Hon. Kevin Rudd, MP
Minister for Foreign Affairs
PO Box 476
Morningside Qld 4170
Dear Hon. Kevin Rudd,
RE: 20th Anniversary of Paris Peace Agreement for Cambodia
I pause for a moment to write you, acknowledging and profoundly thanking you and the entire Australian nation for intervening and ending conflicts in Cambodia, a tiny ASEAN nation. The peace and stability we see today in Cambodia, and majority of Cambodians are enjoying it, owes many thanks to the Australian nation. The then-former minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Gareth Evans, a Labor MP, was the instigator who rallied signatory countries and the four Cambodian factions to a round table and signed the Paris Peace Agreement on this 23rd day of October 1991, twenty (20) years ago. This peace agreement paved way for a general election in Cambodia sponsored by the United Nations in 1993. During the peace process, Australia played an active role. I should also point out that Australian Lieutenant General John M. Sanderson AC “handsomely” led a contingent of 16000 strong UN military personnel into Cambodia to ensure the United Nation Transition Authority in Cambodia, UNTAC, was able to function, operate and conduct an election fairly.
It’s been twenty (20) years now since this historical event took place. Progress is slow. Democracy, human rights is going downhill now. The current government fails to implement key conditions of the agreement. The Khmer rouge tribunal is about to collapse at any moment now, as seen from the recent resignation of judges. The government is using State institutions, namely the judicial institution, to sideline the opposition. Gradually, Cambodia is moving into a one party State.
Recently, we had the opportunity to meet one of Cambodian monks visiting Australia. His name is Ven. Loun Sovath. He is a 30 year old Cambodian Buddhist monk who stood up with ordinary Cambodians for their survival. As a result, he has been persecuted and banned from residing in a pagoda in Cambodia.
As mentioned in the above and on this 20th Anniversary occasion of the Paris Peace Agreement, I, as a Cambodian Australian, once again would like to thank Australia, and also would urge that the Australian government continues to play an active role to ensure that conditions of the agreement are respected and implemented accordingly, to ensure peace, stability and prosperity in the Kingdom of Cambodia. Human rights, freedom of expression and religious freedom are respected.
Yours faithfully,
Virak Um
1 comment:
Job well done mr. Um Virak. I commend you, Sir.
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