Thursday, 31 January 2008By Guy De Launey
BBC News, Phnom Penh
One of the top US law enforcement officials has arrived in Cambodia as part of a tour of South East Asia.
Robert Mueller is the first director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) ever to visit the country.
He is the latest in a series of high-profile American officials who have been increasing their contacts with Cambodia.
As recently as three years ago, Mr Mueller's visit would have been little short of unthinkable.
The US had a frosty relationship with the Cambodian government - and even refused its top police officer a visa.
But now the FBI's director is holding meetings with Prime Minister Hun Sen - and the US embassy is hailing the "expanding co-operation" between the two countries' law enforcement agencies.
The threat of terrorism is one reason for the change of heart.
One of the leaders of a group connected to attacks in Indonesia was known to have spent time in Cambodia.
And the courts here have shown their willingness to try suspected terrorists.
But Mr Mueller's visit seems to be part of a larger attempt to build stronger relations with South East Asian nations which it formerly viewed as hostile.
The US has noted China's growing influence in the region.
Diplomats hope that a stronger American presence in countries like Cambodia will encourage democratic reforms and development.
Robert Mueller is the first director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) ever to visit the country.
He is the latest in a series of high-profile American officials who have been increasing their contacts with Cambodia.
As recently as three years ago, Mr Mueller's visit would have been little short of unthinkable.
The US had a frosty relationship with the Cambodian government - and even refused its top police officer a visa.
But now the FBI's director is holding meetings with Prime Minister Hun Sen - and the US embassy is hailing the "expanding co-operation" between the two countries' law enforcement agencies.
The threat of terrorism is one reason for the change of heart.
One of the leaders of a group connected to attacks in Indonesia was known to have spent time in Cambodia.
And the courts here have shown their willingness to try suspected terrorists.
But Mr Mueller's visit seems to be part of a larger attempt to build stronger relations with South East Asian nations which it formerly viewed as hostile.
The US has noted China's growing influence in the region.
Diplomats hope that a stronger American presence in countries like Cambodia will encourage democratic reforms and development.
11 comments:
The US has noted China's growing influence in the region.
Quote: [from above], so US felt that they were left out and try to insert themselves in South East Asian again.
Good news.
The FBI can help cambodians to fight against crimes commited by the thaicong and the vietcong at the cambodia borders.
THEY'RE MERELY HERE FOR THEIR NATIONAL INTERESTS -- NOTHING ELSE!
KEEP THAT MONEY FLOWING INTO CAMBODIA, AND THE (CAMBODIAN) GOVERNMENT WILL FULLY COOPERATE WITH THE U.S.
THEY'RE (U.S.) TO PROTECT THEIR INTERESTS -- NOT CAMBODIA!
In retrospect, I have learned that the Cambodian National Police Department has significantly changed in ways of fighting against national crimes, including counterfeit money, human trafficking, and drug prevention. But without FBI's virtuosity and cooperation, this sucess would not had happened, Cambodia would be deeply worsened by those corrupt officials which bribes were always available.
The U.S. Department of Justice had publicly pointed it out that those suspected perpetrators had sought their sanctuary in the Kingdom of Cambodia.
With the intensity of FBI presence in the Kingdom will optimistically encourage Cambodian officials to meet the international standards and potentially would make Cambodia a better place for entrepreneurs and tourism. Our impervished Kingdom will gradually
reduce the poverty.
-- Indigenuous Khmer, S.T.
Don't worry Mr.6:52PM,I am happy to see FBI presence in my Country.
I believe the U.S. Department of justice come to my Country for reasons and I believe my people will learn more from the best.
Apart from fighting terrorism, human trafficking, drug trading, etc. the FBI presence will certainly be a benefit for local law enforcement by showing them how real police work is done. Additionally, this visit by a high-ranking U. S. official lends a lot of legitimacy to the Hun Sen government, whether or not his opponents like it.
Congratulations for establishing a permanent FBI office in Cambodia. Please, America, continue to help find justice for the innocent Cambodian people. Long live Khmer-American Friendship. We love the USA!
How would you know that the FBI field office will be place here (in Cambodia)permanetly for the G-man?
Do you understand their priority? And, do you understand what will happen when their (the G-man)priority shifts?
Irrespective of their priority, I can certainly smell a stiff competition between the two countries (China and U.S.).
I, too, welcome the G-man in our country. However, while all these good things happened to Cambodia, what will happen to our archenemy (Yuon Yieckong)?
Oh! Mr. Tan, you have yourself a lot of work ahead of you. Make Mr. Hooter proud.
Again, welcome to Cambodia!
10:09 PM
What make you think that the FBI's presence in Cambodia will improve your life and your country?
Do you understand their priority?
Is the FBI's presence in Cambodia hurt or help Cambodia?
Frankly, I do not think the FBI can do much for Cambodia.
Also, the FBI will share information with the Cambodian government -- but, not the equipments they're using.
I am 10:09Pm,Mr.10:12Pm you ask me three questions.
1.what do i think that FBI's presence in my country will improve my people life and my country?
Yes, will improve my people life and my country in future.
2.Is the FBI's presence in Cambodia hurt or help Cambodia?.
Yes,will help my pepole and my Country in future.
Do i understand their priority?.
Yes, I do unerstand their priority in Cambodia,some people say good thing and some people say bad thing.
7:02 AM (Thanks for your response)
Sorry, I'm not here to discourage anyone in our beloved country; however, we need to be level-headed and conscious of the FBI presence, and attempt to , if not fully, grasp their function and priorty, and understand as to why and what led them here (Cambodia) in the first place. Additionaly, the FBI agency does not have their field office and spend millions of dollars for nothing. Therefore, they must be going after something in which we never know. However, please don't expect to believe what you've seen or heard from the FBI or local medias in Cambodia or abroad. Remember two plus two, does not always equal to "four" in reality.
Moreover, the FBI presence will be unprecedented -- does not make it a significant milestone for the country (Cambodia)-- and inarguably make numerous high-profile officials jittery. Therefore, my fellow Cambodian, it's imperatively paramount to understand that the FBI does not want any of these corrupt high-ranking officials to kowtow the agency. More importantly, the bureau of the agency has its own spy to ensure that its people (FBI) does not involve in ethnical misconduct, or embed a mole in the burea.
While the FBI is working with the Cambodian government -- the Cambodian government shoudl not expect anything more from the agency the fact that the bureau will share their aparatus or equipments with Cambodia; however, the Cambodian government should anticipate the only-know-basis, and should not expect the know-it-all from the bureau.
Until then... we welcome those who believe in good (not evil) in our beloved country.
In addition, believe me, these FBI agents (G-man) must believe in good, because these agents had arduously and rigoriously gone through the most daunting panel interview in Cleveland OH, yet one or two bad ones managed to slip by, which is why the bureau has its own dempartment to ensure that these bad apples does not threat the national security.
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