Showing posts with label Funcinpec NRP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Funcinpec NRP. Show all posts
Friday, July 13, 2007
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Cambodia's riddle: How could Hun Sen know that another party has internal problems without interfering in this party's internal affairs?
Hun Sen denies having a conversation with Krom Preah
07 July 2007
By Pov Ponlok
Radio Free Asia
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
07 July 2007
By Pov Ponlok
Radio Free Asia
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
On Saturday, Hun Sen’s office issued a correction on an article published by the Kampuchea Thmei newspaper which stated that Hun Sen talked on the phone with prince Norodom Ranariddh for more than one hour.
This correction states that Hun Sen is extremely busy with work, and he does not have the time to interfere in the internal affairs of any other party which has internal problems.
This correction states that Hun Sen is extremely busy with work, and he does not have the time to interfere in the internal affairs of any other party which has internal problems.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
F’pec “royal” soap opera redux: Ranariddh asked to return back as F’pec party president
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
One day after Prince Thomico decided to join the Funcinpec, on Thuesday, this party called on Prince Norodom Ranariddh, its former president, to return back to his former position. The Cambodia Daily reported that vice-prime minister Lu Laysreng, Funcinpec party first vice-president, will convene a congress to accept Prince Ranariddh back as its president, but that the prince must first accept his title as party historical president. Lu Laysreng told The Cambodia Daily by phone that all Funcinpec party members want the prince to be the party president. He went on to compare the rupture of Funcinpec and the prince to a divorce between a husband and wife, but that such divorce can be reconciled. Keo Puth Rasmey, current Funcinpec president, said that the party’s door is open for the prince. Muth Chantha, NRP spokesman, said that his party does not accept a dishonorable resolution, but if there is a good resolution, the prince will think about it.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Thomico’s monthly defection: If you can beat them, might as well join them ... so what if they serve Hun Sen?
Thomico defects to Funcinpec
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
Information indicated that Prince Thomico, whose party was recently merged with the Norodom Ranariddh Party (NRP) one month ago, has again defected from the NRP to join Funcinpec. The Cambodia Daily quoted Nouv Sovathero, Funcinpec spokesman, who said on Monday that Prince Thomico and Ok Socheat, Prince Ranariddh’s advisor, had joined Funcinpec. Nouv Sovathero said it is a good outcome that Prince Thomico decided to join Funcinpec because this truly shows the loyalty of Funcinpec to the monarchy. Prince Thomico cannot be reached yet to obtain his comments, but Ok Socheat denied that he has joined Funcinpec. Suth Dina, the former secretary-general of the Sangkum Jatiniyum Front Party, said that he is very disappointed and embarrassed by Prince Thomico’s decision.
Monday, June 25, 2007
NRP delegation paying a visit to Prince Ranariddh after he declared that he’s willing to live overseas all his lifelong
Monday, June 25, 2007
Rasmei Kampuchea
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
Rasmei Kampuchea
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
A NRP delegation is paying a visit to Prince Ranariddh in Malaysia after the latter declared that he is willing to live overseas all his lifelong rather than being forced to recognize the spirit of the 18 October 2006 event, in exchange for his (safe) return back home.
Prince Thomico told the Rasmei Kampuchea newspaper on 23 June, that a (NRP) delegation left Cambodia on 22 June to report hot news to the prince.
Among those included in the delegation are: Noranarith Anandayat and Nuth Nin Doeun. Even though Prince Thomico did not reveal about the essence of the visit to the prince, a source from the NRP revealed that the search for a pardon resolution for the prince so that he can return back home is the main topic of discussion of the delegation during its visit to the prince.
The NRP delegation departed to Malaysia at a time when the prince declared from abroad on 23 June that he would live overseas all his lifelong rather than being forced to accept the conditions imposed on him during the 18 October 2006 when he was removed from his position as Funcinpec party president, and he was subsequently nominated by Funcinpec as the party historical leader, thus cutting him off from direct management of the party.
