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Saturday, 8 May 2010
That's $16 million, NOT $16 billion: Possible trader goof may have sparked 1,000-point Dow swing Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/money/2010/05/
The difference between a B and an M may have caused Thursday's heart-stopping Dow plunge of nearly 1,000 points.
A trader may have accidentally entered $16 billion - instead of $16 million - in a deal involving Procter and Gamble, sparking the massive selloff, according to multiple reports.
"I heard it was a trading error at a big firm," trader Charlie Flood said outside the New York Stock Exchange after the market closed. "Somebody hit a wrong button."
The stock market rebounded from its 998-point nosedive - its biggest point drop ever - to close down 347.80 points, a 3.2% decline, at 10,520.32.
"It was panic," Flood said. "We haven't seen this in a long time."
"It became a frenzy," said Brad Pine, a Manhattan investment adviser.
As fears over Greece's debt crisis spread global economic jitters, Procter & Gamble's share price suddenly - and inexplicably - plummeted nearly 37% to $39.37.
The drop ignited sell orders across the market.
By the close, P&G was off just 2.2%.
Reps from the major U.S. stock exchanges and the Securities and Exchange Commission held an emergency conference call last night to look into potentially mistaken trades involving a number of stocks.
Nasdaq announced it will cancel all trades of stocks at prices that were 60% above or below the last price at 2:40 p.m., or immediately prior.
The crash began just after 2:30 p.m. The Dow went from being down 400 to down 800 in just minutes, eventually slipping below 10,000 to 9,869.
The bottom falling out felt like "what happened in 1987," said investment adviser David Honigstock, referring to the worst day in modern history for the Dow - Oct. 19, 1987, when stocks plunged 22.6%.
"You look at your screen and you see the market in a complete free fall," he said.
By 3:09 p.m., the market had regained 700 points.
Beyond the apparent computer glitch, the troubles in Greece added to the panic selling, with TV stations showing scenes of rioting protesters angry over government austerity measures.
"There was a fundamental concern about the entire European continent," said Peter Boockvar, a strategist at Miller Tabak. "The world is a much more dangerous place right now."
Traders warned of more stomach-churning days ahead as the crisis in Greece continues.
"Until we resolve the situation, volatility is here to stay," said Ryan Detrick, senior technical analyst at Schaeffer's Investment Research.
Mother’s Day: School’s tea shows off special bond
WILLIAMSTOWN - Mother's Day teas are not particularly unusual this time of year, unless they're hosted by a group of 6-year-olds, like the 22 children in Patty Yazombek's kindergarten class at Williamstown Elementary School Friday.
"We've been talking about etiquette, so the children are hosting a tea with a special message to their mothers," Yazombek said. "They also make a framed picture and plant a potted flower for their moms."
Each picture frame included a picture of a flower with the child's handprint as the blossom and a heart in the center of the hand.
The frame also contained the following poem:
"A piece of me I give to you,
I painted this flower to say 'I love you.'
The heart is you, the hand is me -
To show we're friends, the best there can be.
I hope you will save it and look back someday
At the flower we shared on your special day."
Mothers joined children at their desks for a serving of cake and punch, followed by a chorus of young voices honoring their moms in song.
"This is a great thing," said Cindy Turley, accompanied by daughter, Kenzie.
"From the time her teacher announced the tea party, she's been marking the days off the calendar," Turley said.
Nearby, Anne Chambers agreed as she sipped punch with her daughter, Natalie.
"She's been very excited about this," Chambers said. "And I've been here once before with my son, Joshua, who's 9 now."
She'll likely return for the annual event again in a few years when her 3-year-old daughter, Meredith, begins kindergarten.
"I'm just here for the cake and punch," 6-year-old Rainer Holl told his mom, Michelle, who said she appreciates the opportunity to participate in such activities with her son's class as a parent volunteer.
"I help out with the class at least once a week," she said. "It's great to see what they're doing in school, and it allows us to meet the other children as well as their parents. And we all look out for each other's children."
Interim Williamstown Elementary Principal Rose Mary Stull said the Mother's Day Tea is a great time for moms and kids to dress up and be a little formal for a change.
"Some of these children have never seen fancy tables laid with placemats, napkins and flowers," she said. "This is a chance for them to experience that."
Stull added that all parents are encouraged to volunteer to spend time with their children in school.
"Kids love to see their parents in the school setting," she said. "And instead of parents asking what's going on at school, we tell them to come in and be a part of it."
Yazombek's class was one of three Williamstown Elementary kindergarten classes that hosted Mother's Day Teas on Friday.
Who censored Chea Vichea?
Friday, 07 May 2010
Meas Sokchea
The Phnom Penh Post
Government’s various reasons for blocking screenings have observers puzzled
AN attempt to show a controversial documentary exploring the death of union leader Chea Vichea was quickly quashed last week, but some observers are questioning the multitude of reasons authorities have offered for banning public screenings of the film.
Various government departments weighed in when organisers announced plans to show Who Killed Chea Vichea? near the site where the influential union leader was gunned down in 2004.
Information Minister Khieu Kanharith initially said the government would have no “political objections” to the screening.
But Phnom Penh officials then demanded that organisers obtain approval from “relevant ministries” that was never granted.
An Interior Ministry spokesman said the foreign-produced film had been “illegally imported”. And the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts stated that it must approve all films screened in Cambodia.
Ou Virak, president of the Cambodian Centre for Human Rights, said the Culture Ministry does have the power to act as a national film-review board, but that using this as a pretense for blocking screenings of the Chea Vichea film was “pretty bogus”.
“The only legitimate question to me is the public showing of the film. And that to me is a freedom of expression issue,” he said.
“The government knows full well that the screening of the film is mainly a protest against the government’s handling of the Chea Vichea case.
There are no legality issues here.”
Other organisations regularly screen films in public without asking the Ministry of Culture for permission, he said.
Nevertheless, an official with the ministry said Thursday that authorities plan to reject all requests to stage public screenings of the film.
“The movie does not have the proper legalities,” said Kong Kantara, an undersecretary of state. “If it is for public screening. It must have permission from the ministry.”
He added that any foreign film (Who Killed Chea Vichea? is American-produced) must be imported by a Cambodian company holding the rights to bring in films from abroad.
“This film does not have enough conditions that it could be allowed,” Kong Kantara said.
Chea Vichea’s family as well as rights groups have long believed that the two men convicted in the 2004 murder are innocent.
The slain unionist’s brother, Chea Mony, has said that the government was involved in the death.
Bradley Cox, who directed Who Killed Chea Vichea?, said he was sceptical of the government’s motives for stopping the film from being shown.
