Showing posts with label Hor 5 Bora barking at Global Witness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hor 5 Bora barking at Global Witness. Show all posts
Monday, May 24, 2010
Not a grain of courage to debate Global Witness as he boasted: Hor 5 Bora
Hor 5 Bora will not debate Global Witness
22 May 2010
Pin Sisovann, VOA
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
22 May 2010
Pin Sisovann, VOA
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
On 19 May 2010, Global Witness issued a reply letter to the invitation made by the Cambodian embassy in the UK to hold a public debate on the destruction of natural resources in Cambodia.
The Cambodian embassy in the UK issued a communiqué in English on 30 April 2010 in which it quoted Hor 5 Bora as stating: “Global Witness is in danger of losing all credibility as it continues to pursue a ferocious politically-motivated campaign against the Cambodian government.”
In the same communiqué, Hor 5 Bora stressed: “It’s time Global Witness was stopped in its tracks and forced to explain and justify its campaign of smear and hatred against the Cambodian Government and the Cambodian People.” In that communiqué, he invited Global Witness to debate in London or anywhere else. Following the positive reply from Global Witness to the debate challenge, which Global Witness set the date to 17 June 2010, the Cambodian embassy in London issued a letter dated 21 May 2010, rejecting the public debate, stating that Global Witness is politically motivated and that it has a hidden agenda to destroy the legal government of PM Hun Xen. He also indicated that Global Witness is losing its honor and that it serves as a political tool to the opposition party in Cambodia. The letters indicated that, because Global Witness’ leaders and attackers are affected by “chhkuot chrouk” (crazy like a pig) and mental problems, thus, it is a good thing that Cambodian officials and representatives do not participate in this debate.
Global Witness is an organization that protects the environment all over the world and it focused its works in numerous countries. International researchers consider Global Witness as an organization that widely understands about the environment and what it is undertaking. Global Witness does not just criticize Hun Xen’s government alone, any government or companies in the world that affects the environment come under its criticisms also. For example, on 20 May, Global Witness issued a report exposing Goldman Sachs bank backing oil deals in Angola by the US company Cobalt International Ebergy, in spite of the fact that Goldman Sachs knows that its partner’s action could face corruption charge in the US.
Mam Sambath, President of the Revenue Transparency Alliance who is currently traveling to the US to participate in Chevron’s yearly meeting, said that he strongly supports the idea of holding a public debate on the destruction of natural resources in Cambodia, because such debate could help bring transparency in the administration of the country’s natural resources. He indicated that he regrets to see the debate being cancelled. He added: “I believe that if this debate can be held, it would be very good because it will show the information that we have not received yet, and it will be wide open to the public. If we look at information posted on the Internet about revenues from oil and gas, from mining to the ministry of Economy and Finance, there is no indication on revenues from sand dredging even though the sand trade already took place in Koh Kong that led to the export to Singapore. Therefore, if such mining operation takes place, the government should receive income from sand dredging in Koh Kong province, and the ministry of Economy and Finance should post this information on its website.”
At the beginning of May, Global Witness issued a report on the export of several millions of tons of sand from Koh Kong to sell in Singapore that will seriously damage the environment. Global Witness reported that while the government issued a ban on sand export, cronies of the regime received license to export sand to Singapore. Global Witness estimates that the sale of sand from Koh Kong province alone brings in US$248 million per year based on the sand price in Singapore. However, the Cambodian embassy in the UK rejected the Global Witness report, calling it cheap and rubbish, devoid of truth, and that it was aimed at dishonoring Hun Xen’s regime.
The Cambodian embassy in the UK issued a communiqué in English on 30 April 2010 in which it quoted Hor 5 Bora as stating: “Global Witness is in danger of losing all credibility as it continues to pursue a ferocious politically-motivated campaign against the Cambodian government.”
