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Barack Obama with Hun Sen - Source: Reuters
PHNOM PENH, 20 November 2012 (The Cambodia Herald) - A group of Cambodians urged US
President Barack Obama Tuesday to cancel Cambodia's outstanding debt of
$300 million to the United States.
"Recently, the Cambodian government requested the cancellation of the debt owed to the United States, incurred during the Lon Nol regime," a statement said. "But this reasonable request was denied by the US Secretary
of State, Hillary Clinton.
"As Cambodian citizens, we continue to insist that the US government cancel the 300 million USD debt."
The statement noted that Cambodia suffered the largest amount of ordinance dropped by America between 1969 and 1974, amounting to 2,756,941 tonnes on 230,516 sites.
"Recently, the Cambodian government requested the cancellation of the debt owed to the United States, incurred during the Lon Nol regime," a statement said. "But this reasonable request was denied by the US Secretary
of State, Hillary Clinton.
"As Cambodian citizens, we continue to insist that the US government cancel the 300 million USD debt."
The statement noted that Cambodia suffered the largest amount of ordinance dropped by America between 1969 and 1974, amounting to 2,756,941 tonnes on 230,516 sites.
"We find it exceedingly unjust that the citizens of the country continue to suffer tremendously from the bombardment and its aftermath, and yet be held responsible for the repayment of a debt that caused so much suffering over so many years.
"President Obama if you are willing to address human rights issues in Cambodia, start by unconditionally cancelling the debt ... You have the power to correct the wrong and make a significant and meaningful difference to the people of Cambodia ... If you genuinely wish to strengthen the relationship between our two countries, cancel the debt so we can develop health care, education and poverty reduction programs for ALL Cambodians."
A senior Cambodian official said earlier that Oba and Prime Minister Hun Sen discussed the debt issued during bilateral talks on the sidelines of an East Asia summit Monday.
4 comments:
Dear President Obama,
Considering the long suffering of the Khmer people and the financial resources of the United States, would you please forgive and forgo the 300
millions dollars debts ?
But the debts should be forgiven only, if and only if Hun Sen agrees to all the reforms you had raised during your meetings with the Dictator.
And the reform results must verifiable and approved by the US.
We thank you.
21 November 2012 6:31 AM,
Answering is NO because this corrupted CPP regime under the Vietnamese puppet installed by his Vietnamese bosses has not been recognized by the world leaders. So, don't be silly.
Only CNRP (HRP and SRP) party who loves Freedom, Rule of Laws and Democracy will be forgiven with debt by the U.S.
CPP is not forgiven because they are Communist from Communist Vietnam.
China can forgive CPP with debt in a small amount, not a whole debt. Dumb Yuon Dog Hun Sen needs to learn.
6:31 AM,
I agree with you.
If Hun Sen agrees to the President Obama's terms,
Cambodia and Cambodians are much better off.
It means, for once we would enjoy freedom and human rights.The election will be free and fair.
Definitely, he will be voted out, and opposition candidate will be NEW Prime Minister.
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