Sunday, July 12, 2009

Mr. Hun Sen in Paris


Click on the article in Khmer to zoom in


Unofficial translation from French by Tola Ek


Mr. Hun Sen in Paris

Mr. Hun Sen does not receive good press coverage in France. For several years now, major newspapers in Paris never ceased to harshly criticize the corruption gangrene, the violations of human rights, the relentless dictatorial violence and other “dirty jobs” of his regime. According to our French friends, his current visit to Paris was organized under his “insistent request” made during several months and following “serious preliminary discussions” between his representatives (including the one conducted by his minister Hor Nam Hong during last May) with the French authority.

We were assured also that the French government is fully aware of the facts and events which are taking place in Cambodia. Furthermore, in announcing the visit of Mr. Hun Sen, the [French] ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a communiqué recalling that France “co-presided the Paris Accords (on Cambodia) in 1991 which initiated the reconstruction process of this country.” It is hoped that during upcoming meetings between Mr. Hun Sen and his ministers with their French counterparts, the issues of human rights and the rule of law in Cambodia would be raised with a positive contribution from France because of the more than century-long links between France and the true Khmer Country and People who have suffered and endured so much during the past decades.

However, there is another aspect of the Cambodian prime minister’s visit to France that should be underscored: Mr. Hun Sen succeeded in securing an invitation to attend the 14 July parade commemorating the well known French Revolution in 1989 on the honorary podium. Therefore, it is clear that the Khmer kingdom’s “Strongman” is coming to Paris to try to dust off his tarnished image, and he is hoping that his presence among prestigious head of states would confer on him a “mark” of recognition of his power, at least from the outside, at a time when the economic crisis and internal, as well as border troubles seriously shake his regime.

In fact, Mr. Hun Sen is coming also to talk about “major regional issues” at a time when the regional context is rather dangerous: the impasse under which the Preah Vihear temple conflict was reignited by Thailand, the currently known increased tensions between Vietnam (which Mr. Hun Sen’s regime is largely a client of) and China, and the influence of these two countries on Cambodia currently.

Regarding the Thai military occupation of Preah Vihear, let’s recall that, on 22 July 2008, Mr. Maurice Ripert, France ambassador to the UN, following Cambodia’s complaint, called for an “immediate meeting” of the UN Security Council to find a peaceful solution – a legal solution abiding to the current international norms and conventions. His action was based on the procedure stipulated by the 1991 Paris Accords on Cambodia to resolve such problem. However, Mr. Hun Sen, hoping to obtain some cool off in order to spare his interests in the region, instead opted for “bilateral negotiations” demanded by Bangkok which resulted in spectacular bloody failures and Thailand’s categorical refusal to withdraw its troops from the temple area. On the other hand, all signs also point to the fact that Vietnam is readying itself to toughen its position against China, a situation that could cause a general conflict which would be very difficult to contain. Because he is linked to the engagement of “defense cooperation” with Hanoi, more so than ever, Mr. Hun Sen must obtain particular considerations and recognitions through either material support or, at least, political support from the West, and from France, in particular.

What will happen, if following this short visit in Paris, Cambodia’s “Strongman” would be able to “polish” his image on his return to Phnom Penh? The answer is that, Cambodia – which is already drowned under a culture of impunity, under a corrupt regime, under denial of rights, under violence, under generalized top-to-bottom irresponsibility, under the plundering of the national heritage to the benefit of neighboring hereditary enemies –could face a more painful fate that the one it has known for the past more than 30 years.

Paris, 11 July 2009
For Cambodia’s Border Committee in France and Worldwide,

(Signed) Dy Kareth
Vice President
----------

CFC/CBC 110709F

M. HUN SEN à Paris

M. Hun Sen n’a pas bonne presse en France. Les grands journaux parisiens ne cessent depuis des années de dénoncer durement la gangrène de la corruption, les violations des droits de l’homme, les allures suivies de violences dictatoriales et autres « basses oeuvres » de son régime. Sa visite à Paris d’aujourd’hui, selon nos amis français, a été organisée à sa « demande insistante » formulée depuis de nombreux mois, et après de « sérieuses discussions préliminaires » entre ses représentants (dont son ministre Hor Nam Hong, en mai dernier) avec les autorités françaises.

