Uong Ratana
Photo by: BENOIT GRANIER/MATIGNON
French Prime Minister Francois Fillion.
French Prime Minister Francois Fillion.
Cambodia has built democratic institutions of which it can be proud. It needs to make sure that these institutions benefit all.
Phnom Penh Post
French Prime Minister Francois Fillion is set to begin his official visit to Cambodia tomorrow. During his two-day trip he is due to attend an event to mark the completion of the restoration of Baphuon Temple, in Siem Reap, and meet Prime Minister Hun Sen, King Norodom Sihamoni and King-Father Norodom Sihanouk, according to Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In anticipation of his visit, the French PM answered questions emailed to him by The Phnom Penh Post in what is set to be his only interview with Cambodia’s local press.
What is the purpose of your visit to Cambodia?
My last visit to Cambodia, this country with which France has such close ties, dates back to 1994. At that time, Cambodia was only just starting to get back on its feet and France wanted to give the country its full support in this new phase in its history. I came as Minister for Higher Education and Research, among other things, to sign a cooperation agreement to officially reopen the French School of Asian Studies, the EFEO.
Seventeen years later, I am here to see just how far Cambodia has come, especially in terms of development: through its own endeavours, but also with the support of partners and friends such as France. Following 15 years of joint restoration work by Cambodia and France, the ceremony presided over by His Majesty Norodom Sihamoni for the official opening of Baphuon, one of the main temples of Angkor, will be highly symbolic from this point of view.
What are France’s aims in South-East Asia, especially in terms of political and trade links?
We see South-East Asia as a major growth centre in Asia, just like China and India. History has given us a particularly close friendship with certain countries in the region, first and foremost Cambodia. Yet we hope to develop our political dialogue and our economic relations with all the countries in the region. That is precisely the purpose of the strategic partnership agreement with Indonesia adopted in Jakarta on July 1.
In addition, France’s action is inextricably linked with the European Union’s action, especially in trade. With our European partners and the European Commission, we are supporting the move to gear up ASEAN, especially in its political and regional mediation role.
We are also hoping to develop economic partnership agreements with ASEAN and its members.
France historically has an important cultural influence in Cambodia. How can France maintain and strengthen its cultural bonds with Cambodia as the country is modernising?
Cambodia is a culturally rich country. Angkor is probably the most well-known example of this. France will continue to help Cambodia to safeguard and restore its heritage, as it has with Baphuon. The country also has a deep-rooted culture and popular traditions.
France has been helping Cambodia rebuild this popular heritage through the French Cultural Centre, now known as l’Institut français (the French Institute). For example, the Lakhaon Festival held since 2007 has revived the 21 forms of traditional Cambodian theatre. L’Institut français also supports young Cambodian artists by means of training and promotional actions.
Another good example is our audiovisual cooperation with its cutting-edge resources. In particular, there is the work by the Bophana Centre, founded by filmmaker Rithy Panh. We contributed to the creation of this centre and we continue to support it. Then there is the Cambodia Film Commission, which promotes the development of film production and was also set up with support from France.
What does French aid represent in Cambodia? Is France under a particular obligation to support the development of its former colonies?
The bonds between France and Cambodia run deeper than the protectorate era, which ended over 50 years ago, although this era has left its legacy in the form of Cambodia’s involvement in the Francophonie, a shared goal to preserve Khmer cultural heritage and many human bonds. But I would use the term solidarity rather than obligation.
In addition to our efforts to bring peace back to Cambodia with the 1991 Paris Agreements, this solidarity has taken the form of substantial aid since the early 1990s. Both the French government and French civil society have put a great deal into reconstructing the country, training personnel, especially in healthcare, and assisting the populations, speaking of which French NGOs are still highly active on the ground.
Today, our bilateral and multilateral aid to Cambodia totals some 25 million euros per year. And this aid is changing as Cambodia itself changes.
We have together defined the pillars for a new partnership: encourage private investment, finance infrastructure development and support job creations by setting up vocational training centres in textiles and tourism for example. Such are our priorities for the coming years.
Can we look forward to growth in French business operations in Cambodia in the coming year?
Air France has resumed flights to Cambodia after 37 years, and the Accor group has just opened a new hotel in Phnom Penh. Other projects are in the pipeline.
