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                                                      December 8, 1997

PRESS RELEASE

LETTER TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEW YORK TIMES

Following is the letter sent on December1, 1997 by H.E. Ambassador Var Huoth to the Editor of the New York Times:

Dear Sir:

The New York Times' editorial "Election Risks in Cambodia" of November 28, 1997 failed to mention some good prospects conducive to free, fair, and credible election due next year in Cambodia.

Before setting the record straight, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that neither international institution nor government--including the United Nations and the United States Administration, has considered the past events of July in Cambodia a "coup" as termed in your editorial.

The commitments of the Cambodian government to holding free and fair election, its guarantees for the safe return and participation in the election of the Cambodian self-exiled members of parliament and politicians, and its concession to leave the door opened for the participation of Prince Ranariddh in the election after his trial by the court and an amnesty granted to him by the King should he be convicted have been welcomed by the international community. All those commitments and guarantees have been regarded as an important step toward free and fair election in the country. They have also been considered genuine and satisfactory, especially by UN Secretary General's Representative in Cambodia, H.E. Mr. Lakhan Mehrotra.

The Cambodian government 's guarantees and the efforts made by the United Nations, particularly through Mr. Mehrotra 's good offices, are bringing about good results. Some members of parliament and politicians have already returned from self-exile. And the rest are likely to return in the very near future.

As far as the preparation for free and fair election is concerned, the Cambodia's Government, National Assembly, and other state institutions are doing their best to put in place all legislation and processes so that a free and fair election can be held. The political law, which is a legal base for the creation of political parties and their registration for the poll, was adopted on October 28, 1997. The parliament is debating on the draft of election law. Once the election law is adopted, the establishment of an independent committee to organize and supervise the election, as well as the registration process will follow. The formation of the Supreme Council of Magistracy, which is necessary to open the way for the creation of the Constitutional Council, is underway.

Using "shame election" term by your editorial before the election is ever held, and especially at the moment that the important factors to ensure free and fair election are emerging and are being enforced as recognized by the international community is neither accurate nor professional.

All the above mentioned facts, which help ensure that Cambodia is on the road toward free and fair election, should be taken into consideration when assessing the forthcoming election in the country.

                                             Var Huoth
                                             Ambassador