Showing posts with label Philadelphia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Philadelphia. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Saturday, August 18, 2012
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Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Hochimonk Sao Chanthol to attend ceremony in Philadelphia on 21-22 July 2012
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| Hochimonk Sao Chanthol - Photo taken in Lynn Pagoda, Massachusetts, USA in 2012 |
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| Hochimonk Noy Chreuk |
https://www.box.com/s/dac94790c58125da9cec
Unofficial Translation from Khmer
Hochimonk Sao Chanthol to attend ceremony in Philadelphia on 21-22 July 2012
Hochimonk Sao Chanthol plans to partake in the religious ceremony at Lynn Pagoda in Massachusetts this upcoming 14-15 July 2012, however, a false news was spread out indicating that he would be traveling to Singapore instead and will be returning back to the US in November 2012.
Furthermore, Sao Chanthol plans to preside over the breaking ground ceremony of Wat Paliley Pagoda in Philadelphia on 21-22 July 2012, even though the program for this ceremony is not printed yet.
Hochimonk Sao Chanthol is a traitor of the Cambodian nation and a traitor of Buddhism. Bearing the title of Samdach Moha Arihakvong, Sao Chanthol is the 6th deputy inspector of the Cambodian Buddhist Institute and he is also the secretary of Hochimonk Non Nget. Sao Chanthol now resides in Wat Langka Pagoda in Phnom Penh.
In 2007, Hochimonks Tep Vong, Non Nget, Am Lim Heng – the second deputy chief monk, abbot of Champuh Ka’ek Pagoda and godson of Hun Xen and Bun Rany Hun Xen – Noy Chrek – the third deputy chief monk – Sao Chanthol, Long Kim Leang, Cheas Am – the Takeo province chief monk – and their henchmen colluded to defrock Ven. Tim Sakhorn – the abbot of Phnom Den Pagoda North located in Phnom Den commune, Kirivong district, Takeo province – and sent the latter to be jailed in Vietnam for almost 2 years. Ven. Tim Sakhorn was accused of providing refuge in his pagoda for Cambodian people who fled political and religious harassment in South Vietnam.
Thursday, July 05, 2012
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Philadelphia's Preah Buddha Rangsey temple will host a public screening of “Who Killed Chea Vichea?” this Monday
Philadelphia: Preah Buddha Rangsey temple will host a public screening of "Who Killed Chea Vichea?" this Monday, September 26 at 5:30 pm. Producer Rich Garella will be there for a short Q&A after the show. Click on link for screenings schedules: http://blog.whokilledcheavichea.com/search/label/screenings
Note: This is a screening of the Khmer-language version of the film.
Public welcome - Free admission
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
First Southeast Asian Dragon Boat Festival in Philadelphia
September 10, 2011: First Southeast Asian Dragon Boat Festival in Philadelphia, PA
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
2011 Dragon Boat Festival this weekend at Philadelphia, PA
2011 Dragon Boat Festival this weekend at Philadelphia, PA
CELEBRATE ASIAN TRADITION AND CULTURE!
Calling all Philadelphia residents and prospective visitors. Join us for the Southeast Asian Dragon Boat Festival on September 10th, 2011! Don’t miss this rare, wonderful opportunity to enjoy an exciting boat race at picturesque Penn's Landing while learning and experiencing the unique customs and survival stories associated with the Southeast Asian Community. Admission is free and open to the general public.
When: Saturday, September 10 · 11:00am - 5:00pm
Where: Penn's Landing Great Plaza, Columbus Blvd. at Chestnut St. Philadelphia, PA
More Information: http://www.southeastasiandragonboatfestival.org/
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Opposition Leader Sam Rainsy's upcoming visit to Philadelphia, PA
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
11:00 AM EST, May 17, 2011
Contact: Chea Meas
Tel: (215) 833-3669
To: All Media and Public at Large
From: SRP Chapter of Pennsylvania
We would like to inform our colleagues, supporters and the public at large of the upcoming visit of H.E. Sam Rainsy to Philadelphia on Friday, May 27th, 2011.
Sam Rainsy is the President of the Sam Rainsy Party, the largest opposition party in Cambodia, and an elected Member of Parliament for Kompong Cham province. In 2009, he led residents living on the border in a protest against Vietnam, as they claimed that the neighboring nation was illegally encroaching on Cambodian territory. Because they physically returned border markers to where they legally belong, Rainsy was charged with racial incitement and the destruction of public property. The Cambodian Parliament stripped his constitutionally-guaranteed immunity from prosecution, and went so far as to bar him from his seat in the Parliament. In 2010, he went into self-exile in France, and says that he will let the court try him in absentia, as the charges against him are politically motivated.
