politics. He decided to come back and rejoin the Funcinpec...but the outcome is unclear. Funcinpec itself is now very weak and divided, not the same when Prince Sihanouk launched 30 years ago. Now becoming King Father, He can't do nothing to redress it.
FUNCINPEC members, old and new, must honor the Great Founder...
We will see...
Update:
April 2 : At an Assembly Meeting on April 2, 2011, the FUNCINPEC leadership elected General NHEK BUNCHHAY as its President. FUNCINPEC has won 2 seats at the last legislative elections in 1998.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
49. In the Aftermath...
of the March 18th coup. There were a few army tanks in the vicinity of the National Assembly building, that's why foreign media looks at it as a coup. No blood shed, only one casualty: Col. Seng Sunthay. There were protests from Kompng Cham province, 3 casualties: Lon Nil a younger brother to General Lon Nol, and 2 deputies: Kim Phon ans Sos Saoun. It was the beginning of more troubles... from other provinces...
On the other hand, the sacking of the their Embassies and the ultimatum to leave immedately their borders encapments sounds like a declaration of War aginst the Viets Communists. According to Justin Corfield, Pham Van Dong, the Premier of North Vietnam, flew secretly to Peking on March 21st to "offer Sihanouk the support of Cambodian communists then in Hanoi, as well as both the NFL and the North Vietnamese Army."
Two days later, on March 23, 1970, a call -to-Arms by the Prince was broadcasted by Radio Peking and announcing a formation of a United Front including the Khmer Rouge. It was followed by the set up of Royal Government of National Union - in GRUNK in french acronym. The new war was about to begin...
On the other hand, the sacking of the their Embassies and the ultimatum to leave immedately their borders encapments sounds like a declaration of War aginst the Viets Communists. According to Justin Corfield, Pham Van Dong, the Premier of North Vietnam, flew secretly to Peking on March 21st to "offer Sihanouk the support of Cambodian communists then in Hanoi, as well as both the NFL and the North Vietnamese Army."
Two days later, on March 23, 1970, a call -to-Arms by the Prince was broadcasted by Radio Peking and announcing a formation of a United Front including the Khmer Rouge. It was followed by the set up of Royal Government of National Union - in GRUNK in french acronym. The new war was about to begin...
Friday, March 18, 2011
48. March 18 Day
Today, in history, 41 years ago, Prince Norodom Sihanouk, Chief of State of Cambodia was dismissed of his function. A resolution voted by ninety two to zero, stated that “the National Assembly and the Council of the Kingdom, meeting in joint session, have withdrawn on the 18th of March, 1970, at 1:00PM their confidence in Prince Norodom Sihanouk in the functions of Chief of State.”
This unexpected vote had its roots back to January 6, 1970 when he left Cambodia for a cure in France. Speculations spread that the coup was fomented with the American behind. And the Americans denied it. In fact exactly one year before on March 18, 1969, the US started the secret bombing of Cambodia with its Breakfast run part of the Operation Menu. This is what it said in the book “Pawns of War”: On March 18, 1969, sixty B-52 bombers, on loan from the Strategic Air Command, lifted into the skies over Guam. After they passed into South Vietnamese air space, forty eight of the huge planes peeled off from the rest of the rest of the mission and veered across the Cambodian border. Over the area suspected of containing COSVN they each dropped twenty-four tons of bombs. Then they skirted back over the border and returned to their island base.”…”The number of raids grew as other areas along the border inside Cambodia was targeted. Each was designated by a similar name: Breakfast was folloed by Lunch, Snack, Dinner, Dessert, and Super. Taken together the bombing raids were known as Operation Menu.”… “Operation Menu continued for fourteen months in absolute secrecy from the American public. In that time the B-52s flew 3,630 sorties against targets in Cambodia, dropping over 100,000 tons of bombs.”
It is hard to believe that the US was supporting any action against the Prince since he announces on June 11, 1969 that the Cambodian-US relations will be restored. In that context, later American assistance to General Lon Nol was probably dictated by forces of circumstances.
