Try Pheap denies logging park; Tycoon compensates 135 families at SEZ

Cambodia's controversial logging baron has hit out at claims that his company is currently involved in the deforestation of a national park in Ratanakkiri province, vowing to take legal action against anyone falsely using his name to fell timber in the area.

In a statement this week, Try Pheap said allegations that his company, Try Pheap Import Export Co Ltd, was logging in the remote northeast’s Virachey National Park – one of the largest protected areas in the country – were false.

“Try Pheap Import Export Co. Ltd. would like to inform the public that the company does not log and destroy forest illegally in Virachey National Park,” it says.

read more: http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/try-pheap-denies-logging-park-0

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A long-running land dispute between more than 130 families and the company managing the Koh Kong Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is nearing its end, with only seven families left to sign the compensation agreement, officials confirmed yesterday.

The dispute over the SEZ – which is located in Kiri Sakor district and is overseen by a company owned by ruling party senator and tycoon Ly Yong Phat – has dragged on since 2007, and has been marked with numerous clashes and the imprisonment of some community representatives.

Koh Kong Governor Bun Leut and Yong Phat inked an agreement yesterday with 135 families in the district.

read more: http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/tycoon-compensates-135-families-sez-0