November 1, 1997

______________________________________________________ Newsletter

STATEMENT
FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
OF THE KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA
October 20, 1997

Recently, there have been foreign press reports on suggestions and ideas expressed by foreign officials on their concern for the situation in Cambodia.

Regarding these press reports, the Chairman of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia wishes to stress the following points:

Firstly, the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia profoundly thanks the international community, which, in the recent past, has provided support for the search of a political solution to the Cambodian crisis. The effort resulted in the October 23, 1991 Paris Accord and the 1993 election in Cambodia. From these two major accomplishments, the Constitution and other institutions of the Kingdom of Cambodia have been adopted to lead and govern the nation to this day as an independent, sovereign state. Cambodia seats among the majority of world's nations as a member of the United Nations.

Secondly, the Constitution and other institutions of the Kingdom which were set up following the election and within the spirit of the Paris Accord guarantee the complete national independence and sovereignty of Cambodia. The Kingdom must function within these institutions which enjoy the legitimate representation of the Cambodian people as prescribed by the Constitution and the laws of the land. Therefore, the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia, born of the 1993 election, has full legislative power to enact all the laws in response to the superior interests of the nation and people of Cambodia.

The National Assembly of Cambodia will welcome all positive suggestions, ideas and advice that can help in the democratic development in the country and the respect for the human rights in Cambodia. However, the National Assembly reserves its sovereignty and its self-determination for Cambodia as it has been stipulated by the Constitution.

Thirdly, prior to the July 5-6, 1997 events, the operation of the National Assembly was interrupted by the activities of Prince Norodom Ranariddh and his group which, conspiring with the outlawed Khmer Rouge rebels, intimidated and prevented a number of FUNCINPEC Parliamentarians from coming to the meeting. At this moment, although a number of Parliamentarians are still absent from the meetings and continue to remain abroad, these absentees do not affect the normal operation of the National Assembly. An overwhelming majority of the Parliamentarians have continued and are continuing to do their business as usual in accordance with the National Assembly's internal regulations. At the same time, the National Assembly has repeatedly launched its appeals to those Parliamentarians abroad asking them to return to the National Assembly as it is prescribed by the internal regulations.

Finally, at the present time, the National Assembly is faced with the adoption of a series of laws aimed at guaranteeing a free and fair election. In this sense, the Electoral Law which will be adopted soon in the future, will testify to the national sovereignty and integrity of Cambodia in tune with the country's practical capabilities available for the election. Opinions from all foreign legal experts will be taken into consideration.

The National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia will welcome outside observers at this election; and supports the role played by the Special Representative of the United Nations' Secretary General to Cambodia in facilitating the work of foreign observers in the next election. Finally, the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia wishes to request generous financial support from friendly nations to ensure the proper organizational process of the election in Cambodia.

Parliament Appeals To Absent MPs To Resume Work

The Cambodia's National Assembly, in an appeal jointly signed by its President Chea Sim and First Vice-President Loy Sim Chheang on October 10, called on members of parliament, who left the country before and after the July 5-6 events and had resided temporarily abroad, to return to their work.

After acknowledging the "understandable reasons" of their departure which were then "the shocks and fears of the flames of war, violence, threats and intimidation, and other kinds of pressure," the appeal cited the end of the tension, the return to normalcy of the situation, the resumption as usual of all states institutions and ministries, and the return to their jobs of all civil servants, police and military.

The appeal added that the presence in Siem Reap province of Their Majesties the King and the Queen, the recent two-week absence of the two Prime Ministers for a mission abroad, and the resumption of the National Assembly on July 28, 1997 had clearly reflected the stability of the present situation.

The appeal, referring to the parliament's internal regulations that did not allow MPs to be absent over three months, urged them to return quickly to the motherland and resume fulfilling their work in the supreme interests of the nation and people.

The appeal also said that the adoption of the election law, political party law, and others was an urgent task for the National Assembly to pave the way for a free and fair election, scheduled for May 1998.

"Your failure to share in this very important work will put into question your conscience, your virtue and your responsibility vis-à-vis our people who have put their trust in you as their representatives," added the appeal.

The two leaders of the parliament assured the absent MPs that they should not have fear or hesitation regarding their personal security and safety because the Royal Government and the competent authorities did respect forever their parliamentarian immunity.

"This appeal is made in the most friendly and cordial terms… to insist you to reconsider and to return quickly to the motherland in order not to let the terms of our internal regulations expire. At the very least, you should return to inspect the real situation before you make any final decision because once the terms expire, there is no way to repair your membership in the National Assembly," concluded the appeal.