So, before he left to France, Prince Sihanouk left the government to General Lon Nol assisted by Prince Sisowath Sirik Matak who is in some sort, a rival to Prince Sihanouk. During this Prince Sihanouk absence, Prince Sirik Matak took measures that went against the socialist model. On his side General Lon Nol was worried about the Vietnamese Communist Forces encroachment on Cambodia borders. Probably on outsider instigation, on March 9, 1970 there were mass peaceful demonstrations asking for the withdrawal of Vietnamese troops from the borders.
They were followed by demonstrations in Phnom Penh targeting and sacking the Embassy of the Republic of North Vietnam, and the Mission of the South Vietnamese National Liberation Front. Prince Sihanouk in France was informed, he was furious that the action was in dire violation of his policy and refused to received Lon Nol delegation to explain the situation. This miscommunication leads to the March 18 resolution. After that it is history.
It took 6 months and 27 days later that the Kingdom of Cambodia was replaced by the Khmer Republic that was proclaimed on October 9, 1970. On June 4, 1972, Marshal Lon Nol wins the first Presidential elections. The Khmer Republic survived for only 2 years 6 months and 5 days before falling to the Khmer Rouge on April 14, 1975.
All in all the March 18 event was ill prepared – if there was preparation at all – and in the book “Pawns of War” it was said:”After the fall of Prince Sihanouk, Cambodia tumbled swiftly into the abyss of violence that the Prince has skirted for so long.
All the parties involved bored a share of the blame for the catastrophe that followed: the new Cambodian leadership, which marched naively into a war it did not have the means to win; Sihanouk himself, whose injured pride and thirst for revenge led him into a hasty alliance with Vietnamese and Khmer Communists forces he could not control; the Hanoi and Saigon governments, which both stepped up military operations on Cambodian territory; and the United States, which grasped for short-run tactical advantages in Cambodia while disregarding the grave long-range risks of a widened war.
Neither the country’s new leaders nor the outsted Sihanouk tried to preserve Cambodia’s vulnerable neutrality. Instead both quickly line up with the opposing forces in the regional war.”
Good Lessons to be learned!!
PS: Going back in the history, this day could not happen if Cambodia were not disregarding the Geneva Accords issued from the Geneva Conference (April 26 - July 21, 1954) that confirmed Cambodian Independence (November 9, 1953), ordered all foreign troops to leave the Country and Cambodia followed the path of Neutrality. So there should not have the "Sihanouk Trail" through Cambodia in the first place.
PS: Going back in the history, this day could not happen if Cambodia were not disregarding the Geneva Accords issued from the Geneva Conference (April 26 - July 21, 1954) that confirmed Cambodian Independence (November 9, 1953), ordered all foreign troops to leave the Country and Cambodia followed the path of Neutrality. So there should not have the "Sihanouk Trail" through Cambodia in the first place.
Book to read on the Khmer Republic: “KHMERS STAND UP!” by Justin Corfield, published by Centre of Southeast Asian Studies, Monash University, Australia (1994).
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Khmer Art: LA Times
Art review: 'Gods of Angkor: Bronzes from the National Museum of Cambodia' at
the J. Paul Getty Museum
Comments (1) (32) (26)
March 13, 2011 | 3:30 pm
At the J. Paul Getty Museum, "Gods of Angkor: Bronzes from the National Museum
of Cambodia" is a very small show on a very large subject. For a viewer, its
primary achievement is to make you want to see more.
The Khmer Empire was born in 802, when a Hindu monarch, Jayavarman II, declared
himself a god and established his seat of power in Angkor in the northern
reaches of what is today Cambodia. The city grew to be immense, among the
largest cities in the world, with a sphere of influence that encompassed a large
chunk of modern-day Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. The
empire lasted more than 600 years -- nearly until the birth of Columbus.
Say the word Khmer today, however, and visions of horrific crimes against
humanity perpetrated in the 1970s civil war by the brutal Communist leader Pol
Pot still linger. "Gods of Angkor" evokes an entirely different world.