“It is interesting that the reasons given to block the screening keep shifting,” he wrote in an email. “It seems to me the Ministry of Culture is just a government device to censure any material that is critical of the ruling elite.”
In the meantime, opposition parliamentarians are pledging to show the film on an unspecified date, despite the government’s warnings.
“If the government prevents our screening, it means that the government does not dare face reality,” said Sam Rainsy Party spokesman Yim Sovann. “What is the government’s relation to this murder?”
Tith Sothea, spokesman for the Press and Quick Reaction Unit at the Council of Ministers, said the film’s backers are being disingenuous in their reasons for showing it publicly.
“The screening is just for political profit,” he said.
ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY IRWIN LOY
AN attempt to show a controversial documentary exploring the death of union leader Chea Vichea was quickly quashed last week, but some observers are questioning the multitude of reasons authorities have offered for banning public screenings of the film.
Various government departments weighed in when organisers announced plans to show Who Killed Chea Vichea? near the site where the influential union leader was gunned down in 2004.
Information Minister Khieu Kanharith initially said the government would have no “political objections” to the screening.
But Phnom Penh officials then demanded that organisers obtain approval from “relevant ministries” that was never granted.
An Interior Ministry spokesman said the foreign-produced film had been “illegally imported”. And the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts stated that it must approve all films screened in Cambodia.
Ou Virak, president of the Cambodian Centre for Human Rights, said the Culture Ministry does have the power to act as a national film-review board, but that using this as a pretense for blocking screenings of the Chea Vichea film was “pretty bogus”.
“The only legitimate question to me is the public showing of the film. And that to me is a freedom of expression issue,” he said.
“The government knows full well that the screening of the film is mainly a protest against the government’s handling of the Chea Vichea case.
There are no legality issues here.”
Other organisations regularly screen films in public without asking the Ministry of Culture for permission, he said.
Nevertheless, an official with the ministry said Thursday that authorities plan to reject all requests to stage public screenings of the film.
“The movie does not have the proper legalities,” said Kong Kantara, an undersecretary of state. “If it is for public screening. It must have permission from the ministry.”
He added that any foreign film (Who Killed Chea Vichea? is American-produced) must be imported by a Cambodian company holding the rights to bring in films from abroad.
“This film does not have enough conditions that it could be allowed,” Kong Kantara said.
Chea Vichea’s family as well as rights groups have long believed that the two men convicted in the 2004 murder are innocent.
The slain unionist’s brother, Chea Mony, has said that the government was involved in the death.
Bradley Cox, who directed Who Killed Chea Vichea?, said he was sceptical of the government’s motives for stopping the film from being shown.
“It is interesting that the reasons given to block the screening keep shifting,” he wrote in an email. “It seems to me the Ministry of Culture is just a government device to censure any material that is critical of the ruling elite.”
In the meantime, opposition parliamentarians are pledging to show the film on an unspecified date, despite the government’s warnings.
“If the government prevents our screening, it means that the government does not dare face reality,” said Sam Rainsy Party spokesman Yim Sovann. “What is the government’s relation to this murder?”
Tith Sothea, spokesman for the Press and Quick Reaction Unit at the Council of Ministers, said the film’s backers are being disingenuous in their reasons for showing it publicly.
“The screening is just for political profit,” he said.
ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY IRWIN LOY
No peeking on the villa built with corruption money
A woman uses a treadmill on Thursday at AusFit, a fitness centre atop the Skyline Apartments in Chamkarmon district that overlooks Prime Minister Hun Sen’s Phnom Penh residence (centre). The gym is scheduled to close at the end of the month because, the owner says, government officials have expressed concern that it poses a national security risk. (Photo by: Rick Valenzuela)
Prime Minister Hun Sen’s home, as seen from the AusFit gym. (Photo by: Rick Valenzuela)AusFit reportedly to be evicted over ‘national security’ concerns
Friday, 07 May 2010
Brooke Lewis and Vong Sokheng
The Phnom Penh Post
THE owner of a gym on the ninth floor of the Skyline Apartments, which overlook Prime Minister Hun Sen’s Phnom Penh villa, said Thursday that local police have ordered him to relocate due to “national security” concerns.
Richard Chin said local police informed him “a couple months ago” that he would need to vacate by the end of May, despite the fact that he is less than one year into his five-year lease. Last week, he posted a letter notifying clients of the AusFit gym that “Cambodian National Security” told him he would be held “accountable for any incidents related to government personnel safety due to the apartment’s rooftop access”.
“I have been left with no option but to agree with the termination of the lease with Skyline Apartments and to relocate,” the letter states.
Asked about the notice Thursday, Chin said: “The reason the national security want to kick us out is because they believe AusFit is a breeding ground for terrorists.”
“I’m not sure of the real reason they want us out, but they definitely want us out quickly,” he added.
Lean Jardin, the manager of Skyline Apartments, confirmed that AusFit would be relocated at the end of the month, but said she could not comment on why the lease had been cut short.
Photo by: Rick Valenzuela
Prime Minister Hun Sen’s home, as seen from the AusFit gym.She also said that a gym would “remain open exclusively for Skyline residents”.
City officials on Thursday could not confirm that Chin had been ordered to move.
Om Yentieng, deputy chairman of the National Counter-terrorism Committee, said he could provide “no information related to terrorists in skyscrapers that cause concern about the security at Prime Minister Hun Sen’s house”.
Khath Narith, the chief of Tonle Bassac commune, where the apartment building is located, said he was not aware of local police ordering AusFit to move, but he did note that local authorities had advised the owners of all tall buildings in the area to closely monitor customers and residents.
“We have advised the owners of skyscrapers and hotels that they have to be careful before renting their apartments, and to examine customers’ attitudes, and if they note something strange happening, they have to report it to the local authorities,” he said.
“It is an advance campaign to prevent an accident that would occur from terrorist activity. We didn’t ask people to move from their apartments,” he added.
Chin said AusFit would reopen at the De Castle Diamond condominium complex in Tuol Kork district in June.
Richard Chin said local police informed him “a couple months ago” that he would need to vacate by the end of May, despite the fact that he is less than one year into his five-year lease. Last week, he posted a letter notifying clients of the AusFit gym that “Cambodian National Security” told him he would be held “accountable for any incidents related to government personnel safety due to the apartment’s rooftop access”.
“I have been left with no option but to agree with the termination of the lease with Skyline Apartments and to relocate,” the letter states.
Asked about the notice Thursday, Chin said: “The reason the national security want to kick us out is because they believe AusFit is a breeding ground for terrorists.”
“I’m not sure of the real reason they want us out, but they definitely want us out quickly,” he added.
