Cablegate: Cambodian National Assembly Reaction to September 10 Tom

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SUBJECT: CAMBODIAN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY REACTION TO SEPTEMBER 10 TOM
LANTOS HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION HEARING ON HUMAN RIGHTS IN CAMBODIA

1. Two Cambodian Parliamentary Commissions: the Commission on
Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, Information and Media;
and the Commission on Human Rights, Reception of Complaints,
Investigation and National Assembly-Senate Relations, issued a joint
statement September 14 in response to the September 10 Tom Lantos
Human Rights Commission (TLHRC) hearing on "Human Rights and the
Rule of Law in Cambodia."

2. The unofficial translation of the text of the statement follows:

Begin Text:

Statement of the Commission on Foreign Affairs, International
Cooperation, Information and Media and the Commission on Human
Rights, Reception of Complaints, Investigation and National
Assembly-Senate Relations of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of
Cambodia

The Commission on Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation,
Information and Media and the Commission on Human Rights, Reception
of Complaints, Investigation and National Assembly-Senate Relations
of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia totally reject
the testimony provided by Mu Sochua at a hearing organized by Tom
Lantos Human Rights Commission of the US Congress.

The Commission on Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation,
Information and Media and the Commission on Human Rights, Reception
of Complaints, Investigation and National Assembly-Senate Relations
of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia reiterate that
the lifting of parliamentary immunity of Mu Sochua and Ho Vann was
carried out in conformity with Articles 80 and 88 of the
Constitution and Articles 8-12 of the 2006 Law on the statute of
parliamentarians.

The Commission on Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation,
Information and Media and the Commission on Human Rights, Reception
of Complaints, Investigation and National Assembly-Senate Relations
of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia totally reject
any unfounded accusations made by Mu Sochua.

The Sam Rainsy Party did not recognize the election results, did not
attend the opening session of the National Assembly and refused to
participate in the National Assembly Commissions. The Sam Rainsy
Party itself must be responsible for its own action for not
respecting the will of the people and democracy in Cambodia.

The Commission on Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation,
Information and Media and the Commission on Human Rights, Reception
of Complaints, Investigation and National Assembly-Senate Relations
of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia solemnly declare
that Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samrin, President of the
National Assembly, has always enhanced the reputation and honor of
the National Assembly at national and international levels, and
promoted debates in the adoption of laws without prejudice.

The manner in which Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the US
Congress deals with the issue in question is not acceptable to the
Commission on Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation,
Information and Media and the Commission on Human Rights, Reception
of Complaints, Investigation and National Assembly-Senate Relations
of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia. A hearing with
only a small group from the opposition is not balanced and does not
respect the principles of democracy and transparency. Such an
activity will affect Cambodia-America relation. The Commission on
Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, Information and Media
and the Commission on Human Rights, Reception of Complaints,
Investigation and National Assembly-Senate Relations of the National
Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia are convinced that the late H.E.
Tom Lantos is in disagreement with this abnormal activity.

The Commission on Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation,
Information and Media and the Commission on Human Rights, Reception
of Complaints, Investigation and National Assembly-Senate Relations
of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia condemn Mu
Sochua for making a statement giving false testimony to make
national and international opinions confused.

The Commission on Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation,
Information and Media and the Commission on Human Rights, Reception
of Complaints, Investigation and National Assembly-Senate Relations
of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia support and
express their most profound gratitude to H.E. Eni F.H. Faleomavaega,
Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the US Congress, for
making a statement on the true Human Rights situation in Cambodia.
The professional judgment and skillful diplomatic talent is an
encouragement for Cambodia to continue the development of the
country to bring about happiness and peace for all Cambodians.

The Commission on Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation,
Information and Media and the Commission on Human Rights, Reception
of Complaints, Investigation and National Assembly-Senate Relations

of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia are very proud
to note that Cambodia, under the leadership of Samdech Akka Moha
Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia,
is making progress in all fields, especially the areas of human
rights and democracy.

End Text.

RODLEY

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