Among the show's most impressive works is a 12th-century "Crowned Buddha," with
upper arms held close to the ramrod-straight torso, forearms raised forward from
the body and open palms held up. Even to the uninitiated, this formal, highly
ritualized pose presents a thoroughly unprotected gesture that demonstrably
offers peace.
Nearly 3 feet tall, the cast-bronze sculpture is less ornate than a Chinese
counterpart might be. Still, the exquisite ornamentation sets the figure apart
from an everyday human being. Erect and symmetrical, its head, throat and waist
encircled with elaborately modeled jewelry, the serenely smiling Buddha speaks
of dignity, eternity and unostentatious majesty. A human form assumes an
otherworldly presence.
Khmer sculpture registers as an obviously complex subject -- produced over half
a millennium, influenced by powerful crosscurrents from India and China and
responding to compelling varieties of Hindu, Buddhist and secular forces. Also
complex is the treacherous process of lost-wax casting in bronze. The
technically arduous method can result in sleek objects with a spirit very
different, and often more elegant and stately, than the carved sandstone Khmer
sculpture that is more commonly encountered.
Typical, however, and evident in the majority of the show's sculptures, is the
straight, columnar modeling of the figures' legs. Feet face forward and are
separated in a firm stance that conveys stability more than rigidity. It's
unusual for a divine Khmer sculpture to stand in a posture that reveals the
slightest sense of ordinary bodily relaxation.
Any one of the many technical demands of bronze casting is unlikely to explain
this standard design. Instead, it draws a subtle distinction between a mundane
person, who would not be memorialized in expensive bronze, and a deity who
warrants such noble and enduring treatment. It's almost as if the formality of
the deity's posture creates a portal to another dimension.
the J. Paul Getty Museum
Comments (1) (32) (26)
March 13, 2011 | 3:30 pm
At the J. Paul Getty Museum, "Gods of Angkor: Bronzes from the National Museum
of Cambodia" is a very small show on a very large subject. For a viewer, its
primary achievement is to make you want to see more.
The Khmer Empire was born in 802, when a Hindu monarch, Jayavarman II, declared
himself a god and established his seat of power in Angkor in the northern
reaches of what is today Cambodia. The city grew to be immense, among the
largest cities in the world, with a sphere of influence that encompassed a large
chunk of modern-day Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. The
empire lasted more than 600 years -- nearly until the birth of Columbus.
Say the word Khmer today, however, and visions of horrific crimes against
humanity perpetrated in the 1970s civil war by the brutal Communist leader Pol
Pot still linger. "Gods of Angkor" evokes an entirely different world.
Among the show's most impressive works is a 12th-century "Crowned Buddha," with
upper arms held close to the ramrod-straight torso, forearms raised forward from
the body and open palms held up. Even to the uninitiated, this formal, highly
ritualized pose presents a thoroughly unprotected gesture that demonstrably
offers peace.
Nearly 3 feet tall, the cast-bronze sculpture is less ornate than a Chinese
counterpart might be. Still, the exquisite ornamentation sets the figure apart
from an everyday human being. Erect and symmetrical, its head, throat and waist
encircled with elaborately modeled jewelry, the serenely smiling Buddha speaks
of dignity, eternity and unostentatious majesty. A human form assumes an
otherworldly presence.
Khmer sculpture registers as an obviously complex subject -- produced over half
a millennium, influenced by powerful crosscurrents from India and China and
responding to compelling varieties of Hindu, Buddhist and secular forces. Also
complex is the treacherous process of lost-wax casting in bronze. The
technically arduous method can result in sleek objects with a spirit very
different, and often more elegant and stately, than the carved sandstone Khmer
sculpture that is more commonly encountered.
Typical, however, and evident in the majority of the show's sculptures, is the
straight, columnar modeling of the figures' legs. Feet face forward and are
separated in a firm stance that conveys stability more than rigidity. It's
unusual for a divine Khmer sculpture to stand in a posture that reveals the
slightest sense of ordinary bodily relaxation.
