Dear Editor,

A warm greeting and happy holidays to the Post and its staff.

I could not help but notice the miscalculation being reported about RGC Fiscal Year

(FY) 2000 budget. Hope I am not the only one to see the logic discussed below.

Facts and figures

• FY1999 budget: $393,400,000

• FY2000 budget: $619,000,000

• FY1999 AF: $164,440,000 (42%)

• FY2000 AF: $214,170,000 (35%)

The conclusion

It is wrong to assume that the Armed Forces budget is reduced in FY2000. Yes, it

is reduced in percentage, but actually increased by more than $49 million in cash.

Where is the reform in defense and security? The increase in RGC Armed Forces budget

means more build-up - not a reform as claimed. There is no need to play the "shell

game". Who is the RGC kidding here?

Who is the winner? The RGC Armed Forces. And the loser? The people of Cambodia.

Ranachith (Ronnie) Yimsut Bend, Oregon, USA