PRESS RELEASE

Weapon Destruction Ceremony and Peace Declaration in Battambang Province

- Flame of Peace-

Phnom Penh, September 13, 2007

Japan Assistance Team for Small Arms Management in Cambodia (JSAC) is supporting the Royal Government of Cambodia in organizing a weapon destruction ceremony “Flame of Peace” in Battambang Province on September 19, 2007.

6,613 weapons will be destroyed under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Sar Kheng. Most of these weapons were surrendered by civilians in Battambang Province through JSAC’s projects, and others were collected in the provinces of Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, Banteay Mean Chey and Otdar Mean Chey. The Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Katsuhiro Shinohara, and many other officials and residents are expected to attend and witness the burning of these weapons.

This ceremony would be the 12th and last weapon destruction ceremony supported by JSAC, as JSAC completes its weapons collection and destruction ceremony this September. To mark the completion of JSAC support, a Peace Declaration would be announced by the District Governors of Battambang Province, which will affirm their responsibilities in maintaining peaceful, safe, and weapon-free communities.

Following this Weapon Destruction Ceremony in Battambang Province, the Peace Declaration would be declared in Kampong Thom Province on September 27, 2007. It would be accompanied by the handover of a Peace Monument created by weapons collected and destroyed in Kampong Thom Province.

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 have collected 28,602 weapons at present.

ENDS

The ceremony will take place at 8:30AM, September 19 (Wed), 2007, at the Park “Naga Spring Water “ (“Suon Chbar Neak Banh Teuk”) west of the Sangker River near the Provincial Hall, in Battambang Provincial City. All are welcome to attend.