L’on nous a rassuré aussi que le Gouvernement français est bien au courant des faits et événements qui se déroulent au Cambodge. D’ailleurs, en annonçant la venue de M. Hun Sen, un communiqué du ministère des Affaires étrangères français a rappelé aussi que la France « a co-présidé, en 1991, les Accords de Paris (sur le Cambodge) qui initièrent le processus de reconstruction de ce pays ». Il est à espérer qu’au cours d’éventuelles entrevues de M. Hun Sen et ses ministres avec leurs homologues français, les questions des droits de l’homme et de l’Etat de droit au Cambodge, puissent être abordées dans l’esprit et avec l’apport d’une contribution positive de la France, en raison des liens plus que centenaires de cette dernière avec le vrai Pays et le vrai Peuple khmers qui n’ont que trop souffert et enduré durant ces dernières décades.

Mais, il y a un autre aspect de la visite du Premier Ministre cambodgien en France qui mérite d’être souligné : M. Hun Sen a réussi à se faire invité à la tribune d’honneur du défilé du 14 juillet commémorant la retentissante Révolution française de 1789. Ainsi, il est clair que l’« homme fort » du royaume khmer est venu à Paris pour essayer de bien redorer son terne blason, d’espérer par sa présence aux côtés des chefs d’Etat prestigieux obtenir, de l’extérieur, une « marque » de reconnaissance de son pouvoir, à l’heure où la crise économique et les troubles intérieurs et aux frontières agitent sérieusement son régime.

En effet, M. Hun Sen est venu parler « des principaux enjeux régionaux » également, au moment où le contexte régional est plutôt dangereux : l’impasse dans lequel se trouve le conflit du temple Preah Vihear rallumé par la Thailande, et les tensions de plus en plus vives entre le Vietnam (dont le régime Hun Sen est largement tributaire) et la Chine dans des conditions que l’on sait, et l’emprise de ces deux Etats sur le Cambodge actuel.

Sur l’occupation militaire thaïe de Preah Vihear, rappelons que l’ambassadeur de France à l’ONU, M. Maurice Ripert, le 22 juillet 2008, s’est prononcé, sur la plainte du Cambodge, pour une «réunion immédiate» du Conseil de sécurité de l’ONU pour trouver une solution pacifique, une solution de droit au regard des normes et conventions internationales en vigueur. C’était faire référence à la procédure prévue par les Accords de Paris de 1991 sur le Cambodge pour pareil problème. Mais, M. Hun Sen, pensant obtenir un certain apaisement de nature à ménager ses intérêts dans la zone, a cru devoir opter pour des « négociations bilatérales » exigées par Bangkok, avec des échecs sanglants que l’on sait et le refus catégorique des Thaïs de retirer leurs troupes des environs du temple. D’un autre côté, tout indique que le Vietnam se prépare activement à durcir sa position vis-à-vis de la Chine, ce qui risquerait de causer un conflit généralisé très difficilement maîtrisable. Et, lié par l’engagement de « coopération de défense » avec Hanoi, M. Hun Sen se doit, plus qu’à tout autre moment, de bénéficier des considérations et reconnaissances particulières, par le soutien matériel et autre, du moins politique de l’Occident, dont, en particulier, celui de la France.

Qu’adviendra-t-il, après cette courte visite à Paris, si jamais le blason de « l’homme fort » soit « redoré » à son retour à Phnom-Penh ? Le Cambodge, baigné interminablement dans la culture de l’impunité, le règne de la corruption, du déni de droit, et de la violence, la généralisation de l’irresponsabilité du sommet à la base, la spoliation du patrimoine national au profit des voisins-ennemis héréditaires, pourrait connaître un nouveau sort plus douloureux encore que celui qu’il a connu depuis trente ans.

Paris, le 11 juillet 2009
P. Le Comité des Frontières du Cambodge
en France et dans le monde.

Dy Kareth
Vice-Président

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

However, there is another aspect of the Cambodian prime minister’s visit to France that should be underscored: Mr. Hun Sen succeeded in securing an invitation to attend the 14 July parade commemorating the well known French Revolution in 1989 on the honorary podium.

In 1989 or 1789 ?

Anonymous said...

French want to criticize Khmer about corruption? I laughed. Ask anyone living in France about corruption in the government and police. They'll tell you about it. The French police let the criminals and drug dealers do their deals right in front of their stations because they have "special" relationship, you see.

That is like having Kem Sokha be the critic of extorting money from Khmer overseas for his interest under the shameful banner of raising funds for his party. oh wait lol.

Anonymous said...

Au Cambodge Il y a quelqu'un qui a ouvert la porte D'Enfer.1970=>1980
Vive la Justice!

Anonymous said...

I do not agree on the last conclusion. Hun Sen needs recognition because he can gradually escape from Vietnam's influence, otherwise instability or another killings can't avoided, just like Pol Pot did.

Corruption: how many countries in Southeast Asian that has no corruption? Even in the US?

