Villagers Seek Australian Embassy's Help in Saving Homes

People are transported on a truck after the eviction of residents from a shantytown in Phnom Penh June 6, 2006. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

Friday, October 13, 2006

By Pin Sisovann and Erik Wasson
The Cambodia Daily

Villagers living in Phnom Penh's Tonle Bassac commune Thursday appealed at a press conference to the Australian Embassy to save them from forced eviction, two days after their story was featured on Australian Network television. The so-called Group 78 villagers say they have valid claim to their land having lived there for longer than the five years required by law, but were nonetheless ordered to leave in June to make way for development. Australian Network featured the evictions in Tonle Bassac on Tuesday, during Prime Minister Hun Sen's visit to Australia. The Australian Embassy will soon move next to the land owned by Group 78, a move which is fueling runaway development in the area, the broadcast said. "We hope the Australian Embassy would help us to be its good neighbors in the future," villager Say Sophal said. "I am very happy to understand that the Australian public wants to help us," Group 78 resident Huoth Savon, 40, said of the television broadcast Villagers would be willing to accept $700 per square meter of land if forced to leave, Group 78 said. Asked about the villagers' appeal Australian Embassy spokesman Guy Ruediger said, "I can confirm that we have received correspondence concerning Group 78 and I cannot comment any further."

Click here to read a transcript of ABC's TV program.