NRP defectors threaten to tear down party signs

Thursday, April 10, 2008
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

On Wednesday, the NRP indicated that party defectors who went to join the CPP threatened to tear down the NRP signs. The NRP issued a statement vigorously condemning the party defectors who threatened to tear down the NRP signs in Banteay Meanchey province. In its statement, the NRP said that the party defectors forced homeowners (in whose home the NRP signs are installed) to accept 50,000 riels ($12.50) in exchange for tearing down each NRP sign. Currently, NRP activists are living in fear for their personal safety and security. Muth Chantha, NRP spokesman, indicated that the CPP is buying former NRP party members to go around telling NRP party activists to tear down the NRP signs. Muth Chantha said that, so far, 7 party signs have been torn down already.

Hun Sen’s personal involvement in land dispute resolutions points to (1) an incompetent judiciary system under his rule and (2) the coming election

Hun Sen orders a resolution in the land dispute in Poipet

25 March 2008
By Mao Sotheany
Radio Free Asia
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

Regarding the land dispute on 20-hectare of lands located in Poipet commune, O’Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province, Prime minister Hun Sen announced for an immediate resolution in this case, no later than next week.

Hun Sen said: “In Banteay Meanchey, I set next week (as the date) for a resolution (of this case). I am reminding Orn Sum, Sok Sareth, and Sor Chamrong, the three of them must be ready to go measure the lands and they should be accompanied by officials from the cadastral survey department also for this measurement. There are two cases there that have not been resolved yet, one case was already resolved, then another case erupted which is about the same (extent) as the case that has been resolved already, (so) there are two cases that have not been resolved yet. Now, I hear that there is an attempt made to arrest people, and some have been arrested already, pull back, release them immediately. This evening, CTN reported that the message was given already (to the perpetrators). Those who do not comply, I will immediately issue a sub-decree, I tell you, if there is a sign I will remove you from the position of deputy provincial governor of Banteay Meanchey. I told H.E. Im Chhun Lim already, and now they are (holding) a conference on land issues also. So, I am telling the Beanteay Meanchey province, the people from Banteay Meanchey province should not come to meet me at Takhmao or Phnom Penh, wait for H.E. Im Chhun Lim to resolve the dispute there and end it there directly.”

On Wednesday of last week, representatives of 108 families living in Stung Bot village, Poipet commune, O’Chrov district, came to Phnom Penh to protest and to demand for Hun Sen’s intervention so they can get back their lands which were confiscated by Ou Sokha, a provincial military police official.

The protesters indicated that they occupied these 20-hectare lands since 1997. In the past, these lands were covered by landmines. In 2002, a military police official from Banteay Meanchey claimed that the lands belong to him, and he accused the villagers of being a group or anarchists occupying this land.

After hearing Hun Sen’s intervention yesterday, Cambodian people who are facing with similar issues in other provinces of Cambodia, hope that they will receive such fair resolution also.