Any one of the many technical demands of bronze casting is unlikely to explain
this standard design. Instead, it draws a subtle distinction between a mundane
person, who would not be memorialized in expensive bronze, and a deity who
warrants such noble and enduring treatment. It's almost as if the formality of
the deity's posture creates a portal to another dimension.
Monday, March 14, 2011
47. "The Story of King Jayajetta II and...
his Vietnamese wife Ang Cu in English" is the subject of an email I receive today from a friend in Paris. The story is from this blog: http://janecadhlanews.blog4ever.com/blog/index-462157.html
Most Cambodians knows that the inter-racial wedding of this King had left a very bad legacy on Cambodia history, in regard to the loss of Kampucha Krom to Vietnam. It started with the "Vietnamese Queen" influencing her husband, King Jayajetta II (1619-1627), in allowing Vietnamese colons to settle from Prey Nokor down South to the Mekong delta, that later extend to the whole Kampuchea Krom.
Then came the French, and after successive conquest, they vainquish the Viets. In 1862 France have made Kampuchea Krom or Cochin China a colony. It was a different treatment in regard to Cambodia, a french Protectorate.
After 77 year rule, on March 14th, 1949, France, ignoring the Cambodian rights, initiated a legal process that lead to the legal transfer of Kampuchea Krom to the then Emperor Bao Dai of Vietnam.
The process started with the singing by Bao Dai in January 1948 of the treaty with France called the "Bay d'Along Agreement" which recognized the principle of the 3-ky union, according to Mr. Chhean Vam, a politician in the old time. Mr. Chhean Vam in his testimony in regard to the case of Kampuchea Krom stated that: " As a logical result of these maneuvers, the French Parliament enacted, on March 14, 1949, a law instituing a 'Territorial Assembly of Cochin China.' Article 4 of that law states: 'The Assembly has an exclusive power to give its recommendation in accordance with 75 of the French Constitution on changing the territorial status of Cochin China within the French Union, either by its unification to the associated state of Vietnam or by a choice of one of the statuses, as included in Article 60 of the French Constitution'."
Subsequent to this legislation a new law was drafted to proceed with the transfer of Kampuchea Krom to Bao Dai, it was passed and signed in Toulon (France) into Law no. 49-733 the French President Vincent Auriol on June 4, 1949.
The King Norodom Sihanouk at that time, had sent a delegation composed of MM. Sonn San, Chhean Vam, Sim Var, Thonn Ouk, Pan Yung and Sok Chhong, to protest the French draft law, especially to lodge amendment to claim the borders to the Vinh Te Canal. They were received with sympaty and promised with success in their lobby, but just a few days before the vote, they received, according to Mr. Chhean Vam, a "telegram signed by Yem Sambaur, then the President of the Ministers Council. This telegram stated, in a peremtory way, that our mission (it meant Mr. Son Sann ans I) was finished."
And the Fench ignored the amendments. It was not known of the story behind this sad turn of event of our history...
I am very glad that the Khmer Krom stood up, formed the Khmer Krom Federation (KKF) to fight for their rights with the help of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organizationa (UNPO) of which KKF is a full fledge member. KKF has also participated actively in the annual session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) since 2004.
http://khmerkromngo.org/map/map.htm
Book to Read: The Khmer Krom Journey to Self-Determination published by the Khmers Kampuchea-Krom Federation
Most Cambodians knows that the inter-racial wedding of this King had left a very bad legacy on Cambodia history, in regard to the loss of Kampucha Krom to Vietnam. It started with the "Vietnamese Queen" influencing her husband, King Jayajetta II (1619-1627), in allowing Vietnamese colons to settle from Prey Nokor down South to the Mekong delta, that later extend to the whole Kampuchea Krom.
Then came the French, and after successive conquest, they vainquish the Viets. In 1862 France have made Kampuchea Krom or Cochin China a colony. It was a different treatment in regard to Cambodia, a french Protectorate.