So far, from what I've heard: smart and young Khmer generations have filled the positions ready to replace the old dogs, senior ministers who would die soon. Those young generations are very professional and they know what's wrong and right.

Again, recognition is important in any society, small or big. Khmers got many problems because of the lack of recognitions or ignorance.

If Hun Sen gets recognition from the west, he, perhaps will come up with a new policy to move Cambodia in a new direction. Still, any move will need to be done very carefully because VN spies are everywhere.

Surya

Anonymous said...

Hun sen love youn, not khmer.
Under the CPP, have hun sen arrested one youn?

khmer, he arrested many, killed many.

Anonymous said...

The curruptions in other countries is nothing comparing to cambodia. So don't compare. Its one of the worst.

normally, PM only serves one term or two! hun sen will serves until his death.

Anonymous said...

8:16 PM

Are you fucking stupid? Arrested Khmer and not youn? You are obviously a fucking dumbass racist. It doesn't matter if you're Khmer or Youn or whatever, if you commit crimes or post a threat the law and order, your ass will be sure arrested. Are you saying Khmer should not be arrested? How fucking stupid can you racist ass be?

Oh hey look I'm khmer. You can't arrest me. You're lucky you only talk online like that. If I see a moron like you in the street, I'll be sure to do humanity a favor and take care of you so the air isn't wasted on trash like yourself.

Anonymous said...

8:20 PM

Who fucking cares how long he serves as long as there is stability and profess. Look at the democratic presidents in the world aka G.W. Bush. He only served two terms but yet he managed to bring the US economy to a recession never seen in over decades and manages to create so much undemocratic activities, torture, wire-tapping, violating the US constitutions.

That is very democratic and good of the people right? Fucker.

Anonymous said...

If Hun Sen gets his recogniton from France, yes more opposition party will be in trouble. It's more or less letting the crooks will do whatever they want and the opposition party will just have to get tough.

One small caution and more interesting to watch, is if the viet turns against China or as they had hoped in the past and that they're now having Loas and Cambodia as their little brothers and wraping under finger and the viet will use Cambodia and Loas to fight China, the royal family is in trouble. Hun Sen can not do it. If he cann't, you know what will happen. He will be done just like Hok Lundy or else quit now. The SRP will just have to prepare for this event and how they will handle the royal family and China or may be another party wil be born to take this special opportunity.

Anonymous said...

8:21 and 8:25 PM,

Not only are you trying to spin for the one-eyed gangster Hun Sen, but you are spinning your head out of control here. At the rate you are doing now, you may spin your head all the way to the nearest mental hospital (if there was one of course) at wherever you are there. Carry on and happy spinning!!!

Anonymous said...

Ph.D from Hanoi, then PPU, and now KI-Media readers can just call this guy - Dr. Spin. LOL...

Anonymous said...

I am not sure whether to cry, laugh or just join the parade. It has been official for sometimes now that Mr. Hun Sen will be among the heads of state and dignitaries attending the upcoming commemoration of the French Revolution in Paris. His presence at such a prestigious international event marks a major diplomatic victory for his government and at the same time deals a sever blow to the opposition parties, especially the SRP which considers France as its main political ally. One would hope that Mr. Hun Sen will capitalize on this event to promote national interests and build a strong tie with the international community. The world has opened its door to Mr. Hun Sen’s government, it is now Mr. Hun Sen’s government to open its door to the World.

Anonymous said...

Hun Sen has to do what he has to do and believes that it will benefit both him and Cambodia. If he gets more recognition from the world for both himself and Cambodia, it is good.

Sam Rainsi and Kem Sokha have been working hard to get recognition for themselves, personally - they are not yet at a level of national interests. They are in a different caliber, and have to resort to totally use all negative aspects at personal level of CPP individuals.

Hun Sen, on the other hand, can and rightfully should use the positive aspects of what he and his CPP have been contributing to the progress of Cambodia.

Anonymous said...

King Sihamoni is the Sun that shines thru Hun Sen's government. There is no doubt about it. Sihamoni is a very nice and gentle King. As long as Hun Sen is under his wings, he will always look as good as gold to both poor Cambodian inside and the world out side that don't know anything.

Anonymous said...

Who is like ah youn dog ignorant Hun Sen?
Give me the name if they do.

Anonymous said...

SURYA !
the country can't be better if the government is full or corroptions. isn't the US the richest country in the world ? if it corrupted like cambodia , how can it be rich ?

Anonymous said...

10:56PM . power abusing , corruptions, land grabbing , humanrights violations , human trafficking and more ... is that what you call .. progressing under hun sen's leadership ?

