Cambodia on Tuesday disputed a U.S. claim that it has suspended or
canceled international military cooperation programs with Washington in
the wake of the country's recent disputed election.
Lt. Gen. Nem Sowath, the senior officer in charge of political and
foreign policy for the Defense Ministry, said that Cambodia had neither suspended nor canceled participation in such programs. He said at a news
conference that military activities were postponed by mutual agreement
because Cambodia was not prepared.
State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf told reporters Monday in
Washington that Cambodia's Defense Ministry had postponed or canceled a
number of programs with the U.S. and other nations.
Such a move by Cambodia could pre-empt sanctions by Washington if it
judged the July 28 polls unfair, or Cambodia a human rights abuser.
Prime Minister Hun Sen could strike a nationalistic pose if he chose to
announce Cambodia's unilateral suspension of cooperation, painting it as
a response to unwanted interference by a big power.
The opposition is disputing the claim of Hun Sen's ruling Cambodia
People's Party to have won the election, capturing 68 seats in the
National Assembly to 55 won by the Cambodia National Rescue Party. The
final results were released Monday, but have not yet been ratified.
The opposition insists it will not recognize the results unless there is
an independent, impartial investigation of alleged election
irregularities, included the failure to properly register more than 1
million voters.
It has threatened to hold a massive public protest in the capital, Phnom Penh, if its demand is not met.
The government in turn has deployed extra troops and armored vehicles in
the capital. The tough reputation of Hun Sen, who has ruled for 28
years, has raised concerns he might use force against any protests.
U.S. military assistance on maritime security, counterterrorism and
humanitarian operations makes up a small portion of the more than $70
million in annual American aid to Cambodia but reflects Washington's
attempts to build bridges with a Southeast Asian government that counts
China as its main benefactor.
Military cooperation has been on the uptick since 2006 and includes
training for Cambodian officers and periodic military exercises. One of
Hun Sen's sons was trained at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
Human Rights Watch has been pushing for the U.S. to sever military ties,
arguing that Cambodia's armed forces are corrupt, politicized and
implicated in rights abuses.
Nem Sowath said the delay of carrying out cooperation programs was due
to limited resources on Cambodia's part, especially affecting its
ability to take part in joint exercises. He said Cambodia still
maintains good cooperation with the United States.
Hun Sen responded defiantly earlier this month after several U.S.
lawmakers suggested cutting aid if the election was not free and fair.
He noted that China had once stepped in to supply military trucks after
Washington suspended their transfer, and said the Cambodian people
themselves would fund the shortfall if the U.S. cut aid.
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Additional reporting by Matthew Pennington in Washington.
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