Lean Jardin, the manager of Skyline Apartments, confirmed that AusFit would be relocated at the end of the month, but said she could not comment on why the lease had been cut short.
Photo by: Rick Valenzuela
Prime Minister Hun Sen’s home, as seen from the AusFit gym.She also said that a gym would “remain open exclusively for Skyline residents”.
City officials on Thursday could not confirm that Chin had been ordered to move.
Om Yentieng, deputy chairman of the National Counter-terrorism Committee, said he could provide “no information related to terrorists in skyscrapers that cause concern about the security at Prime Minister Hun Sen’s house”.
Khath Narith, the chief of Tonle Bassac commune, where the apartment building is located, said he was not aware of local police ordering AusFit to move, but he did note that local authorities had advised the owners of all tall buildings in the area to closely monitor customers and residents.
“We have advised the owners of skyscrapers and hotels that they have to be careful before renting their apartments, and to examine customers’ attitudes, and if they note something strange happening, they have to report it to the local authorities,” he said.
“It is an advance campaign to prevent an accident that would occur from terrorist activity. We didn’t ask people to move from their apartments,” he added.
Chin said AusFit would reopen at the De Castle Diamond condominium complex in Tuol Kork district in June.
New legislation to facilitate trade with Vietnam, China
Vehicle dealers at Great Wall, based on Monireth Boulevard in Phnom Penh, say they hope that the new consular offices in China increase trade and help secure better tax arrangements. (Photo by: Heng Chivoan)Friday, 07 May 2010
Kim Yuthana and May Kunmakara
The Phnom Penh Post
Six more Cambodian consular offices in China could spark new investment
TWO draft laws aimed at facilitating trade between Cambodia, China and Vietnam are to be passed by the National Assembly today, officials say.
Cheam Yeap, Cambodian People’s Party member of parliament and chairman of the National Assembly’s fifth committee, said Thursday that a consular treaty with China and a law on waterway transportation with Vietnam are due to be approved this morning.
The China deal will see six Cambodian consular offices opened in major cities across the People’s Republic, helping potential investors learn more about the Kingdom.
The lawmaker told the Post that approval of the draft law is vitally important for the two countries to boost bilateral trade.
“The general consulates, which will represent the Cambodian Embassy in Beijing and Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, would communicate information with Chinese investors who are interested in coming to Cambodia,” said Cheam Yeap.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Koy Kuong added that the new offices “will bring a lot of benefit” to Cambodia’s economy.
Figures released by the International Monetary Fund late last year, using data from the National Bank of Cambodia, show that Cambodia is strengthening its economic ties with China.
Merchandise imports from China have risen every year for the previous nine years, rising from just US$86.9 million in 2001 to $1.2 billion in 2008.
Chinese investors – who have a large presence in Cambodia – praised the move Thursday.
Chairman and CEO of Phnom Penh’s Worldwide Garage, Peang Mann, who imports cars made by the Great Wall firm, said he will appreciate the establishment of new consular offices and hopes it will help facilitate greater dialogue on import tax.
“It will be good for us if we have very good cooperation [with China] in terms of import and exports, especially if the new establishment can urge many Chinese banks to allow us to get loans for making more exports from China,” he said.
He added that if the establishments are successful in boosting favourable business, the firm will increase car imports from 200 to 300 this year.
Ministry of Commerce Undersecretary of State Em Sophoan said Thursday that he supports the signing of the laws, and that they will boost trade relations between the three countries.
“It is good for us that we can carry out trade activities smoothly going forward, especially as it will help to distribute development in our country,” he said.
A representative from the Chinese embassy in Phnom Penh did not reply to an emailed request for comment Thursday.
The deal with Vietnam will pass into law a waterway-transportation agreement that covers customs, transportation and commercial dealings in Cambodia.
“It will help facilitate the transportation of goods such as agricultural products, general goods and oil to and from the two countries along the Mekong River and by sea,” Cheam Yeap said.
In the first two months of this year, trade with Vietnam rose by 54.8 percent to $262.7 million, compared to $169.7 million in the same period of 2009, according Vietnamese Embassy data released in March.
TWO draft laws aimed at facilitating trade between Cambodia, China and Vietnam are to be passed by the National Assembly today, officials say.
Cheam Yeap, Cambodian People’s Party member of parliament and chairman of the National Assembly’s fifth committee, said Thursday that a consular treaty with China and a law on waterway transportation with Vietnam are due to be approved this morning.
The China deal will see six Cambodian consular offices opened in major cities across the People’s Republic, helping potential investors learn more about the Kingdom.
The lawmaker told the Post that approval of the draft law is vitally important for the two countries to boost bilateral trade.
“The general consulates, which will represent the Cambodian Embassy in Beijing and Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, would communicate information with Chinese investors who are interested in coming to Cambodia,” said Cheam Yeap.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Koy Kuong added that the new offices “will bring a lot of benefit” to Cambodia’s economy.
Figures released by the International Monetary Fund late last year, using data from the National Bank of Cambodia, show that Cambodia is strengthening its economic ties with China.
Merchandise imports from China have risen every year for the previous nine years, rising from just US$86.9 million in 2001 to $1.2 billion in 2008.
Chinese investors – who have a large presence in Cambodia – praised the move Thursday.
Chairman and CEO of Phnom Penh’s Worldwide Garage, Peang Mann, who imports cars made by the Great Wall firm, said he will appreciate the establishment of new consular offices and hopes it will help facilitate greater dialogue on import tax.
“It will be good for us if we have very good cooperation [with China] in terms of import and exports, especially if the new establishment can urge many Chinese banks to allow us to get loans for making more exports from China,” he said.
He added that if the establishments are successful in boosting favourable business, the firm will increase car imports from 200 to 300 this year.
Ministry of Commerce Undersecretary of State Em Sophoan said Thursday that he supports the signing of the laws, and that they will boost trade relations between the three countries.
“It is good for us that we can carry out trade activities smoothly going forward, especially as it will help to distribute development in our country,” he said.
A representative from the Chinese embassy in Phnom Penh did not reply to an emailed request for comment Thursday.
The deal with Vietnam will pass into law a waterway-transportation agreement that covers customs, transportation and commercial dealings in Cambodia.
“It will help facilitate the transportation of goods such as agricultural products, general goods and oil to and from the two countries along the Mekong River and by sea,” Cheam Yeap said.
In the first two months of this year, trade with Vietnam rose by 54.8 percent to $262.7 million, compared to $169.7 million in the same period of 2009, according Vietnamese Embassy data released in March.
Kim Jong Il's visit draws anger from Chinese, meanwhile in Cambodia...
This picture says it all!Kim’s Visit Sparks Anger
2010-05-05
Radio Free Asia
North Korea’s leader gets a cold virtual shoulder in China.
