[US] Senate Foreign Relations Committee Approves Webb Resolution to Protect Mekong River

Wednesday, 30 November 2011
Guam News

Washington D.C. - The Senate Foreign Relations Committee today unanimously approved a resolution by Senator Jim Webb calling for the protection of the Mekong River Basin and for delaying mainstream dam construction along the river, which flows through China, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The resolution calls on U.S. representatives at multilateral development banks to support strict adherence to international environmental standards for any financial assistance to hydropower dam projects on the mainstream of the Mekong River, and for the Lower Mekong Initiative to allocate more funding for infrastructure projects and to help identify sustainable alternatives to mainstream hydropower dams.

“The Committee’s adoption of this resolution sends a timely signal of U.S. support for the Mekong River Commission’s efforts to preserve the ecological and economic stability of Southeast Asia,” said Senator Webb, chair of the Senate East Asian and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee. “The United States and the global community have a strategic interest in preserving the health and well-being of the more than 60 million people who depend on the Mekong River.”

SRP MPs' letter to US Senator John Kerry on concerns over Oil Revenue transparency

KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA
Nation Religion King

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Senator John Kerry
Chair
Foreign Relations Committee
US SENATE
218 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515

August 12, 2010

Dear Senator Kerry,

We, the Parliamentarians of the Sam Rainsy Party of the Kingdom of Cambodia, are encouraged by the passage of the extractive industries transparency amendment to the recent finance legislation in the United States. The impact in Cambodia of this transparency provision will be significant as we approach the risk-laden task of managing of our newly discovered off-shore oil supplies.

Cambodia is ripe for disastrous extraction of our oil reserves. The use of our country's natural resources has been nothing short of tragic. We had an opportunity to turn mineral, timber and sand reserves into a sustainable flow of income for national development. Instead, 99-year concessions for enormous swaths of land were provided to companies in exchange for private pay-offs to a small number of associates at the top of the ruling political party. Environmental and social impact assessments are not performed. Quite to the contrary, the military is employed in forcing local residents off of land they have inhabited for decades,' and in denying access to the sites to environmental investigators.

We expect this pattern to repeat itself in our nascent oil extraction industry, which is why we welcome the United States' new law regarding transparency.

One of the challenges in Cambodia is that the government does not disclose its financial transactions with extractive companies. It appears that monies are paid directly by foreign companies to top government officials to access the rights to our resources. When payments are published by the companies, the Cambodian citizenry can then use this information to question where it is going.

Historically, payments published by companies have not matched the revenues listed in government documents. In particular, it appears that "signature bonuses" have been exploited as bribes, causing the more scrupulous among foreign extractive companies to walk away from the deal, leaving those with lower standards to manage our resource extraction. The rights to use our nation's natural resources are negotiated and signed away from public scrutiny, and the ensuing flow of funds from the companies to the government and its ministers is not published for us to examine.

This is why the legislation passed by the United States provides us with a beacon of hope. The Cambodian government does not publish information about the revenues gained from resource extraction and avoids questions from Parliamentarians on the matter. Under the new U.S. law, companies registered with your Securities and Exchange Commission are required to disclose their payments to foreign governments. This will provide the critical information necessary for the Cambodian opposition, civil society and press to hold our government officials accountable.

By passing this legislation, you have directly contributed to the fight against corruption in Cambodia. The globe is now well aware of the correlation between oil revenues, weak states and stagnant or decreasing development standards. You have taken an important stand against the likelihood that oil revenues will further line the pockets of Cambodian government officials. We in the Sam Rainsy Party will use the information newly available to the best of our ability.

Sincerely yours,
Members of Parliament of the Sam Rainsy Party

(Signed) Sam Rainsy, Nuth Rumduol, Son Chhay, Yont Tharo, Yim Sovann, Ly Srey Vyna, Tioulong Saumura, Pot Peou, Ke Sovannroth, Thak Lany, Mu Sochua, Long Ry, Kimsour Phirith, Chiv Cata, Kuoy Bunroeun, Chea Poch, Ho Vann, Kong Bora, Mao Munyvann, Chan Cheng, Eng Chhai Eang, Khy Vandeth, Cheam Channy, Tok Vanchan, Men Sothavarin, Khim Laky

US Senator Leahy May Review Funding of U.S.-Thailand Military Relations as Anupong, Abhisit Move Against Hmong

Abhisit and Anupong: The killers of 4,000 Hmong refugees?

"Should the Hmong be treated similarly it could badly damage the Thai military's reputation, and put our military collaboration at risk," U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy said on the Senate floor regarding U.S.-Thai Military Relations.

(Media-Newswire.com) - Washington, D.C. and Bangkok, Thailand, December 28, 2009 - The text of a Senate floor statement by U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy ( D-VT ) was released today in Bangkok, Thailand and Washington, D.C., in opposition to the forced repatriation of over 4,000 Lao Hmong political refugees from Thailand to Laos.