After 77 year rule, on March 14th, 1949, France, ignoring the Cambodian rights, initiated a legal process that lead to the legal transfer of Kampuchea Krom to the then Emperor Bao Dai of Vietnam.
The process started with the singing by Bao Dai in January 1948 of the treaty with France called the "Bay d'Along Agreement" which recognized the principle of the 3-ky union, according to Mr. Chhean Vam, a politician in the old time. Mr. Chhean Vam in his testimony in regard to the case of Kampuchea Krom stated that: " As a logical result of these maneuvers, the French Parliament enacted, on March 14, 1949, a law instituing a 'Territorial Assembly of Cochin China.' Article 4 of that law states: 'The Assembly has an exclusive power to give its recommendation in accordance with 75 of the French Constitution on changing the territorial status of Cochin China within the French Union, either by its unification to the associated state of Vietnam or by a choice of one of the statuses, as included in Article 60 of the French Constitution'."
Subsequent to this legislation a new law was drafted to proceed with the transfer of Kampuchea Krom to Bao Dai, it was passed and signed in Toulon (France) into Law no. 49-733 the French President Vincent Auriol on June 4, 1949.
The King Norodom Sihanouk at that time, had sent a delegation composed of MM. Sonn San, Chhean Vam, Sim Var, Thonn Ouk, Pan Yung and Sok Chhong, to protest the French draft law, especially to lodge amendment to claim the borders to the Vinh Te Canal. They were received with sympaty and promised with success in their lobby, but just a few days before the vote, they received, according to Mr. Chhean Vam, a "telegram signed by Yem Sambaur, then the President of the Ministers Council. This telegram stated, in a peremtory way, that our mission (it meant Mr. Son Sann ans I) was finished."
And the Fench ignored the amendments. It was not known of the story behind this sad turn of event of our history...
I am very glad that the Khmer Krom stood up, formed the Khmer Krom Federation (KKF) to fight for their rights with the help of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organizationa (UNPO) of which KKF is a full fledge member. KKF has also participated actively in the annual session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) since 2004.
http://khmerkromngo.org/map/map.htm
Book to Read: The Khmer Krom Journey to Self-Determination published by the Khmers Kampuchea-Krom Federation
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
46. 8.9 EarthQuake in Japan
While the Libya revolt continues to see people killed by the Khaddafy regime and the unrest in other part of the Middle East, the mother nature struck at a city in Japan around 2oo miles North of Tokyo killing hundreds of peole, causing the following tsunami to destroy many living quarters.
What a year?
- Thailand still have unrest with their Yellow and Red Shirts.
- Pending conflict between Thailand and Cambodia on Preah Vihear temple.
What's next?
MSN.com
What a year?
- Thailand still have unrest with their Yellow and Red Shirts.
- Pending conflict between Thailand and Cambodia on Preah Vihear temple.
What's next?
MSN.com
Thursday, March 10, 2011
45. Democracy in America
Thgis is not about the book written by Alexis de Tocqueville yeras ago, but it is related to a protest in Madison, the capitol city of the State of Wisconsin. the Republican Governor Walker recently elected, in his plan to balance the state budget needs to make some drastic cuts and it hit the unionized state workers: teachers, firemen, etc... The democratic assemblymen boycotted the vote by crossing the borders to stay in Illinois. It was over 3 weeks now, but the news were not as hot as the revolts in the Middle East. Anyway the Wisconsin Governer, to deal with this crisis, would use a special strategy to have the vote anyway. The people who protest again this measure has blocked the entrance of the state assembly building and for the first time it can been on TV Policemen dragging the people.
Rev. Jesse Jackson at the end of the interview with FOX News call the people to "Revolt and Recall".
Update: Thursday March 9, the Republican "anti-Union" bill that stripped the state government workers of nearly all of their collective-bargaining rights, was passed. Prostesters said Governor Scott Walker won the battle but not the war. Non violent protest continues.
Will see what's next...
Update:
March 18: The Bill was signed, and now the Judge said "Wait..."