According to this interview, Prince Ranariddh rejected his return to Funcinpec, and he wants a resolution that is acceptable to him. Prince Ranariddh said that another formula can be found for this issue that would avoid him of having to accept the decision made by 18 October (2006 Funcinpec extraordinary congress).
Furthermore, Prince Ranariddh scolded Ok Socheat and Prince Thomico for negotiating with Funcinpec. However, both Ok Socheat and Prince Thomico rejected the claim that they participated in any negotiation with Funcinpec. Prince Thomico said that he did not negotiate with Funcinpec party. However, when meeting his old friends who are in Funcinpec party, Prince Thomico noticed that his Funcinpec friends want to invite Prince Ranariddh to return back to Funcinpec to unite all royalists. Furthermore, Prince Thomico said that he does not want any personal nomination for himself, and that he is organizing the list of his former Sangkum Jatiniyum Front Party (SJFP) members at the national, provincial, and district levels, so that they may be integrated with the NRP. The SJFP list will be handed over to the NRP permanent committee.
Prince Thomico explained that the reason he merged the SJFP with the NRP was because he wanted to see a union of all royalists. His next goal is to unite the NRP and Funcinpec. He said that nationalists in Cambodia cannot be without Prince Ranariddh and that they need Prince Ranariddh to lead them.
Prince Thomico told the Rasmei Kampuchea newspaper on 23 June, that a (NRP) delegation left Cambodia on 22 June to report hot news to the prince.
Among those included in the delegation are: Noranarith Anandayat and Nuth Nin Doeun. Even though Prince Thomico did not reveal about the essence of the visit to the prince, a source from the NRP revealed that the search for a pardon resolution for the prince so that he can return back home is the main topic of discussion of the delegation during its visit to the prince.
The NRP delegation departed to Malaysia at a time when the prince declared from abroad on 23 June that he would live overseas all his lifelong rather than being forced to accept the conditions imposed on him during the 18 October 2006 when he was removed from his position as Funcinpec party president, and he was subsequently nominated by Funcinpec as the party historical leader, thus cutting him off from direct management of the party.
According to this interview, Prince Ranariddh rejected his return to Funcinpec, and he wants a resolution that is acceptable to him. Prince Ranariddh said that another formula can be found for this issue that would avoid him of having to accept the decision made by 18 October (2006 Funcinpec extraordinary congress).
Furthermore, Prince Ranariddh scolded Ok Socheat and Prince Thomico for negotiating with Funcinpec. However, both Ok Socheat and Prince Thomico rejected the claim that they participated in any negotiation with Funcinpec. Prince Thomico said that he did not negotiate with Funcinpec party. However, when meeting his old friends who are in Funcinpec party, Prince Thomico noticed that his Funcinpec friends want to invite Prince Ranariddh to return back to Funcinpec to unite all royalists. Furthermore, Prince Thomico said that he does not want any personal nomination for himself, and that he is organizing the list of his former Sangkum Jatiniyum Front Party (SJFP) members at the national, provincial, and district levels, so that they may be integrated with the NRP. The SJFP list will be handed over to the NRP permanent committee.
Prince Thomico explained that the reason he merged the SJFP with the NRP was because he wanted to see a union of all royalists. His next goal is to unite the NRP and Funcinpec. He said that nationalists in Cambodia cannot be without Prince Ranariddh and that they need Prince Ranariddh to lead them.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Cambodian Prince Ranariddh prefers self-exiled life to Funcinpec historical President
June 24, 2007
Cambodian Prince Norodom Ranariddh said on Saturday that he was willing to choose exiled life better than historical President of the Funcinpec party.
"I chose the exiled life forever better than being historical President of the Funcinpec party and being forced to recognize the Sept. 18 event in which they conducted a party coup against me," he told a Cambodian local radio from Malaysia.
Recently, Keo Puth Raksmey, leader of the Funcinpec party, said that Ranariddh should return to be the historical President of the Funcinpec party, adding that if so, they will help to pardon him.
