News Brief: HRP leader snubbed at Preah Vihear

Written by Meas Sokchea
Monday, 05 January 2009
Phnom Penh Post

President of the opposition Human Rights Party, Kem Sokha (pictured), said he was denied access to Preah Vihear temple by military leaders there because of political discrimination. "I arrived at the foot of the mountain, and when I asked permission to provide gifts to the soldiers, I was not allowed. This kind of political discrimination is regrettable. The soldiers belong to the nation, not one political party," he said. The highest-ranking field commander in Preah Vihear, Srey Deuk, said HRP officials were not allowed to enter the temple compound because the road leading to it was closed due to "problems with Thai officials over repairing it," he added. "It is their right to distribute gifts, but, in any case, the soldiers do not want gifts from HRP. They know it is the opposition party."