Anonymous said...

8:21 PM .
you are using the same language that Hun Sen has been using . you and him must have been going to the same school . school of communism and dictaorship .

Anonymous said...

Democratic Kampuchea Pol Pot Khmer Rouge Regime had committed:

Tortures
Executions
Massacres
Atrocities
Crimes Against Humanity
Starvations
Overwork to Death
Slavery
Rapes
Human Abuses
Assault and Battery


Cambodian People's Party Hun Sen Khmer Rouge Regime had committed:

Assassinations
Murders
Killings
Extrajudicial Execution
Grenade Attack
Terrorism
Drive by Shooting
Tortures
Intimidations
Death Threats
Threatening
Human Abductions
Human Rights Abuses
Human Trafficking
Drugs Trafficking
Under Age Child Sex
Corruptions
Illegal Mass Evictions
Illegal Land Grabbing
Illegal Firearms
Illegal Logging
Illegal Deforestation
Illegally use of remote detonation on Sokha Helicopter, while Hok Lundy and others military official was on board.
Illegally Sold State Properties
Illegally Sold National Resources
Illegally Remove Parliamentary Immunity of Parliament Members
Acid Attacks
Turn Cambodia into a Lawless Country
Oppression
Injustice
Steal Votes
Bring Foreigners from Veitnam to votes in Cambodia for Cambodian People's Party.
Abuse the Court as a tools for CPP to send political opponents and journalists to jail.
Abuse of Power
Abuse the Laws
Abuse the National Election Committee
Abuse the National Assembly
Violate the Laws
Violate the Constitution
Violate the Paris Accords

Under Cambodian People's Party Hun Sen Khmer Rouge Regime, no criminals that has been committed all of these crimes above within Hun Sen Khmer Rouge government have ever been brought to justice.

Anonymous said...

6:02 AM

The US is the richest nation in the world but who are those riches, a few elitist or the general population? I live in America and I can tell that majority of Americans are in the range of poor and middle class who lives on the need for budget. A small percent of Americans, the richest, represent a big majority of the wealth that the US represents. And you accuse Cambodia of having elitist culture? lol You need to look around where you live a bit more, sir. Cambodia's elitist is nothing compared to the big boy USA corporation that arguerably start a war in any country if it wants with all of its influence and power over the American politicians. It's called lobbying and American politicians and senates are their tools. Dollars buy and everyone is selling. You are selling as well if you care to look at yourself and what you've done.

Anonymous said...

10:38 PM

Hey fuckface, why don't you stay on topic huh? You can't because you got nothing to say to me in regard to the topic that won't make you look stupid so you use the old diversionary tactic of talking about something else instead. Now if you care to explain, explain to me how Democratic and a good leader Geroge W. Bush was. He was elected by the American people, twice might I add.

Just because you have this name tag on your shirt that says democracy, it doesn't make you a good person automatically, moron. It's what you do, not what you say you do. Idiots like you are the reasons that this world is fucked up because you don't look deep into any issue without jumping conclusion like a monkey seeing a banana and never stopping a moment to realize what that nice looking banana might be containing inside it.

Anonymous said...

Hun Sen will not get good recognition
from france, he will only look stupid
in front of the parade, because of his bad reputation at home.

Anonymous said...

6:02AM

Must be a nut cracker,not knowing what good or bad.You can't get a perfect society,but cambodia is noticed from inside out that corruption is overboard and will lead to uprising,Lon Nol 's time for instance.May be you were not born yet.

Stop insist on stupidility! you're nut cracker.

Anonymous said...

I love licking my master one eyed hyena's ass while he is fucking mine.
And I want the whole world to know it.

I am a blind dog who needs leadership from my half blind hyena master.

More master more, DEEPER AHHHHHHHH

PPU

Anonymous said...

Hun Sen est un dictateur communiste qui joue au capitaliste avec son clan communiste.
Qu'est ce qu'il vient faire en France. C'est sur qu'il vient demande de l'argent à Sarkozy pour sa fin de mois.
Tous les khmers rouges sont des assassins et voleurs de terre des citoyens cambodgiens.
Hun Sen = Saddam Hussein

Anonymous said...

La France a bien fait pour montrer que le Cambodge est sur la voie de développement. Il n'y a que les bandes de sourds et aveugles de haine et de jalousie qui opposent à la présence du représentant du Cambodge sur la tribune présidentielle pour assister au grand défilé du 14 juillet.
Ces bandes n'ont rien apporté au Cambodge à part des fausses informations diffusées à la presse étrangères pour salir l'honneur du pays.