Ranariddh, son of Cambodian retired King Norodom Sihanouk, was ousted from the co-ruling Funcinpec Party in October 2006 and then established the Norodom Ranariddh Party (NRP). He stayed overseas ever since.
In March, he was sentenced in absentia to 18 months in jail for pocketing party money when he headed Funcinpec.
NRP has been soliciting a royal pardon, without which the prince can't restart his political life.
Source: Xinhua
"I chose the exiled life forever better than being historical President of the Funcinpec party and being forced to recognize the Sept. 18 event in which they conducted a party coup against me," he told a Cambodian local radio from Malaysia.
Recently, Keo Puth Raksmey, leader of the Funcinpec party, said that Ranariddh should return to be the historical President of the Funcinpec party, adding that if so, they will help to pardon him.
Ranariddh, son of Cambodian retired King Norodom Sihanouk, was ousted from the co-ruling Funcinpec Party in October 2006 and then established the Norodom Ranariddh Party (NRP). He stayed overseas ever since.
In March, he was sentenced in absentia to 18 months in jail for pocketing party money when he headed Funcinpec.
NRP has been soliciting a royal pardon, without which the prince can't restart his political life.
Source: Xinhua
Ranariddh’s reaction to Funcinpec letter
23 June 2007By Mayarith
Radio Free Asia
Translated from Khmer by Heng Soy
An information distributed by Funcinpec on 22 June claimed that meetings were held between Funcinpec and NRP party elders, officially and unofficially, with the aim of seeking an agreement that could lead to the return to Prince Ranariddh back to Funcinpec.
However, this claim was rejected by Prince Ranariddh. From Malaysia, Prince Ranariddh said that he prefers living in exile outside of the country forever rather than being forced to submit to the conditions imposed on him by the 18 October 2006 Funcinpec congress which was held to fire him out of this royalist party.
Prince Ranairddh said: “I am confirming that if they forced me to accept the decision made on 18 October (Funcinpec congress), I cannot accept it, and if I have to live in exile all my lifelong abroad, I will accept it, because it is my goal. I will (let go) of Funcinpec which I see that it will disappear or it will not receive any vote, just like the Ung Huot Party. Furthermore, with my absence (from Cambodia), let there be only Prime Minister Hun Sen and H.E. Sam Rainsy who will reach a stage, so-called: two tigers fighting for a mountain.”
The prince said that in the past, Ok Socheat, one of his party officials who was reported as being involved in the negotiations with Funcinpec, is taking these steps as his private initiative only.
Prince Ranariddh said: “H.E. Ok Socheat said that it was the private individual Ok Socheat (who took the initiative), but to say that he received the green light from me to negotiate with Funcinpec is not true.”
Nouv Sovathero, Funcinpec spokesman, reacted by declaring that the opportunity is now opened for Prince Ranariddh, but all these problems must be decided by the prince and the prince himself only.
Nouv Sovathero said: “We presented our goodwill once or twice already, if we were to talk about a ball game, it means that Funcinpec sent the ball to his court already, therefore, it is up to him to kick the ball or not, it’s his right. The decision to provide him the position of historical leader was the (Funcinpec) party decision, whether the prince accepts it or not, that’s his right, we will not force him.”
Prince Norodom Ranariddh said that another formula can be found to resolve this issue, without him being forced to accept the 18 October (Funcinpec congress) decision.
However, this claim was rejected by Prince Ranariddh. From Malaysia, Prince Ranariddh said that he prefers living in exile outside of the country forever rather than being forced to submit to the conditions imposed on him by the 18 October 2006 Funcinpec congress which was held to fire him out of this royalist party.
Prince Ranairddh said: “I am confirming that if they forced me to accept the decision made on 18 October (Funcinpec congress), I cannot accept it, and if I have to live in exile all my lifelong abroad, I will accept it, because it is my goal. I will (let go) of Funcinpec which I see that it will disappear or it will not receive any vote, just like the Ung Huot Party. Furthermore, with my absence (from Cambodia), let there be only Prime Minister Hun Sen and H.E. Sam Rainsy who will reach a stage, so-called: two tigers fighting for a mountain.”