HONG KONG—Chinese netizens have reacted angrily to a visit to China by North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, with large numbers taking part in a campaign on Twitter titled “Kim Jong Il, get out of China!”
Kim arrived in Beijing on Wednesday and was expected to meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao later in the day.
Netizens lashed out at Kim for occupying the presidential suite at the Furama Hotel in the northeastern port city of Dalian, which costs 16,000 yuan (U.S. $2,300) per night, more than the annual per capita economic output of North Korea.
Chinese commenters on the microblogging service Twitter also criticized the wastefulness of the huge limousine motorcade that followed Kim, saying the money spent on the motorcade was taken from the "flesh and blood" of the North Korean people.
Xiamen-based blogger Peter Guo wrote in English under the hashtag #KimGetOut, “Kim Jong Il, get out! get out! get out!”—a tweet passed around Chinese cyberspace for the rest of the day.
In an interview, Guo said he favors Twitter-based campaigns for when netizens want to make a political point. “Personally I really support this sort of action,” Guo said.
“It’s possible to organize lightning campaigns online, actions that express one’s own point of view. So I was very happy to take part, because I really do loathe Kim Jong Il,” he said.
“Campaigns like this let people know that Chinese netizens really are disgusted with Kim Jong Il ... [North Korean] propaganda is shameless, because it turns black into white.”
Media directive
Kim’s first visit to China in four years comes amid renewed tensions on the Korean Peninsula in the wake of the sinking of a South Korean warship in late March.
Pyongyang has denied any involvement, but the South Korean government suspects the ship was torpedoed by the North.
Sources in the official Chinese media said Beijing’s powerful central propaganda department had issued a directive regarding Kim’s trip.
“Any reports or news items about Kim Jong Il’s visit to China should use only centrally approved media reports and should turn off the comments section [if posted online],” the directive said.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu was noncommittal about the visit at a regular news conference Tuesday.
“China and North Korea are friendly neighbors, and we will do our best to continue to develop good neighborly and friendly relations with North Korea,” she said.
Potential flashpoint
On Twitter, user “Secretary Zhang” said netizens are using the only channel available to them to express their feelings about the reclusive North Korean leader.
“We would like to have the same rights that they have in free countries, to be able to oppose things, to be able to shout slogans and to take to the streets. We don’t have that right. All we can do is vent online,” the user wrote.
Hong Kong-based media commentator and veteran Korea watcher Lee Kwok-sing said Kim’s possible return to six-nation talks aimed at denuclearization of the Korean peninsula was probably one reason behind the secret visit.
“The conditions [for his return] haven't yet been agreed to by China's top leadership. That’s why he is visiting China again at this time, in order to hold meetings with Chinese leaders,” Lee said.
“Another thing is that he wants the Chinese Communist Party to recognize his designated successor, his son. He probably took him with him on this trip, so they could get a closer look at him.
China’s top nuclear negotiator Wu Dawei has said that China—host of the talks that also involve North and South Korea, Japan, Russia, and the United States—wants to resume the dialogue by the end of June.
China potentially wields great influence on North Korea as the country's largest provider of food and fuel aid.
But if investigations confirm Pyongyang’s involvement in the sinking of the 1,200-ton Cheonan, in which 40 crew members died, this could prove a further obstacle for negotiations.
Original reporting in Mandarin by Xin Yu. Mandarin service director: Jennifer Chou. Translated from the Mandarin and written for the Web in English by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Sarah Jackson-Han.
HONG KONG—Chinese netizens have reacted angrily to a visit to China by North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, with large numbers taking part in a campaign on Twitter titled “Kim Jong Il, get out of China!”
Kim arrived in Beijing on Wednesday and was expected to meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao later in the day.
Netizens lashed out at Kim for occupying the presidential suite at the Furama Hotel in the northeastern port city of Dalian, which costs 16,000 yuan (U.S. $2,300) per night, more than the annual per capita economic output of North Korea.
Chinese commenters on the microblogging service Twitter also criticized the wastefulness of the huge limousine motorcade that followed Kim, saying the money spent on the motorcade was taken from the "flesh and blood" of the North Korean people.
Xiamen-based blogger Peter Guo wrote in English under the hashtag #KimGetOut, “Kim Jong Il, get out! get out! get out!”—a tweet passed around Chinese cyberspace for the rest of the day.
In an interview, Guo said he favors Twitter-based campaigns for when netizens want to make a political point. “Personally I really support this sort of action,” Guo said.
“It’s possible to organize lightning campaigns online, actions that express one’s own point of view. So I was very happy to take part, because I really do loathe Kim Jong Il,” he said.
“Campaigns like this let people know that Chinese netizens really are disgusted with Kim Jong Il ... [North Korean] propaganda is shameless, because it turns black into white.”
Media directive
Kim’s first visit to China in four years comes amid renewed tensions on the Korean Peninsula in the wake of the sinking of a South Korean warship in late March.
Pyongyang has denied any involvement, but the South Korean government suspects the ship was torpedoed by the North.
Sources in the official Chinese media said Beijing’s powerful central propaganda department had issued a directive regarding Kim’s trip.
“Any reports or news items about Kim Jong Il’s visit to China should use only centrally approved media reports and should turn off the comments section [if posted online],” the directive said.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu was noncommittal about the visit at a regular news conference Tuesday.
“China and North Korea are friendly neighbors, and we will do our best to continue to develop good neighborly and friendly relations with North Korea,” she said.
Potential flashpoint
On Twitter, user “Secretary Zhang” said netizens are using the only channel available to them to express their feelings about the reclusive North Korean leader.
“We would like to have the same rights that they have in free countries, to be able to oppose things, to be able to shout slogans and to take to the streets. We don’t have that right. All we can do is vent online,” the user wrote.
Hong Kong-based media commentator and veteran Korea watcher Lee Kwok-sing said Kim’s possible return to six-nation talks aimed at denuclearization of the Korean peninsula was probably one reason behind the secret visit.
“The conditions [for his return] haven't yet been agreed to by China's top leadership. That’s why he is visiting China again at this time, in order to hold meetings with Chinese leaders,” Lee said.
“Another thing is that he wants the Chinese Communist Party to recognize his designated successor, his son. He probably took him with him on this trip, so they could get a closer look at him.
China’s top nuclear negotiator Wu Dawei has said that China—host of the talks that also involve North and South Korea, Japan, Russia, and the United States—wants to resume the dialogue by the end of June.
China potentially wields great influence on North Korea as the country's largest provider of food and fuel aid.
