Ambassador Pius Fischer of Germany (Photo German Embassy in Phnom Penh)Phnom Penh Post, Issue 15 / 21, October 20 - November 2, 2006
Germany's Ambassador to Cambodia, Pius Fischer, right, was born in Bavaria and studied mathematics at the Technical University of Munich. Despite an enduring affinity for the clarity of maths, Fischer realized at a young age that his interests were too wide-ranging for the specialization necessary for a successful career as a mathematician. Consequently, he earned a postgraduate degree in economics and entered the German Foreign Office. His previous diplomatic postings have ranged from New Delhi to the Vatican - the latter, Fischer playfully suggests, he acquired on the basis of his ecclesiastical first name. Now in the second year of what will probably be a three-year posting in Cambodia, Fischer met Cat Barton to discuss land grabbing, the Khmer Rouge Trials and 300 Angkorean statues that are being flown to Bonn at the end of the year.
What are the issues you feel most strongly about in Cambodia?
The proliferation of land disputes in Cambodia has reached alarming proportions. We would like to see stronger determination on the part of the Cambodian government to address this issue. The World Bank discovered irregularities by officials in ministries [working on land management issues]. In my opinion, it is a tragedy that those in charge of providing a service for the Cambodian population and working for the betterment of living standards are involved in graft. Therefore we expect a thorough investigation by the Cambodian authorities, the results of which will be published, and those found to be responsible to be held accountable either through disciplinary or legal procedures.
The German Embassy seems one of the most vocal among Cambodia's donor community. Is this the case?
I don't think other embassies are reluctant to speak out. There is a division of labor within the donor community to ensure we don't all speak out on the same topics. Traditionally, Germany speaks out on land issues as we are directly involved on the ground, so we know what is happening at this level.
Considering Germany's recent history, does your nation have special lessons to impart to Cambodia, especially with regard to the Khmer Rouge Trial (KRT)?
The situation in Germany after World War II was very different from the situation in Cambodia following the removal of the Khmer Rouge regime. It is not our endeavor to teach any particular lessons, but we do have experiences that the [KRT] could benefit from. It is not just coincidence that we are one of the major donors to the KRT. We think it is very important for the Cambodian population to understand why this happened, who was responsible for it. Only if we understand history can we avoid making the same mistakes again in the future.
What do you hope to see come from the KRT?
First, we anticipate it having a cathartic effect. The population will learn about this part of Cambodian history, which, as I understand it, doesn't play a particularly important role in Cambodia's history books so far. Second, we hope it will send a message that there is no impunity even for those in the highest positions of political power. Finally, we hope that the trial will bring late redemption to the victims of genocide. We must not forget that over 1.7 million people, which was at the time more than a quarter of the Cambodian population, died at the hands of this murderous regime. In Germany we have had to deal with war crimes trials - not just the Nuremberg Trials but a whole series of criminal trials right up until today against former Nazi war criminals. Democratization in post-conflict Germany was a full success. We do hope that similar developments will take place in Cambodia and in our limited means we try to assist Cambodia on this path.
Do you think Yash Ghai's assessment of the state of human rights in Cambodia was fair?
The role of the UN Special Envoy is different from the role of the diplomatic corps in Cambodia, therefore we formulate certain issues in a different way. But Ghai raises many important deficiencies. On the other hand, it is important to take into account where Cambodia has come from. The last of the Khmer Rouge only handed in their weapons in 1998. In this very short period of time you can't expect miracles.
What is your position on the recent "gagging law" passed by the National Assembly, restricting delegates' freedom of speech?
A very alarming trend last year [was the] series of criminal lawsuits for defamation. The arrest of opposition and trade union leaders, this was a serious concern for us. Fortunately this trend has been reversed. We recently had a German parliamentary delegation here and they met the first committee of the National Assembly for Human Rights and Complaints. The vice president of the committee was Cheam Channy. We regarded this as very positive, to see that Cheam Channy was vice president, that his parliamentary immunity has been restored; this would have been unthinkable a year ago. It is for such reasons that I have a certain optimism that Cambodia will move forward step by step to greater democratization and more respect for human rights.
Can you mitigate the negative effects of modern technology on societies through legislation, for example by banning 3G video streaming?
In the context of a developing country confronted with new media technologies there is always the danger that this can lead to the destruction of the traditional culture and identity. It is a question of finding a balance between preserving freedom of expression and protecting the population, especially minors, from the influx of morally undesirable effects. It is a very sensitive issue, how to strike a balance between freedom and protection.
What would you most like to achieve prior to leaving your posting in Cambodia?
Over the next year, I would like to [and] continue our cooperation in the development fieldsupport the KRT. We want to see it be a success, live up to international standards and play a moral role for the judiciary here.
In the cultural field, at the end of the year there will be a major exhibition on Cambodia held in Germany at the Federal Exhibition Hall in Bonn. There will be 300 sculptures flown from Cambodia to Germany for this exhibition.
What are the issues you feel most strongly about in Cambodia?