The prince said that in the past, Ok Socheat, one of his party officials who was reported as being involved in the negotiations with Funcinpec, is taking these steps as his private initiative only.
Prince Ranariddh said: “H.E. Ok Socheat said that it was the private individual Ok Socheat (who took the initiative), but to say that he received the green light from me to negotiate with Funcinpec is not true.”
Nouv Sovathero, Funcinpec spokesman, reacted by declaring that the opportunity is now opened for Prince Ranariddh, but all these problems must be decided by the prince and the prince himself only.
Nouv Sovathero said: “We presented our goodwill once or twice already, if we were to talk about a ball game, it means that Funcinpec sent the ball to his court already, therefore, it is up to him to kick the ball or not, it’s his right. The decision to provide him the position of historical leader was the (Funcinpec) party decision, whether the prince accepts it or not, that’s his right, we will not force him.”
Prince Norodom Ranariddh said that another formula can be found to resolve this issue, without him being forced to accept the 18 October (Funcinpec congress) decision.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Thomico: Prince Ranariddh will not scold negotiators with Funcinpec
Tuesday, June 19, 2007Rasmei Kampuchea newspaper
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
On 17 June, Prince Thomico said that the negotiations with Funcinpec is a path to reach for a resolution for a return of Prince Ranariddh back to Cambodia, and that Prince Ranariddh is aware of the negotiations conducted with Funcinpec.
On 16 June, Muth Chantha, NRP spokesman, said that the NRP leadership called for an end to all official and unofficial negotiations with Funcinpec. He also pointed out the possible punishments to be given to Ok Socheat who was accused of negotiating with Funcinpec in order to find a way for Prince Ranariddh to return back to Cambodia.
Nevertheless, even if Muth Chantha raised the opposition to any negotiations with Funcinpec, Prince Thomico said: “Prince Ranariddh not only knew about it, he will not scold (anybody for doing this).”
Prince Thomico claimed that if there is no other resolution, Prince Ranariddh will have to face two choices: either leading his party from outside of Cambodia, or returning back to Cambodia through Funcinpec. Prince Thomico added that in reality, there was indeed an exchange of opinions (between NRP and Funcinpec), and this fact cannot be hidden. Prince Thomico said: “There has to be exchange of opinion if we want to find a resolution for Prince Ranariddh.” He said that if there is no negotiation, there is no resolution possible for Prince Ranariddh.
Nevertheless, Prince Thomico said that Ok Socheat is not part of the group that is negotiating (with Funcinpec) which he mentioned earlier. He explained that Ok Socheat is a former Funcinpec party member, therefore his meetings with his former Funcinpec colleagues cannot be construed as negotiations. The prince refused to name those involved in the negotiations with Funcinpec to look for a pardon for Prince Ranariddh.
Prince Thomico maintains his position of wanting to see a unification of all royalists, or more bluntly put, a merger of all the royalist parties. He said that this unification must include a resolution in Prince Ranariddh’s case. “We cannot talk about unification if we do not find a resolution for Prince Ranariddh,” Thomico said.
In order to reach for a pardon for Prince Ranairddh, Prince Thomico believes that this resolution must pass through Funcinpec.
At a time of internal strife within the NRP in its search for a resolution for Prince Ranariddh, Prince Thomico brushes off the party internal disagreements. He said that it is normal for a political party to have internal disputes, therefore, he does not pay attention to them.
On 16 June, Muth Chantha, NRP spokesman, said that the NRP leadership called for an end to all official and unofficial negotiations with Funcinpec. He also pointed out the possible punishments to be given to Ok Socheat who was accused of negotiating with Funcinpec in order to find a way for Prince Ranariddh to return back to Cambodia.
Nevertheless, even if Muth Chantha raised the opposition to any negotiations with Funcinpec, Prince Thomico said: “Prince Ranariddh not only knew about it, he will not scold (anybody for doing this).”