You are invited to spend an evening with Rainsy to hear updates on his current efforts for reform in Cambodia, and to ask questions about the future of the country. This is a rare opportunity to have direct access to one of the leading figures of the opposition in Cambodia.
Date: Friday - May 27, 2011
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Preah Buddha Rangsey Temple
2400 South 6th Street Philadelphia, PA 19148
If you would like more information or to schedule an interview with Sam Rainsy, please call Chea Meas at (215) 833-3669 or e-mail samrainsyparty.usa@gmail.com
_______________________________
SAM RAINSY PARTY OF PENNSYLVANIA
INTEGRITY - HONESTY - JUSTICE
1800 South 15th Street 1st Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19145 (USA)
Email: samrainsyparty.usa@gmail.com
Website: http://www.samrainsyparty.org
Skype: SRP-PA
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Philly Family Chose to Fight Fire That Killed Two [Cambodian-American children]
Thu, 02/24/2011
BY ALLISON STEELE and JEFF GAMMAGE
The Philadelphia Inquirer
BY ALLISON STEELE and JEFF GAMMAGE
The Philadelphia Inquirer
As a fast-moving fire spread through a crowded Olney rowhouse Tuesday, members of the family that lived there apparently never called 911 and tried to extinguish the blaze themselves, according to Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers.
"They discovered it, and they made the choice to fight it," Ayers said.
By noon, the flames had grown out of control, and passersby and neighbors called 911. By the time firefighters arrived, a 7- and 9-year-old boy were dead, and at least seven members of the household were injured, including four other children.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, Ayers said. It was not clear why the residents of the home, who were Cambodian, did not call 911, but Ayers acknowledged there might be "cultural issues" at play, such as distrust of the government.
"This was an absolute tragedy," Ayers said, adding that the department will look at how it can reach out to non-English-speaking populations. "This shows there's clearly the need for more education in some of the communities in our city."
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Immigrant-rights advocates protest 'unjust' deportation on MLK Day
Tue, Jan. 18, 2011
By JULIE SHAW
Philadelphia Daily News
CARRYING signs that blared "Stop Unjust Deportation," more than 200 immigrant-rights advocates took to the streets yesterday to rally against what they see as civil-rights injustices.
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, they marched to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office, at 16th and Callowhill streets, raising their voices for Chally Dang, for Mout Iv, for Davy Phean, for Vanney Van.
The four Cambodian immigrants sit in York County Prison, detained by ICE. They had been welcomed into this country as refugees and became legal permanent residents.
But each had committed a crime, and although they served their prison times, under 1996 immigration laws they are deportable back to Cambodia without a hearing before an immigration judge on the merits of their cases.
200 march in Philly to protest deportation of four Cambodians
By Michael Matza
Philadelphia Inquirer Staff Writer
Linking their demonstration to the human-rights theme of Martin Luther King's Birthday, about 200 members of pro-immigrant groups marched Monday from Center City to the regional offices of Immigration and Customs Enforcement to protest the pending deportation of four Cambodian men.
Outside the office at 1600 Callowhill St., they festooned a fence with placards - "Stop Tearing Families Apart" - and hundreds of yellow ribbons.
"Education, not deportation," they chanted.
Rallying the crowd through a bullhorn, Desi Burnette of Media Mobilizing Project, a co-organizer of the march, said the men facing deportation were "heroes" to her because they made serious mistakes and learned from them.
The four were born in Cambodia or Southeast Asian refugee camps after their families fled the Khmer Rouge and the Pol Pot regime. They and their parents were admitted legally to the United States as refugees about 25 years ago.
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
"Who Killed Chea Vichea?" to be screened in Philadelphia on 10 December 2010
Dec 10: Philadelphia
For those who missed Who Killed Chea Vichea? when it screened at the Philadelphia Independent Film Festival (and won Best Film - Political, by the way), here's another chance ... and a great way to observe Human Rights Day, Dec 10.
Who Killed Chea Vichea? will screen in Scribe Video Center's Storyville series, which is "dedicated to showcasing contemporary documentaries produced by Philadelphia based independent film and video makers." Producer Rich Garella will be on hand for a post-screening Q&A.
Presented in partnership with the Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Associations Coalition.
Friday, December 10 at 7:00 pm
Scribe Video Center, 4212 Chestnut St, 3rd floor
Philadelphia PA (map)
Tickets at the door: $5 (free to Scribe members)
Press inquiries: (215) 222-4201
For those of you who don't know about Scribe, it's not only a terrific resource for up-and-coming filmmakers, but its activities go far beyond that. Check them out!
