INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

The Royal Government has

created a National Information and Communication Technology Development

Authority to promote and implement information and communication technology to

maximize economic growth and development. Royal Decree NS/RKT/0800/152. August

23, 2000.

FLOODS AND DROUGHT

The report lists agricultural and property

losses, human casualties, infrastructure development, and flood relief

distribution. Report 56 (COM). October 4, 2000.

CHINESE ELECTRICAL POWER DEVELOPMENT

Draft Law on Approval of Royal

Government of Cambodia to Guarantee the Payment to China Electric Power

Technology Import and Export Corp. (CETIC) was approved with minor revision. The

law approves CETIC's role in revitalizing the Kirirom hydro-electricity

generator at a cost of $26 million. Minute 10 (COM). September 12, 2000.

COMPUTER SOFTWARE

The Minister of Economy and Finance tentatively

approved in principle the proposed expenses of $504,000 on phone billing

software made by the Minister of Post and Telecommunication on August 18, 2000.

Letter 4273 (MEF). October 24, 2000.

TAX EXEMPT FLOOD RELIEF

The Royal Government approved the tax

exemption on material assistance from the Royal Government of Japan that arrived

at Pochentong International Airport as flood relief on September 16, 2000.

Letter 1558 (COM). September 16, 2000.

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION REGISTRATION.

The Royal Government has

outlined the procedures involved with the registration of professional

organizations. Prakas 277 (MOSALVY). October 11, 2000.

PAID HOLIDAYS 2001

All employees of enterprises/establishments

stipulated in Article 1 of Labor Law shall have 22 days off for the calendar

year 2001. These days-off include one day for New Year, one day for 7th January,

one day for International Women's Day, four days for Khmer New Year, one day for

International Labor Day, one day for Buddha's Birthday, one day for Plowing Day,

one day for International Children's Day, one day for the Queen's Birthday,

three days for Pchum Ben, one day for Constitution Day, one day for Paris Peace

Accords, three days for Water Festival, one day for Independence Day, and one

day for International Human Rights Day. Prakas 298 (MOSALVY). October 26,

2000.

UNLICENSED CLINICS AND PHARMACIES CRACKDOWN

The Ministry of Health

issued notification to unlicensed drug stores and clinics to stop their

activities. One week will be allowed for compliance. All Khans shall compile

statistics on all licensed drug stores.

Announcement 104 (MPP) Phnom Penh Municipality Permanent Committee Meeting.

The issue of dredging the islet at the mouth of the Bassac River was also

discussed. October 18, 2000.

COMBATING SEX TOURISM

The meeting was presided over by HE Sum Manit

and focused on a proposal to the Royal Government to have strict measures on

foreigners who commit debauchery in the Kingdom of Cambodia. After a thorough

discussion, the meeting decided as follows:

1. The Royal Government does not promote sex tourism;
2. Laws targeting only foreigners cannot be drafted and implemented. The law

   must be applied equally to everyone;

3. The Law on Suppression of Kidnapping, Sales, and Trading of Human Beings

   must be strictly implemented;

4. Ministry of Interior should co-operate with Ministry of Foreign Affairs and

   International Co-operation to make a blacklist and send it to competent

   officials at international entrance points as a basis for granting

   visas;

5. Ministry of Justice should contact the courts and prepare detailed reports

   on previous court releases of accused sex criminals;

6. Through Ministry of Justice, the Government should work with Ministry of

   Women's Affairs to prepare a Sub-Decree on Implementation of Law on Suppression

   of Kidnapping, Selling and Trading of Human Beings.

Report 52 (COM). September 20, 2000.

RIGHT-HAND DRIVE CRACKDOWN

The Ministry of Public Works and

Transport has announced that January 1, 2001 shall be the last day for

right-hand drive vehicles to be allowed to be on public roads. After this

deadline, any right-hand drive vehicle still operating on public roads shall be

confiscated as State property. Furthermore, any car that has its steering wheel

changed at garages that have no permission from Ministry of Public Works and

Transport will not receive a safety certificate accepted by the Ministry and the

car will not be issued a car registration card, license plate, or transfer

document.. Announcement 017 (MPWT) September 26, 2000.

This Weekly

Law Update is produced from material provided by Dirksen, Flipse, Doran and Le

(DFDL). It has been edited for publication. A full version is available via

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