U.S. Donates Computer Equipment to Peace Support Operations Collaboration Center

December 27, 2012

U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., Jeff Daigle (right), hands over computer equipment to Lieutenant General Sem Sovanny of NPMEC.

Jeff Daigle, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., of the U.S. Embassy, and H.E. Lieutenant General Sem Sovanny, Director General of the National Center for Peace Keeping Forces Mine and Explosive Remnants of War Clearance (NPMEC), presided over an equipment hand-over ceremony at NPMEC Headquarters on Thursday, December 27, 2012.  The United States provided NPMEC computer and support systems, valued at $54,000, that NPMEC will use in its new Peace Support Operations Collaboration Center (PSOCC). 

During the ceremony, Chargé d’Affaires Jeff Daigle said, “Where once the Kingdom and people of Cambodia benefitted from a UN peacekeeping force, now Cambodia is deploying its own people and significant capabilities to assist the people of South Sudan.  The United States appreciates the opportunity to support the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces as it works to increase its medical capacity and develops into a responsible regional and international actor.”  Lieutenant General Sem Sovanny mentioned how helpful the PSOCC equipment will be in preparing peacekeepers for future missions.  The NPMEC recently deployed an engineering platoon to the UN mission in Lebanon and is preparing to send additional hospital and security forces to the UN mission in South Sudan.

The establishment of NPMEC’s PSOCC will enable Cambodian peacekeepers to share information with other regional PSOCCs, allow Cambodia access to United Nations documents and training guides, and serve as a repository for training guides translated into Khmer.  The PSOCC’s focus on sustainability and self-sufficiency will contribute towards Cambodia’s increased ability to train and support peacekeepers.