Saturday, June 07, 2008

Extremist Funds Reach Chams: Ambassador

By Taing Sarada, VOA Khmer
Original report from Washington
06 June 2008



Although Cambodia's Cham Muslims are a "very peaceful and tolerant group," there is a growing concern they receive funds from outside extremists, the US ambassador to Cambodia said this week.

A lot of money was coming into Cambodia's Chams from groups spreading a violent, intolerant form of Islam, which have a lot of resources and are attracted to poor communities, Ambassador Joseph Mussomeli said at a talk in Washington Monday.

Meanwhile, Cambodia and the US continue to work on counter-terrorism, Interior Ministry spokesman Lt. Gen. Khieu Sopheak said.

The ambassador was right to be concerned, because terrorism can grow if countries don't pay attention, he said.

Adhoc President Thun Saray said many countries face extremism, and not always from Muslims, but Cambodian authorities should pay attention to ensure terrorism is not a threat here in the future.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Attention Washington:

This is a wake-up call to U.S that words of mouth from Hun Sen Govt. mean nothing when it's practical matter. This govt. needs removed from power for the sake of Cambodia, long-term terrorism combat, and the for the sake of America presence in Asia in partcilar.

When we approach you, you'll need to listen and put politics aside and start supporting "REAL" Cambodians reclaim our country back.

Chan,