Speeches
Remarks of Ambassador Carol Rodley at Seminar on Understanding Islam in Cambodia
Sunway Hotel, Phnom Penh
April 20, 2009
While Cambodia promotes freedom of religion, and the Muslim community is tolerant and open to engagement, the 2003 Hambali case demonstrates that no country in the world is immune to ill-intentioned outside influences.
Muslim leaders in Cambodia have been forthright and united in their condemnation of terrorism, pointing out that Islam is a religion of peace. I believe the experts here today will reinforce this very important message, as it is something that we all need to understand.
In a recent speech in Turkey President Obama emphasized this point by stating that the “United States is not, and will never be, at war with Islam.” He went on to say that “We will listen carefully, we will bridge misunderstandings, and we will seek common ground. We will be respectful, even when we do not agree. We will convey our deep appreciation for the Islamic faith, which has done so much over the centuries to shape the world.”
The purpose of this seminar and subsequent forums builds on this principle of understanding, community building and prevention. Experts in the field, all of whom are themselves Muslim, will provide you with information about Islam and extremism. Armed with this knowledge, and the relationships created this week, law enforcement and Muslim communities can work together to, firstly, build a stable community together and, secondly, prevent future Hambali’s from taking refuge on Cambodian soil.
I am thrilled to see the two groups coming together in such a forum to discuss common issues and ideas.
As you will hear from H.E. Zakaryya Adam, Cambodia’s Cham and Chivea Muslims have had a long and illustrious history, contributing significantly to Cambodian Society and Culture.
I am led to believe that currently, there are over 30 high-ranking Muslim officials in the Cambodian government including military and police.
Although the numbers vary, it is estimated that there are approximately 400,000 Muslims in Cambodia. This makes them the largest minority group, accounting for over 2.5% of the total population.
We at the American Embassy have been engaged with the Cham community in Cambodia for many years now. We have provided over $270,000 dollars to communities across the country to create after-school English language programs, our defense office has built a community center, schools and medical clinics, and we have funded the creation of the Voice of Cham radio which provides local and international news in the Cham language. In addition, we have supported life skills sewing machine projects as well as human rights training projects conducted by a number of Cambodian Muslim organizations.
Similarly, the American Embassy has engaged the security and law enforcement community on many levels, from assisting with trafficking and narcotics investigations, to training and capacity building of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, the Cambodian National Police and gendarmerie, and collaboration on terrorist investigations.
We are honored to have developed these close, cooperative relations and look forward to building on them in this seminar.
At this seminar, I encourage you to take advantage of the panel discussions, breaks and meals to exchange views and speak freely with one another. Through your dialog and mutual understanding, networks and bonds can be created which will go a long way towards the prevention of any type of threat – be it terrorist, criminal or social.
