An informed source says that Sophie Richardson, formerly with the National

Democratic Institute here in Cambodia, has accepted a job as Deputy

Director/Asia at Human Rights Watch. She and her husband, former PPPost managing

editor Peter Sainsbury, and son are expected to leave the chaotic bustle of

Wellington, New Zealand and move to the serene environs of New York City in the

near future.

** Associated Press photographer Andy Eames is headed for

Afghanistan to work with a construction company. Better pay and not better

sports bars is alleged to have been a factor in that decision.

** Back in

December when several dozen cops showed up at Palm Resort to investigate the

murder of co-owner Allan Romagnoli, sources say they came with an appetite. No

staff were around so a couple of the cops settled into the kitchen and cooked up

a hearty meal for the whole crew. A few cases of France's finest wine also ended

up in the back of a pick-up truck on the way out.

** US Ambassador Joseph

Mussomeli, speaking at the January 17 inauguration of the new $72 million

embassy, could have quoted any number of famous Americans for the occasion. He

no doubt reflected at length on a variety of options and ended up choosing

Benjamin Franklin, noting that it was the 300th birthday of the US's first

diplomat.

What was the diplomatic Franklin quote selected for a VIP list

of government ministers, secretaries of state, and ambassadors in attendance?

"Those who would give up liberty to purchase temporary stability, deserve

neither."

After the ceremony, the 500 invited guests then moved inside

to the central three-story atrium for drinks and buffet. Among the chit-chat,

one sentiment expressed by all corners of the political spectrum - including the

ruling party - was a sense relief that the "Free Speech Four" had been released

from jail. Even some CPP members weary of too much tension, it seems.

**

HE Heng Pov was promoted to the rank of Major General on January 11 and

appointed to the position of Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of

Interior, in addition to his current position as Personal Adviser to the Prime

Minister.

** A junior diplomat who declined to be identified said that

the birds one could hear at the reception for Australian National Day on January

26 included the Kookaburra, the Speckled Wood Hen and the Forty Spotted

Parda-something.