In the same communiqué, Hor 5 Bora stressed: “It’s time Global Witness was stopped in its tracks and forced to explain and justify its campaign of smear and hatred against the Cambodian Government and the Cambodian People.” In that communiqué, he invited Global Witness to debate in London or anywhere else. Following the positive reply from Global Witness to the debate challenge, which Global Witness set the date to 17 June 2010, the Cambodian embassy in London issued a letter dated 21 May 2010, rejecting the public debate, stating that Global Witness is politically motivated and that it has a hidden agenda to destroy the legal government of PM Hun Xen. He also indicated that Global Witness is losing its honor and that it serves as a political tool to the opposition party in Cambodia. The letters indicated that, because Global Witness’ leaders and attackers are affected by “chhkuot chrouk” (crazy like a pig) and mental problems, thus, it is a good thing that Cambodian officials and representatives do not participate in this debate.
Global Witness is an organization that protects the environment all over the world and it focused its works in numerous countries. International researchers consider Global Witness as an organization that widely understands about the environment and what it is undertaking. Global Witness does not just criticize Hun Xen’s government alone, any government or companies in the world that affects the environment come under its criticisms also. For example, on 20 May, Global Witness issued a report exposing Goldman Sachs bank backing oil deals in Angola by the US company Cobalt International Ebergy, in spite of the fact that Goldman Sachs knows that its partner’s action could face corruption charge in the US.
Mam Sambath, President of the Revenue Transparency Alliance who is currently traveling to the US to participate in Chevron’s yearly meeting, said that he strongly supports the idea of holding a public debate on the destruction of natural resources in Cambodia, because such debate could help bring transparency in the administration of the country’s natural resources. He indicated that he regrets to see the debate being cancelled. He added: “I believe that if this debate can be held, it would be very good because it will show the information that we have not received yet, and it will be wide open to the public. If we look at information posted on the Internet about revenues from oil and gas, from mining to the ministry of Economy and Finance, there is no indication on revenues from sand dredging even though the sand trade already took place in Koh Kong that led to the export to Singapore. Therefore, if such mining operation takes place, the government should receive income from sand dredging in Koh Kong province, and the ministry of Economy and Finance should post this information on its website.”
At the beginning of May, Global Witness issued a report on the export of several millions of tons of sand from Koh Kong to sell in Singapore that will seriously damage the environment. Global Witness reported that while the government issued a ban on sand export, cronies of the regime received license to export sand to Singapore. Global Witness estimates that the sale of sand from Koh Kong province alone brings in US$248 million per year based on the sand price in Singapore. However, the Cambodian embassy in the UK rejected the Global Witness report, calling it cheap and rubbish, devoid of truth, and that it was aimed at dishonoring Hun Xen’s regime.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Global Witness accept Baby Hor's debate challenge
H.E. Hor Nambora,
Royal Embassy of Cambodia,
64 Brondesbury Park,
Willesden Green
London
NW6 7AT
19 May 2010
Dear Ambassador Hor Nambora,
Following your press release of the 30th of April 2010, in which you invited us to a debate in London or elsewhere, we would like to accept your offer of a public debate.
We would like to suggest the date of the 17th of June 2010 to hold this debate. We suggest that the event be held at a neutral, public venue in central London. We are more than happy to provide suggestions for this venue and individuals who may be able to chair the event.
We look forward to receiving your response.
We would like to suggest the date of the 17th of June 2010 to hold this debate. We suggest that the event be held at a neutral, public venue in central London. We are more than happy to provide suggestions for this venue and individuals who may be able to chair the event.
We look forward to receiving your response.
Best regards,
Simon Taylor
Director, Global Witness
Monday, May 17, 2010
Sacrava's Political Cartoon: International Trouble Maker
Cartoon by Sacrava (on the web at http://sacrava.blogspot.com)Tuesday, May 04, 2010
Sacrava's Political Cartoon: Hye-Hor 5 Bora
Cartoon by Sacrava (on the web at http://sacrava.blogspot.com)Monday, May 03, 2010
Envoy to UK aims criticism at watchdog
Monday, 03 May 2010
Vong Sokheng and Will Baxter
The Phnom Penh Post
Vong Sokheng and Will Baxter
The Phnom Penh Post
THE ambassador to the United Kingdom has accused Global Witness of pursuing “a ferocious politically motivated campaign against the government of Cambodia” after the international watchdog said a US$28 million payment made by a French oil company lacked transparency.
Hor Nambora issued a statement on Friday condemning the group, one day after it said the issue of extractive industries payments must be addressed when donors meet with the government in June.
