Rong Chhun, CITA President (Photo RFA)By Mayarith
Radio Free Asia
Translated from Khmer by KI-Media
The plan made by workers’ representatives and teachers’ association to regroup 7,000 members for a march in the streets of Phnom Penh city to demand for a salary raise for teachers, and an improvement of the cost of living, was not successful.
A letter issued by the municipality of Phnom Penh dated 26 April ordered the planned May Day (May 1st) celebration be organized inside the compound of each association group, in order to facilitate the authorities in providing protection and preserving public order.
Rong Chhun, CITA President, reacted by saying that the organizers will continue this march as planned, even if there are obstables.
Rong Chhun said: “The announcement made by the municipality which was sent to the ministry of interior, and copied to our association, is not acceptable. We will maintain our position as we have announced that we will celebrate, and if we will be prevented by the municipal and government authorities during our meeting on May 1st, it just goes to show that these authorities will not provide freedom rights for all workers, teachers, and the people to gather and organize a march celebrating the international labor day.”
Rong Chhun added that if the government dares use any mean to oppose his group as it was announced, this act will clearly show to the officials from the EU delegation who have just completed its visit to Cambodia, the actual state of the respect of human rights and the evolution of democracy in Cambodia currently.
A letter issued by the municipality of Phnom Penh dated 26 April ordered the planned May Day (May 1st) celebration be organized inside the compound of each association group, in order to facilitate the authorities in providing protection and preserving public order.
Rong Chhun, CITA President, reacted by saying that the organizers will continue this march as planned, even if there are obstables.
Rong Chhun said: “The announcement made by the municipality which was sent to the ministry of interior, and copied to our association, is not acceptable. We will maintain our position as we have announced that we will celebrate, and if we will be prevented by the municipal and government authorities during our meeting on May 1st, it just goes to show that these authorities will not provide freedom rights for all workers, teachers, and the people to gather and organize a march celebrating the international labor day.”
Rong Chhun added that if the government dares use any mean to oppose his group as it was announced, this act will clearly show to the officials from the EU delegation who have just completed its visit to Cambodia, the actual state of the respect of human rights and the evolution of democracy in Cambodia currently.
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