ROYAL EMBASSY OF CAMBODIA February 5, 2009
CAMBODIAN AMBASSADOR HITS BACK AT “NAIVE” PRESSURE GROUP
The Cambodian Ambassador to UK has accused the pressure group, Global Witness, of pursuing a malicious campaign to try and discredit the country and its leaders.
It follows the publication of a new report from Global Witness - Country for Sale – which accuses the Cambodian Government of high-level corruption in its allocation of lucrative rights to mine for minerals, oil and natural gas.
Global Witness also accuses international donors supporting Cambodia with development aid of turning a blind eye to what it claims is poor governance by the Cambodian authorities.
Reacting angrily to the report, the Ambassador of Cambodia in the UK, H.E. Nambora Hor, accused Global Witness of being poorly-managed and indulging in hugely-damaging smear campaigns. He called on the wide variety of international bodies which help fund Global Witness to demand an urgent review of its policies and activities. “It is naïve for Global Witness to imagine that Cambodia’s international donors are not fully aware of the way the Royal Cambodian Government’s conducts its affairs and its commitment to demonstrating the highest possible standards.”
The Ambassador added: “The Royal Government of Cambodia intends to play a leading role in managing the potential revenues from the exploitation of the country’s recently discovered minerals, oil and gas reserves and recognizes the importance of having a good set of laws in place.
“The Government is working hard to establish a sound and comprehensive framework governing the extractive industries. These will reflect best practice and be based on the principles of transparency and accountability.
“Where possible, the Royal Cambodian Government intends to involve local people and businesses as much as possible in using whatever revenue is generated from extracting resources to fund improved health, education and social conditions for our people which is very important for the long-term prosperity of Cambodia.”
Media Inquiries:
Ambassador’s Office - 020 8451 7947.
Unit Media Liaison - 020 8451 7930.
It follows the publication of a new report from Global Witness - Country for Sale – which accuses the Cambodian Government of high-level corruption in its allocation of lucrative rights to mine for minerals, oil and natural gas.
Global Witness also accuses international donors supporting Cambodia with development aid of turning a blind eye to what it claims is poor governance by the Cambodian authorities.
Reacting angrily to the report, the Ambassador of Cambodia in the UK, H.E. Nambora Hor, accused Global Witness of being poorly-managed and indulging in hugely-damaging smear campaigns. He called on the wide variety of international bodies which help fund Global Witness to demand an urgent review of its policies and activities. “It is naïve for Global Witness to imagine that Cambodia’s international donors are not fully aware of the way the Royal Cambodian Government’s conducts its affairs and its commitment to demonstrating the highest possible standards.”
The Ambassador added: “The Royal Government of Cambodia intends to play a leading role in managing the potential revenues from the exploitation of the country’s recently discovered minerals, oil and gas reserves and recognizes the importance of having a good set of laws in place.
“The Government is working hard to establish a sound and comprehensive framework governing the extractive industries. These will reflect best practice and be based on the principles of transparency and accountability.
“Where possible, the Royal Cambodian Government intends to involve local people and businesses as much as possible in using whatever revenue is generated from extracting resources to fund improved health, education and social conditions for our people which is very important for the long-term prosperity of Cambodia.”
Media Inquiries:
Ambassador’s Office - 020 8451 7947.
Unit Media Liaison - 020 8451 7930.
