U.S. Embassy Statement on the Inaugural Session of the Fifth Legislature of the National Assembly

Released on September 23, 2013

Ambassador William E. Todd attended the Inaugural Session of the Fifth Legislature of the National Assembly today under the patronage of His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni.  His attendance is not an endorsement of any election outcome or of any political party.

The United States urges a transparent review of irregularities in the July 28 national elections which would help efforts to assess and address flaws in the electoral process and give the Cambodian people greater confidence in the electoral system.

We believe that a functioning National Assembly requires the participation of both major political parties.  We call on the two parties to follow through on their September 16 joint statement denouncing violence, supporting discussion of electoral reforms, and agreeing to resolve national problems through dialogue.  All parties should seize this opportunity to improve democratic processes and implement meaningful reforms which strengthen the rule of law and increase respect for human rights.  The United States urges the party leaders to work together for an outcome that unites the country and best serves the Cambodian people.