[lbo-talk] US ship's landmark Cambodia visit

[uvj at vsnl.com]

BBC News
http://news.bbc.co.uk/

Last Updated: Friday, 9 February 2007

US ship's landmark Cambodia visit
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6345961.stm

By Guy De Launey
BBC News, Phnom Penh

[The crew are to run outreach projects in the local community]

The Cambodian port of Sihanoukville has given a warm welcome to a visit from
the US Navy.

It is the first time since the Vietnam war that an American warship has
docked in Cambodia.

The arrival of the USS Gary is a symbol of the closer military and political
ties between the two states and part of a concerted charm offensive by the
US.

The crew have instructions to engage with the local community through
outreach projects.

The local governor and Cambodian navy officers were guests on board the Gary
as it arrived at the port.

The ship's crew manned the rails in their crisp, white dress uniforms.

Unhappy memories

The commanding officer, Joe Deleon, described it as the highlight of his
time with the ship.

Over the next five days Sihanoukville and the surrounding area will see
plenty of the US sailors.

They will be helping with construction work, and hope to attract thousands
of people to medical and dental clinics.

Some basic training for the Cambodian navy is also on the agenda.
Cambodian waters hold unhappy memories for US forces.

Their last major operation here was a mission to rescue the crew of a
merchant ship captured by the Khmer Rouge.

It was successful but at a price - 41 US troops died and it marked the start
of a long period of US antipathy towards Cambodia.

Thawing relations

During the 1980s, the US refused to recognise the new Vietnamese-backed
government in Phnom Penh.

Members of that regime have continued to dominate Cambodian politics, which
explains why US ambivalence continued beyond the return of democracy.
But, recently, relations have thawed remarkably and it is not the first time
that the USS Gary has played a played a diplomatic role.

It is one of several US warships to have made port calls in neighbouring
Vietnam over the past four years.

US officials are also keen to increase the frequency of visits to both South
East Asian countries.

The Vietnamese response has been cautious - but with limited forces of its
own, Cambodia may be a more enthusiastic partner.