The proliferation of land disputes in Cambodia has reached alarming proportions. We would like to see stronger determination on the part of the Cambodian government to address this issue. The World Bank discovered irregularities by officials in ministries [working on land management issues]. In my opinion, it is a tragedy that those in charge of providing a service for the Cambodian population and working for the betterment of living standards are involved in graft. Therefore we expect a thorough investigation by the Cambodian authorities, the results of which will be published, and those found to be responsible to be held accountable either through disciplinary or legal procedures.
The German Embassy seems one of the most vocal among Cambodia's donor community. Is this the case?
I don't think other embassies are reluctant to speak out. There is a division of labor within the donor community to ensure we don't all speak out on the same topics. Traditionally, Germany speaks out on land issues as we are directly involved on the ground, so we know what is happening at this level.
Considering Germany's recent history, does your nation have special lessons to impart to Cambodia, especially with regard to the Khmer Rouge Trial (KRT)?
The situation in Germany after World War II was very different from the situation in Cambodia following the removal of the Khmer Rouge regime. It is not our endeavor to teach any particular lessons, but we do have experiences that the [KRT] could benefit from. It is not just coincidence that we are one of the major donors to the KRT. We think it is very important for the Cambodian population to understand why this happened, who was responsible for it. Only if we understand history can we avoid making the same mistakes again in the future.
What do you hope to see come from the KRT?
First, we anticipate it having a cathartic effect. The population will learn about this part of Cambodian history, which, as I understand it, doesn't play a particularly important role in Cambodia's history books so far. Second, we hope it will send a message that there is no impunity even for those in the highest positions of political power. Finally, we hope that the trial will bring late redemption to the victims of genocide. We must not forget that over 1.7 million people, which was at the time more than a quarter of the Cambodian population, died at the hands of this murderous regime. In Germany we have had to deal with war crimes trials - not just the Nuremberg Trials but a whole series of criminal trials right up until today against former Nazi war criminals. Democratization in post-conflict Germany was a full success. We do hope that similar developments will take place in Cambodia and in our limited means we try to assist Cambodia on this path.
Do you think Yash Ghai's assessment of the state of human rights in Cambodia was fair?
The role of the UN Special Envoy is different from the role of the diplomatic corps in Cambodia, therefore we formulate certain issues in a different way. But Ghai raises many important deficiencies. On the other hand, it is important to take into account where Cambodia has come from. The last of the Khmer Rouge only handed in their weapons in 1998. In this very short period of time you can't expect miracles.
What is your position on the recent "gagging law" passed by the National Assembly, restricting delegates' freedom of speech?
A very alarming trend last year [was the] series of criminal lawsuits for defamation. The arrest of opposition and trade union leaders, this was a serious concern for us. Fortunately this trend has been reversed. We recently had a German parliamentary delegation here and they met the first committee of the National Assembly for Human Rights and Complaints. The vice president of the committee was Cheam Channy. We regarded this as very positive, to see that Cheam Channy was vice president, that his parliamentary immunity has been restored; this would have been unthinkable a year ago. It is for such reasons that I have a certain optimism that Cambodia will move forward step by step to greater democratization and more respect for human rights.
Can you mitigate the negative effects of modern technology on societies through legislation, for example by banning 3G video streaming?
In the context of a developing country confronted with new media technologies there is always the danger that this can lead to the destruction of the traditional culture and identity. It is a question of finding a balance between preserving freedom of expression and protecting the population, especially minors, from the influx of morally undesirable effects. It is a very sensitive issue, how to strike a balance between freedom and protection.
What would you most like to achieve prior to leaving your posting in Cambodia?
Over the next year, I would like to [and] continue our cooperation in the development fieldsupport the KRT. We want to see it be a success, live up to international standards and play a moral role for the judiciary here.
In the cultural field, at the end of the year there will be a major exhibition on Cambodia held in Germany at the Federal Exhibition Hall in Bonn. There will be 300 sculptures flown from Cambodia to Germany for this exhibition.
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Fact file
Ambassador: Pius Fischer, born December 23, 1948, married with one son.
Diplomatic history: The embassy of re-united Germany re-opened in Phnom Penh in 1993. From 1969 to 1975, as well as from 1979 to 1990, Communist former East Germany (German Democratic Republic) ran an embassy in Cambodia. From 1953 to 1969 there was an Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in the capital.
Amount of German aid to Cambodia in 2006: $28 million.
Number of German nationals living in Cambodia: roughly 293 total, with 180 to 200 living in Phnom Penh.
- German Embassy figures
Fact file
Ambassador: Pius Fischer, born December 23, 1948, married with one son.
Diplomatic history: The embassy of re-united Germany re-opened in Phnom Penh in 1993. From 1969 to 1975, as well as from 1979 to 1990, Communist former East Germany (German Democratic Republic) ran an embassy in Cambodia. From 1953 to 1969 there was an Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in the capital.
Amount of German aid to Cambodia in 2006: $28 million.
Number of German nationals living in Cambodia: roughly 293 total, with 180 to 200 living in Phnom Penh.
- German Embassy figures
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