“The people of Cambodia and governments who give development assistance have a legitimate right to know what happened to that money,” Global Witness said in a statement.
Eleanor Nichol, a campaigner for Global Witness, said Sunday that the group stood by the statement, and added: “The easiest way to clarify this issue would be for the Cambodian government to publicly issue details on this payment and others made by companies.”
Penelope Semavoine, a spokeswoman for Total, confirmed last Thursday that the company had paid a $20 million signature bonus in January to the Cambodia National Petroleum Authority and had earmarked an additional $8 million for a social development fund in order to secure exploration rights to the 2,430-square-kilometre offshore block designated Area III.
Prime Minister Hun Sen referred to the Total deal in a speech last week, comparing it to a payment he said had been made by mining giant BHP Billiton, which has recently launched an internal inquiry that some have speculated concerns its work in Cambodia.
Global Witness has been a frequent target of Hor Nambora, who routinely goes after groups and media outlets he accuses of being unfairly critical of the Cambodian government.
In his most recent statement, the ambassador said, “It’s time Global Witness was stopped in its tracks and forced to explain and justify its campaign of smear and hatred against the Cambodian government and Cambodian people.”
Hor Nambora issued a statement on Friday condemning the group, one day after it said the issue of extractive industries payments must be addressed when donors meet with the government in June.
“The people of Cambodia and governments who give development assistance have a legitimate right to know what happened to that money,” Global Witness said in a statement.
Eleanor Nichol, a campaigner for Global Witness, said Sunday that the group stood by the statement, and added: “The easiest way to clarify this issue would be for the Cambodian government to publicly issue details on this payment and others made by companies.”
Penelope Semavoine, a spokeswoman for Total, confirmed last Thursday that the company had paid a $20 million signature bonus in January to the Cambodia National Petroleum Authority and had earmarked an additional $8 million for a social development fund in order to secure exploration rights to the 2,430-square-kilometre offshore block designated Area III.
Prime Minister Hun Sen referred to the Total deal in a speech last week, comparing it to a payment he said had been made by mining giant BHP Billiton, which has recently launched an internal inquiry that some have speculated concerns its work in Cambodia.
Global Witness has been a frequent target of Hor Nambora, who routinely goes after groups and media outlets he accuses of being unfairly critical of the Cambodian government.
In his most recent statement, the ambassador said, “It’s time Global Witness was stopped in its tracks and forced to explain and justify its campaign of smear and hatred against the Cambodian government and Cambodian people.”
Baby Hor embarks on a barking mission on behalf of Papa Hor's boss ... yet again
Ambassador Condemns Pressure Group: Smear CampaignApril 30, 2010
Source: Hor 5 Bora, Cambodian embassy in the UK
The Ambassador of Cambodia to the United Kingdom, Nambora Hor, says the pressure group Global Witness is in danger of losing all credibility as it continues to pursue a ferocious politically-motivated campaign against the Cambodian government.
“Global Witness is now a loose cannon spouting ever more irresponsible statements which shouldn’t be tolerated by the international community,” he said.
The Ambassador’s comments follow Global Witness questioning a US$28 million payment made to the Cambodian government by the French oil company, Total; Global Witness is demanding that the issue should be top of the agenda when the group of countries providing international aid to Cambodia meet in June.
Ambassador Hor said: “It’s time Global Witness was stopped in its tracks and forced to explain and justify its campaign of smear and hatred against the Cambodian Government and the Cambodian People.”
The Ambassador challenged the pressure group to a debate in London or elsewhere. “Global Witness should not be allowed to continue peddling persistent lies and misleading information about the lawfully-elected government of Prime Minister Hun Sen. The unsavoury tactics of this organisation need to be exposed for all to see.”
The Ambassador said he was confident all donor countries to Cambodia as well as other international partners would continue to support the political, economic, social and judicial reforms which had been positively implemented by the Government of Prime Minister Hun Sen.
He said it was those countries providing financial backing to Global Witness which should cut their funding to the organisation with immediate effect. He also urged nations in the developing world to ban representatives of Global Witness from entering their countries.