But if investigations confirm Pyongyang’s involvement in the sinking of the 1,200-ton Cheonan, in which 40 crew members died, this could prove a further obstacle for negotiations.
Original reporting in Mandarin by Xin Yu. Mandarin service director: Jennifer Chou. Translated from the Mandarin and written for the Web in English by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Sarah Jackson-Han.
US Exhibition Broadens Tribunal Awareness
An Ohio University student looking at KR photo exhibition at Ohio University, Athens, OH. (Photo: Im Sothearith, VOA Khmer)Im Sothearith, VOA Khmer
Ohio, USA Thursday, 06 May 2010
“I learned something that I didn’t know from books, and I got a much better perspective on how the tribunal came about, what the politics are, the composition of the court, and some other issues going forward.”The UN-backed Khmer Rouge tribunal has put the atrocities of the regime at the forefront of much public discussion, but it has also created the space for reconciliation and education.
The Documentation Center of Cambodia has taken advantage of that space to hold a series of lectures and events in the US to explain the court, the Khmer Rouge and other facets of the process. The most recent was at Ohio University, in Athens, which included lectures and an exhibition of Khmer Rouge-era photographs.
The trials can bring about a sort of reconciliation that is “about personal healing and about spiritual, moral, emotional, psychological,” John Ciorciari, a public policy professor at the University of Michigan, told a group during a recent lecture at the Ohio exhibition. “But it is the type of reconciliation that can only come at a deep, grass-roots, personal level.”
The tribunal is “a sort of watershed” that can “create space for education, for reconciliation activities,” he said.
The hybrid tribunal, which combines UN-appointed and Cambodian prosecutors and judges, has already tried Kaing Kek Iev, the Khmer Rouge torture chief better known as Duch, and it is now preparing to try four more senior leaders. Court proceedings have allowed thousands of victims come forward and contribute testimony.
As it continues, the court has spurred events like this one in cities across the US, where many Khmer Rouge survivors escaped or where Americans may be unaware trials are underway.
So Farina, a staff member for the Documentation Center of Cambodia and a graduate student at Ohio University, said she coordinated the exhibition and discussion here to broaden awareness of the tribunal and the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge.
“The event is a way to prevent genocide from happening again because we can speak out, we participate, and we discuss the topic,” she told VOA Khmer at the exhibition. “We chose Ohio University because there are students from every part of the world, a lot of international students. In addition there is a Southeast Asian studies program, which is relevant.”
Drew McDaniel, a professor at the university’s School of Media Arts and Studies who is also an expert on Southeast Asia, said the tribunal is still not well understood. The court rules are complicated, and there was a long run up to the creation of the court.
Exhibitions and talks can help people understand it, and understand the plight Cambodians faced when the Khmer Rouge came to power, McDaniel said.
“So, it has value to enlighten the intellectual community, the scholars on our campus, and in general to raise our awareness of what’s going on there,” he said. “I think this is a way of calling American attention to an important period in history, and making [the public] understand how the international community is responding to this important event. Even though it’s years and years later, it’s still very important.”
For Jeffery Shane, a librarian at Ohio University’s Southeast Asian collection, the discussions engendered by the tribunal show the process is ongoing, but they can also touch on international relations, law and human rights.
“First of all, Athens, Ohio, in particular is a very isolated, very small town, and events like this make people more aware of problems well away from Athens, Ohio, opens their eyes to event in the world at large,” Shane said. “In fact, we have a Southeast Asian program here. I think it allows students who might not learn about this at this depth in the classrooms to get a broader perspective on Southeast Asia, especially contemporary history, contemporary politics.”
Joanie Kraynanski, at the university’s Center for International Studies, said such presentations help explain the sophisticated circumstances surrounding the court.
For example, Nuon Chea, Khieu Samphan, Ieng Sary and Ieng Thirith have all been charged with genocide, along with other atrocity crimes. But the genocide question is not that simple. Kraynanski said she did not consider the mass brutality of the Khmer Rouge genocide, but rather a severe atrocity.
Such discussions can also help researchers advance their studies. Cambodia has become an example of transitional justice, said Bruce Douglas, a graduate student at the university who is studying post-Khmer Rouge Cambodian history. Cases tried in Cambodia could help define future international law, he said.
“I learned something that I didn’t know from books, and I got a much better perspective on how the tribunal came about, what the politics are, the composition of the court, and some other issues going forward,” he said.
Wednesday, 5 May 2010
Cambodia's reaction to Thailand’s diplomatic note on Ta Krabei temple
Ta Krabei temple (Photo: RFI)04 May 2010
By Voha Cheat
Radio Free Asia
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
Click here to read the article in Khmer
An official from the Cambodian ministry of Foreign Affairs replied to Thailand on 04 May, indicating that the Ta Krabei temple and the building of a cable car by the RCAF at the beginning of the year near Ta Krabei temple in order to provide service to Cambodian troops stationed on top of the mountain, - such as food and material transportation etc… - are all located within Cambodian territories.
Koy Kuong, spokesman for the ministry of Foreign Affairs, told RFA on 04 May that: “The issue raised by the Thai ministry of Foreign Affairs’ diplomatic note was a violation without clear basis. They raised [the issues] like dumb and Cambodia cannot accept it. The Cambodian embassy in Bangkok sent back to the Thai ministry of Foreign Affairs its diplomatic note dated 30 April, confirming that the location of Ta Krabei temple, as well as the construction of the cable car are truly located inside Cambodia, based on the convention and map convention which are internationally recognized. We want to point out also that even the map that was unilaterally drawn by Thailand does confirm that Ta Krabei temple is located inside Cambodian territories as well.”
The reply took place after the Thai ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a letter on 29 April 2010 indicating that Ta Krabei temple belongs to Thailand and that the construction of a cable car by the RCAF near there is also located inside Thai territories.
Major Countries Seek Proper Forest Trade
Deforestation in Cambodia (Photo: AP)Kong Sothanarith, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh Tuesday, 04 May 2010
“Forest products, timber products, contribute a very important and large share of the plate between the Asian region and the European Union."Representatives of sixteen countries from the EU and Asia met Tuesday in a bid to improve regional forestry protection and promote timber trade between Asia and Europe.
“Forest products, timber products, contribute a very important and large share of the plate between the Asian region and the European Union,” said Tim Makela, director of the office for Sustainable Development and Integration at the European Commission’s General Environment Directorate. “So timber products, forest products, they are important for our economy.”
The Food and Agricultural Organization estimated in 2001 that the total value of word trade in forest products had reached $140 billion, linking Asian, North American and European markets. But a World Bank report on illegal logging in 2006 said annual global losses from illegal cutting were more than $10 billion, more than eight times the development assistance for sustainable forestry management.
