Cambodia ends first phase of military cuts

Cambodia ends first phase of military cuts

CAMBODIA: The government on Wednesday wrapped up the first phase of efforts to scale back its bloated military, completing the demobilization of some 15,000 troops.

Speaking to 385 soldiers at a ceremony in Kompong Thom province, 130 km north of Phnom Penh, to mark the end of the first phase, senior cabinet minister Sok An said the country was on course to reach its target of demobilizing 30,000 troops.

The demobilization program was launched in October with each of the 15,000 demobilized men getting US$240, as well as assistance to help them adjust to civilian life.

Since the disintegration of the Khmer Rouge guerrilla group in late 1998 Cambodia has come under pressure from its aid donors to slash security spending and put the money saved into sectors such as education and health. --Reuters