PRESS RELEASE

Weapons Destruction Ceremony to be held in Kampong Thom on May 24, 2007
-Flame of Peace-

Phnom Penh, May 17, 2007

Japan Assistance Team for Small Arms Management in Cambodia (JSAC) is supporting the Royal Government of Cambodia in organizing a weapons destruction ceremony “Flame of Peace” in Kampong Thom Province on May 24, 2007

2,428 small arms will be destroyed in public under the chairmanship of H.E.Nam Tum, Governor of Kampong Thom Province. A large part of these weapons were voluntarily surrendered by residents in Kampong Province, following appeals to surrender weapons to the authorities through various JSAC awareness raising activities, such as workshops.  

Many residents and officials from the Ministry of Interior/Police, Provincial Government, and other related organizations who took part in collecting these weapons will be attending the ceremony.  The destruction ceremony is expected to enhance the residents’ confidence in the security authorities and in peace in the country.

The ceremony will also have the privilege of welcoming an ASEAN delegation who will be attending an ASEAN Workshop on Small Arms Control to be held during May 22-25, 2007 in Phnom Penh.

JSAC is a team for implementing “Peace Building and Comprehensive Small Arms Management Program in Cambodia”, established by Japan International Cooperation System (JICS). This Program is the first Japanese Government Grant Aid Program for conflict prevention and peace building. JSAC has implemented its weapons collection and other peace building activities in the northwest areas of Cambodia and is currently focusing on Battambang Province and Kompong Thom Province. The number of small arms collected through JSAC activities since 2003 is now 27,652.

ENDS

The ceremony will take place at 9:30 AM, May 24, 2007 (Thu), at the Football Field in Kompong Thom Provincial Town (Kdei Village, Prey Tahou Commune, Stung Sen District, near Inthanou Bridge ).