Opposition leader Sam Rainsy joined the marchers at Oudong. (Photo SRP)
Arrival of the marchers near Oudong. Onlookers have prepared buckets of water to be blessed by monks partipating in the march. (Photo CCHR)13 Feb. 2006
Sok Serey
Radio Free Asia
Translated from Khmer by KI-Media
The non-violent march demanding the freedom of expression and the abolition of criminal charge against defamation led by Mr. Kem Sokha, the President of the Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR), reached the Buddha Relic Stupa at Mount Eth Roeus (Preah Reach Troap) in Oudong, province of Kandal, on Monday morning. The leader of the march declared that the successful first attempt of show of democracy did send out a strong message.
On the ending day of the march, more than 300 people, including Buddhist monks, nuns, elderly people, school children, and human rights activists participated. The marchers were greeted by cheering onlookers along their path, and at the entrance road to the Buddha's Relic Stupa.
Mr. Kem Sokha told the press on Mount Preah Reach Troap: "This is the first attempt to show a common view of the people that perseverance and willpower will lead to success, and union to obtain something leads to success in getting it. This means that freedom does not fall from the sky, we must demand it to get it."
Mr. Chea Mony, FTUWCK President, declared: "If the government has the willpower, it can do anything without any problem."
Mr. Rong Chhun, President of the Cambodian Independent Teachers' Association, said: "This is the first victory after successive preventions of demonstration [by the government]."
The arrival of the non-violent march at the Buddha's Relic Stupa to pray and to show the demand for freedom of expression and the abolition of criminal charges for defamation case, coincides with the Meakh Bochea ceremony also held on 13 Feb which is celebrated by thousands of monks and laypersons at Mount Preah Reach Troap.
Mr. Sam Rainsy, the opposition leader and opposition MP, was also present at this Meakh Bochea celebration. He briefly spoke with the press and said: "I just participated in the march with Mr. Kem Sokha. I am delighted because all what we are doing, we are doing in civilized manner to reconcile Khmer people."
Samdech Krom Preah Norodom Ranariddh, President of the National Assembly, was nowhere to be found, nor was Prime Minister Hun Sen.
However, Mr. Tea Banh, the Vice-Prime Minister and co-minister of defense, represented Prime Minister Hun Sen in the celebration. He was sitting next to Mr. Sam Rainsy during the food offering to the monks.
Opposition officials said that this is a symbol of reconciliation between the opposition and the party in power.
On the ending day of the march, more than 300 people, including Buddhist monks, nuns, elderly people, school children, and human rights activists participated. The marchers were greeted by cheering onlookers along their path, and at the entrance road to the Buddha's Relic Stupa.
Mr. Kem Sokha told the press on Mount Preah Reach Troap: "This is the first attempt to show a common view of the people that perseverance and willpower will lead to success, and union to obtain something leads to success in getting it. This means that freedom does not fall from the sky, we must demand it to get it."
Mr. Chea Mony, FTUWCK President, declared: "If the government has the willpower, it can do anything without any problem."
Mr. Rong Chhun, President of the Cambodian Independent Teachers' Association, said: "This is the first victory after successive preventions of demonstration [by the government]."
The arrival of the non-violent march at the Buddha's Relic Stupa to pray and to show the demand for freedom of expression and the abolition of criminal charges for defamation case, coincides with the Meakh Bochea ceremony also held on 13 Feb which is celebrated by thousands of monks and laypersons at Mount Preah Reach Troap.
Mr. Sam Rainsy, the opposition leader and opposition MP, was also present at this Meakh Bochea celebration. He briefly spoke with the press and said: "I just participated in the march with Mr. Kem Sokha. I am delighted because all what we are doing, we are doing in civilized manner to reconcile Khmer people."
Samdech Krom Preah Norodom Ranariddh, President of the National Assembly, was nowhere to be found, nor was Prime Minister Hun Sen.
However, Mr. Tea Banh, the Vice-Prime Minister and co-minister of defense, represented Prime Minister Hun Sen in the celebration. He was sitting next to Mr. Sam Rainsy during the food offering to the monks.
Opposition officials said that this is a symbol of reconciliation between the opposition and the party in power.
No comments:
Post a Comment