Villagers Told Eviction Is for Obama’s Safety

More than 180 families living adjacent to the Phnom Penh International Airport were told yesterday that they must vacate their homes to make was for a security road to ensure the safety of U.S. President Barack Obama, who is expected to visit in November. ... Var Sarang, deputy chief of Choam Chao commune, confirmed the eviction was for security purposes ahead of the next Asean Summit in Phnom Penh in November. ... U.S. Embassy spokesman Sean McIntosh did not comment yesterday on the planned eviction, noting only that President's Obama's attendance in Phnom Penh was not yet confirmed. ... Yin Kea, deputy governor in charge of the land dispute commission in Pur Senchey district, insisted that the families were on the land illegally. ...