Hun Sen shaking hand with his alter-ego, the Burmese dictator Thein Sein, during the 13th ASEAN summit meeting in Singapore (Photo: Reuters)UN Envoy, Burmese PM to Make Overlapping Cambodia Visits
By VOA Khmer Stringers
Original reports from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap
28 November 2007
The UN special envoy to Burma arrived in Siem Reap Wednesday on a three-day trip that will coincide with the visit Burma's prime minister, but officials said the two were unlikely to meet and denied Cambodia was playing an intermediary role.
UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari is on a regional trip to gauge the political position of Burma's neighbors following violent crackdowns on pro-democracy demonstrators in recent weeks, Agence France-Presse reported.
He was scheduled to visit Angkor Wat.
Lt. Gen. Thein Sien was scheduled to arrive Friday for bilateral talks with Prime Minister Hun Sen, the same day Gambari is scheduled to leave.
At the height of the pro-democracy crisis in September, Prime Minister Hun Sen called on Burma to avoid force in bringing order to protesters.
A spokesman said the government would not censure the leader on this visit.
"Normally, Cambodian culture never looks down on guests," spokesman Khieu Kanharith said.
Thein Sein, who was appointed prime minister in October, is to meet Hun Sen, Senate President Chea Sim and National Assembly President Heng Samrin.
Critics said the government risked losing democratic credibility in hosting Thein Sein.
"It means Cambodia is just like Burma, which affects Cambodia's dignity," opposition leader Sam Rainsy said.
Keo Remy, Vice President of Human Rights Party, said Cambodia should push harder to promote democracy.
"Burma should not be welcome in Cambodia, because the Burmese government has been internationally condemned," said Thun Saray, director of the rights group Adhoc. "This country has dramatically lost face."
"I would like to call on the government to reconsider this issue," said Seng Theary, executive director of the Center for Social Development. "I think by justice, morality and diplomacy, we're going lose more than we gain."
Khieu Kanharith said critics were not familiar with Asean doctrine, which is traditionally one of non-interference.
"Asean protocol does not arrogantly say, 'I'm gonna teach this or that,'" he said.
UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari is on a regional trip to gauge the political position of Burma's neighbors following violent crackdowns on pro-democracy demonstrators in recent weeks, Agence France-Presse reported.
He was scheduled to visit Angkor Wat.
Lt. Gen. Thein Sien was scheduled to arrive Friday for bilateral talks with Prime Minister Hun Sen, the same day Gambari is scheduled to leave.
At the height of the pro-democracy crisis in September, Prime Minister Hun Sen called on Burma to avoid force in bringing order to protesters.
A spokesman said the government would not censure the leader on this visit.
"Normally, Cambodian culture never looks down on guests," spokesman Khieu Kanharith said.
Thein Sein, who was appointed prime minister in October, is to meet Hun Sen, Senate President Chea Sim and National Assembly President Heng Samrin.
Critics said the government risked losing democratic credibility in hosting Thein Sein.
"It means Cambodia is just like Burma, which affects Cambodia's dignity," opposition leader Sam Rainsy said.
Keo Remy, Vice President of Human Rights Party, said Cambodia should push harder to promote democracy.
"Burma should not be welcome in Cambodia, because the Burmese government has been internationally condemned," said Thun Saray, director of the rights group Adhoc. "This country has dramatically lost face."
"I would like to call on the government to reconsider this issue," said Seng Theary, executive director of the Center for Social Development. "I think by justice, morality and diplomacy, we're going lose more than we gain."
Khieu Kanharith said critics were not familiar with Asean doctrine, which is traditionally one of non-interference.
"Asean protocol does not arrogantly say, 'I'm gonna teach this or that,'" he said.
9 comments:
I agree. Both governments are running by dictators. What is the democracy they do not understand or care to understand. The opposition parties are the team that could topple these governments by people votes.
Cambodians are sad to have this type of leader. The people shall get up and show that they are the voice of democracy. All opposition parties need everyone in the country to stand up the justice. If no one tell them, they do not know what they do are wrong.
Show them the frustration and anger.
I can understand why Hun Sen support Burma. The two men are alike, I think Burma is learning from Hun Sen. It clearly show how Burma's police and the military force handled peaceful protestors..."lock them up, kill them and feed some to the crocodile"..It a communist approached to resolving their power issues, so there is no trace...and it purely Hun Sen best tactics for years.
How can any one stay in power so long more then 27years without "FORCE" OR "KILLING" those that opposed them & it's own people!...which what Hun Sen is good at..Something he learn well as a Khmer Rouge soldier/Cammander.
They both know that the EU and USA a bluffing...and Sanction is to "scratch" their itchy Ass.They know that China will support them.
The best solution for resolve these leader issues in Cambodia and Burma is for the EU and US to employ "SNIPPER" they will fix the issue quick and CHEAP...and there is now ownership or accountablility for these action.
The price of these two men head will save millions of Burmese and Khmer people that is deing slowly under their regime.
Brother will supported brother no matter what. That is the wills of our ancestors, and that will be our wills as well.
Stop trying to make us kill each other, you moron infidels (above). You are only going to fool yourself.
11:34 AM,
I have categorically and unflinchingly concurred that as a democratic country, we (Cambodia) have regional resposnibility to ameliarate (not antagonize or impede)bilateral relations to ensure the two friendships are mutual sustained while both countries working together to bring more investments into the country to sustain robust and propitious economy.
MOI
Sah touk ... Sah touk, brother.
Is not a crime for old pals getting together and have fun (once for a while) and discuss about business investments and job creation.
MOI
Yes, and maybe maybe this is a mean for us to lower our gas price by buying gas from them direct because they got oil and refinery (I think), and I don't think they are member of the greedy OPEC.
Ah Xam Frainsy will never pulled that off in a million years.
Folks! I don't like to repeat myself here! Of course, you do understand.
I'm relatively blissful and elated the fact that we're only exchanging words during the debate (here in forum); however, had we been exchanging bullets --by this time--my bullets would have depleted, and too much blood scattered. Thus, let's keep our debate clean.
It is critically imperative that you do not misapprehend with the fact that if you pushed me (or other CPP supporter (s)), I will push you back (hard mercilessly). As I have previously informed you that I don't typically scratch my ass, unless it itches. And, I don't customarily dance without music. You see, you and I are coming from different world.
Moreover, as I have told you that oil and water do not mix well together. Further, I'm not a cup of tea for "X" or "Ism" when it comes to writing, because I dislike to display my bias or stereotype through these characters.
More importantly, my job security has been taken care of, as well as my personal safety (when I’m in Cambodia, I do have my bodyguards with me because I don’t like people like Mr. Rainsy to follow me). Thus, I don't have to listen to you people to tell me what I should or should not do. Also, I don't need to kowtow anyone for any position to secure a job here in the United States or in Cambodia. And I don’t like to be hired by a big shot company or corporate because of tokenism. I’m quite certain that some of you who are currently residing in the United States got your jobs secured because of tokenism. Through this process, it makes the company looks good to have you (refugees/immigrants) as new additions to the company; also, your ethic colorful background enhances the company’s images, although you’re unconsciously know it. So, you people are nothing, but slaves of your own ignorance. And your ignorance amuses me all the time.
For me, I always like to be in enigmatically and unostentatiously inconspicuous.
Until then… you’re not my friend and I’m not your friend. And let’s keep it that way!
MOI
Dear John:
We need your support for the CPP Party for the upcoming general election in 2008.
Thank you for your unflinching support for the CPP Party.
Victory will prevail.
MOI
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