Many French SMEs do business with Cambodia and I asked a number of business heads to accompany me on this visit. This momentum needs to be driven forward by the consolidation of a business-friendly environment, farther reaching than just a legal framework.
What role does France, as a former colonial power, intend to play in solving the Cambodian-Thai dispute?
France is obviously watching these tensions, as they are a concern for us and I know what the area means to Cambodia. We have friendly relations with both countries.
We hope that through dialogue and compliance with international law, Cambodia and Thailand can reach a peaceful and definitive solution to these ongoing problems. We have confidence in the efforts of Indonesia, as Chair of ASEAN.
For our part, we will continue to make all the maps and relevant documents available to all parties.
What is the French government’s opinion of the violations of human rights reported in Cambodia, especially land rights and the freedom of speech? Will these violations affect your political relations with Cambodia or the aid provided to the country?
I believe, first of all, we should think about the situation Cambodia was in following the trauma inflicted by the Khmer Rouge regime.
I must say that a huge amount of progress has been made since the Paris Agreements, enabling all Cambodians to live in peace and security today. Having visited the country in 1994, I realise what this progress means to the majority of Cambodians. And then, I must commend Cambodia as one of the rare few countries in Asia to have abolished the death sentence.
There is no doubt still a way to go. Cambodia has built democratic institutions of which it can be proud. It needs to make sure that these institutions benefit all. Independence and integrity of the legal institution and the right of expression granted to the opposition and civil society are vital elements in this. The land issue you mention is also important.
In order to continue progressing with human rights, I think there should be more dialogue between Cambodia’s government, civil society and international partners.
This is the spirit in which we are proceeding with our cooperation, bilaterally and via the European Union, to support this dialogue and strengthen the legal tool, which is precisely the instrument that should be used to settle conflicts over freedoms and rights.
Lastly, there is evidence to suggest that the investigating judges in the Khmer Rouge tribunal have deliberately failed to investigate Case 003. Is France concerned about the possible repercussions for the court’s legacy?
France supports the court, and has done so since its creation, in the name of the duty of justice and remembrance, and because this court is a vital element of the national reconstruction process launched with the Paris Agreements. We have provided more than 7 million euros in financial support to the court since 2005.
I hope that the trial of Case No. 2, which has just started, will be conducted with total impartiality and with respect for all the parties.
This trial is vital, because it concerns the four highest-ranking former Khmer Rouge leaders and because it will foster acknowledgment of the facts and the truth. The smooth running of this trial will further the credibility of the court and, circumstantial controversies aside, the cause of justice.
French Prime Minister Francois Fillion is set to begin his official visit to Cambodia tomorrow. During his two-day trip he is due to attend an event to mark the completion of the restoration of Baphuon Temple, in Siem Reap, and meet Prime Minister Hun Sen, King Norodom Sihamoni and King-Father Norodom Sihanouk, according to Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In anticipation of his visit, the French PM answered questions emailed to him by The Phnom Penh Post in what is set to be his only interview with Cambodia’s local press.
What is the purpose of your visit to Cambodia?
My last visit to Cambodia, this country with which France has such close ties, dates back to 1994. At that time, Cambodia was only just starting to get back on its feet and France wanted to give the country its full support in this new phase in its history. I came as Minister for Higher Education and Research, among other things, to sign a cooperation agreement to officially reopen the French School of Asian Studies, the EFEO.
Seventeen years later, I am here to see just how far Cambodia has come, especially in terms of development: through its own endeavours, but also with the support of partners and friends such as France. Following 15 years of joint restoration work by Cambodia and France, the ceremony presided over by His Majesty Norodom Sihamoni for the official opening of Baphuon, one of the main temples of Angkor, will be highly symbolic from this point of view.
What are France’s aims in South-East Asia, especially in terms of political and trade links?
We see South-East Asia as a major growth centre in Asia, just like China and India. History has given us a particularly close friendship with certain countries in the region, first and foremost Cambodia. Yet we hope to develop our political dialogue and our economic relations with all the countries in the region. That is precisely the purpose of the strategic partnership agreement with Indonesia adopted in Jakarta on July 1.
