Cambodia

Cambodia is a country in southeast Asia with Vietnam bordering on the east. In 1975, radical communist leader Pol Pot came to power and in the next three years around 1.7 million people died, many from exhaustion or starvation. The U.N. along with the Cambodian government are moving closer to putting on trial some of the surviving leaders from the 1970s.

Landmines continue to kill and maim and efforts continue to remove the millions of unexploded munitions.

Media
The BBC says of the country's media:


 * Many Cambodian newspapers and private radio and TV stations depend on support from political parties. Prime Minister Hun Sen and his allies control several broadcasters. There are no restrictions on satellite dish ownership and foreign radio broadcasts can be received easily from neighbouring countries.

U.S. public relations in Cambodia
In 2007, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) posted a job ad for a public relations specialist (communication specialist) for work in Cambodia. Parts of the ad read:


 * Prepare speeches and talking points for the USAID Director, the U.S. Ambassador and DCM [Deputy Chief of Mission], and other USG [U.S. Government] officials. (Speeches and talking points will be prepared with input from and in collaboration with USAID technical offices to ensure appropriate coverage of events, as well as accuracy.) Working with the Mission’s Information Assistant and Embassy Public Affairs Office, as necessary, review and clear press releases and articles for Agency publications on the role of USAID/Cambodia and how it supports the development goals of the Cambodia and U.S. foreign policy objectives.


 * Support development or editing of other Mission public relations materials such as video productions, the Mission website, booklets and brochures, and periodicals. Also, develop distribution channels and networks, and promulgate public relations materials as appropriate.

U.S. Navy visits Cambodia
In 2007, a U.S. warship visited the Cambodian port of Sihanoukville and was given a warm welcome. This was the first time since the Vietnam War that a U.S. ship has been in Cambodia. The BBC writes, "The arrival of the USS Gary is a symbol of the closer military and political ties between the two states and part of a concerted charm offensive by the US. The crew have instructions to engage with the local community through outreach projects."

Leaders

 * Hun Sen, Prime minister
 * King Norodom Sihamoni, "Head of state", but now mainly a ceremonial role

Related SourceWatch articles

 * Cambodia and coal
 * Cambodia Development Research Institute
 * Cambodian Defenders Project
 * Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association
 * Cambodian Women for Peace and Development
 * Chanthou Boua
 * Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia
 * Committee to Promote Women's Political Participation
 * Documentation Center of Cambodia
 * Neutral and Impartial Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia
 * Ou Virak
 * Roland Eng
 * SILAKA
 * Women For Prosperity

External articles

 * "Cambodia elite 'stripping jungle'", BBC, June 1, 2007.

External resources

 * Cambodia, National Geographic, accessed February 2008.
 * Timeline: Cambodia, BBC, accessed February 2008.