AMBASSADOR AND DPM SOK AN REVIEW BILATERAL RELATIONS

UNCLAS PHNOM PENH 000042 SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/MLS, EB, H, SWCI STATE PASS USAID FOR ANE SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL KTEX ETRD EAID CB SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR AND DPM SOK AN REVIEW BILATERAL RELATIONS REFTEL: 06 Phnom Penh 2095 ¶1. (SBU) Summary. In a two-hour meeting on December 28, 2006, the Ambassador called on Deputy Prime Minister Sok An to review the advances in bilateral relations in 2006 and outline the new USG Operational Plan Framework for foreign assistance. The Ambassador stated that the current projections for USG foreign assistance funding to Cambodia in FY07 will remain approximately the same as FY06; however, FY08 funding will likely decrease $10 to $15 million. The Ambassador urged the RGC to pursue the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Threshold program in the future. DPM Sok An outlined a three-point plan to address corruption. The Ambassador expressed hope that the ongoing Khmer Rouge Tribunal issues could be worked out. The DPM requested specific assistance and agreed to a follow-up meeting with USAID. End Summary. -------------- YEAR OF CONSTRUCTIVE ADVANCES IN RELATIONS -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Sok An accompanied by 14 senior staff members, met with the Ambassador, USAID Mission Director, USAID Senior Democracy Officer (notetaker) and Consular Officer for two hours to review the advances in bilateral relations in 2006 and outline the new USG Operational Plan Framework for foreign assistance. The DPM stated that the new OP Framework was rational and concrete. ¶3. (SBU) Ambassador opened the meeting by citing the progress in bilateral relations that had occurred over the course of 2006. He mentioned the lifting of Tier Three sanctions, beginning of stronger mil-to-mil assistance, the visit of former President Clinton, and increasing Congressional willingness to lift the remaining assistance prohibitions on direct support to the Cambodian Government. Ambassador invited DPM Sok An to attend the planned February 2007 Naval ship visit in Sihanoukville. -------------- CHALLENGES FOR RELATIONS -------------- ¶4. (SBU) The Ambassador stated that the current projections for USG foreign assistance funding to Cambodia in FY07 will remain approximately the same as FY06, however, due to demands on the USG budget, FY08 funding is likely to decrease $10 to $15 million. The possible reduction is not directly related to the existing relationship between the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) and USG, but due to competing USG budget demands. The Ambassador also cited lack of sufficient progress in combating corruption as another possible obstacle to more assistance. ¶5. (SBU) The Ambassador explained that one option for offsetting the possible reduction in assistance in FY08 is for Cambodia to pursue MCC Threshold Country status. If achieved, Cambodia could become eligible to receive additional MCC funding. He reviewed the MCC criteria with emphasis placed on improved political rights and significant progress to address corruption. (Note: Embassy provided MCC criteria to the Ministry of Economics and Finance Secretary General Hang Navon in December 2006. End Note) ¶6. (SBU) In the fight against corruption, the Ambassador highlighted the need for passage of the draft Anti-Corruption Law (ACL) as an important step. The transparent management of revenues from extractive industries, particularly oil and gas, was discussed as another critical area requiring greater RGC focus. Finally, the Ambassador stressed the importance of a functioning independent judicial system. The Ambassador stated that all countries face corruption, including America, however, the true test is if the legal system can fairly prosecute corrupt officials regardless of political affiliation. Ambassador proposed that DPM Sok An assign a chief point-person for USAID to liaise with on the efforts to address corruption. ¶7. (SBU) DPM Sok An stated that "corruption and land disputes are the top two triggers for destabilization within Cambodia." The DPM explained the current Government Action Plan places judicial reform as the third priority. DPM Sok An added that the ACL was delayed in 2006 in order for the draft law to be harmonized with the draft Criminal Procedures Code. He stated that the Criminal Procedures Code was recently sent to the National Assembly for debate in January 2007. It was not stated but implied that once the Criminal Procedures Code is enacted the ACL will move forward. The DPM added that he has assigned a Secretary of State to study different countries' (Hong Kong, Singapore) efforts to fight corruption and referred to advice provided by UNDP Consultant Bertrand de Speville, Former Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption of Hong Kong. ¶8. (SBU) Sok An outlined a three-point plan to address corruption: 1) Prevent corruption through greater public education; 2) Improve enforcement of existing laws; and 3) Build mass support for fighting corruption to protect against reaction of those who are punished. He provided several examples of RGC efforts to address corruption: The creation of the Council of Ministers Anti-Corruption Unit led by PM Advisor Om Yienteng; administrative action (six-month suspension without pay) of 38 customs officials and one chief of police in Banteay Meanchey Province for illegal importation of 800 right-hand drive vehicles (The DPM reported that 38 of the officials were CPP members and one was FUNCINPEC); administrative action against land titling officials and court action for land grabbing against two Department Chiefs in Koh Kong Province; and Court action for land grabbing against the former Governor of Kampot Province. DPM Sok An also added that from 2002 to 2006 civil service salaries have increased 135%, from $20 per month to $45. ¶9. (SBU) Agreement on the Lon Nol Regime debt repayment was discussed. It was urged that progress be made on the debt payment negotiations between Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and USG. ¶10. (SBU) The Ambassador raised the status of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal (KRT) and discussions over the internal rules (REFTEL). He expressed hope that the ongoing issues could be worked out and said there were good arguments on both sides. The Ambassador stated that we continue to work to obtain authority to directly support a well functioning tribunal. Sok An recounted his involvement over a five-year period to negotiate the final agreement, including active negotiations with USG senior representatives. The DPM stated that "it is normal for lawyers to quarrel, so let them, but then provide a compromise." -------------- -------------- USG OPERATIONAL PLAN FRAMEWORK RATIONAL AND CONCRETE -------------- -------------- ¶11. (SBU) DPM Sok An stated that the new USG Operational Plan (OP) Framework was rational and concrete. He commented that the OP objectives of Peace and Security, Governing Justly and Democratically, Economic Growth, and Investing in People are exactly in line with the RGC's previous Triangular Strategy (1998-2003) and ongoing Rectangular Strategy (2004-2008). He provided a historic account of RGC efforts from 1998 to the present to bring improved peace and security, democratic, economic and financial reform. ¶12. (SBU) DPM Sok An requested specific USG assistance for the newly created Chamber of Jobs and Micro-Enterprise; the National Commission for Translation of Legal Vocabulary; the Greenbelt Agricultural Project in Siem Reap; and equipment for health facilities. Sok An stated that the World Tourism Organization recently reported that 40% of the $1.5 billion in Cambodian tourism revenue last year was lost to the purchase of imported non-Cambodian products (e.g., restaurant food, tourism merchandise, etc.). He stated government support for the "One Village One Product" model successfully used in Thailand and Japan, rural credit, and support for small and medium enterprises. ¶13. (SBU) The USAID Mission Director offered to provide a thorough briefing to DPM Sok An and his staff about the new Operational Plan, MCC Threshold Country criteria, and also to discuss possible USAID support for the DPM's requests. DPM Sok An replied that this would be helpful and suggested that a joint team be established. It was agreed that a follow-up meeting will be arranged to discuss the team. MUSSOMELI