Minister of Agriculture Chan Sarun said Tuesday Cambodia and other countries “will be able to establish a work plan to improve forest governance and law enforcement and reduce the illegal trade in forest products.”
Cambodia once exported its forestry products to foreign markets like the now defunct Soviet Union, but it banned such exports in 2001, according to Chheng Kim Sun, the new director of Cambodia’s forestry administration, under the Ministry of Agriculture.
Cambodia still faces an illegal logging trade, he said, especially to Vietnam and China.
Chheng Kim Sun replaced Ty Sokhun, who was publicly fired in April after Prime Minister Hun Sen said he wasn’t doing enough to combat the crime.
Cambodia has meanwhile been engaged on a crackdown, seizing more than 6,000 cubic meters of wood and charging more than 100 people for crimes, Chheng Kim Sun said.
The EU’s Makela said good governance helps eliminate illegal forestry, which protects against deforestation.
Tuesday was the opening of two days of forestry meetings and drew representatives from Burma, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, as well as Finland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, the UK and the US.
Japan Oil Company To Explore Tonle Sap
A reflection from the sunshine is seen above a fishing boat on the Tonle Sap river. (Photo: AP)Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh Tuesday, 04 May 2010
“We demand the government to study the effects on the environment, fish stocks and biodiversity before there is exploration, and allow stakeholders to participate in the study."Cambodia signed an agreement with Japan’s national oil company on Tuesday that opens the possibility of exploration on the northern edge of the Tonle Sap lake, a major source of fish for much of Cambodia.
The agreement, signed Tuesday afternoon by Council Minister Sok An and the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation, or Jogmec, includes cooperation in evaluating business opportunities, researching technology and potential drilling.
Jogmec Executive Director Akira Suzuki called the agreement a first step in further oil and gas development between Cambodian and Japan. The state-run company would also be open to more private-sector development in the future, he said.
Jogmec’s predecessor, the Japan National Oil Corporation, surveyed Cambodia for onshore oil reserves between 1997 and 1999. Jogmec and Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd., will examine data from the survey, according to a joint statement by the government and the company. If the survey finds suitable oil reserves, Jogmec will work with Cambodia’s National Petroleum Authority for full exploration rights.
Sok An said Tuesday the Jogmec deal will help bolster the economy with job opportunities. And Chiaki Takahashi, vice minister of economy and trade for Japan, said he hoped the development of oil and gas here would help Cambodia become a “famous nation.”
But critics warn that Cambodia’s oil exploration could have high costs, especially if profits do not go to help the public. And environmentalists warn that the Tonle Sap project could hurt an ecosystem that supports many of the fish Cambodians rely on for protein.
Chhith Sam Ath, executive director of the NGO Forum, said exploration on the lake could hurt its environment and its fish.
“We demand the government to study the effects on the environment, fish stocks and biodiversity before there is exploration, and allow stakeholders to participate in the study,” he said.
Viet "fabricated" communist-style propaganda story about Montaganard people?
Soldiers in Ia Blang commune, Gia Lai province, introduce a new rice variety to local residents to help them improve productivity (Photo: SGGP)Villagers led astray by ‘heaven in Cambodia’ hoax welcomed home
Wednesday,May 05,2010
Saigon Giai Phong (Viet Cong Communist Party)
Lured away from home by phony protestants who claimed “heaven” was just a walk away in Cambodia, villagers in a remote central commune have been welcomed back with open arms.
Ia Blang commune local Siu Kơk, a member of the so called Tin Lanh De Ga (De Ga Protestant) sect, had several years ago lured gullible people from Roh and Tok villages in Chu Se district, Gia Lai province, to illegally follow him across the Cambodian border to what he said would be heaven on earth.
He had told people that it was his responsibility to take people to heaven, where they would need not do anything, but would have everything.
Kơk’s friend, Siu Lu, believed the story, so he quietly began encouraging other villagers from the Ja Rai ethnic minority to leave their home and illegally cross the border.
He himself left his family and abandoned his stable livelihood as a farmer to make the journey.
But after days of hardship on the way to Cambodia, Siu Lu and others abandoned the mission, realizing that such a place did not really exist.
Devoured by guilt and shame, Siu Lu fell into a depression and separated himself from all activities in the village through 2004 and 2005.
His family became very needy, lacking money and sustenance.
Siu Rơi, the patriarch of Roh village, was very angry with Siu Lu for abandoning the village.
He said Siu Lu, Siu Kơk, and Rơ Mah Mlung – another follower of Tin Lanh De Ga – had taken advantage of poorly educated peasants to incite them to take the illegal journey and participate in gatherings that cause social disorder.
But out of benevolence, and in the village’s tradition of love and solidarity, Roi has welcomed Siu Lu and other misguided people back into the village, providing them with support to rebuild their lives and re-integrate into the community.
Also helping those who put their trust in the fake church is Team 351 of the Gia Lai Province Military Headquarters.
Team members have coordinated with local authorities to visit families in the commune and help villagers understand morality and the difference between a good and a bad life.
The team and local agencies have also helped villagers, including Siu Lu, improve their farming production and income by providing them with new seeds and seedlings.
As a result, 297 misguided people from 97 households in Roh and Tok have abandoned the charlatan sect to return to their normal life with the respect and love of the other local villagers.
In 2009, the Prime Minister conferred a Certificate of Merit on Ia Blang commune for its outstanding achievements in maintaining political and social stability.
In recognition of the outstanding achievements Siu Lu has made recently – he is now a productive farmer with a stable life – the Ia Blang commune Communist Party Committee and People’s Committee have appointed him as head of the commune’s Fatherland Front Committee.
Ia Blang commune local Siu Kơk, a member of the so called Tin Lanh De Ga (De Ga Protestant) sect, had several years ago lured gullible people from Roh and Tok villages in Chu Se district, Gia Lai province, to illegally follow him across the Cambodian border to what he said would be heaven on earth.
He had told people that it was his responsibility to take people to heaven, where they would need not do anything, but would have everything.
Kơk’s friend, Siu Lu, believed the story, so he quietly began encouraging other villagers from the Ja Rai ethnic minority to leave their home and illegally cross the border.
He himself left his family and abandoned his stable livelihood as a farmer to make the journey.
But after days of hardship on the way to Cambodia, Siu Lu and others abandoned the mission, realizing that such a place did not really exist.
Devoured by guilt and shame, Siu Lu fell into a depression and separated himself from all activities in the village through 2004 and 2005.
His family became very needy, lacking money and sustenance.
Siu Rơi, the patriarch of Roh village, was very angry with Siu Lu for abandoning the village.
