A Peace Monument made of de-commissioned weapons will be handed-over by the Japan Assistance Team from Small Arms Management in Cambodia (JSAC) to the Provincial Government of Kampong Thom on September 27, 2007.

The Monument, named “World of Peace”, was created by Cambodian artists Sophon Samkhan, Choup Sopheak, Khem Sambo, Tan Vanno, Yen Entareak and Vong Daravy, with the artistic support of Sasha Constable and the technical support of Development Technology Workshop (DTW). The sculpture is 3.5m in height, and will be permanently installed in a public park “Children’s Park” in Kampong Thom Provincial Town.

The Peace Monument was created under a Japanese Government Assistance Program “Peace Building and Comprehensive Small Arms Management Program in Cambodia“, which is implemented by the Government of Cambodia and JSAC. The weapons used to create this monument were surrendered by the residents of Kampong Thom Province under the joint cooperation of government offices, police, Cambodian NGOs and JSAC. The weapons were later destroyed in public ceremonies “Flame of Peace” in the Province.

The handover of the Monument will be preceded by a “Peace Declaration” to mark the completion of JSAC support for weapon collection activities. The Declaration would be announced by the District Governors, which will affirm their responsibilities in maintaining peaceful, safe, and weapon-free communities. The Monument will be a symbol of such commitment and hopes of the Cambodian people, as well as the extraordinary creativity and talents of the Cambodian artists.

The Ceremony will be held on September 27 (Thu), 2007 at 10:00 AM at the Provincial Hall in Kampong Thom Provincial Town (please see map). We would appreciate the presence of all who are interested, and especially all of you who have contributed in peace-building and arts in Cambodia.

Information Note on JSAC:

JSAC is a team for implementing “Peace Building and Comprehensive Small Arms Management Program in Cambodia“, established by Japan International Cooperation System (JICS). This Program is the first Japanese Government Grant Aid Program for conflict prevention and peace building. JSAC has implemented its weapons collection and other peace building activities in the northwest areas of Cambodia, and have collected 28,602 weapons at present.

For further information on JSAC, please contact:

 Yukiko Murasaki

Tel: +855-(0)12-333-491 / +855 [0]23-224-002,  Fax: +855 [0]23-220-330,

E-mail: adm.jsac@online.com.kh  Website: http://www.online.com.kh/~adm.jsac/topEN.html

For further information on DTW, please contact:

 Richard Pullen

Tel: +855-(0)23-884-470, E-mail: gm@dtw.org.kh , Website: http://www.dtw.org.kh

For further information on the Artists and Ms. Sasha Constable, please contact:

 Sasha Constable

Tel: +855-(0)12-699-249, E-mail: seconstable@hotmail.com

Featuring cartoonists from 10 Asian nations, at the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center, from Sept 17 to 29.

More:
http://www.cjcc.jp/en/hottopic/10cartoonexhibition.html
http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90782/6264883.html
http://www.cctv.com/program/cultureexpress/20070917/107889_2.shtml