The Associated Press
July 8, 2013
WASHINGTON - The U.S. is urging Cambodia to allow self-exiled
opposition leader Sam Rainsy to return home to contest elections without
fear of imprisonment.
Rainsy vowed Sunday to travel to Cambodia
ahead of the July 28 vote to challenge the 28-year rule of Prime
Minister Hun Sen, whose party is expected to win.
The Cambodian government says Rainsy is welcome but could face arrest.
He's
been living in France to avoid a 12-year prison sentence on charges
widely seen as politically motivated. The conviction also bars him
running for office.
State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki (pictured) said
Monday that Rainsy should be allowed to return "without fear for his
personal safety or incarceration."
She said free and fair elections require a level playing field, including the unfettered participation of opposition parties.
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