JSAC-PR-11

September 26, 2005

Weapons Destruction in Angkor Chum District, Siem Reap Province

Weapons Destruction Ceremony co-organized by the Royal Government of Cambodia and Japan Assistance Team for Small Arms Management in Cambodia (JSAC) was held in Angkor Chum District, Siem Reap Province on Monday, September 26, 2005. Approximately 1,000 residents of Siem Reap Province, H.E. General Em Sam An, Senior Proxy of H.E. Sar Kheng-Deputy Prime Minister, Provincial Governor of JSAC’s target area: Siem Reap, Banteay Mean Chey, Otdar Mean Chey Province, and District Governors, and National Officials were in attendance at the ceremony.

Following the welcome speech by the Provincial Governor of Siem Reap Province, JSAC’s Project Manager stated that “The three provinces will be the model as successful areas of overcoming Small Arms proliferation and peace building in Cambodia.” The representative of the District Governors proclaimed in his speech his determination and responsibility for a peaceful society. The incineration of 3,430 weapons was witnessed by all participants. “My community has become very peaceful thanks to the weapons collection conducted by JSAC”, said a civilian participant as he watched the weapons burn.

42 development projects, including schools, and water wells and Weapons Warehouse where legal weapons possessed by provincial police are to be stored were handed over at this ceremony. The ribbon was cut in front of photos of developments to inaugurate the Development Projects and doves were released wishing for peace.

JSAC will shift its target area from current 3 provinces to Battambang and Kompong Thom Provinces from October to support weapons reduction and peace building in Cambodia through weapons collection by raising public awareness of local citizens, police training, development projects, registration and management of weapons possessed by the police, incineration of illegal weapons collected from local civilians and so on.

Note for Editors:

Japan Assistance Team for Small Arms Management in Cambodia (JSAC)JSAC organized by Japan Cooperation System (JICS), and funded by the Government of Japan is a mission team to implement “Peace Building and Comprehensive Small Arms Management Programme in Cambodia” which was offered from the Government of Japan to the Royal Government of Cambodia. The team is composed of 4 Japanese and 8 Cambodian staff.