The CAMBODIA DAILY July 4, 1996

Ministers Voice Support For "Supreme Master"

The Council of Ministers yesterday voiced support for the Supreme Master Ching Hai's over-30,000-hectare development zone in Kompong Speu, which one official called "legal and good for Cambodia."

"They are helping Cambodia in a sustainable way to develop agricultural production," said one senior official in attendance at the Council of Ministers' meeting yesterday.

Ching Hai, which is a spiritual organization led by a Vietnamese-born, European-educated woman who goes by the name of The Supreme Master, is building a school, hospital, restaurant and shopping center in Kompong Speu province.

"They have our consent as long as they follow the laws, rules and regulations of the government," he said.