October 21, 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.