He said Siu Lu, Siu Kơk, and Rơ Mah Mlung – another follower of Tin Lanh De Ga – had taken advantage of poorly educated peasants to incite them to take the illegal journey and participate in gatherings that cause social disorder.
But out of benevolence, and in the village’s tradition of love and solidarity, Roi has welcomed Siu Lu and other misguided people back into the village, providing them with support to rebuild their lives and re-integrate into the community.
Also helping those who put their trust in the fake church is Team 351 of the Gia Lai Province Military Headquarters.
Team members have coordinated with local authorities to visit families in the commune and help villagers understand morality and the difference between a good and a bad life.
The team and local agencies have also helped villagers, including Siu Lu, improve their farming production and income by providing them with new seeds and seedlings.
As a result, 297 misguided people from 97 households in Roh and Tok have abandoned the charlatan sect to return to their normal life with the respect and love of the other local villagers.
In 2009, the Prime Minister conferred a Certificate of Merit on Ia Blang commune for its outstanding achievements in maintaining political and social stability.
In recognition of the outstanding achievements Siu Lu has made recently – he is now a productive farmer with a stable life – the Ia Blang commune Communist Party Committee and People’s Committee have appointed him as head of the commune’s Fatherland Front Committee.
Viet "fabricated" communist-style propaganda story about Montaganard people?
Soldiers in Ia Blang commune, Gia Lai province, introduce a new rice variety to local residents to help them improve productivity (Photo: SGGP)Villagers led astray by ‘heaven in Cambodia’ hoax welcomed home
Wednesday,May 05,2010
Saigon Giai Phong (Viet Cong Communist Party)
Lured away from home by phony protestants who claimed “heaven” was just a walk away in Cambodia, villagers in a remote central commune have been welcomed back with open arms.
Ia Blang commune local Siu Kơk, a member of the so called Tin Lanh De Ga (De Ga Protestant) sect, had several years ago lured gullible people from Roh and Tok villages in Chu Se district, Gia Lai province, to illegally follow him across the Cambodian border to what he said would be heaven on earth.
He had told people that it was his responsibility to take people to heaven, where they would need not do anything, but would have everything.
Kơk’s friend, Siu Lu, believed the story, so he quietly began encouraging other villagers from the Ja Rai ethnic minority to leave their home and illegally cross the border.
He himself left his family and abandoned his stable livelihood as a farmer to make the journey.
But after days of hardship on the way to Cambodia, Siu Lu and others abandoned the mission, realizing that such a place did not really exist.
Devoured by guilt and shame, Siu Lu fell into a depression and separated himself from all activities in the village through 2004 and 2005.
His family became very needy, lacking money and sustenance.
Siu Rơi, the patriarch of Roh village, was very angry with Siu Lu for abandoning the village.
He said Siu Lu, Siu Kơk, and Rơ Mah Mlung – another follower of Tin Lanh De Ga – had taken advantage of poorly educated peasants to incite them to take the illegal journey and participate in gatherings that cause social disorder.
But out of benevolence, and in the village’s tradition of love and solidarity, Roi has welcomed Siu Lu and other misguided people back into the village, providing them with support to rebuild their lives and re-integrate into the community.
Also helping those who put their trust in the fake church is Team 351 of the Gia Lai Province Military Headquarters.
Team members have coordinated with local authorities to visit families in the commune and help villagers understand morality and the difference between a good and a bad life.
The team and local agencies have also helped villagers, including Siu Lu, improve their farming production and income by providing them with new seeds and seedlings.
As a result, 297 misguided people from 97 households in Roh and Tok have abandoned the charlatan sect to return to their normal life with the respect and love of the other local villagers.
In 2009, the Prime Minister conferred a Certificate of Merit on Ia Blang commune for its outstanding achievements in maintaining political and social stability.
In recognition of the outstanding achievements Siu Lu has made recently – he is now a productive farmer with a stable life – the Ia Blang commune Communist Party Committee and People’s Committee have appointed him as head of the commune’s Fatherland Front Committee.
Ia Blang commune local Siu Kơk, a member of the so called Tin Lanh De Ga (De Ga Protestant) sect, had several years ago lured gullible people from Roh and Tok villages in Chu Se district, Gia Lai province, to illegally follow him across the Cambodian border to what he said would be heaven on earth.
He had told people that it was his responsibility to take people to heaven, where they would need not do anything, but would have everything.
Kơk’s friend, Siu Lu, believed the story, so he quietly began encouraging other villagers from the Ja Rai ethnic minority to leave their home and illegally cross the border.
He himself left his family and abandoned his stable livelihood as a farmer to make the journey.
But after days of hardship on the way to Cambodia, Siu Lu and others abandoned the mission, realizing that such a place did not really exist.
Devoured by guilt and shame, Siu Lu fell into a depression and separated himself from all activities in the village through 2004 and 2005.
His family became very needy, lacking money and sustenance.
Siu Rơi, the patriarch of Roh village, was very angry with Siu Lu for abandoning the village.
He said Siu Lu, Siu Kơk, and Rơ Mah Mlung – another follower of Tin Lanh De Ga – had taken advantage of poorly educated peasants to incite them to take the illegal journey and participate in gatherings that cause social disorder.
But out of benevolence, and in the village’s tradition of love and solidarity, Roi has welcomed Siu Lu and other misguided people back into the village, providing them with support to rebuild their lives and re-integrate into the community.
Also helping those who put their trust in the fake church is Team 351 of the Gia Lai Province Military Headquarters.
Team members have coordinated with local authorities to visit families in the commune and help villagers understand morality and the difference between a good and a bad life.
The team and local agencies have also helped villagers, including Siu Lu, improve their farming production and income by providing them with new seeds and seedlings.
As a result, 297 misguided people from 97 households in Roh and Tok have abandoned the charlatan sect to return to their normal life with the respect and love of the other local villagers.
In 2009, the Prime Minister conferred a Certificate of Merit on Ia Blang commune for its outstanding achievements in maintaining political and social stability.
In recognition of the outstanding achievements Siu Lu has made recently – he is now a productive farmer with a stable life – the Ia Blang commune Communist Party Committee and People’s Committee have appointed him as head of the commune’s Fatherland Front Committee.
Far Beyond the Killing Fields 05.03.10 Nancy Loo BIG tiny World - a blog by Nancy Loo The Albany Park neighborhood is among the many reasons I love
05.03.10
Nancy Loo
BIG tiny World - a blog by Nancy Loo
The Albany Park neighborhood is among the many reasons I love Chicago. Where else can you find a Middle-Eastern/Mexican restaurant near a Korean restaurant, not far from a store where you can buy a hijab?