“Global Witness is now a loose cannon spouting ever more irresponsible statements which shouldn’t be tolerated by the international community,” he said.
The Ambassador’s comments follow Global Witness questioning a US$28 million payment made to the Cambodian government by the French oil company, Total; Global Witness is demanding that the issue should be top of the agenda when the group of countries providing international aid to Cambodia meet in June.
Ambassador Hor said: “It’s time Global Witness was stopped in its tracks and forced to explain and justify its campaign of smear and hatred against the Cambodian Government and the Cambodian People.”
The Ambassador challenged the pressure group to a debate in London or elsewhere. “Global Witness should not be allowed to continue peddling persistent lies and misleading information about the lawfully-elected government of Prime Minister Hun Sen. The unsavoury tactics of this organisation need to be exposed for all to see.”
The Ambassador said he was confident all donor countries to Cambodia as well as other international partners would continue to support the political, economic, social and judicial reforms which had been positively implemented by the Government of Prime Minister Hun Sen.
He said it was those countries providing financial backing to Global Witness which should cut their funding to the organisation with immediate effect. He also urged nations in the developing world to ban representatives of Global Witness from entering their countries.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Now, corporate sponsorship for Armed Forces ... soon, corporate sponsorship of the police and government officials?
Cambodia Announces Corporate Sponsorship for Armed Forces
22 Mar 2010
Luke Hunt
World Politics Review
22 Mar 2010
Luke Hunt
World Politics Review
Simmering tensions along Cambodia's border with Thailand has prompted Prime Minister Hun Sen to deploy a series of new initiatives to bolster his country's military.
The moves range from an old-fashioned show of muscle in the form of missile tests and military exercises, to corporate sponsorship of the armed forces that has angered humanitarian groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Analysts said the moves can be traced to the periodic border clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops near the ruins of the 11th-century temple, Preah Vihear, where a military standoff has resulted in occasional bloodshed since mid-2008.
Hun Sen declared that more than 40 partnerships had been established with businesses to provide food, medicine, tools, buildings and transport for Cambodian troops and their families. One of the businesses named was Metfone, a subsidiary of a mobile phone company owned by the Vietnamese military. Rubber plantations, a television network and an oil company were among the other companies to sign up for the deal. Another company mentioned was ANZ Royal, a joint partnership between Australia's ANZ Bank and one of Cambodia's biggest business conglomerates, the Royal Group. In Melbourne, ANZ denied any involvement with military sponsorship, saying it would be inappropriate.
Hun Sen is personally overseeing the program, which has angered humanitarian groups. London-based Global Witness has called on donor countries to condemn the sponsorship plan, saying it would lead to businesses receiving military protection in exchange for financial backing. But Cambodia's ambassador to the U.K., Hor Nambora, warned Global Witness to stop meddling in Cambodia's internal affairs and threatened legal action.
The program is seen as an effort to fund the Cambodian military at a time of heightened bilateral tensions with Thailand over Preah Vihear, as well as over Phnom Penh's support for Thailand's former Premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a coup.
As the deal was being put together, Cambodia also conducted its missile tests, the first public drill since the country's civil war ended more than a decade ago. About 200 rockets were fired from truck-mounted launchers at an airfield about 110 miles from the Thai border. Hun Sen, not known for his subtlety, called the tests "a normal drill and preparation to defend the nation in case there is an invasion."
At the same time, Hun Sen won some support from the United States with the announcement that around 1,000 soldiers from 23 countries will undertake military exercises in Cambodia in July, as part of the U.S.-funded Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI).
Details of the maneuvers were confirmed during talks with U.S. Adm. William Crowe earlier this month and were designed to "enable Cambodia to sustain and improve its peacekeeping missions in the future."
Cambodia has previously sent peacekeepers to Sudan, and more than 200 Royal Cambodian Armed Forces soldiers will depart for Chad and the Central African Republic next month to supplement a contingent of peacekeepers deployed to both countries last November.
The moves range from an old-fashioned show of muscle in the form of missile tests and military exercises, to corporate sponsorship of the armed forces that has angered humanitarian groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Analysts said the moves can be traced to the periodic border clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops near the ruins of the 11th-century temple, Preah Vihear, where a military standoff has resulted in occasional bloodshed since mid-2008.