Prince Thomico claimed that if there is no other resolution, Prince Ranariddh will have to face two choices: either leading his party from outside of Cambodia, or returning back to Cambodia through Funcinpec. Prince Thomico added that in reality, there was indeed an exchange of opinions (between NRP and Funcinpec), and this fact cannot be hidden. Prince Thomico said: “There has to be exchange of opinion if we want to find a resolution for Prince Ranariddh.” He said that if there is no negotiation, there is no resolution possible for Prince Ranariddh.
Nevertheless, Prince Thomico said that Ok Socheat is not part of the group that is negotiating (with Funcinpec) which he mentioned earlier. He explained that Ok Socheat is a former Funcinpec party member, therefore his meetings with his former Funcinpec colleagues cannot be construed as negotiations. The prince refused to name those involved in the negotiations with Funcinpec to look for a pardon for Prince Ranariddh.
Prince Thomico maintains his position of wanting to see a unification of all royalists, or more bluntly put, a merger of all the royalist parties. He said that this unification must include a resolution in Prince Ranariddh’s case. “We cannot talk about unification if we do not find a resolution for Prince Ranariddh,” Thomico said.
In order to reach for a pardon for Prince Ranairddh, Prince Thomico believes that this resolution must pass through Funcinpec.
At a time of internal strife within the NRP in its search for a resolution for Prince Ranariddh, Prince Thomico brushes off the party internal disagreements. He said that it is normal for a political party to have internal disputes, therefore, he does not pay attention to them.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Ok Socheat facing NRP reprimand for negotiating with Funcinpec
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Rasmei Kampuchea newspaper
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
Rasmei Kampuchea newspaper
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
Ok Socheat, the information advisor of Prince Norodom Ranariddh, is reprimanded because he is accused of secretly negotiating with Funcinpec without the knowledge or the consent from Prince Ranariddh and the NRP leadership. This declaration was made by Muth Chantha, NRP spokesman, on 15 June.
Muth Chantha told Rasmei Kampuchea on 15 June that Ok Socheat’s talk is opposite to the party line, to the group of (the Prince’s) advisors, and to the NRP steering committee, Muth Chantha said that, on 08 June, NRP secretary-general issued an order to stop all official and unofficial negotiations. However, Ok Socheat continued the negotiation, and it is opposite to the party goal and the party bylaws. Therefore, the group of advisors (to the prince) will soon hold a meeting to review the prescription (of the punishment to this act) as stipulated in the party bylaws.
According to Muth Chantha, Ok Socheat may face party verbal reprimands, membership suspension, or firing from the NRP.
Ok Socheat, the information advisor of Prince Ranariddh, said that he did not conduct the negotiation in secret. He then recited the general goals in the unification of democrats with the Sam Rainsy Party, however, before this can be done, we must have a unification of the royalists first. He added that: “I did not negotiate with anyone at all.”
Ok Socheat added that NRP voters will welcome if there is a unification of all the democrats.
NRP is currently facing with internal strife, and this reflects the opposite trends found within the party in its search for a resolution for Prince Ranariddh so that he can be pardoned. (If a pardon for the Prince can be reached,) he can return back home to become involved in politics again prior to the upcoming 2008 general election. It is known that party elders who use to follow Prince Ranariddh long ago, believe that Funcinpec is the only entry door to reach to a pardon for the prince. Therefore, negotiations between this group of party elders and Funcinpec took place, but now Muth Chantha blames Ok Socheat for negotiating with Funcinpec while the latter denies the charge.
There is also another group of NRP followers who want to see the prince staying far away from Funcinpec, and this group does not want to see any negotiations with Funcinpec. This group rejects the use of Funcinpec as a mean to reach a pardon for the prince. Muth Chantha said that only Prime Minister Hun Sen can resolve this problem.
In the past, Funcinpec openly declared that it is opening its door to receive Prince Ranariddh to return back to Funcinpec to fulfill his position as the party historical leader, a position which he held in the past.
