 |
| US Ambassador William Todd (l) speaks with Cambodia’s Foreign Minister Hor Namhong yesterday in Phnom Penh. Photograph: Vireak Mai/Phnom Penh Post |
Thursday, 28 June 2012
Chhay Channyda
The Phnom Penh Post
The plight of the 13 jailed Boeung Kak protestors was high on the agenda for newly inaugurated US Ambassador Willliam Todd when he met for the first time with Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs Hor Namhong yesterday morning.
The meeting between Todd, who took up his post in April, and Namhong lasted just half an hour and coincided with the appeal hearing that saw the 13 Boeung Kak activists freed.
Speaking with reporters after the brief meet, Todd said he was watching the case closely.
“We will be keeping our fingers crossed, and we are waiting to see what will happen. But we are hopeful there will be a positive outcome and the 13 people will be released,” Todd said.
Embassy spokesman Sean McIntosh told reporters that the US continued to express concern at the escalating situation of land disputes in Cambodia.
“We believe that Cambodia should define a clear set of property rights that all people can understand and know what their property rights are,” he said, reminding reporters of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s call for the 13 to be released.
Also up for discussion yesterday was the US$400 million in Lon Nol-era debt that Cambodia still owes the US.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Koy Koung told reporters that Namhong had requested that Todd renew moves to cancel the debt.
“The deputy prime minister asked the US to send delegates to Cambodia to discuss more with their Cambodian counterparts to find a solution that both parties can accept,” he said.
McIntosh said the debt was a longstanding bilateral issue.
“Under international law, governments are generally responsible for the obligations of their predecessors,” he said.
“We have proposed a process for resolving this issue and urge the Cambodian government to accept this offer. Clearing its arrears would enhance Cambodia’s credit-worthiness and ability to access international capital markets,” he added.
4 comments:
Dear Ambassador Todd,
The United States can easily afford to forgive and
forgo $ 400 millions of " dirty debts" to Cambodia.
However, the US government must attach conditions, including but not limited to the freedom of speech, and the freedom of the press.
One suggestion is for Hun Sen's government to use the $ 400 millions, under American supervision, to
disseminate information pros and cons on Hun Sen's regime.
In each and every village in the entire country, there shall be public media, i.e. newspapers, radios, etc..made available, free of charge if possible, to the general population.
Voice of descent should be encouraged, and cannot be stopped.
If there are any breach of the above and / or others, then the US government calls the debts all
due and payable, plus additional punitive measures.
The lack and the abuse of freedom of press, and the freedom of speech have been the cause of all ills in Cambodia.
Please convey this plea to the US States Department.
Thank you
Khmer Girl
Great article and great suggestion but the history of this government will never abide by their deed. Even the prime mister himself has the money to pay the USA,but never want to pay.I heard he has more than $500 millions.It's great to said "dirty money" should be forgotten. What about his position as the prime mister of Cambodian were beyond very dirty and unspeakable.It's a coupe to be prime mister.He should realize to step down or forget to be a prime mister.Shame !!!!!
Cambodia owed Russia over 2 billion dollars. Mr. Heng Samrin have asked for forgiveness on his state visit to Moscow. What did he get? Screw you right??? Who borrowed that money? CPP right???
Remember???
Si Eng Kruy
i don't support greed! however, i support khmer people and citizens fight for land title rights and housing rights for cambodia's better future.
Post a Comment