Men Kimseng, VOA Khmer
Washington, DC Thursday, 02 September 2010
However, supporters of Cambodia's opposition parties worry the consulate, located in a city of diverse political views and 18,000 Cambodians, will be used to further the interests of the ruling Cambodian People's Party.Cambodia will open a consulate in the city of Philadelphia, Penn., later this month, aiming to provide services to Cambodians there and help draw investment back home.
“I don't expect much from the consulate,” said Ou Kimhuot, an activist for the minority opposition Human Rights Party. “In my view, the consulate will serve [CPP] political purposes rather than serving the people here. It is placed as their eyes and ears to keep vigilance over the opposition, to see how strong the opposition is, so they can devise a strategy to cope with that.”
Hor Namhong is expected to open the consulate, Cambodia's third in the US, on Sept. 25. Consulates already operate in Seattle, Wash., and Lowell, Mass.
“Our purpose in opening the consulate is first to facilitate paperwork for Cambodians, whether they hold US citizenship or still have Cambodian citizenship,” Cambodia's ambassador to the US, Hem Heng, told VOA Khmer. “Secondly, to protect their interests in the US. And thirdly, we want to expand trade and cultural relations and cooperation. We want to promote investment in Cambodia and attract US tourists to visit Cambodia.”
Sok Savoeun, a 48-year-old US-Cambodian, has been named consul for the office.
“This area is central to Korean, Chinese and Vietnamese communities and other ethnic groups who like to visit Cambodia,” he said. “As for the investment I have observed that the Korean community here likes to go to do business in Cambodia.”
The consulate will offer visa and passport services and certification of documents, such as marriage and birth certificates, he said.
However, supporters of Cambodia's opposition parties worry the consulate, located in a city of diverse political views and 18,000 Cambodians, will be used to further the interests of the ruling Cambodian People's Party.
“I don't expect much from the consulate,” said Ou Kimhuot, an activist for the minority opposition Human Rights Party. “In my view, the consulate will serve [CPP] political purposes rather than serving the people here. It is placed as their eyes and ears to keep vigilance over the opposition, to see how strong the opposition is, so they can devise a strategy to cope with that.”
Hem Heng rejected the idea. He said the consulate will serve people from all political walks, “so long as they are Cambodians.
“We'll help them all,” he said. “There is no discrimination. Once he begins performing his duties, the consul will be neutral, although he supports the government. It is not set up to counter the opposition.”
8 comments:
The more stores you open, the more chances we have to do more window-shoppings. We'd rather browse than buy. Get what I mean?
Hey, Hor 5 Hong if you stop by Philly don't forget to buy a whole bunches of playing card and give to your people at 6th and Wolfs street's park. They love playing bear kror horm red card. Because they're so free don't even work. And stop by to say hi to Ah store Pnom Penh, I bought a candy for my kids from Eak Meng and left it at this bitch store and she re-sale my candy which I already paid for it. Take them to Nam Yang with you.
Khmer Poi Paet live in US.
I think soon America will be Communist too if they keep co-operated with these Communist Country.
Sok Savoeun is just another CPP scumbag in Philadelphia region. This man has no positive influence in the community. He's bragging of his new position with the perception of making $10K, $20K, $30K... per signiture (SIC). Another word he has no intention serving the community. This man is a total idiot!
CPP must open more consulate offices in VN in major city, like VN did for Cambodia. And also shall open offices of Cambodia association in each province in VN. It is true that very soon the CPP leaders will get land concession from VN for the whole Khmer krom area to plant for 99.5 years ?
Come on guys I uges your people that live in Philadelphia just fucking burn ah CPP consulate away we're not welcome ah slave Youn CPP open consulate in the U.S.If you see ah Hor 5 Hong just shoot him in the fucking head.
Hem Heng needs to tell the CPP official dogs at the Cambodian International Airport to stop harrassing the ethnic Cambodian travelers for their pocket money. They need to stop that. Ethnic Cambodians must be protected, not taking advantage of.
Long Beach, California is bigger than other cities in the U.S. when counting Cambodian People, why don't they make one Honorary Consulate?
You people are a bunch of lunatic, vietnamese phobic. Get a life.
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