Sam Rainsy, leader of Cambodia's opposition Sam Rainsy Party, speaks during a campaign rally in Kandal …
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States on Friday welcomed a
decision by Cambodia's king to pardon opposition leader Sam Rainsy,
allowing him to return from self-imposed exile in France to participate
in general elections at the end of the month.
State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki urged Cambodia to allow Rainsy to participate freely in the vote.
"We call on the Cambodian Government to facilitate a safe
environment for his return and allow for his meaningful and unfettered
participation in the elections," Psaki told a daily briefing.
"While his safe return will be a significant step in the right
direction, we encourage the Cambodian Government to continue
implementing recommendations by the UN Special Rapporteur for Human
Rights in Cambodia aimed at free and fair elections," she added.
Rainsy was sentenced to 12 years in prison in 2010 on charges of
spreading disinformation and falsifying maps to contest a new border
agreed by Cambodia and Vietnam.
U.S. lawmakers have threatened to cut aid to Cambodia unless the election is seen as free and fair.
(Reporting by Lesley Wroughton; Editing by Sandra Maler)
2 comments:
This is the first time ever, I am very proud to be both a Khmer American and an American Khmer !!!!
America finally pay attention to Kingdom of Cambodia. They saw PRC was going to dominate Cambodia diplomatic foreign policies. America doesn't want PRC to get all Cambodia natural resources. Before the discovery of oil & natural gas of Cambodia coast , America don't really care who's controlling Cambodia. Nonetheless, it's a step in the right direction. Now, please America help Cambodia out of Viet Cong's grip. CNRP will win this time if the Youn's puppet can't cheat fully
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