The ICJ Judgement, the Prasat Preah Vihear and the Cambodian People

Prasat Preah VihearToday marks historical event for Cambodia while the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Hague of Holand interpreted the verdict of the Preah Vihear issue of June 15, 1962 again as this temple is belong to Cambodia, not Thailand. On this November 11, 2013, the court affirmed its stand again. Cambodian people from all strata including the politicians are happily cheering to this judgement. The most cheering politicians are Prime Minister, adviser(s) to Premier and the spokesperson of the government (listened from RFI and VOA).

For online group debate such as CAN and Campro, the members shared different aspects on the judgement. Reading the original document of the judgement, the court declared the Temple belongs to Cambodia while the document doesn’t elaborate or clarify the contested surrounding area or vicinity of 4.6 km square land parcel. The court termed “promontory” or means “a narrow area of high land that sticks out into the sea” in its written judgement. For Cambodia, the mentioned 4.6 km square is not mentioned its legal contesting at all. Cambodia has never said or termed such 4.6 km square; Cambodia has seriously referred legal contesting to the Map or the Annex 1 map, according to Phy Siphan, the spokesperson on Hello VOA today. After the court released its judgement, the editor of ThaiPBS Sermsuk says Thailand has lost 1-2 sq km around temple NOT 4.6 sq km (link).

The interpretation conundrum might rest within a sloppy trail as individual Cambodian and Thai will have their say and their vocal opinion.

However, the jurisdiction of the court has already been impregnably uncontested. When all parties discussed on those long standing legal and technical aspects in front of the judge(s), the conclusion to this final decision has already covered all those filing documents and arguments. This interpretation is different from the judgement on the June 15, 1962 as the addendum of documents and arguments have already been warrant from all concerned and contested parties. So the judgement in this time adjudicated all legal compositions and ascended into mission-fulfilled legal attainment. The temple, the surrounding, the vicinity or the promontory etc., all belong to Cambodia.

For fans on facebook, their say is critical. For Khieu Thy, a professional Tour Guide in Siem Reap said before the judgement that:

Cambodia owns 4,8sqkm at Preah Vihear Temple area, and Cambodia must win the case at UN court in Holland at 4:00pm today (November 11th, 2103), we are Cambodians cannot afford and tolerate to lose anymore land from our precious ancestors. Our nation has been suffering so much of land loosing since 14th on.
And after the judgement, he expressed release as he said:
Finally, the Justice comes to Cambodia. ICJ now rules as the same as in 1962. Land area approximately 4,8sqkm at Preah Vihear temple has no word “the Disputing or the Overlapping” between Cambodia and Thailand anymore. It’s Cambodia’s sovereignty.
For Ou Virak, the director of Human Rights Cener (HRC), he concluded as saying that:
I am cautiously celebrating the “victory” of the International Court of Justice’s ruling today that Cambodia has sovereignty of the World Heritage Preah Vihear Temple. The ruling only interprets the 1962 decision. To me, this is as I have expected, no surprises. I am cautious because Thai politics is very volatile and nationalists and the military could use this as a rally point which could escalate the situation. Also, Phnom Trop, a site of fierce clashes before, is not considered by the court, leaving room for overlapping claims by both sides again. I think the ruling is helping cementing a clearer decision and hope will be seen as a victory for Cambodia, for Thailand and the world. Thailand should see this as opportunity to work closer with Cambodia to bring about lasting peace and truly benefit from a stable region. We share much of history, culture and heritage and let’s put the common interest ahead of political one. The Cambodian government needs to be extremely careful in not adding fuel to the political fire in Thailand, extend the hand to Thailand to discuss developing the areas so both sides could benefit.

But the long-standing contender of border scheme with neighbors and territorial handling by Hun Sen government, Mr. Sieng Pengse argued differently. For Pengse, he argued that the judgement of the Court of Hague has already affirmed that Preah Vihear and surrounding area belongs to Cambodia but the conflict has been triggered in this area because Cambodia under the leadership of Hun Sen has been positioning itself within a weakness of social, political and economic development. The weakness is not only with the neighboring countries, it extends to the international arena. With Thailand, Hun Sen government sometime endorsed confrontational approach and sometime brought the issue to the international court of justice like the ICJ. But with Vietnam, Hun Sen government has been so submissive. As the matter of fact, the supplemental border treaty of 2005 has helped leverage Vietnamese a legal domination towards this nation at least by legalizing the illegal and unequal border treaties during the occupation of Vietnam over Cambodia’s sovereign territory. As the result, many meters of border land and Koh Trol island have been gradually trespassed and taken over by Vietnam government.