March 29: Court Hearing. The case may go the Supreme Court.
March 31: Wisconsin judge blocks the controversial Union bill.
Rev. Jesse Jackson at the end of the interview with FOX News call the people to "Revolt and Recall".
Update: Thursday March 9, the Republican "anti-Union" bill that stripped the state government workers of nearly all of their collective-bargaining rights, was passed. Prostesters said Governor Scott Walker won the battle but not the war. Non violent protest continues.
Will see what's next...
Update:
March 18: The Bill was signed, and now the Judge said "Wait..."
March 29: Court Hearing. The case may go the Supreme Court.
March 31: Wisconsin judge blocks the controversial Union bill.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
44. Top Diplomat to China
Today March 9, President Obama appoints his US Commerce Secretary Gary Locke as new US Ambassador to China. A Chinese American grand child of a Chinese immigrant who landed in America 100 years ago, Gary Locke was Governor of the Pacific Northwest state of Washington for two terms. When I worked for the State in the Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Program I met him in a few occasions. A great civil servant. Congratulations... with our best wishes.
When writing about this I am thinking of my friend Ambassador Sichan Siv:
Please read this email, it is about his appearance at the California's Nixon Library. The attached document (not shown) is a clip from the Cambodia Daily about his recent trip to Cambodia entitled: "The Stars and Moon align for Cambodian-American: Sichan Siv in town for Asean tourism forum, book unveiling and visit from friend."
From: SSiv
Date: Mon, 7 Mar 2011 23:48:51 -0500
Subject: Stars/Nixon/Seattle
To: van_sar@msn.com
When writing about this I am thinking of my friend Ambassador Sichan Siv:
Please read this email, it is about his appearance at the California's Nixon Library. The attached document (not shown) is a clip from the Cambodia Daily about his recent trip to Cambodia entitled: "The Stars and Moon align for Cambodian-American: Sichan Siv in town for Asean tourism forum, book unveiling and visit from friend."
From: SSiv
Date: Mon, 7 Mar 2011 23:48:51 -0500
Subject: Stars/Nixon/Seattle
To: van_sar@msn.com
Dear Bang Van Sar,
Thanks again for your kind wishes. I hope all's well with you. I thought you might enjoy the story below on Jan. 20. If able, please come to the Nixon Library on April 1, and spread the word.
My golden best,
Sichan
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
43. The Lao Connections
Good diplomacy. Today is the end of 2 days visit by the Lao Premier, mark of militant solidarity, a sure mark to show Thailand that Cambodia has also a friend to the North she can count on. Too bad that Lao military went to extreme when guarding their boders. A villager was killed when venturing in the borders area looking for forest products for their livelihood.
With Lao the implantation of borders posts is in progress, but there are some prblems also: Lao would like to use their maps, and Cambodia request the use of Maps that France made in 1905. There is a plan to celebrate the 55 years of good relations.
With Lao the implantation of borders posts is in progress, but there are some prblems also: Lao would like to use their maps, and Cambodia request the use of Maps that France made in 1905. There is a plan to celebrate the 55 years of good relations.
42. Women Day - International
In Cambodia on that 100th Anniversary of the Day there were celebrations everywhere. It is a Holiday. In Phnom Penh, it was celebrated the day before, at the Peace Building, and reported by local paper showing PM Hun Sen kissing his wife Bun Rany, in joy. SRP organized a conference few days earlier. The NGOs and others, lead by the Cambodian Women Movement Organisation, celebrated in the outskirts, their request to do it in front of Wat Botum was turned down. LICADHO provided some reliefs to the 458 of the 941 women prisoners (with 10 children living with them) at Prey Sar. The woman representative in the National Assembly, Mu SokHua, whose legal case was in limbo, was waiting in the side line for her immunity to be restored... There should be campaign to help her.
To know more on this International Women Day, here is the story:
International Women's Day (8 March) is an occasion marked by women's groups around the world. This date is also commemorated at the United Nations and is designated in many countries as a national holiday.