Letter of Cambodian Co-Premiers To UN Secretary General

Following is the letter sent on October 22, 1997 by Cambodian First Prime Minister Ung Huot and Second Prime Minister Hun Sen to United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan:

Excellency:

On behalf of the delegation of the Royal Government of Cambodia, we wish to express our deep appreciation for the precious time you gave us for a direct exchange of views on the current situation in Cambodia, including the issues of the Cambodian seat at the UN and the role of the UN in the Cambodian election in 1998.

May we assure Your Excellency and UN Member States that the Royal Government of Cambodia is fully committed to maintain and improve politico socio-economic stability and to ensure a peaceful environment conducive to free and fair election in 1998. Preparations are currently under way for the election to take place as scheduled.

As discussed, the Royal Government of Cambodia is determined to organize this election in a most democratic and fairest manner possible, with the participation of as many political parties and the observation of as many international observers as possible. The Royal Government of Cambodia wishes to reiterate its readiness to cooperate with Your Excellency in coordinating the dispatch and the work of international observers mandated to observe the whole electoral process.

In order to ensure that elections are held in a democratic, free and fair manner and with the participation of all political parties, the Government undertakes to guarantee the physical security and safety of those members of the National Assembly and other political leaders who wish to return to Cambodia and resume their political activities in connection with the forthcoming elections. The Government also undertakes to maintain and respect the parliamentary immunity of members of the National Assembly, and to guarantee all other political leaders' freedom from arrest and detention in respect of acts done and words spoken prior to their return, and thereafter in respect of acts and words spoken in connection with their electoral activities. The Government shall further ensure that all political leaders enjoy freedom from intimidation and threat in respect of any and all political activities relating to the election and, in particular, freedom of movement, assembly and speech as provided for under the Constitution and the electoral law, without discrimination.

The Royal Government wishes to reiterate its readiness for the United Nations to monitor the safe return of members of the National Assembly and other political leaders and their freedom to engage in political activities.

We are looking forward to a very close cooperation between the Royal Government and Your Excellency.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of our highest consideration.

Clarification To The Washington Post

In response to the Washington Post's editorial, H.E. Ambassador Var Huoth sent on October 23, 1997 to the Editor of the newspaper a letter that reads as follows:

Dear Sir:

The Washington Post's Oct. 19 editorial titled " Cambodia's stolen democracy " misses several points regarding the democratic process in Cambodia that I would like to set the record straight.

First, I want to accentuate that there are over 100 Members of National Assembly remaining inside Cambodia and almost half of this number is from FUNCINPEC's Party. The Post is correct to say that many opposition politicians, to put it exactly 17 of them, remain abroad. The Royal Government of Cambodia leaves the door open for their return and is ready to coordinate with the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General accredited in Cambodia to provide full assurances for their safety. Prince Ranariddh can always return to Cambodia but he must justify himself with the court on the charge of his illegal imports of weapons and secret negotiations with the outlawed Khmer Rouge.

Second, the Post's allegations that the human right groups in Cambodia live in fear are biased and incorrect. Actually, there are over 200 NGOs and the United Nations Center for Human Rights in Cambodia. The Post cannot use the isolated case as a general one. The suspension of one TV program by the Ministry of Information in Cambodia was made on the ground that the host of the program, who has a mandate to educate the civic rights for Cambodian people, misuses its forum as stipulated in the terms of the agreement. Furthermore, as far as the law is concerned, The closure of an unlicensed Khmer-language Banteay Srey newspaper by the competent authorities this month is not an assault to press freedom.

Third, The National Assembly of Cambodia is busy debating the political party and the elections draft laws. To suggest that the election is a sham election by the Post before it even held and its law is yet to be adopted is not professional. The Royal Government of Cambodia always welcomes technical as well as financial assistance from countries that extend their supports for the process of democracy in Cambodia and for the conduct of the upcoming elections. In this regard, it also supports the role of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in Phnom Penh for coordinating international electoral observers.

Fourth, contrary to the Post's claims that many investors have pulled out, Cambodia will soon sign agreements with some oil companies from the US such as Conoco, Triton and Mobil. Moreover, the US companies such as Caltex, Beacon Hill (power project) etc. are going ahead in their projects in Cambodia-- not to mention companies from other countries. Finally, I would like to stress that the cooperation between Prince Ranariddh and the Khmer Rouge is really a danger for the Cambodian people. And, this action deserves to be checked before it is too late.

Cambodian Premiers Reassure Free And Fair Elections

Cambodia's First Prime Minister Ung Huot and Second Prime Minister Hun Sen reassured during a meeting with French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine that the elections would be held in a free and fair manner and that opposition leaders, as well as MPs who left the country before and after the events of July 5-6, 1997 could return in complete safety.