Looking at the leadership on both levels: governance system/bureaucrats and individual leadership characteristic, Hun Sen government has not planned to bring about credibility, confidence, trust and universal value at all. They have employed much of the exclusive political strategies by excluding all critics, opposition activists, grassroots movements and NGOs. The party has concerned on lifeblood loyalty, not ability at all. Party members from bottom to top level are full of people who are flattering their bosses rather than elaborating the core issues. The management of state budget is full of corruption including traditional bribery and the selling of state asset, all have become normal for Hun Sen government. Hun Sen cannot conduct any reform and do any change to welcome strategy of inclusiveness because himself, his wife, children and family members all are enjoying the luxurious life on the backbone and shoulder of Cambodian people as well as the piling property of national wealth.

From this critical argument and well-longed observation, the Hun Sen government has not only exhausted its internal strength but also brought about bad credit to Cambodia within the eyes of its neighboring countries and the international spheres.

We wish only this judgement has been respected by both parties to build lasting peace, cooperation, and sustainable development at the disputed areas as well as along the borderline (land and sea). This wish is not picky only on Thailand, but also includes Lao and Vietnam as well!

Below is the latest ICJ document and the video screening regarding this re-interpretation.

ICJ Reinterpretation of Judgement on 15 June 1962 and 11 November 2013

Khmer Song by Preap Sovath “Prasat Preah Vihear”

The ICJ Judgement reported by the VOA

Live Judgement from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) from the Hague of Holland on 11 November 2013

Live Judgement from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) from the Hague of Holland on 15-19 April 2013

You are cordially invited to join with the 22nd Anniversary of Paris Peace Agreement

Committees of Youth Association would like to cordially invite members and distinguished quests to commemorate the 22nd  Anniversary of Paris Peace Accord.

Theme: Civil Rights and Liberty of Cambodians after the 22 Years of Paris Peace Agreement

22nd Anniversary Commemoration of Paris Peace AccordBrief Schedule:

–         Blessing from the Monks

–         Keynote speaker on the meaning of Paris Peace Accord, civil rights and liberty within this 22 years.

–         Slide show documentaries

–         Q & A

22 Anniversary Press ReleaseDate and place:

–         @ Khmer-Canadian Buddhist Cultural Centre

7011 Ogden Road SE, Calgary, AB

–         Date: Saturday, 26 October 2013

@ 1:30pm to 4:30pm

     – Tel: 403-455-8294

info@khmeryouth.cambodianview.com

Press Release

            Khmer Youth Association of Alberta would like to solemnly announce to the Khmer youths and compatriots, either inside or outside Cambodia, to hold or participate with the 22nd Anniversary of Paris Peace Accord: 23 October 1991 – 23 October 2013 collectively.

Paris Peace Accord is the advancement of modern history of Cambodia. This day has the same value of that glorious civilization of the Great Khmer Empire during Angkorian period.

Our compatriots can conduct this commemoration as individual, family, friend, group, association or community by observing or updating news about this day, share messages among networks, directly communicate with siblings-children-friends, petition, thumb print or sign petitions, attend seminar/conference/lecture, participate with nonviolent mass demonstration, or conduct a ceremony by inviting Buddhist monks to offer a Jayanto blessing.

May all Khmer compatriots are blessed by the four wishes of Lord Buddha: Longevity, Beauty, Happiness and Strength.

Canada: October 9th, 2013

Sophoan Seng (President)

Sponsors:

– Individual members

– Khmer-Canadian Youth Association of

ENJOY BBQ, BEVERAGES, SNACKS, SOCIAL INTERACTION AND MUCH MORE!

22nd Anniversary of PPA Press Release

22nd Anniversary Commemoration of Paris Peace Agreement

Communtiy Resource Fair Invitation and Guidelines

INVITATION

Ethno-cultural Council of Calgary (ECCC) is a community-based organization that facilitates the collective voice of Calgary’s ethno-cultural communities towards full civic participation and integration through collaborative action. More details can be viewed at : http://www.ecccalgary.com/

The Building Bridges with Ethno-Cultural Communities (BBEC) program funded by the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) trains ethno-cultural community members/organizations to assist newcomers and immigrants to access programs and services they need in their settlement and integration in Canada.  Other activities of the BBEC includes resource fairs, forums and broker action and community engagement.