Hun Sen declared that more than 40 partnerships had been established with businesses to provide food, medicine, tools, buildings and transport for Cambodian troops and their families. One of the businesses named was Metfone, a subsidiary of a mobile phone company owned by the Vietnamese military. Rubber plantations, a television network and an oil company were among the other companies to sign up for the deal. Another company mentioned was ANZ Royal, a joint partnership between Australia's ANZ Bank and one of Cambodia's biggest business conglomerates, the Royal Group. In Melbourne, ANZ denied any involvement with military sponsorship, saying it would be inappropriate.
Hun Sen is personally overseeing the program, which has angered humanitarian groups. London-based Global Witness has called on donor countries to condemn the sponsorship plan, saying it would lead to businesses receiving military protection in exchange for financial backing. But Cambodia's ambassador to the U.K., Hor Nambora, warned Global Witness to stop meddling in Cambodia's internal affairs and threatened legal action.
The program is seen as an effort to fund the Cambodian military at a time of heightened bilateral tensions with Thailand over Preah Vihear, as well as over Phnom Penh's support for Thailand's former Premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a coup.
As the deal was being put together, Cambodia also conducted its missile tests, the first public drill since the country's civil war ended more than a decade ago. About 200 rockets were fired from truck-mounted launchers at an airfield about 110 miles from the Thai border. Hun Sen, not known for his subtlety, called the tests "a normal drill and preparation to defend the nation in case there is an invasion."
At the same time, Hun Sen won some support from the United States with the announcement that around 1,000 soldiers from 23 countries will undertake military exercises in Cambodia in July, as part of the U.S.-funded Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI).
Details of the maneuvers were confirmed during talks with U.S. Adm. William Crowe earlier this month and were designed to "enable Cambodia to sustain and improve its peacekeeping missions in the future."
Cambodia has previously sent peacekeepers to Sudan, and more than 200 Royal Cambodian Armed Forces soldiers will depart for Chad and the Central African Republic next month to supplement a contingent of peacekeepers deployed to both countries last November.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Bark, Baby Hor, Bark!
Cambodian Ambassador to UK Lashes Out at Global Witness
By Heng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
21 July 2009
By Heng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
21 July 2009
Cambodia’s ambassador to Britain has called on donors to stop funding the environmental watchdog Global Witness, which has been sharply critical of the government and powerful businessmen for exploiting the country’s natural resources.
Ambassador Hor Nambora said funding for the group should be cut until it adopts a more responsible attitude, and he urged other countries to refuse entry to members of the group, which has issued damning reports of Cambodia’s timber, oil and mineral trades.
Global Witness documented widespread corruption and a “kleptocracy” in the highest ranks of government and business, where vast riches from the country’s natural resources land in the pockets of an elite few, including officials close to Prime Minister Hun Sen and his family.
Its reports, “Cambodia’s Family Trees” and “Country for Sale,” are both banned in Cambodia.
The group issued a statement earlier this month urging the United Kingdom to deny entry to Hun Sen as he made an official visit to France and planned to travel to England to watch his son graduate.
Hor Nambora said Global Witness had been presenting false information as fact.
Global Witness could not be immediately reached for comment, but it has stood by its reporting, which is thoroughly documented, in the past.
Ambassador Hor Nambora said funding for the group should be cut until it adopts a more responsible attitude, and he urged other countries to refuse entry to members of the group, which has issued damning reports of Cambodia’s timber, oil and mineral trades.
Global Witness documented widespread corruption and a “kleptocracy” in the highest ranks of government and business, where vast riches from the country’s natural resources land in the pockets of an elite few, including officials close to Prime Minister Hun Sen and his family.
Its reports, “Cambodia’s Family Trees” and “Country for Sale,” are both banned in Cambodia.
The group issued a statement earlier this month urging the United Kingdom to deny entry to Hun Sen as he made an official visit to France and planned to travel to England to watch his son graduate.
Hor Nambora said Global Witness had been presenting false information as fact.
Global Witness could not be immediately reached for comment, but it has stood by its reporting, which is thoroughly documented, in the past.
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