Sunday, December 05, 2010
Memorial Ceremony for the Victims of Koh Pich in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on 4-5 Dec. 2010
We are praying for those who lost their lives and those who are fighting to survive after the horrific human stampede in Koh Pich in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The monks and the Cambodian Community members in Philadelphia will hold a prayer service to support the people of Cambodia at Preah Buddha Rangsey Temple located at: 2400 South 6th Street (6th and Ritner Street), Philadelphia, PA. 19148. For more information please contact: (215) 336-9545
Best Regard,
Soun Sumedh
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Memorial Ceremony for the Victims of Koh Pich in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
We are praying for those who lost their lives and those who are fighting to survive after the horrific human stampede in Koh Pich in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The monks and the Cambodian Community members in Philadelphia will hold a prayer service to support the people of Cambodia at Preah Buddha Rangsey Temple located at: 2400 South 6th Street (6th and Ritner Street), Philadelphia, PA. 19148. For more information please contact: (215) 336-9545
Best Regard,
Soun Sumedh
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Prosecution for an old crime puts Cambodian refugee at risk
Melinda Youk, 16, during a demonstration by members of the Cambodian community. Mout Iv, who awaits deportation to Cambodia, is her uncle. (JULIETTE LYNCH / Staff Photographer)Wed, Sep. 29, 2010
By Michael Matza
Philadelphia Inquirer Staff Writer (Pennsylvania, USA)
After he was convicted of assaulting a Philadelphia man in 1998, Cambodian refugee Mout Iv knew he was in the United States on borrowed time.
As it turned out, quite a lot of borrowed time.
He was freed from a Pennsylvania prison after four years, but paperwork snafus prevented his immediate return to Cambodia, as required by law. So immigration agents put Iv on "supervised release," allowing him to open a barber shop in Olney
The government kept tabs on him with scheduled interviews, random phone calls, and unannounced visits.
Last week, at an ostensibly routine appointment, Iv, 33, was fingerprinted, photographed, and arrested. He's now in prison being readied for deportation.
It "was always in the back of my mind," said his fiancée, CJ Vonglaha, 26. "But I didn't think in my wildest dreams it would be like this."
Nor did many of the thousands of other noncitizen refugees being rounded up nationwide because of crimes largely committed years ago. In Philadelphia this month, the heat has been on the Cambodian community, which has protested deportation proceedings against at least six of its members.
Behind the rash of detentions and expulsions is the Obama administration, which is attempting to win public and congressional support for immigration reform.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) is on track to deport 400,000 people this year - a 10 percent increase over expulsions in 2008, the last year of the George W. Bush administration, and more than double the number in 2005.
In the last five years, the increases in deportations have largely been the result of federal campaigns to catch illegal border crossers and visa violators, according to a February report by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, an independent research center at Syracuse University.
Another TRAC study released this month, however, documented a "shift in targeting."
"Focusing just on aliens who have committed crimes in this country, the number . . . removed by ICE has already broken all previous records," the authors wrote. They wrote that the number of undocumented immigrants removed for overstaying visas or entering illegally had dropped for the first time in five years.
In a June 30 memo to staff, ICE assistant secretary John Morton told agents to focus on felons and repeat offenders, but reminded them not to neglect other categories of illegal immigrants.
"Politically, [the administration has] focused on the low-hanging fruit," said Steve Camarota, research director for the Center for Immigration Studies, a Washington group that advocates strict immigration control.
Those who support targeting noncitizens convicted of felonies or multiple misdemeanors say it's only logical to pursue them as a matter of public safety.
Defenders of refugees with criminal records generally do acknowledge the seriousness of their crimes.
Iv was 21 when he and two or three other men took part in a May 1998 mugging on the 4900 block of Old York Road in which the victim was stabbed in the side. Convicted of aggravated assault, he was sentenced to 31/2 to seven years in prison and paroled after serving the minimum.
As a noncitizen, he went immediately into immigration detention in prison. For reasons not specified in his criminal record, Cambodia did not issue travel documents so he could be returned. After a year, he was released under supervision.
In 1996, Congress enacted two laws expanding the categories of deportation and largely eliminated judges' discretion in deciding who stays and who goes.
Immigrant advocates such as Mia-lia Kiernan, of the group Deported Diaspora, say the system fails to credit the importance of rehabilitation and community ties.
