Published: 01-Sep-13 08:09AM | By William E. Todd
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| William E. Todd |
Thank you all very much for reading my weekly column. Your questions contribute to a valuable discussion about the most relevant and timely issues in Cambodia. In keeping with current events, many of you have asked, “What is the U.S. reaction to the recent demonstration in Freedom Park?”
Last week, thousands of Cambodians rallied peacefully in Phnom Penh in support of their desire to see a credible investigation into reported irregularities with the national elections. The Royal Government of Cambodia did a laudable job of facilitating a peaceful forum for these citizens to exercise their freedoms of expression and assembly. I commend the leadership of the Ministry of Interior and its security personnel for their measured restraint and presence in securing the public’s safety, including that of the rally participants. All involved in the event conducted themselves in a respectful, peaceful manner, which should serve as the model for ensuring that any future demonstrations remain constructive and non-violent.
The recent rally at Freedom Park reminded me of the hope demonstrated at the March on Washington in 1963 when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. On August 28 last week, more than 100,000 people gathered at those same steps to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, one of the largest political rallies for civil rights in U.S. history and a key driver in the adoption of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Other peaceful protest movements – including those demanding women’s right to vote, the end of the military draft, equal educational and employment opportunities, and rights for the disabled – positively changed the course of U.S. history.
Once again, thank you all for reading my column. I look forward to receiving more of your questions and comments at AskAmbToddPP@state.gov. Also, I invite you to follow us on Facebook and to watch for new stories on my blog.
William E. Todd is U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia
Last week, thousands of Cambodians rallied peacefully in Phnom Penh in support of their desire to see a credible investigation into reported irregularities with the national elections. The Royal Government of Cambodia did a laudable job of facilitating a peaceful forum for these citizens to exercise their freedoms of expression and assembly. I commend the leadership of the Ministry of Interior and its security personnel for their measured restraint and presence in securing the public’s safety, including that of the rally participants. All involved in the event conducted themselves in a respectful, peaceful manner, which should serve as the model for ensuring that any future demonstrations remain constructive and non-violent.
The Cambodians who participated in last week’s rally clearly sense a shifting mood in their country in support of major reforms. They understand that Cambodia is maturing as a democratic nation, which requires citizens to have greater confidence in the electoral process. The United States strongly supports the right of people to protest peacefully, which provides citizens an important means to bring their concerns to the government’s attention. Such lawful activity is a critical aspect of the democratic process, but it requires space for people to feel free to engage on important issues without fear of threats, intimidation, or violence.
The recent rally at Freedom Park reminded me of the hope demonstrated at the March on Washington in 1963 when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. On August 28 last week, more than 100,000 people gathered at those same steps to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, one of the largest political rallies for civil rights in U.S. history and a key driver in the adoption of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Other peaceful protest movements – including those demanding women’s right to vote, the end of the military draft, equal educational and employment opportunities, and rights for the disabled – positively changed the course of U.S. history.
When I reflect on the March on Washington and the other protest movements, I feel a lot of pride. The people who participated in these events believed in what was best about America. They came together to ask that the rest of the country to join them in their positive vision – of what America was and what it could be. They gathered in a peaceful manner to speak their minds about needed changes – changes that would allow America to live up to its ideals and be a great nation.
Similarly, in Cambodia we are witnessing the dynamism of citizens who have a profound understanding that they are the heart of the country’s democracy. They are seeking reforms that will lead to a better future for themselves, their families, and their nation. As the weeks have passed without a resolution to the national elections, it is unsurprising that these citizens gathered last week in Freedom Park to remind their elected leaders that they expect progress on promised reforms.
As we look ahead, I encourage all political parties in Cambodia and their supporters to continue to act in a peaceful manner. A resolution of the ongoing electoral dispute can best be achieved through a dialogue focused on the best interests of the Cambodian people. I urge the leaders of Cambodia’s political parties to seize every opportunity to work together in good faith toward a productive outcome that supports the aspirations of the Cambodian people. As President Obama said on the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, “The promise of [a] nation will only be kept when we work together.”
Once again, thank you all for reading my column. I look forward to receiving more of your questions and comments at AskAmbToddPP@state.gov. Also, I invite you to follow us on Facebook and to watch for new stories on my blog.
William E. Todd is U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia
- See more at: http://www.thecambodiaherald.
