Sam Rainsy, SRP President, met and discussed Cambodian issues with the EU delegation during the delegation's visit. (Photo SRP)PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) - Cambodia's corruption and lack of judicial independence are undermining its democracy, European lawmakers said Monday at the end of a visit to the impoverished Southeast Asian country.
Members of the European mission strongly criticized the lack of separation of power between country's executive, legislative, and judicial branches - a separation fundamental to the rule of law - said EU mission leader Marc Tarabella.
"The independence and integrity of the judicial system are not guaranteed," Tarabella said Monday at the end of the weeklong mission. "The judiciary is a weak point. ... It undermines Cambodia's democracy if you cannot sanction those who break laws."
He urged the government to "speed up the process of reform of the judiciary," and said its recent decision to "decriminalize defamation of character is a very positive step."
The EU Parliament delegation met with Prime Minister Hun Sen, opposition party leaders, heads of trade unions, journalists, diplomats and non-governmental organization workers.
The mission's findings will guide the allocation of aid from the European Commission and individual member states.
Cambodia, one of the world's poorest countries, relies heavily on foreign aid.
Members of the European mission strongly criticized the lack of separation of power between country's executive, legislative, and judicial branches - a separation fundamental to the rule of law - said EU mission leader Marc Tarabella.
"The independence and integrity of the judicial system are not guaranteed," Tarabella said Monday at the end of the weeklong mission. "The judiciary is a weak point. ... It undermines Cambodia's democracy if you cannot sanction those who break laws."
He urged the government to "speed up the process of reform of the judiciary," and said its recent decision to "decriminalize defamation of character is a very positive step."
The EU Parliament delegation met with Prime Minister Hun Sen, opposition party leaders, heads of trade unions, journalists, diplomats and non-governmental organization workers.
The mission's findings will guide the allocation of aid from the European Commission and individual member states.
Cambodia, one of the world's poorest countries, relies heavily on foreign aid.
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