Both figure in her defense of Iv, who survived the genocide of Pol Pot's Cambodia in the 1970s, lived with his mother and a sister in a Thai refugee camp, came to Philadelphia at 7, "did a crime, did his time," and turned his life around.
Now he sits in ICE detention at a jail in York, where he and the other Cambodian detainees were interviewed last week by a Cambodian consular official handling their return to the country they fled as children.
Iv's lawyer, Steven Morley, is trying to win a stay of his deportation with a last-ditch motion to the Board of Immigration Appeals.
It is "unfair" to allow people to develop ties to the community while on supervised release, "and then to rip them away," said Morley, of Philadelphia, who advocates for more discretion by immigration judges and ICE officials.
"The solution is to examine people's backgrounds on a case-by-case basis," he said.
Responding to an e-mail blast after Iv's arrest, about 350 demonstrators swarmed the intersection of Front and Champlost Streets near his three-chair shop.
His fiancée, a nurse's aide, held their 3-month-old daughter, Sarai. Deportation will shatter their family, she said, leaving her unable to pay the $1,400 monthly mortgage on their rowhouse. Her job pays $700 every two weeks.
"He has changed for the better," said demonstrator Shappine Servano, 27, a real estate agent. "He has his own home, his own business. He is paying taxes."
Except for a 2009 guilty plea and suspended sentence for impaired driving, Iv appears not to have had other troubles with the law.
"I have known him since 2001," said Rorng Sorn, executive director of the Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia, a service agency for the region's approximately 20,000 Cambodians. "He is a responsible, respectful, positive influence on the children who come to his shop."
Iv's childhood friend Will McClinton, 32, a union laborer, said he loved him like a brother.
"He's been cutting my hair since we were 12. He ran into a little bit of trouble. ... He started his life over," McClinton said. "If they could put up a poster of someone who reformed himself, his face should be on it."
As it turned out, quite a lot of borrowed time.
He was freed from a Pennsylvania prison after four years, but paperwork snafus prevented his immediate return to Cambodia, as required by law. So immigration agents put Iv on "supervised release," allowing him to open a barber shop in Olney
The government kept tabs on him with scheduled interviews, random phone calls, and unannounced visits.
Last week, at an ostensibly routine appointment, Iv, 33, was fingerprinted, photographed, and arrested. He's now in prison being readied for deportation.
It "was always in the back of my mind," said his fiancée, CJ Vonglaha, 26. "But I didn't think in my wildest dreams it would be like this."
Nor did many of the thousands of other noncitizen refugees being rounded up nationwide because of crimes largely committed years ago. In Philadelphia this month, the heat has been on the Cambodian community, which has protested deportation proceedings against at least six of its members.
Behind the rash of detentions and expulsions is the Obama administration, which is attempting to win public and congressional support for immigration reform.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) is on track to deport 400,000 people this year - a 10 percent increase over expulsions in 2008, the last year of the George W. Bush administration, and more than double the number in 2005.
In the last five years, the increases in deportations have largely been the result of federal campaigns to catch illegal border crossers and visa violators, according to a February report by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, an independent research center at Syracuse University.
Another TRAC study released this month, however, documented a "shift in targeting."
"Focusing just on aliens who have committed crimes in this country, the number . . . removed by ICE has already broken all previous records," the authors wrote. They wrote that the number of undocumented immigrants removed for overstaying visas or entering illegally had dropped for the first time in five years.
In a June 30 memo to staff, ICE assistant secretary John Morton told agents to focus on felons and repeat offenders, but reminded them not to neglect other categories of illegal immigrants.
"Politically, [the administration has] focused on the low-hanging fruit," said Steve Camarota, research director for the Center for Immigration Studies, a Washington group that advocates strict immigration control.
Those who support targeting noncitizens convicted of felonies or multiple misdemeanors say it's only logical to pursue them as a matter of public safety.
Defenders of refugees with criminal records generally do acknowledge the seriousness of their crimes.
Iv was 21 when he and two or three other men took part in a May 1998 mugging on the 4900 block of Old York Road in which the victim was stabbed in the side. Convicted of aggravated assault, he was sentenced to 31/2 to seven years in prison and paroled after serving the minimum.
As a noncitizen, he went immediately into immigration detention in prison. For reasons not specified in his criminal record, Cambodia did not issue travel documents so he could be returned. After a year, he was released under supervision.
In 1996, Congress enacted two laws expanding the categories of deportation and largely eliminated judges' discretion in deciding who stays and who goes.
Immigrant advocates such as Mia-lia Kiernan, of the group Deported Diaspora, say the system fails to credit the importance of rehabilitation and community ties.