“Key U.S. Senators are openly stating that the return of Lao Hmong refugees to Laos by Thailand’s Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Army Chief of Staff General Anupong Paochinda may have negative effects on America’s relationship with Thailand, including potential damage to the U.S.-Thai military relationship, including American funding, and the annual Cobra Gold exercises,” said Philip Smith, Executive Director of the Center for Public Policy Analysis ( CPPA ) in Washington, D.C.

Smith continued: “Senator Leahy is calling for the potential review of the funding for U.S.-Thailand military relations as General Anupong and Prime Minister Abhisit Order the Thai Army to move against defenseless Lao Hmong political refugees at Huay Nam Khao in Petchabun Province. Moreover, Prime Minister Abhisit and General Anupong have ignored repeated appeals by Members of Congress and the international community to His Majesty, Bhumibol Adulayadej, the King of Thailand, to grant asylum to the Hmong refugees until they can be resettled in third countries like Australia, Canada and The Netherlands, that have agreed to host them.”

“It is important to note that U.S. Senators, Russ Feingold ( D-WI ), Patrick Leahy ( D-VT ), Richard Lugar ( R-IN ), Barbara Boxer ( D-CA ), Al Franken ( D-MN ) , Amy Klobuchar ( D-MN ), Mark Begich ( D-AK ), Lisa Murkowski ( R-AK ) and Sheldon Whitehouse ( D-RI ) sent the letter to Thailand’s Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on December 17, 2009, and released it on December 23, 2009, in Washington, D.C. following reports of more Thai soldiers and a large troop convoy of over 50 army trucks and buses being deployed at the main Hmong refugee camp at Ban Huay Nam Khao to force over 4,000 political refugees back to Laos over the Christmas and New Year holiday season,” Smith concluded.

“Senator Leahy, Chairman of the key committee in the U.S. Senate that oversees international U.S. military assistance, has issued a clear message to the Thai Government that forced repatriation of Hmong back to Laos, as now appears imminent, would have dire implications for U.S. military-to-military cooperation with Thailand,” said Edmund McWilliams, a retired senior foreign service officer who served at the U.S. Embassies in Thailand and Laos and is a combat veterans of the Vietnam War.

“The Senator, joined by other colleagues earlier this month, wrote to the Thai Prime Minister underscoring the urgency and importance… of this issue; Forced repatriation of Hmong back to the land from which they were driven would be especially egregious in this Christmas season, particularly for many Christians among the Hmong,” McWilliams explained.

The following is the text of the statement by Senator Leahy:

STATEMENT OF SENATOR PATRICK LEAHY
ON
THE FATE OF HMONG REFUGEES

Senate Floor

December 23, 2009, Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I want to speak briefly about a worrisome humanitarian situation that is developing in Thailand, which could cause problems for our relations with the Thai military.

Thailand and the United States are long time friends and allies, and our armed forces have developed a cooperative relationship. Many Thai military officers have been trained in the United States, and Thai soldiers have participated in joint U.S.-Thai training exercises such as Operation Cobra Gold. I expect this relationship to continue. But I am very concerned, as I know are other Senators, that the Thai Government may be on the verge of deporting roughly 4,000 ethnic Hmong back to Laos where many fear persecution.

Thailand has a long history of generosity towards refugees from Burma, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. It is a history to be proud of. But the Thai Government, which insists that the Hmong are economic migrants who should be repatriated, has reportedly deployed additional troops to Phetchabun province where most of the Hmong are in camps. There is a growing concern that the Thai military may expel the Hmong before the end of the year. There is also concern that a group of 158 Hmong in Nongkhai province, who have been screened and granted United Nations refugee status, could be sent back to Laos. I understand that the United States and several countries have told the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the Thai Government they are prepared to consider this group of refugees for resettlement. Potential resettlement countries should be given an opportunity to interview these individuals in Thailand.

It may be that some of the 4,000 Hmong are economic migrants. It is also likely that some are refugees who have a credible fear of persecution if they were returned to Laos. I am aware that many Hmong fought alongside the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, working with Thai authorities, needs to determine who has a legitimate claim for asylum and who does not, in accordance with long-standing principles of refugee law and practice. No one with a valid claim should be returned to Laos except on a voluntary basis. The United States, and other countries, can help resettle those who do have valid claims but need access and the opportunity to consider relevant cases.

I mention this because I cannot overstate the consternation it would cause here if the Thai Government were to forcibly return the Hmong to Laos in violation of international practice and requirements. The image of Laotian refugees – including many who the United Nations and the Thai Government itself have stated are in need of protection – being rounded up by Thai soldiers and sent back against their will during the Christmas season, and the possible violence that could result, is very worrisome. On December 17th I joined other Senators in a letter to the Thai Prime Minister about this, and I ask that a copy be printed in the Record at the end of my remarks.

As Chairman of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee which funds international assistance programs, I have supported U.S. military training programs and other assistance to the Thai military. We share common interests and want to continue to work together. But after the deplorable forced repatriation to China of Uighur refugees by Cambodian authorities last week, we expect better of the Thai Government. Should the Hmong be treated similarly it could badly damage the Thai military’s reputation, and put our military collaboration at risk.