Muth Chantha told Rasmei Kampuchea on 15 June that Ok Socheat’s talk is opposite to the party line, to the group of (the Prince’s) advisors, and to the NRP steering committee, Muth Chantha said that, on 08 June, NRP secretary-general issued an order to stop all official and unofficial negotiations. However, Ok Socheat continued the negotiation, and it is opposite to the party goal and the party bylaws. Therefore, the group of advisors (to the prince) will soon hold a meeting to review the prescription (of the punishment to this act) as stipulated in the party bylaws.
According to Muth Chantha, Ok Socheat may face party verbal reprimands, membership suspension, or firing from the NRP.
Ok Socheat, the information advisor of Prince Ranariddh, said that he did not conduct the negotiation in secret. He then recited the general goals in the unification of democrats with the Sam Rainsy Party, however, before this can be done, we must have a unification of the royalists first. He added that: “I did not negotiate with anyone at all.”
Ok Socheat added that NRP voters will welcome if there is a unification of all the democrats.
NRP is currently facing with internal strife, and this reflects the opposite trends found within the party in its search for a resolution for Prince Ranariddh so that he can be pardoned. (If a pardon for the Prince can be reached,) he can return back home to become involved in politics again prior to the upcoming 2008 general election. It is known that party elders who use to follow Prince Ranariddh long ago, believe that Funcinpec is the only entry door to reach to a pardon for the prince. Therefore, negotiations between this group of party elders and Funcinpec took place, but now Muth Chantha blames Ok Socheat for negotiating with Funcinpec while the latter denies the charge.
There is also another group of NRP followers who want to see the prince staying far away from Funcinpec, and this group does not want to see any negotiations with Funcinpec. This group rejects the use of Funcinpec as a mean to reach a pardon for the prince. Muth Chantha said that only Prime Minister Hun Sen can resolve this problem.
In the past, Funcinpec openly declared that it is opening its door to receive Prince Ranariddh to return back to Funcinpec to fulfill his position as the party historical leader, a position which he held in the past.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
NRP to appeal Ranariddh's sentence
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
Muth Chantha, NRP spokesman, told the Koh Santepheap newspaper on Tuesday that the NRP filed its case with the appeal court on 29 May regarding the 18-month jail sentence in absentia handed down on Prince Ranariddh on 13 March, for breach of trust in the sale of Funcinpec party headquarters. Muth Chantha said that the appeal is one way to legally resolve against the sentence handed down by the Phnom Penh municipal court. Muth Chantha said that if the appeal court finds that the Phnom Penh municipal court decision is wrong, then it can void the sentence, however, if the appeal court maintain the sentence handed down by the Phnom Penh municipal court, then this could lead to a request for pardon from the king.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Hun Sen: No way to pardon Prince Ranariddh
30 May 2007By Kim Pov Sottan
Radio Free Asia (a station labeled insolent by Hun Sen)
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Hun Sen confirmed again that there is no way for Prince Ranariddh to be pardoned, even if hundred of thousands of thumbprints asking for the pardon for the prince have been collected recently.
Hun Sen said: “I am saying this today for you to know: your chief will not be free, if you know how to use this type of person, your chief will not be free. Furthermore, he is sentenced on a criminal case, this is not my affair, the plaintiff will agree or will not agree. And, you never accept your sentence, so there is nothing to pardon for. How could you ask for pardon with 120,000 thumbprints, can these thumbprints have the rights to pardon a person? Is it more valuable than [the court] … why not abolish the court altogether?”
During a diploma distribution ceremony at the National Institute of Education, Hun Sen talked angrily about a rumor in which it was said that his audience with the king in mid-May was to ask the king to help him preserve his (PM) position during the next legislative mandate. Hun Sen also advanced that they (CPP? Funcinpec?) will gather million of thumbprints to condemn Prince Ranariddh if the latter is pardoned because of the 120,000 thumbprints.
On this issue, opposition leader Sam Rainsy said that there should be some arrangement made, otherwise the problem of Prince Ranariddh will surely affect the 2008 general election.