Both figure in her defense of Iv, who survived the genocide of Pol Pot's Cambodia in the 1970s, lived with his mother and a sister in a Thai refugee camp, came to Philadelphia at 7, "did a crime, did his time," and turned his life around.
Now he sits in ICE detention at a jail in York, where he and the other Cambodian detainees were interviewed last week by a Cambodian consular official handling their return to the country they fled as children.
Iv's lawyer, Steven Morley, is trying to win a stay of his deportation with a last-ditch motion to the Board of Immigration Appeals.
It is "unfair" to allow people to develop ties to the community while on supervised release, "and then to rip them away," said Morley, of Philadelphia, who advocates for more discretion by immigration judges and ICE officials.
"The solution is to examine people's backgrounds on a case-by-case basis," he said.
Responding to an e-mail blast after Iv's arrest, about 350 demonstrators swarmed the intersection of Front and Champlost Streets near his three-chair shop.
His fiancée, a nurse's aide, held their 3-month-old daughter, Sarai. Deportation will shatter their family, she said, leaving her unable to pay the $1,400 monthly mortgage on their rowhouse. Her job pays $700 every two weeks.
"He has changed for the better," said demonstrator Shappine Servano, 27, a real estate agent. "He has his own home, his own business. He is paying taxes."
Except for a 2009 guilty plea and suspended sentence for impaired driving, Iv appears not to have had other troubles with the law.
"I have known him since 2001," said Rorng Sorn, executive director of the Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia, a service agency for the region's approximately 20,000 Cambodians. "He is a responsible, respectful, positive influence on the children who come to his shop."
Iv's childhood friend Will McClinton, 32, a union laborer, said he loved him like a brother.
"He's been cutting my hair since we were 12. He ran into a little bit of trouble. ... He started his life over," McClinton said. "If they could put up a poster of someone who reformed himself, his face should be on it."
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Consulate Vows To Help Cambodians 'Unconditionally' [-How to spin the truth a-la-CPP?]
Sok Savoeun, the newly appointed consular. (Photo: By Men Kimseng, VOA Khmer)Men Kimseng, VOA Khmer
Philadelphia Monday, 27 September 2010
“Today I want to make clear to all of you that the main mission of either the embassy or the consulates is to serve all people regardless of their political tendencies and beliefs. We will serve you unconditionally (sic!).”Cambodia opened a consulate office in Philadelphia, Penn., on Saturday, the third of its kind, aimed at serving Cambodian nationals and attracting tourism and investment.
Located on the ground floor of a building in the north of the city, the five-by-fifteen-meter office will certify documents and work with Cambodians facing issues like deportation, officials said.
“The opening of the general consulate is to help functions for our people who live in the US, to use it as a bridge for people in Philadelphia to our motherland,” Ouch Borith, secretary of state for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told a crowd of about 100 Saturday.
Cambodia already has consulates in Seattle, Wash., and Lowell, Mass., in addition to its embassy in Washington.
Officials also moved to put aside concerns that these offices were extensions of the ruling Cambodian People's Party.
“Today I want to make clear to all of you that the main mission of either the embassy or the consulates is to serve all people regardless of their political tendencies and beliefs,” he said. “We will serve you unconditionally.”
“I am committed to serve the interests of the Cambodian people,” said Sok Savoeun, the newly appointed consular. “I will try my best to help as much as I can, regardless of your political parties. So long as you are Cambodians, I will do my best to serve you.”
Monday, September 27, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
SRP Philadelphia announcement for Kan Ben ceremony
Hello everyone,Bonn Pchum Ben is coming! Bonn Pchum Ben is the festival held for commemoration of the spirits of the dead. The festival does not just begin and end on one day. In fact, it lasts 15 days, each of which is called a day of Kan Ben. A Ben is an offering. During the first 14 days, people take turns offering food to the monks of their local pagoda in the hope that their offering will reach the souls of their ancestors by virtue of the monks’ sermons.
This year I would like to inform that we took turn of Kan Ben. Please see attachment for complete detail information of the events. Everyone is invited and hope to see you at the temple.
Best regards,
R. Visal
Philadelphia, PA
This year I would like to inform that we took turn of Kan Ben. Please see attachment for complete detail information of the events. Everyone is invited and hope to see you at the temple.
Best regards,
R. Visal
Philadelphia, PA
Friday, September 03, 2010
Philadelphia: New Cambodian consulate or new CPP spying office?
Philadelphia Selected for Third Cambodian Consul in US
Men Kimseng, VOA Khmer
Washington, DC Thursday, 02 September 2010
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.”
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.”
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