###

Contact: Ms. Maria Gomez or Mr. Juan Lopez
Telephone ( 202 ) 543-1444
info@centerforpublicpolicyanalysis.org
CPPA - Center for Public Policy Analysis
2020 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Suite No. #212
Washington, DC 20006 USA

ASEAN rejects US Senate call to suspend Myanmar

Sun, 18 Nov 2007
DPA

Singapore - The Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Sunday rejected a call by the US Senate to suspend Myanmar following a violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests. ASEAN Secretary General Ong Keng Yong said the US Senate resolution was not doable from the perspective of the 10-member regional bloc.

"Our approach is not to take such confrontational, drastic action, especially when it does not yield us any good results," he told reporters ahead of the ASEAN Leaders' Summit on Tuesday.

Ong urged the international community to build on the efforts of Ibrahim Gambari, the special envoy of the United Nations secretary general, who has been granted access of numerous personalities in visits to Myanmar.

"The challenge for ASEAN is to prevent a slippage of what Gambari has initiated," he said. "We believe that there should be intensified dialogue between ASEAN and the Myanmar leadership to stay focused on this diplomacy."

The US Senate on Friday unanimously adopted a resolution urging ASEAN leaders to suspend military-ruled Myanmar from the grouping for recent violent suppression of demonstrations.

At least 14 people were killed in September in Yangon City during the military crackdown on protests led by Buddhist monks.

Amnesty International estimated that 700 people were still in detention after being arrested during the protests.

In its resolution, the US Senate urged ASEAN to consider "appropriate disciplinary measures, including suspension, until such time as the government of Burma has demonstrated improved respect for and commitment to human rights."

Ong said isolating Myanmar, formerly called Burma, would not help resolve the problem.

"There's really no other option," he said. "The Myanmar guys are quite happy to be left alone. They are not afraid of being isolationists. They can just their door and go into hibernation."

He also urged international critics to stop telling ASEAN what to do.

"The rest of the world think they know what is good for all of us," he said. "But what we are saying is please allow us some democracy of ideas, democracy of option. You are advocating democracy but you are saying your ideas is the only workable idea."

ASEAN groups Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar.

US Senate asks ASEAN leaders to suspend Myanmar from group

Myanmar's detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi (L) with her party's senior leader Aung Shwe in Yangon

WASHINGTON (AFP) — The US Senate unanimously adopted a resolution Friday urging an upcoming ASEAN summit to suspend military-ruled Myanmar from the grouping for its bloody crackdown on pro-democracy protests.

The move came as President George W. Bush and Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda condemned Myanmar's military generals for the violent suppression in September, after talks at the White House.

First Lady Laura Bush, separately, urged foreign companies to shun a just opened Myanmar gem show aimed at reaping much-needed foreign currency amid tightening Western sanctions.

The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) had issued a rare rebuke to Myanmar's military junta following the crackdown, expressing "revulsion" and demanding that the generals immediately stop the use of violence against protesters.

"It is now time for ASEAN to back its words with actions," said Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer from California, whose resolution was adopted Friday ahead of next week's ASEAN summit in Singapore.

Her resolution said the US Congress "would welcome a decision by ASEAN, consistent with its core documents and its new charter, to review Burma's membership in ASEAN and to consider appropriate disciplinary measures, including suspension, until such time as the Government of Burma has demonstrated an improved respect for and commitment to human rights."

ASEAN leaders, at their meeting, plan to sign a landmark charter, which seeks to promote human rights and democracy, but rights groups say there is no clear mechanism for the association to take action against Myanmar.

The regime told a UN rights investigator Friday that 14 people were killed in the military suppression of pro-democracy protests led by Buddhist monks in September in the main city of Yangon, described as the biggest anti-government demonstrations in nearly 20 years.

Amnesty International has estimated that 700 people arrested over the protests were still in detention, although the government has said only about 90 of the nearly 3,000 originally rounded up are still being held.

The crackdown was condemned globally, with the United States and European Union stepping up sanctions against Myanmar.

ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Bush and Fukuda, speaking after their meeting Friday, called for the release of Myanmar's arrested democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi and all other political prisoners, and called for "a genuine dialogue" between the military regime and democracy groups.

Bush said that Fukuda told him that Japan, which has canceled nearly five million dollars in grants to Myanmar, was reviewing other aid projects to ensure that they directly benefited the people of the tightly controlled nation.

Fukuda said he had been working to push democratization and improvement of the human rights situation in Myanmar.

Laura Bush urged firms to shun the potentially lucrative gem auction show opened in Myanmar's main city Yangon on Wednesday, saying, "Every Burmese stone bought, cut, polished, and sold sustains an illegitimate, repressive regime."

The junta hopes to sell jade, gems and pearls, worth about 300 million dollars during the auction.

Myanmar used to hold gem auctions twice a year but has been holding them with increasing frequency in a bid to raise much-needed foreign currency amid tightening sanctions against the junta. It held four auctions in 2006.