I was in Albany Park today to emcee the kickoff of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month at the Cambodian American Heritage Museum. It's yet another event I committed to before I knew I would no longer represent a television station at this time. After I commented about that in my opening remarks, everyone was eager to know which station they should switch to watching. I will certainly share such information when it's appropriate.
More importantly on this day, the celebration of Chicago's vibrant and diverse Asian community. I strongly urge every Chicagoan to visit the Cambodian American Heritage Museum. It is small but packed with important artifacts and information about Cambodia's history, including the Killing Fields genocide. Reflecting on such brutality and human suffering certainly makes my job situation seem extremely trivial.
Now, today was just the kickoff to Asian American Heritage Month. There are performances and events all over Chicago in the next few weeks. Click here to link to the city's Department of Human Relations website. You can access the calendar of events on the lower right hand side of the homepage.
I was in Albany Park today to emcee the kickoff of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month at the Cambodian American Heritage Museum. It's yet another event I committed to before I knew I would no longer represent a television station at this time. After I commented about that in my opening remarks, everyone was eager to know which station they should switch to watching. I will certainly share such information when it's appropriate.
More importantly on this day, the celebration of Chicago's vibrant and diverse Asian community. I strongly urge every Chicagoan to visit the Cambodian American Heritage Museum. It is small but packed with important artifacts and information about Cambodia's history, including the Killing Fields genocide. Reflecting on such brutality and human suffering certainly makes my job situation seem extremely trivial.
Now, today was just the kickoff to Asian American Heritage Month. There are performances and events all over Chicago in the next few weeks. Click here to link to the city's Department of Human Relations website. You can access the calendar of events on the lower right hand side of the homepage.
Sunday, 2 May 2010
Cambodia Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo
Performers take a rest during the show at the Cambodia Pavilion on the second day of the Shanghai World Expo Sunday, May 2, 2010 in Shanghai, China. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
Performers take a rest at the Cambodia Pavilion on the second day of the Shanghai World Expo Sunday, May 2, 2010 in Shanghai, China.(AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
A visitor stands near the Cambodia Pavilion on the second day of the Shanghai World Expo Sunday, May 2, 2010 in Shanghai, China. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
Cambodia Holds First Royal Plowing Ceremony Near Angkor Wat Temple in 4 Decades
2010-05-02 (Xinhua) - Cambodia on Sunday held the first Royal Plowing Ceremony at Lean Chul Damrei near Angkor Wat Temple in more than four decades.
Chea Kean, deputy secretary general of Committee for National and International Festivals said that such Royal Plowing Ceremony was held for the first time in 1967 under then King Norodom Sihanouk, and the ceremony held here on Sunday was the second.
The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held annually at Veal Meru near the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, but Chea Kean said this year the government decided to hold it in Siem Reap's province as a link to the first Buddhistic tourism event during Visakh Bochea Day that was held on April 27-29 in this Bayon Temple area.
Presiding over the ceremony was King Norodom Sihamoni, son of retired King Norodom Sihanouk, and participated by many government officials including Heng Samrin, president of the National Assembly, other senior officials and diplomats and at least 100, 000 holiday goers from various parts of the country including foreign tourists.
Prince Sisowath Vochiravuth, and Princess Norodom Rasmei Pornita were acting as the main plowers at the ceremony on Sunday and accompanied by Sou Phirin, governor of Siem Reap province.
The ceremony is to mark the start of rainy season that begins in May and to end in October.
As the procession of the ceremony began Sunday morning, seven trays with rice, sesame, water, corn, beans, grass, and rice wine are put ready for two royal oxen and an astrologer makes predictions based on what and how much amount of the foods and drink taken by the two oxen.
As two oxen ate only corn and bean, Korng Keng, chief of royal astrologers predicted for the year 2010 that Cambodian farmers will enjoy good harvests with corn and bean and as well with other crops.
Each of the seven foods and drink has different meaning and most of them have good sign as long as those two oxen had eaten or drunken, except rice wine and grass that signify bad prediction.
Rice wine means theft, and robbery and grass means insects will disrupt crops.
Cambodia is an agrarian country with rice and other crops as the main exporters to other countries.
Chea Kean, deputy secretary general of Committee for National and International Festivals said that such Royal Plowing Ceremony was held for the first time in 1967 under then King Norodom Sihanouk, and the ceremony held here on Sunday was the second.
The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held annually at Veal Meru near the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, but Chea Kean said this year the government decided to hold it in Siem Reap's province as a link to the first Buddhistic tourism event during Visakh Bochea Day that was held on April 27-29 in this Bayon Temple area.
Presiding over the ceremony was King Norodom Sihamoni, son of retired King Norodom Sihanouk, and participated by many government officials including Heng Samrin, president of the National Assembly, other senior officials and diplomats and at least 100, 000 holiday goers from various parts of the country including foreign tourists.
Prince Sisowath Vochiravuth, and Princess Norodom Rasmei Pornita were acting as the main plowers at the ceremony on Sunday and accompanied by Sou Phirin, governor of Siem Reap province.
The ceremony is to mark the start of rainy season that begins in May and to end in October.
As the procession of the ceremony began Sunday morning, seven trays with rice, sesame, water, corn, beans, grass, and rice wine are put ready for two royal oxen and an astrologer makes predictions based on what and how much amount of the foods and drink taken by the two oxen.
As two oxen ate only corn and bean, Korng Keng, chief of royal astrologers predicted for the year 2010 that Cambodian farmers will enjoy good harvests with corn and bean and as well with other crops.
Each of the seven foods and drink has different meaning and most of them have good sign as long as those two oxen had eaten or drunken, except rice wine and grass that signify bad prediction.
Rice wine means theft, and robbery and grass means insects will disrupt crops.
Cambodia is an agrarian country with rice and other crops as the main exporters to other countries.
Royal Plowing Ceremony Near Angkor Wat Temple
Cambodia's king Norodom Sihamoni, rear right under the gold parasol, walks during the annual royal plowing ceremony near Bayon temple in Siem Reap province,about 320 kilometers (200 miles) north of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Sunday, May 2, 2010. Sihamoni on Sunday presided over the annual royal plowing ceremony in the famed Angkor complex. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
Sisowath Weacharavuth, the grandson of Cambodia's former King Norodom Sihanouk, second from left, uses the royal oxen to plow land during the annual royal plowing ceremony near Bayon temple in Siem Reap province, about 320 kilometers (199 miles) north of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Sunday, May 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
Sisowath Weacharavuth, the grandson of Cambodia's former King Norodom Sihanouk is carried by royal palace officers to mark the annual royal plowing ceremony near Bayon temple in Siem Reap province, about 320 kilometers (199 miles) north of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Sunday, May 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
