CAMBODIAN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY REACTION TO SEPTEMBER 10 TOM

UNCLAS PHNOM PENH 000701 SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/MLS, DRL E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL CB 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