Sam Rainsy said: “There should be some arrangement so that all party leaders can compete, and can work to serve the country and the nation altogether. Therefore, I hope that there will be a resolution (to this issue) in the near future.”
Kul Panha, Comfrel’s executive director, still insists that the sentence handed down on Prince Ranariddh is a political issue. He added that there should be a push to pardon the prince so he can compete in the upcoming general election, and also to confirm that the election is free and fair.
Kul Panha said: “Not all politicians can avoid the justice system, but some cases only involve internal disputes within a political party, therefore, using the court to decide on such cases is wrong, [it is wrong] to turn the case into a criminal case to prevent the participation in the election competition.”
Prince Ranaridhh, former Funcinpec president, was kicked out of his position last year. Later on, he was sued by Nhiek Bun Chhay who accused him of corruption in the sale of the Funcinpec party headquarters. Out of this lawsuit, the prince was sentenced to 18-month of jail, and the sentence drew criticisms from both the national and international opinions.
Hun Sen said: “I am saying this today for you to know: your chief will not be free, if you know how to use this type of person, your chief will not be free. Furthermore, he is sentenced on a criminal case, this is not my affair, the plaintiff will agree or will not agree. And, you never accept your sentence, so there is nothing to pardon for. How could you ask for pardon with 120,000 thumbprints, can these thumbprints have the rights to pardon a person? Is it more valuable than [the court] … why not abolish the court altogether?”
During a diploma distribution ceremony at the National Institute of Education, Hun Sen talked angrily about a rumor in which it was said that his audience with the king in mid-May was to ask the king to help him preserve his (PM) position during the next legislative mandate. Hun Sen also advanced that they (CPP? Funcinpec?) will gather million of thumbprints to condemn Prince Ranariddh if the latter is pardoned because of the 120,000 thumbprints.
On this issue, opposition leader Sam Rainsy said that there should be some arrangement made, otherwise the problem of Prince Ranariddh will surely affect the 2008 general election.
Sam Rainsy said: “There should be some arrangement so that all party leaders can compete, and can work to serve the country and the nation altogether. Therefore, I hope that there will be a resolution (to this issue) in the near future.”
Kul Panha, Comfrel’s executive director, still insists that the sentence handed down on Prince Ranariddh is a political issue. He added that there should be a push to pardon the prince so he can compete in the upcoming general election, and also to confirm that the election is free and fair.
Kul Panha said: “Not all politicians can avoid the justice system, but some cases only involve internal disputes within a political party, therefore, using the court to decide on such cases is wrong, [it is wrong] to turn the case into a criminal case to prevent the participation in the election competition.”
Prince Ranaridhh, former Funcinpec president, was kicked out of his position last year. Later on, he was sued by Nhiek Bun Chhay who accused him of corruption in the sale of the Funcinpec party headquarters. Out of this lawsuit, the prince was sentenced to 18-month of jail, and the sentence drew criticisms from both the national and international opinions.
Friday, May 25, 2007
F’pec to request pardon if Prince Ranariddh disbands NRP
Friday, May 25, 2007
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
The Funcinpec party said that it will guarantee the pardon for Prince Ranariddh if the latter agrees to disband his NRP party and returns back to take his position as Funcinpec party historical leader. Nouv Sovathero, Funcinpec spokesman, said that Funcinpec and NRP officials have met each other several times already to discuss about the means for the prince to return back to Funcinpec, and how to disband the NRP. But, both parties have not come to any official agreement yet. Nouv Sovathero told The Cambodia Daily that Funcinpec’s door still remains open, and he added that Funcinpec would like to see both parties united again. “We are all royalists, we want to reunite Funcinpec,” Nouv Sovathero quoted Keo Puth Rasmey, Funcinpec party president, who made this declaration during the inauguration of the Funcinpec new party headquarters on Saturday. Keo Puth Rasmey also said that if the prince fulfills these 2 conditions, then Funcinpec will support his candidacy as Prime Minister in the 2008 general election.
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