In addition, France’s action is inextricably linked with the European Union’s action, especially in trade. With our European partners and the European Commission, we are supporting the move to gear up ASEAN, especially in its political and regional mediation role.
We are also hoping to develop economic partnership agreements with ASEAN and its members.
France historically has an important cultural influence in Cambodia. How can France maintain and strengthen its cultural bonds with Cambodia as the country is modernising?
Cambodia is a culturally rich country. Angkor is probably the most well-known example of this. France will continue to help Cambodia to safeguard and restore its heritage, as it has with Baphuon. The country also has a deep-rooted culture and popular traditions.
France has been helping Cambodia rebuild this popular heritage through the French Cultural Centre, now known as l’Institut français (the French Institute). For example, the Lakhaon Festival held since 2007 has revived the 21 forms of traditional Cambodian theatre. L’Institut français also supports young Cambodian artists by means of training and promotional actions.
Another good example is our audiovisual cooperation with its cutting-edge resources. In particular, there is the work by the Bophana Centre, founded by filmmaker Rithy Panh. We contributed to the creation of this centre and we continue to support it. Then there is the Cambodia Film Commission, which promotes the development of film production and was also set up with support from France.
What does French aid represent in Cambodia? Is France under a particular obligation to support the development of its former colonies?
The bonds between France and Cambodia run deeper than the protectorate era, which ended over 50 years ago, although this era has left its legacy in the form of Cambodia’s involvement in the Francophonie, a shared goal to preserve Khmer cultural heritage and many human bonds. But I would use the term solidarity rather than obligation.
In addition to our efforts to bring peace back to Cambodia with the 1991 Paris Agreements, this solidarity has taken the form of substantial aid since the early 1990s. Both the French government and French civil society have put a great deal into reconstructing the country, training personnel, especially in healthcare, and assisting the populations, speaking of which French NGOs are still highly active on the ground.
Today, our bilateral and multilateral aid to Cambodia totals some 25 million euros per year. And this aid is changing as Cambodia itself changes.
We have together defined the pillars for a new partnership: encourage private investment, finance infrastructure development and support job creations by setting up vocational training centres in textiles and tourism for example. Such are our priorities for the coming years.
Can we look forward to growth in French business operations in Cambodia in the coming year?
Air France has resumed flights to Cambodia after 37 years, and the Accor group has just opened a new hotel in Phnom Penh. Other projects are in the pipeline.
Many French SMEs do business with Cambodia and I asked a number of business heads to accompany me on this visit. This momentum needs to be driven forward by the consolidation of a business-friendly environment, farther reaching than just a legal framework.
What role does France, as a former colonial power, intend to play in solving the Cambodian-Thai dispute?
France is obviously watching these tensions, as they are a concern for us and I know what the area means to Cambodia. We have friendly relations with both countries.
We hope that through dialogue and compliance with international law, Cambodia and Thailand can reach a peaceful and definitive solution to these ongoing problems. We have confidence in the efforts of Indonesia, as Chair of ASEAN.
For our part, we will continue to make all the maps and relevant documents available to all parties.
What is the French government’s opinion of the violations of human rights reported in Cambodia, especially land rights and the freedom of speech? Will these violations affect your political relations with Cambodia or the aid provided to the country?
I believe, first of all, we should think about the situation Cambodia was in following the trauma inflicted by the Khmer Rouge regime.
I must say that a huge amount of progress has been made since the Paris Agreements, enabling all Cambodians to live in peace and security today. Having visited the country in 1994, I realise what this progress means to the majority of Cambodians. And then, I must commend Cambodia as one of the rare few countries in Asia to have abolished the death sentence.
There is no doubt still a way to go. Cambodia has built democratic institutions of which it can be proud. It needs to make sure that these institutions benefit all. Independence and integrity of the legal institution and the right of expression granted to the opposition and civil society are vital elements in this. The land issue you mention is also important.
In order to continue progressing with human rights, I think there should be more dialogue between Cambodia’s government, civil society and international partners.
This is the spirit in which we are proceeding with our cooperation, bilaterally and via the European Union, to support this dialogue and strengthen the legal tool, which is precisely the instrument that should be used to settle conflicts over freedoms and rights.
