US Senator John McCain (L), SRP MP Tioulong Saumura (C) and Opposition leader Sam Rainsy (R) in February 2005.-----------
July 23, 2004
Today Senator McCain issued the following statement on the situation in Cambodia:
“I am deeply concerned by reports that Prime Minister Hun Sen has stepped up threats against Cambodia’s democratic opposition. Hun Sen has engaged in intimidating rhetoric, including a far-fetched allegation that Sam Rainsy Party members are organizing an armed insurgency designed to topple the government. The Prime Minister’s highly inflammatory remarks are inconsistent with the government’s obligation to ensure the safety and security of the Cambodian people.
“Today over 20 Sam Rainsy Party members are in hiding, fearful of Hun Sen’s threats. Sam Rainsy himself, who currently is visiting the United States, has solid reason to fear for his safety upon his return to Cambodia.
“The threats against the democratic opposition, coupled with Hun Sen’s disregard for Cambodia’s constitution, are deeply troubling. They seriously endanger Cambodia’s already fragile democracy and bode ill for the country’s future.
“Friends of Cambodia expect the Prime Minister to respect Cambodia’s constitution and the right of the political opposition to voice their opinions freely and to participate in peaceful political activities. We are watching this situation closely, and strongly urge Hun Sen to retract his rhetorical attacks. As both the head of government and as the instigator of this new round of intimidation, Hun Sen will be accountable for the safety of opposition leaders and party members. Threats against the opposition are unacceptable, to Cambodians and to their friends around the world.”
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February 02, 2005
Senator John McCain released the following statement on the current political situation in Cambodia:
I am deeply concerned by reports that the Cambodian parliament may soon strip Sam Rainsy and two other SRP members of their parliamentary immunity. This would open the way for the Cambodian government to initiate politically-motivated criminal action against Sam Rainsy and his allies.
Such a plan runs counter to the basic principles of democracy. I will be following this situation closely, and I urge the members of the Cambodian Peoples Party and FUNCINPEC to respect the right of the political opposition to participate in peaceful political activities.
If this plan to strip the SRP parliamentarians of their immunity is carried out, I fear that it will have dire implications for the U.S.-Cambodia relationship. Prime Minister Hun Sen and members of the coalition government bear responsibility for ensuring the freedom of citizens to express their views without fear of reprisal.
McCain Statement on Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's Threats Against Democtratic Opposition
Today Senator McCain issued the following statement on the situation in Cambodia:
“I am deeply concerned by reports that Prime Minister Hun Sen has stepped up threats against Cambodia’s democratic opposition. Hun Sen has engaged in intimidating rhetoric, including a far-fetched allegation that Sam Rainsy Party members are organizing an armed insurgency designed to topple the government. The Prime Minister’s highly inflammatory remarks are inconsistent with the government’s obligation to ensure the safety and security of the Cambodian people.
“Today over 20 Sam Rainsy Party members are in hiding, fearful of Hun Sen’s threats. Sam Rainsy himself, who currently is visiting the United States, has solid reason to fear for his safety upon his return to Cambodia.
“The threats against the democratic opposition, coupled with Hun Sen’s disregard for Cambodia’s constitution, are deeply troubling. They seriously endanger Cambodia’s already fragile democracy and bode ill for the country’s future.
“Friends of Cambodia expect the Prime Minister to respect Cambodia’s constitution and the right of the political opposition to voice their opinions freely and to participate in peaceful political activities. We are watching this situation closely, and strongly urge Hun Sen to retract his rhetorical attacks. As both the head of government and as the instigator of this new round of intimidation, Hun Sen will be accountable for the safety of opposition leaders and party members. Threats against the opposition are unacceptable, to Cambodians and to their friends around the world.”
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February 02, 2005
McCain Statement on Reports of Parliamentary Action Against Sam Rainsy Party in Cambodia
Senator John McCain released the following statement on the current political situation in Cambodia:
I am deeply concerned by reports that the Cambodian parliament may soon strip Sam Rainsy and two other SRP members of their parliamentary immunity. This would open the way for the Cambodian government to initiate politically-motivated criminal action against Sam Rainsy and his allies.
Such a plan runs counter to the basic principles of democracy. I will be following this situation closely, and I urge the members of the Cambodian Peoples Party and FUNCINPEC to respect the right of the political opposition to participate in peaceful political activities.
If this plan to strip the SRP parliamentarians of their immunity is carried out, I fear that it will have dire implications for the U.S.-Cambodia relationship. Prime Minister Hun Sen and members of the coalition government bear responsibility for ensuring the freedom of citizens to express their views without fear of reprisal.
