October 24, 1997

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 foe 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.

UNG HUOT                  	    HUN SEN
First Prime Minister		    Second Prime Minister