Rwanda: A parallel to Cambodia’s current political conditions

Efficiency versus freedom

Rwanda and other aid darlings

The West should not be silent when efficient leaders, such as Rwanda’s, squash the opposition

Aug 5th 2010
The Economist

THE differences between tiny Rwanda and the rest of Africa are immediately palpable even to the most casual visitor. The discarded plastic bottles and bags that pollute almost every other country on the continent are nowhere to be seen: the government has banned them. The tarred roads are usually in good shape; speed limits are actually enforced, by smart traffic police who fill out paperwork in exchange for a statutory fine rather than shaking you down for a bribe. Transparency International, an anti-corruption watchdog, rates Rwanda as one of the more honest countries in Africa. The World Bank says it is the fastest-improving as a place to do business. Hotels in the capital, Kigali, brim with Westerners attending conferences. Paul Kagame (above), the president who has overseen all this, is a darling of the aid-giving world. Western governments and prominent religious leaders have hailed him as the sort of man in whom to put their faith—and money.

Considering that Rwanda witnessed one of the most appalling waves of barbarity in history just 16 years ago, when around 800,000 people were hacked to death in three months, the efficiency is extraordinary. So much has gone admirably right in terms of development. But a lot is going depressingly wrong in politics. Mr Kagame has become more ruthless and authoritarian. In the run-up to the election on August 9th the opposition has suffered grievously. So where should the balance between development and freedom lie? Can democracy be shoved aside in the battle against poverty? And what should outsiders do to tilt the balance back?

Confrontation betwen Boeung Kak Lake residents and security force in front of Hun Xen’s mansion

Cambodian security officials push Boeung Kak Lake's villagers during a protest near Prime Minister Hun Sen's house in Phnom Penh August 23, 2010. About 100 people from the village on Monday protested against local real estate developer Shukaku Inc. over unfair compensation. The firm has been filling in the lake with sand causing frequent floods at the residents' homes, which prompted the protest. The remaining residents complained of unfair compensation given to them when asked to move out. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthe

Cambodian security officials push Boeung Kak Lake villagers as they hold a protest near Prime Minister Hun Sen's house in Phnom Penh August 23, 2010. About 100 people from the village on Monday protested against local real estate developer Shukaku Inc. over unfair compensation. The firm has been filling in the lake with sand, causing frequent floods at the residents' homes, which prompted the protest. The remaining residents complained of unfair compensation given to them when asked to move out. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

Sacrava’s Thai Toon: Welcome to Thailand

Cartoon by Sacrava (on the web at http://sacrava.blogspot.com)

Siamese thieves now boldly claim that Prasat Ta Muen Thom and Ta Muen Toch are theirs!

The Son Of the Khmer Empire

I just  read this article in Bangkok Post and I cann’t help reacting this act  of repeating invasion by Siam on country.  They claim that Prasat Ta Muen Thom and Prasat Ta Muen Toch belong to them. Please read it here.

 

This is another shameless and illegitimate claim by the Siamese thieves who now clearly tell us that they have ignored all the treaties and agreement  they have signed which aim at establishing a peaceful, friendly, and prosperous border lines with their neighboring country- Cambodia.  Geographically, these temples are in Cambodian territory as recognized by Siamese-French Border Committees signed on 30 December 1908. Please read my previous posted reactions to their claims in the past here and here.

 Hope Hun Sen will  keep his words as a real man and also include this case in his proposed multilateral party mediator otherwise it will be hard for us to reclaim our temples  from those thugish  thieves.

The Khmer Empire – Cambodia’s Medieval Splendor 2009 Animation

Too close but too far!

The Son Of the Khmer Empire

This is the way that Asean countries solve the problems among the club members which is far behind the European Unions in term of political maturity, solidarity, mutual respect, sincerity, and cooperation.

ASEAN Secretary General Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, who was on transit to capital Jakarta, Indonesia, on Wednesday,expressed the hope that the two leaders would take the opportunity in Belgium’s capital to discuss bilateral issues of mutual concerns.

Premier Abhisit and Hun Sen will join the other Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN leaders to meet their European counterparts in Brussels, where the EU headquarters is situated.

NOTE:  As we know that the conflicts has caused by Thailand and especially stirred up by the so-called extremist PAD and some democrats who are now ruling Thailand today. These people always claim that they really want to solve the problems (bilaterally and peacefully) with Cambodia, but so far they have shown no will and sign of progress. Amazingly,   ASEAN Secretary General, Surin Pitsuwan claimed that the two leaders  of Thailand and Cambodia would meet in Belgium’s capital  for bilateral talk over border conflicts.  Why there? Abhishit or Thailand is the problem-maker why not invite Hun Sen to Thailand or why not he travels to Cambodia for talk face to face like a good neighbor and fraternity? He can even call Hun Sen and talk to him directly if he has the will and respect for Cambodian people and sovereignty.

Siam psychopath: Suthep has just realized that TALK is the best resolution and Abhishit has just waken up that he has not been SINCERE!

The Son Of the Khmer Empire

Being afraid of multilateral party’s intervention, now the Siam psychopaths need urgent bilateral talk, push for endorsement of documents agreed upon by the two countries’ General Border Committees (GBC), but keep refusing for third party’s involvementand talk about demand for sincerity in solving the conflicts.

[…]

“If Cambodia wants to raise the dispute alone at the multilateral level, this cannot be done. The consent of both  countries involved is needed,” said Mr Suthep.

“I think that the dispute can be solved through talks between the two countries.”

[…]

He said the dispute over the contested 4.6 sq km border area around the cliff-top temple is a big issue and that it will take time to settle the problem.

Meanwhile, Mr Abhisit expressed confidence that the border dispute with Cambodia can be settled through diplomatic channels.

“If we handle the negotiations gently the situation will improve, no one will lose and the people of both countries will benefit,” Mr Abhisit said on Thursday.

[…]

here were two essential needs in solving the border row. The Thai and Cambodian governments must each show their sincerity in wanting to solve the issue through peaceful means, and people from both countries must work together to ease the tension along the disputed frontier area.

NOTE: I am sure that our readers may have the same thinkings  like me to these  Siamese people, Suthep and Abhishit:

1. May be before these people never know that TALK is one of the best weapons in finding solution to any problems and that’s why they sent troop to invade our lands around Prasat Preah Vihear allegedly to protect their three arrested national protesters who arrested by our troops when they entered into our country illegally. it’s ridiculous!
2. Abhishit talks about SINCERITY and the WILL TO SOLVE THE CONFLICTS, but who  should this be referred to?! Isn’t it Thailand, himself and his gangs? Now Cambodia needs multilateral party’s intervention, so why wait? Come on Mr. arrogant and flip-flopping!

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