The meeting, which focused on the current situation in Cambodia and the holding of elections scheduled for May 1998, was held on October 7 during the Premiers' transit in Paris on their way home from New York.

Foreign Visitors Are Increasing After July Events

Agence Khmere de Press (AKP), basing on a report from the immigration department of the Ministry of Interior and National Security, reported that the number of foreign visitors coming to Cambodia is steadily increasing after a fall following the July 5-6 events in the country.

Almost 11,269 foreigners came into the country during the two weeks from September 25 to October 8, 1997, said AKP, adding that the figure is nearly equal to the number of visitors who arrived in the two-week period prior to the events. From the third week in June until July 2, a total of 12,229 foreigners had arrived in Cambodia.

The increase of foreign visitors clearly proved that the stability and security in the country have come back to normalcy.

U.S Designates Khmer Rouge As Terrorist Group

The Khmer Rouge is one among the 30 groups designated as terrorist organization by the United States under a provision of the country's Anti-Terrorism Act of 1996, making it illegal to provide funds and support to the Khmer Rouge group and denying its members visas.

In a briefing on October 8 to announce the designation, Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright outlined the three main consequences resulted from the designation.

" First, as of today, it is a crime to provide funds, weapons or other types of tangible support to any of the designated organizations.

"Second, members and representatives of these organizations are hereby ineligible for visas to enter the United States, and are subject to exclusion from the United States.

"And third, any funds that these organizations have in our country will be blocked," said the Secretary.

The Secretary also added that the Anti-Terrorism Act was designated to put a stop to fundraising in the United States and on behalf of organizations that engage in or sponsor terrorist acts.

On September 24, 1997, Senator William Roth, together with Senators Thomas, Feinstein and Grams, submitted a Senate Resolution urging the establishment of an International Tribunal for prosecution of Khmer Rouge leadership.

The Resolution called upon the President "to encourage the establishment of an international criminal tribunal for the prosecution of such members of the Khmer Rouge" and the United States to "support efforts to bring members of the Khmer Rouge--including Pol Pot--to justice."

"Troops loyal to Norodom Ranariddh now appear to have formed a military alliance with troops loyal to the Khmer Rouge leadership, thus reinforcing the fears of the Cambodian people that the Khmer Rouge will use any means necessary to regain power," said Senator Roth while introducing the Resolution.

"Peace, democracy, stability, the rule of law and national reconciliation in Cambodia are unlikely to be achieved until the Khmer Rouge are brought to justice," he added.

The move was backed by the Royal Government of Cambodia in a September 30 letter sent by the Cambodian two Prime Ministers to Senators Roth, Thomas, Feinstein and Grams.

Elizabeth Backer made known through her report in the New York times of October 20 that Nhek Bun Chhay was dominated by Khmer Rouge at Anlong Veng which was still controlled by the hardliners.

"Pol Pot's two top aides--Noun Chea and Ta Mok--have remained in power in their border red-out and not relinquished power to younger, more moderate forces who wanted to hand over Pol Pot," she wrote.

"This week, new evidence was unearthed that both Mr. Noun Chea and Mr. Ta Mok were directly involved in the arrests and interrogations by the secret police headquartered at Tuol Sleng execution center during Pol Pot's reign. The interrogation records, made available to the New York Times by Chhang Youk of the Documentation Center of the Cambodian Genocide Program, suggest that the two men now leading the Khmer Rouge are at least as responsible as Pol Pot for the atrocities of the late 1970's," she added.

Cambodia Hires U.S. Firm To Set Up Logging Monitoring System

Putting in place a permanent and effective control system for forest exploitation and trade of processed wood products over the whole country has been one of the important measures taken by the Royal Government of Cambodia to fight against illegal logging and collect and remit to the national treasury the correctly assessed revenue from all wood products originating from legal sources.

In order to reach this goal, the government has hired Washington-based Development Alternatives Inc. (DAI) to set up the above mentioned system. The Contract was signed on October 10 between the Cambodian Ministry of Economy and Finance and DAI.

According to the contract, DAI, in conjunction with the Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, will survey the country's forest by satellite that is scheduled to be completed by early next year. After finishing the survey step, the firm will study ways to set up a logging monitoring system.

U.S. Petroleum Companies Will Sign Oil Deals With Cambodia

Speaking to reporters on his return from New York on October 9, Cambodian Second Prime Minister Hun Sen said that the U.S. petroleum companies--Conoco, Arco and Triton--would soon be signing multi-million dollar oil deals with the Royal government of Cambodia.

It should be noted that many giant petroleum companies have been showing their interests in oil and natural gas exploration in Cambodia waters in the Gulf of Thailand. British and Japanese oil companies are now engaged in test drilling and surveys in areas where petroleum deposits are believed to be located.