1917
With 2 million Russian soldiers dead in the war, Russian women again chose the last Sunday in February to strike for "bread and peace". Political leaders opposed the timing of the strike, but the women went on anyway. The rest is history: Four days later the Czar was forced to abdicate and the provisional Government granted women the right to vote. That historic Sunday fell on 23 February on the Julian calendar then in use in Russia, but on 8 March on the Gregorian calendar in use elsewhere.
Since those early years, International Women's Day has assumed a new global dimension for women in developed and developing countries alike.
To know more on this International Women Day, here is the story:
International Women's Day is the story of ordinary women as makers of history; it is rooted in the centuries-old struggle of women to participate in society on an equal footing with men.
International Women's Day (8 March) is an occasion marked by women's groups around the world. This date is also commemorated at the United Nations and is designated in many countries as a national holiday.
1913-1914
As part of the peace movement brewing on the eve of World War I, Russian women observed their first International Women's Day on the last Sunday in February 1913. Elsewhere in Europe, on or around 8 March of the following year, women held rallies either to protest the war or to express solidarity with their sisters.1917
With 2 million Russian soldiers dead in the war, Russian women again chose the last Sunday in February to strike for "bread and peace". Political leaders opposed the timing of the strike, but the women went on anyway. The rest is history: Four days later the Czar was forced to abdicate and the provisional Government granted women the right to vote. That historic Sunday fell on 23 February on the Julian calendar then in use in Russia, but on 8 March on the Gregorian calendar in use elsewhere.
Since those early years, International Women's Day has assumed a new global dimension for women in developed and developing countries alike.
Monday, March 7, 2011
41. The CLV Website
RFA today broadcasted news on the announcement on the launch of a new website initiated by Vietnam on the joint development triangle by Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. From the developers stand point the schemes are jutified for economic reason. But for many, this step is to firm out the Vietnam policy of Westward March as foreseen by our politico-economic analyst Nuon Khoeun. Great danger for Cambodia in the future.
Book to read: Damnoeur Chhhpuos Tov Tus Khang Lech, by Nuon Khoeun (1970)
ខ្មែរ-វៀតណាម-លាវ បង្កើតគេហទំព័ររួម
Book to read: Damnoeur Chhhpuos Tov Tus Khang Lech, by Nuon Khoeun (1970)
ខ្មែរ-វៀតណាម-លាវ បង្កើតគេហទំព័ររួម
Saturday, March 5, 2011
40. The KPNLAF Day
This day March 5th, in 1799, 32 years ago, the Khmer People's National Liberation Armed Forces (KPNLAF) was born in the Cambodian enclaves of the Northwestern borders with Thailand. The KPNLAF was the military component of the Khmer People National Liberation Front, a politico-military front that was officially proclaimed 8 months later, on October 9th, in opposition to the Vietnamese occupation of Cambodia. This short Post is written to remember and to pay tribute to their contribution to the struggle for peace and freedom of our native land. Many of them had paid the ultimate sacrifice of their life.
To refresh our memory, we must be reminded that after the fall of the Khmer Republic in 1975, there were few groups of armed soldiers along the borders with Thailand with their aims to fight the Khmer Rouge. In America and in France with veteran politicians like MM. Son Sann and In Tam were discussing on promoting organizations to deal with the troubling situation in Cambodia.
After the Vietnamese tanks rolled en masse into Cambodia in the Christmas day of 1978 and their victory on 7 January the next year, in mid-January a meeting took place in Washington DC to assess the situation and strategize a plan of action. MM. Son Sann and In Tam and a few representatives from different corners of the US were there; I was there too. At that time, we have known that Prince Sihanouk was in New York addressing the United Nations, and we all that it was good to negotiate with him to have him to leave the Khmer Rouge and to lead the new Resistance against the Vietnamese. Then former Prime Minister Son Sann left to New York. Taking the opportunity to visit New York I took the train to that city and met with my newly acquainted friend Siv Sichan.
