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WCC/NW Region First Mini Convention On July 12th, 1998 in Oregon This is the first time that World Cambodian Congress Northwest Region held its mini convention in Oregon after it was formed in November 1997. There were approximately 120 people who were interested in knowing about the forthcoming election in Cambodia. They came a head of the schedule and in far bigger numbers than planned. All WCC/NW Board Members and supporters were present. Mr. PekThov Tan, WCC President, from the state of NJ. and other WCC members including Mr. Sambath Ouk, President and his wife from the state of New York, Mr. Daravuth Seng and his Vice President, Vonnie Hong from Nort heast region were also here to show their support. Major Sonny Tan, WCC/NW planner and trainer, introduced all the members and the guests. Mr. Mabbeskal Man, WCC/NW Vice President and acting president in Oregon gave the opening remarks about the organization's activities in order to advocate for democracy from Oregon and his plan to work with the community. Further examples of the Northwest plan were offered by Mr. Setthivuth Oung, WCC/NW President, who described the recently completed and very successful project in Washington State. The plans also promoted peace and development in the place where we lived. Mr. Jason A. Daughn, coordinator of Senator Ron Wyden's office also attended this meeting. He came to listen to our comments and concerns and would report them to his senator. Ms. Chhivlinne Kaing, WCC supporter, expressed her emotional in a speech to encourage all Cambodians abroad not forget their country of origin. They should work as a team and try to find the solutions to help our people who were anxiously waiting for us in Cambodia. Long time civil war has torn the country and our heart for so many years and some of our parents, friends couldn't see or return to their beloved homeland. Mr. PekThov Tan who came to Washington state to celebrate the Cambodian American Cultural Adjustment Class on July 11th, 1998 also stopped by Oregon to thank Cambodians and friends for their endorsements of the petition to President Clinton in May 1998. In his speech, several issues were covered. How to nurture relationship with the representatives to make them aware of the Cambodian's crisis and make our voices heard through our local representatives which will make Dr. Kiri Tith's job in D.C. easier. He explained WCC democratic principles to the audience and its continuous work toward democracy, the rule of law and human rights in Cambodia. Numerous questions on such issues as why WCC didn't join the protest which was organized in WA D.C.? What WCC plans to do after the election ? Could WCC expand its concept to other minority groups to promote democracy through out the world? Etc 85 were raised to which Mr. Tan clearly explained them all, to the delight of the audience. Our special thanks to Mr. Chhoeun Neou and his family for hosting dinner at his house after the meeting and to Mr. Sokhom Tauch for his hospitality at the luncheon for our delegations. We also would like to offer our deep appreciation to him for offering the conference room in his office for the interview by the Oregonian (the article published on July 24th, 98) and to his wife for the delightful dinner at her home to our WCC members in Oregon, Seattle and our guests from the East Coast. Note: We will have a picnic at the Lake Goodwind, WA on August 15th, 1998 to wrap up our Cambodian American Cultural Adjustment Class with a discussion of what we have accomplished and make the plans for the upcoming year. Please come and join us for this special event.
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