US report gives mixed review of Cambodia's anti-terrorism efforts

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia: Cambodia remains vulnerable to a terrorist presence due to its weak law enforcement and rampant corruption, a U.S. government report said Tuesday.

The country's ability to investigate potential terrorist activities and prosecute terrorists has been hampered by a lack of training, resources and comprehensive legislation, the U.S. State Department said in its annual report on terrorism for 2006.

The report's Cambodia section was released by the U.S. Embassy on Tuesday in the capital, Phnom Penh.

"There were no indications that specific terrorist groups operated in Cambodia (last year), but porous borders and endemic corruption could make the country vulnerable to a terrorist presence," the report said.

However, it said Cambodian leaders have shown a strong commitment to taking aggressive legal action against terrorists.

On Monday, Cambodia's National Assembly unanimously adopted legislation to combat money laundering and terrorism financing.

It was among several legislative measures the government has planned for curbing terrorist acts, boosting investors' confidence in doing business in Cambodia and countering criticism that the country is a place for illegal financial activities.

But critics said the law is weak because the maximum penalty is only a year in jail and a fine of 5 million riel (US$1,250; €920).

They also said Cambodia's feeble banking system helps foster rampant corruption.

The U.S. State Department Report said that, despite its shortcomings, Cambodia has cooperated fully with Washington's requests to monitor terrorists and entities listed as supporters of terrorist financing.

It said Cambodia's government has, with U.S. help, installed computerized border control systems at two main airports — one in Phnom Penh and one in the country's main tourist hub of Siem Reap, near the famed Angkor Wat temple complex — as well as at two land border crossings in southwestern and northwestern provinces.

Cambodia has borders with Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.