Tuesday, September 24, 2013

US Ambassador’s ‘V Sign’ During Ceremony Causes Confusion



V for victory? V for peace? Or, V for cultural faux pas?


U.S. Ambassador William Todd on Monday flashed an ambiguous “V sign” to reporters and photographers at the National Assembly’s inauguration ceremony, causing confusion over the message he was trying to convey at the opening of parliament, which was attended by lawmakers from the ruling CPP only.


U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia William Todd flashes the ‘V sign’ on Monday at the opening of the National Assembly. (Siv Channa)


By Joshua Wilwohl - September 24, 2013 The Cambodia Daily

The “V sign,” as it is called, is created by raising the index and middle fingers to create a “V” shape. Historically, the sign is known to represent victory, but it can also mean peace.

At the end of Monday’s opening of parliament, Mr. Todd shook hands with King Norodom Sihamoni, then turned to the assembled journalists as he departed, and raised his hands showing the V sign.

Some were confused by his meaning and viewed the ambassador’s signing as meaning “victory” and a show of support for the convening of the National As­sembly, despite a boycott by 55 CNRP lawmakers-elect.


Ou Ritthy, a prominent political blogger, said in an email that the sign made by Mr. Todd—which he took to mean victory—made it seem as if the U.S. and other West­ern countries supported the CPP.

“It means a lot to do that [as] a diplomat! His presence and ‘V’ sign show that he support the first [National Assembly] session.”

Following the ceremony, the U.S. Embassy issued a statement saying Mr. Todd’s attendance was not an endorsement of the election outcome or of any party. The U.S. Embassy insisted that Mr. Todd’s action was the sign for peace, and later posted a picture on its Facebook page of Mr. Todd at an earlier date flashing the V sign with youth volunteers.


“Today at the National Assembly, Ambassador Todd displayed the universally recognized Peace sign as a message to the Cambodian people for peace and nonviolence. The U.S. Embassy has consistently called for non-violence and has stressed the importance of peaceful and constructive dialogue,” embassy spokesman John Simmons said.

One commentator wrote in a comment on the ambassador’s Facebook page: “Mr. Ambassador, I saw you raised your hands in this sign. Does it mean peace or victory of CPP?”


Others wrote they now understood Mr. Todd’s action. “Ah your sign is peace sign,” another wrote.

(Additional reporting by Colin Meyn and Zsombor Peter)

© 2013, The Cambodia Daily. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced in print, electronically, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without written permission.



5 comments:

  1. Anonymous12:35 AM

    The finger sign hhas the following meanings:
    USA, Germany: Victory sign
    France: Peace
    UK: Two
    Greece: Go to hell
    Other countries: Pease, peace

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous1:32 AM


    I would like sending these massages to the people around the world and to Cambodian people in Cambodia.

    This Hun Sen Government is illegal government, 75 per cents of people are not agreed with this government. The King joins Parliamentary because Hun Sen force him, bear in mind Hun Sen hijacking the King.

    Hun Sen cannot form this government because CPP lost the people votes, the truth result is CNRP 63 seats and CPP 60 seats after stole the votes from CNRP.

    This government only one party that is very wrong, Cambodia is not communist country.

    Around the world they are not recognize this Hun Sen Government, only two countries recognized are Vietnam and China. These two countries are robbing Cambodia right now.

    This Hun Sen government is useless; the same people the same idea don’t know how to run the country, everyone looking for good opportunity to rub-off people lands and country resource.

    In the past 28 years CPP government turned Cambodia upside down, lost their territory, people cannot fine the jobs, high rank government people rub-off people lands, throw people in jail because they speaks for their right.
    Today Cambodian people are living under International poverty line.

    We are now living in the modern world; we don’t need this kind of abuse from government.

    The bottom line is CPP government cannot run the country.

    Cambodian people need new government.


    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous4:10 AM

    ĆÂḾ ÔŃ ŚÂṂĐÂĆḤ ĐÊĆḤÒ HÙŃ SÈŃ 3ÔÔÔ!!!

    Thank you Dr. Hun Sen I will make a football team in Cambodia within 5 years under your leadership. All my families will spread all over Cambodia until your terms are end.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous8:36 AM


    BREAKING NEWS
    Cambodia 9-25-2013

    Democracy was kidnapped from the Freedom Park on July 28, 2013 and raped in the Royal Palace on September 23, 2013 by group of CPP thugs.

    80%Are left to bleed without representation

    ElectionFraud

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous9:17 AM


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