Tea Banh: Another master fib-teller in Hun Xen’s administration?

According to DAP news, Tea Banh told reporters that, regarding the criticisms raised by the opposition MP [Mu Sochua] and NGOs in the US regarding the violations of human rights and democratic principles, the US government does not pay attention to these issues, nor does it care about them. Yet, the US embassy in Phnom Penh issued in its press release regarding Tea Banh's visit to the US: "Our goals are to develop the capabilities of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces in these areas, while encouraging Cambodia's commitment to the rule of law, transparency in governance, sustained democratic development, and respect for human rights." Now, you be the judge, who's telling fibs, who's not?

Vice-PM Tea Banh: US warm welcome, unlike the 1995 visit

23 September 2009
DAP news
Translated from Khmer by Heng Soy

At 10PM on 23 September, vice-PM Tea Banh, the minister of Defense, returned back to Cambodia following his official visit in the US.

Tea Banh told reporters at the Phnom Penh international airport that, during this visit to the US, he received a major welcoming from the US government, in particular from Robert Gate, the US Secretary of Defense, who greeted him in a manner that is so different from the one Tea Banh received during his first visit to the US in 1995.

Tea Banh also talked about the results of the bilateral talks with Robert Gate. He indicated that, up to now, the US provided aids to Cambodia through 121 plans, in particular, in the anti-terrorism cooperation, in human trafficking and in various other issues. The US government will continue to provide help and strengthen and develop its cooperation with Cambodia.

Tea Banh added that in 2010, Cambodia will prepare its first military exercise with the participation of 2,000 soldiers under the US support.

Tea Banh also indicated that the US government welcomes peaceful border resolution between Cambodia and Thailand.

Regarding the criticisms raised by the opposition MP [Mu Sochua] and NGOs in the US regarding the violations of human rights and democratic principles, Tea Banh confirmed that the US government does not pay attention to these issues, nor does it care about them.
-----
KI-Media note: Click here to read the press release by the US embassy on Tea Banh’s visit to the US, in its statement, the US clearly stated: “Our goals are to develop the capabilities of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces in these areas, while encouraging Cambodia's commitment to the rule of law, transparency in governance, sustained democratic development, and respect for human rights.” Either Mr. Tea Banh fell asleep when this issue was raised during his trip to the US, or he is a master fib-teller [Fib: A fib or fibbing, a type of deception; an untruth (Wikipedia)]