ECCC would like to extend invitation to your organization to participate in the ECCC Community Resource Fair. Join us to connect with community members, ethno-cultural organizations, service provider organizations and funders to increase your profile and build networks! This event is fully funded by Citizenship & Immigration Canada.

Exhibit Set-up and Resource Fair Hours

Date:              June 22, 2013 (Sat)

Set-up:             8:30am – 9:00am

Resource Fair: 9:00am to 12:00pm

Place:              Genesis Centre of Community Wellness

7556 Falconridge Boulevard NE, Calgary, AB T3J 0C9

Commons (Main Lobby)

Registration

Date:               May 1, 2013 –  June 17, 2013

To register for this event, please complete the attached registration form and send

Fax :     (403) 262 8973

OR

Email:  bbec@ecccalgary.com

Space is limited and early registration is encouraged.

We hope you will be able to join us and look forward to your prompt response. If you have any questions or require additional information on this opportunity, please contact Hans Ocenar at (403) 263 9900*2727 or Sheeba Vijayan at 403-263-9900*2722 or email bbec@ecccalgary.com


 

Guidelines (Revised April 2013)

1.       Only exhibitors who have filled out and submitted the application form to the Ethno-Cultural Council of Calgary will be permitted to set-up table displays.

2.       Display set-up will commence on Saturday, June 22, 2013 from 8:30am to 9:00am.

3.       Displays should not have combustible oils, gasses or open flame.

4.       All display materials should be placed on the allocated table except for retractable banner stands.

5.       Banner stands should not obstruct the path of Resource Fair visitors.

6.       Posting of cut arts, texts, and pictures on the wall is prohibited.

7.       The exhibitor agrees that the display booths will be open and tended to from 9:00am to 12:00pm on June 22, 2013. No displays should be dismantled or goods removed during this time.

8.       Exhibitors should clear their table by 12:30pm or all items remaining will be disposed.

9.       The exhibitor’s property shall be placed on display and exhibited at the risk of the exhibitor. The Ethno-Cultural Council of Calgary and NECCS assume no responsibility for the loss or damage to the property due to fire, theft or any cause beyond their control.

Sincerely,

Sheeba Vijayan

Multicultural Coordinator

Ethno-Cultural Council of Calgary (ECCC)

915-33rd Street NE Calgary, Alberta T2A 6T2

Phone: 403-263-9900 ext *2722

Fax: 403-262-8973

www.ecccalgary.com

“Bridging Our Communities… Building Our Collective Voice”

Please Like Us on Facebook

Asian Heritage Day of May at Cambodian Canadian Community

The Khmer Youth Association would like to express deep gratitude and appreciation on the successful welcoming of Bus Tour of Asian Heritage Foundation to celebrate the Month of May signifying for Asian Culture and Diversity in Alberta, Canada.

We are glade to see more than 32 guests unloading from the bus and entering into the compound of our centre. We are glade to see our community members of more than 50 collectively help and participate this extraordinary event.

The presentation was briefly explaining about the history of the community, the history of rich cultural heritage such as ancient monument of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, the Khmer clothes, performance art and food, the benefit of Vipassana meditation and its practice etc.

The event was highlighting with 7 distinctive shows:

1. Pinpeat Music Orchestra which is assembled of many original instruments have originated since the Angkor period of 9 century. The instruments are including Sko Touch, Sko Thom, Tre etc. (see attached photo) or more reading on: http://blog.aseankorea.org/archives/13752

Cambodia-11

Courtesy of: http://blog.aseankorea.org/archives/13752

2. Preah Thong Tong Sbai Neang Neak which is one of the important parts of Khmer Wedding. Preah Thogn Tong Sbai Neang Neak or groom holding the scarf of bride significantly describes the legend of the birth of Cambodian country. The legend said that Groom must follow Bride by holding the scarf tightly so that he can reach her parents’ resident. Legend further describes that Cambodia originally led by a powerful and gorgeous princess, a distant traveler named Preah Thong fell in love with the princess and asked her to be married. In order to travel in a long distance and dangerous way, Preah Thong must ensure that his one hand is holding the scarf tightly while another hand is holding a sword. For Neang Neak who is a family leader in that time, she is a chief in the family to oversee many things including family finance which she is holding on her palm hand as a symbol. The legend was about the Kingdom of Naga (Sacred Serpent) in which some interpretation has been mistaking called Dragon. Naga is the important legendary sacred snake in Cambodia. More reading about the story of Preah Thong Tong Sbai Neang Neak: http://www.tourismcambodia.com/culture/art-and-culture/khmer-wedding.htm

Preah Thong Tong Sbai Neang Neak   Note that in the past, the wedding ceremony took up to more than 3 days with more than 62 traditional songs but now it has summarized to 13 songs in 1 day and a half.