Lastly, there is evidence to suggest that the investigating judges in the Khmer Rouge tribunal have deliberately failed to investigate Case 003. Is France concerned about the possible repercussions for the court’s legacy?
France supports the court, and has done so since its creation, in the name of the duty of justice and remembrance, and because this court is a vital element of the national reconstruction process launched with the Paris Agreements. We have provided more than 7 million euros in financial support to the court since 2005.
I hope that the trial of Case No. 2, which has just started, will be conducted with total impartiality and with respect for all the parties.
This trial is vital, because it concerns the four highest-ranking former Khmer Rouge leaders and because it will foster acknowledgment of the facts and the truth. The smooth running of this trial will further the credibility of the court and, circumstantial controversies aside, the cause of justice.
5 comments:
I read his answer; I thought he did a good job dancing around broken glasses. However, he has admitted the progress since his last visited Cambodia and yes there are more room for improvement. We all agree that Cambodia is far from perfect. He stills dancing around with Cambodia-Thai conflict. I would be interested to see France put out the map that will assist both countries negotiating peace. France hold alot of Cambodian history. I assume, the more France willing to open up and speak the truth, the better outcome for Thai-Cambodia conflict to be resolved.
French Govt must do whatever, givev back khmer kampuchea krom land back to cambodia...French held responsibility for the lost of khmer krom land to Vietnam! French gave khmer krom land to vietnam without khmer people permission!!!!!!!!!!!!!
French government must held responsiblity for the lost of khmer lands...
In term of Khmer Krom comments; I think Cambodia probably will not be able to get the land back physically given people settled there many years and bought houses, land, do business etc. This is the reality my Khmer fellows and should not be dreaming of waging war against innocent people. However, there is a model that Khmer Krom should investigate and consider to seek for peaceful solution. In America; American-Indian was able to negotiate with US government to have special treaty for American-Indian to coexist peaceful with the rest of American citizens. America recognizes that American-Indian was the original owner of the land that every body is currently settled. In America, there are two systems in governing the country; American-Indian can either follow the American system or American-Indian system. If American-Indian made infraction with the law, he/she can either faces American court system or face tribal leader for the infraction made. If he/she committed capital crime then he/she must faces American justice system. There are many incentive for American-Indian such as free from paying tax; special incentive for Indian reservation areas, assistant financially with school, do business etc. American - Indian doesnt have the philosophy kicking American citizens out of the country like Khmer Krom seeking to do with Vietnamese. Why do you want to do if America recognize you as special group already? America is a melting pot; America is so diverse culturally and ethnically. People can live among each other and respect the constitution of the United States. If you look at either $1 dollar bill; you will see picture of Eagle and Pyramid representing both systems. Khmer Krom needs to follow this model if it wanted Khmer Krom back (not physically)rather in rights. The land is there, Khmer Krom lost it rights and freedom as original people. Let makes sure Khmer Krom undertand this clearly. If you want to fight, it has to be about gaining freedom and equality. You cannot come out wanting to kick Vietnamese out of their home. KR tried that and it is brutal methods and I wouldn't recommend it. I will not work; it only causes pain and suffering to innocent people. Khmer and Vietnamese should be able to coexist together as neighbor/friends and pursue their own dream whatever they wanted to be to better their future. This is how Khmer Krom should be thinking rather taking the hardline approach. Just think about America, how do you feel if you parents bought the house and paid off, suddently someone came to tell you to move out because the land doesnt belongs to you? Your parents worked hard all of their lives to purchase a single home to raise the family? You would be upset I guess. Please Khmer Krom, you got to rethink your method how to gain control over Khmer Krom land differently. France cannot take the land back for you either unless we go to war and killing more innocent people. Would you want to do that? I dont think so; this is 2011. France can be your major supporter for Khmer Krom to fight for freedom/equality and makes Vietnam's government to recognize the original owner of the land and provide some type of sprecial rights/incentive to support Khmer Krom children so that they can be successful. Afterall, we are human race and we should'nt discriminate against each other because of the color or ethnic background and languages.
I agree with warrior blood! Khmer krom Land is long gone...But we need to care the land that we having right now, whatever we have right now must be well protected: We must build national roads all around our border, including village, town, shopping center...etc...Thailand did that everytime they stold our lands..
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