The Editor,

The comments attributed to me in Matthew Grainger's article of January 12-25 "Aid

Development in Cambodia: Big is Beautiful?" came as a surprise and an embarrassment.

I would like to say I did not make the comments attributed to me.

The comments I did make in an informal discussion with Matthew Grainger were misinterpreted

and taken out of context. I was not informed that my comments were on the record

nor for publication.

Furthermore, I would like to go on record as saying I believe that a balanced mix

of development, with the people's involvement, gives the best results. I respect

the work and contribution of all international and national organizations working

to develop Cambodia and believe that their contributions, be they small or large,

are necessary if we all are to succeed in rebuilding Cambodia.

- Mathew Varghese, Country representative, CIDSE.

(Editor's reply: The Post reporter identified himself as a journalist and told

Mr Vaghese that the purpose of the interview was to write an article. We stand by

our reportage of Mr Vaghese's comments 100 precent.)