3. Young children are dressing in colorful Khmer silk dresses to representing different days of the week. Asian Heritage Day (92)

– Sunday is red
– Monday is orange
– Tuesday is purple
– Wednesday is light green
– Thursday is green
– Friday is blue
– Saturday is plum or blueberry or pring tum
Note that Khmer silk has been typically made by hand from ancient traditional loom. One robe has approximately been spent to one month to finish it.
4. Khmer Chaiyam or funny dancing style of Khmer entertainment.
ChaiyamAsian Heritage Day (99)
5. Khmer Chouk Krapeus folk dance. Chok Krapeus Dance is a style of dance imitating from fishing style of Khmer farmers.
Asian Heritage Day (121)
6. Khmer Nom Banchok or Khmer Noodle Food. Rice is a typical diet for Cambodians but Nom Banchok Noodle is one of their historical and remarkable diets. Taste, mixture and smell of Khmer noodle come from its soup (Somlor prahir and Karry), variety of fresh veggies, and a tempting smell of curry and pro-hok (a Khmer typical salt fish paste)
Asian Heritage Day (23)7. Khmer silk dresses by beautiful ladies
Asian Heritage Day (139)Group Photo at the end:
Asian Heritage Day (162)Eventually, all participants are joyfully happy with the presentation, shows and tasty food. I would like to thanks for your heartfelt support and participation.

One Million Books for Youth Campaign

Dear Everyone;

1 Million Books ProjectKhmer-Canadian Youth Association of Alberta is launching its campaign for “One Million Books for Youths” in order to encourage reading, reading, reading.

Reading is an Investment

Reading is Life

By sharing this project with others, you are engaging in reading and helping others to read more.

1 Million Books Project in PDF

Bus Tour for the Month of May of Asian Heritage Day

Hello bus tour communities,

 

Please see the poster below for events in Asian Heritage Month in Calgary this May.

Tickets for bus tours are available at the Chinese Cultural Center this afternoon (after 6PM). You can also purchase online through:
http://asianheritagecalgary.ca/extra/bus/ in the next 24h.

Please forward this information to your contacts/community.

Thank you for your help and support. I will send a brief summary of programs that each bus tour community is planning to do later today.

Have a great day,
Tu

asian heritage day

ជូនពរឆ្នាំថ្មី ឆ្នាំម្សាញ់ ២៥៥៧

ក្នុងឱកាសចូលឆ្នាំខ្មែរ ឆ្នាំម្សាញ់ បញ្ចស័ក ព.ស.២៥៥៧ សមាគមយុវជនខ្មែរ-កាណាដានៃខេត្តអាល់បើរតារ

Khmer_New_Year_2557_or_2013_2810029 copyសូមប្រសិទ្ធិពរជ័យ សិរីបវរមហាប្រសើរ និងសុភមង្គល ចូរកើតមានដល់បងប្អូនខ្មែរយើងទាំងអស់ទាំងក្នុងប្រទេសនិង ក្រៅប្រទេសកុំបីឃ្លៀងឃ្លាតឡើយ។

In the occasion of Khmer New Year 2557, the Khmer-Canadian Youth Association wish all Cambodian compatriots a healthy, solidarity and success in cultivating family and community improvement throughout the whole year.

Sincerely,

Watch new year photos celebrated in Calgary: http://cambodianview.com/pictures/thumbnails.php?album=9

Community Fair , Forest Lawn, June 8!

community fair

Hi guys,

Can you please circulate this to your groups and contacts!

Community Fair is planned for Saturday June 8, same day as Diversity Cup begins (free, two-day soccer tournament), at same geographical area.

Those two events happening simultaneously at same geographical area will offer unique experience and lots of fun for residents of Greater Forest Lawn of all ages, and their guest and neighbours.

If you are interested to participate at resource fair during the day and advertise your programs and services, please let me know and I will connect you further.

Thank you so very mach for your support with this.

All the best,

Bojan