Cambodia marks 55th anniversary of independence

[Coventina]

Source: International Herald-Tribune

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia: Prime Minister Hun Sen vowed to strengthen Cambodia's armed forces Sunday as he joined the country's king in celebrating the 55th anniversary of independence from France.

The prime minister's statement came amid a tense standoff between Cambodian and Thai troops near the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple, which last month erupted into a clash that raised concerns of a border war.

Speaking at an independence day parade, Hun Sen made no mention of the border conflict but vowed to push "ahead with reform of the armed forces to ensure highly effective defense" of Cambodian territory.

Among those marching in Sunday's celebration parade were Cambodian mine clearers with their mine-sniffing dogs, reflecting continued efforts to clear rural areas of land mines after three decades of civil war, which ended 10 years ago.



Read more: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/11/09/asia/AS-Cambodia-Independence-Day.php

---

Every day Cambodians are wounded by the landmines that still lurk in the countryside. Most of the victims are children, who run off to explore and play.

There was a story a few months ago about the mine-sniffing dogs referred to in the article. Most of them are of "retirement age" and need to be replaced. But there are no funds available and mine-clearing isn't the well-publicized charity it used to be. Say what you want about Princess Di, but she really made a difference in thousands of lives in places like Cambodia.

[derby378]

1. Pol Pot got away with his unthinkable crimes against humanity

Same with too many Khmer Rouge thugs.

I hope Cambodia truly is beginning to recover.

[Coventina]

2. The remaining leaders of the atrocities are in jail awaiting trial.

They are quite elderly, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they live to face their convictions.

[derby378]

3. Amen to that (n/t)

[David__77]

4. Lon Nol and Henry Kissenger got away with his unthinkable crimes against humanity

I hope Cambodia will someday recover.