King-Father's Response on Kem Sokha Arrest

In response to a VOA article questioning his silence in regards to the arrest and jailing of Mr. Kem Sokha, King-Father wrote the following letter. This is an unofficial English translation by M. Preuk. The original letter in French can be found at: http://www.norodomsihanouk.info/mes2006/janvier/textes/1601txt3.htm

Statement

From

Norodom Sihanouk

Beijing, January 15, 2005

Some are criticizing me in regards to the case of H.E. Mr. Kem Sokha. On this subject, I am blamed for “my persistent silence.”

1- I always had for H.E. Kem Sokha a lot of affection and esteem.

I am making fervent wishes so that he finds his Freedom as soon as possible.

The same wishes are also addressed to Messrs. Mam Sonando, Rong Chhun, etc… (I do not forget Mr. Cheam Channy whose “case” is “complicated”).

2- A new political “crisis” between Samdech Head of the R.G.C. and me would not bring any good to the situation and the atmosphere of our Country and the life of our nation.

3- Those men and women who are able to read in my BMD will not miss noticing that each number of the BMD, [during] the past weeks, contains several news articles (Cambodge Soir, The Cambodia Daily) which are in favor of the personalities named above.

Signed: Norodom Sihanouk

Note: Accompanying HM’s letter is an article in Khmer translated from a VOA article dated January 13, 2006. The original VOA article is provided below.

Former King Remains Silent on Kem Sokha Arrest

Reaksmey Heng
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
13/01/2006

Former King Norodom Sihanouk is silent almost two weeks after human rights activists were detained at the Prey Sar prison on defaming charges against the government.

The former monarch used to be active and posted his position on his personal website on border issues and Beehive 105 radio station owner and Cambodia Independent Teachers Association's director arrests.

Cambodian politicians and civil societies officials are puzzled about the former king's silence, thinking it might be his health, or that he might not want to face the Cambodian leadership.

Opposition Sam Rainsy party legislator Keo Remy says that it is difficult for the former king to intervene, and that the power is in the hand of the government notably Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Cambodian People's Party (CPP) legislator Cheam Yeap supports the former king's position saying the former monarch might want the court to find justice.