It was a coincidence, because PM Son Sann was there alone with Sichan, and after the introduction, he asked me to be with him. To make the story short, here we were the three of us, in the PM hotel room waiting for Prince Sihanouk’s phone call. There were 2 calls spacing apart by some times. There was no speakerphone but the conversation was audible. What were said between the PM and the Prince, after the greetings, were that the PM proposed to organize a front and to offer the leadership to him. The Prince refused and reconfirm in the second call. The next day I accompanied the PM to the New York Airport in the snowy day to fly back to Washington DC, and I took my flight to Seattle, Washington State.
So back in Paris, PM Son Sann planned his next move. There was no option but the armed struggle. There was also some movement between Thai politicians in Paris. Anyway, on early February he sent PM Son Sann dispatched 2 former officers of the old Cambodian armed forces to the Cambodian Thai borders. Mission: To bring together the factions to form a fighting front. These two are General Dien Del and Colonel Nguon Pitoreth. The group leaders at that time were Chea Chhut, Prum Vith, Luong Sinak aka Ta Meang, Sieam Sam Onn aka Ta Luoth, So Serey, etc. In a bit over a month, after a nearly Impossible Mission, on March 5, the KPNLAF was formed with approximately 1,600 troops. General Dien Del was named Chief of Staff.
PM Son Sann arrived later with his children Soubert and Monir, and M. Neang Chin Han, and Prof. Suon Kaset. Other people such as Colonel Ea Chuor Kim Meng and Lt. Col. Thou Thip , prof. Suon Sophat, etc. were there to help set up the Khmer People National Liberation Front. The troops were around 2,000 from 13 separate fighting groups. And more and more came to join them from all over the world.
This Day is a day to remember. The fighters of the KPNLAF play a big role that contributes later to the liberation of Cambodia from Vietnamese intervention, and the Paris Political Settlement signed October 23rd, 1991.. Don't let their sacrifice be forgotten...
Note: A book to read: The Khmer People’s National Liberation Front (KPNLF) & Road to Peace, written by M. Kong Thann, 2009.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
39. The Abdication
Today in history 56 years ago, the 2nd Day of March, 1955, after 14 years of reign and on his own will, King Norodom Sihanouk decided to abdicate from the throne of the Kingdom of Cambodia. This event had grave implications in the future political life of Cambodia that just acquired complete independence from Cambodia, one and half year ago, on November 9, 1953.
The King’s decision at that time, in my opinion, was driven by his desire to continue to exert his Executive power; and with the restriction in the Kingdom Constitution of May 6, 1947, there is no choice for Him but to abdicate and to go into politics.
The Throne was then passed to his Father, King Norodom Suramarith, and Prince Sihanouk becoming Head of State, came out to form the Sangkum Reastr Niyum. After a few elections, other political parties disappear one after another, and the country was ruled by a sole party system. And Democracy in Cambodia was only on paper, since then.
I was still in the Lycee (High School) Sisowath and I have a lot of admiration for the King with his successful Crusade for Independence, but now in retrospect, I begin to wonder about the outcomes of his decision. This decision to abdicate is good or bad for the country? – I only can speculate. Originally I want to title this post “The Beginning of the End” because I think that the abdication would lead, with ups and downs, to the end of the Khmer Monarchy. That happened 15 years later with the March 18, 1970 event, and the dark ages that follow.
I was thinking that if the King would not abdicate in 1955, He would stay put as the Father of the nation – He was already named “Father of Khmer Independence” - , providing guidance to all leaders to do good things for the nation, and building a model Monarchy; the country may not turn upside down with the 1970 revolution followed by the Khmer Rouge iron fist rules, etc. That was perfectly possible under the “Constitutional Monarchy” system.
Fortunately and against all odds and thanks to the United Nations Intervention, subsequent to the Paris Political Settlement of the Cambodian Conflict signed October 23, 1991, and the people choice Prince Sihanouk was crowned again according to new Constitution promulgated on September 24, 1993. A few years later King Norodom Sihanouk abdicated again…
It will be the object of another story.
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