7 comments:
An overall good & positive article for Cambodia. Our challenge and the root cause of this problem here and now is Hun Sen. He is that one and only causes that prevent Cambodia and cambodian from moving in the right directions. He Hun Sen know that and are doing everything in his power that he currently have to prevents the people of Cambodia to demand change and reform for the better of the country. In reforming it mean Hun Sen will looses his power.
In my view he chooses to hold on to Power at all costs the opposite of that view is that Hun Sen if he lost power by not allowing reform or stepping aside to allow successor within CPP. His greater lost is may be his life or those of his families. So if he step aside or allow for reform the electorate may be compassionate and allow him to enjoy the wealth that he stole by plundering Cambodian resouces and all other aspects of societies for his personal & family gains and it NOT at all helpful FOR him to promote his Sons as military leaders with out or not have done any mission while the rest of the Cambodia Arm forces is made to look less superior in which they are not and in fact all Cambodian soldier are more patroitic than Hun Sen families put together. Again all of this problems are all contributed by Hun Sen and his families.
Thank you so so much for standing up for our oppressed people!
I agree with the US ambassador that we Cambodians must conduct in a peaceful manner to resolve differences. However, dealing with a dictatorship/Communist regime is not as easy as people may have thought. Dictators never accept any compromise or democratic process. As in Cambodia politics, there has not been once that a leader has been elected democratically (except in 1993). So how much hope do we expect from a dictator like Hun Sen? Is he willing to solve the problem fairly? So far he has not. Many Cambodians want Hun Sen to step down and do away with his dictatorship regime altogether.
If we were to follow the ambassador's suggestion, and the Cambodia people are satisfied with the outcome, it's perfect. If not, what is the alternative?
Koh Tral Island must not be forgotten
By “any patriot Khmers”
Why do Koh Tral Island, known in Vietnam as Phu Quoc, a sea and land area covering proximately over 30,000 km2 [Note: the actual land size of Koh Tral itself is 574 square kilometres (222 sq miles)] have been lost to Vietnam by whose treaty? Why don’t Cambodia government be transparent and explain to Cambodia army at front line and the whole nation about this? Why don't they include this into education system? Why?
Cambodian armies are fighting at front line for 4.6 km2 on the Thai border and what's about over 30,000km2 of Cambodia to Vietnam. Nobody dare to talk about it! Why? Cambodian armies you are decide the fate of your nation, Cambodian army as well as Cambodian people must rethink about this again and again. Is it fair?
Koh Tral Island, the sea and land area of over 30,000 square kilometres have been lost to Vietnam by the 1979 to 1985 treaties. The Cambodian army at front line as well as all Cambodian people must rethink again about these issues. Are Cambodian army fighting to protect the Cambodia Nation or protecting a very small group that own big lands, big properties or only protecting a small group but disguising as protecting the Khmer nation?
The Cambodian army at front lines suffer under rain, wind, bullets, bombs, lack of foods, lack of nutrition and their families have no health care assistance, no securities after they died but a very small group eat well, sleep well, sleep in first class hotel with air conditioning system with message from young girls, have first class medical care from oversea medical treatments, they are billionaires, millionaires who sell out the country to be rich and make the Cambodian people suffer everyday.
Who signed the treaty 1979-1985 that resulted in the loss over 30,000 km2 of Cambodia??? Why they are not being transparent and brave enough to inform all Cambodians and Cambodian army at front line about these issues? Why don't they include Koh Tral (Koh Tral size is bigger than the whole Phom Phen and bigger than Singapore [Note: Singapore's present land size is 704 km2 (271.8 sq mi)]) with heap of great natural resources, in the Cambodian education system?
Look at Hun Sen's families, relatives and friends- they are billionaires, millionaires. Where did they get the money from when we all just got out of war with empty hands [in 1979]? Hun Sen always say in his speeches that Cambodia had just risen up from the ashes of war, just got up from Year Zero with empty hands and how come they are billionaires, millionaires but 90% of innocent Cambodian people are so poor and struggling with their livelihood every day?
U.S MUST ARREST Mr Hun Manet as soon as possible if not ...china will distract armerian to pump the oil so hope U.S keep the eyes on Mr hun manet
Armerican should be helping to clean up the Communist brainwashing country all in Asian like Cambodian
Cambodia is at a crossroads and with the help of Uncle Sam Cambodia can choose the right road to peace, stability, and economic prosperity. Cambodia want to modernize to the height of those developing countries...For the past 30 years of affiliating with Vietcong government and the Communist China and Cambodia is still the same dirt poor and most backward country on Earth.
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