The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“LET'S NOT FORGET CAMBODIA” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Senate section on pages S7974-S7975 on June 17, 2003.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
LET'S NOT FORGET CAMBODIA
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, Secretary of State Colin Powell is in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, for an annual ASEAN meeting. There are many issues he needs to pursue with ASEAN members, including, most urgently, support for the struggle for freedom in Burma.
Also pressing is the fate of democracy in Cambodia. Secretary Powell must be clear to all Cambodian democrats that the United States stands firmly and publicly with them in our common cause of democracy and the rule of law. Secretary Powell should make it a point to meet with the democrats during his short stay in Phnom Penh.
It is in America's national interest, and that of Cambodia, that new leadership--firmly committed to transparency, accountability and justice--is elected in upcoming parliamentary elections next month.
The ruling Cambodian People's Party, CPP, and its earlier manifestations have had an opportunity--nearly a quarter of a century--
to develop that country. Their records is unimpressive, at best. Crimes are committed with impunity, corruption is endemic and extends to the highest office, and lawlessness provides a breeding ground for terrorism and other criminal activities.
Under CPP Prime Minister Hun Sen's leadership, opposition rallies have been attacked by grenade-throwing terrorists, a coalition government disintegrated in a coup d'etat, and government-paid gangsters, the Pagoda Boys, caused $50 million worth of damage in anti-
Thai riots that were fueled by Hun Sen's reckless nationalistic comments.
Secretary Powell should temper his comments praising the Cambodian Government for cracking down on terrorism. The reason terrorists are on Cambodian soil is because of the very lawlessness perpetuated by the CPP. Hun Sen has swatted a few flies recently, but is directly responsible for leaving the screen door wide open. A more serious response to terrorism in the region is freedom and the rule of law for the Cambodian people.
While in Phnom Penh, Secretary Powell must push for free and fair elections in July. Opposition parties must not be denied access to media or the ability to conduct rallies, demonstrations, and other forms of free expression. Secretary Powell must make clear to Hun Sen that a single, additional political killing is one too many, and that the election will be judged by international standards--which, contrary to the Prime Minister's thinking, is not reserved only for sports competition.
Let me close by saying that it has come to my attention that the ASEAN meeting is taking place at the Intercontinental Hotel, which is owned by Theng Bunma--a suspected Cambodian drug king pin and self-
described financier of the 1997 coup. This epitomizes all that is wrong in Cambodia today.
Mr. President, I ask that a letter from Cambodian opposition leader Sam Rainsy to Secretary Powell calling for Suu Kyi's immediate release be printed in the Record following my remarks.
There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows:
Kingdom of Cambodia,
June 13, 2002.Colin L. Powell,Secretary of State,U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC.c/o HE Mr. Charles Ray,U.S. Ambassador,U.S. Embassy, Phnom-Penh, Cambodia.
Dear Secretary Powell: I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for your statement calling for the immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi and increased pressure on Burma's military junta. The struggle led by Suu Kyi is an inspiration to all those who live in fear under repressive regimes, and to those who fight everyday for freedom and democracy. I proudly join you in the call for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and hope that you will use the opportunity of your visit to Cambodia for the ASEAN Regional Forum to press for an end to the suffering of the Burmese people.
The fate of Aung Sun Suu Kyi and Burma's democracy is indelibly linked to the future success of the ASEAN region. The transition from communism and military dictatorship to democracy would bring untold political, economic and cultural benefits to one of the most diverse and potentially dynamic regions in the world. In this context your statement that those who oppress democracy must not be allowed to prevail has particular resonance.
In Cambodia, we are struggling to end endemic poverty, reduce appalling illiteracy rates and to provide basic nutritional needs to our children. This struggle is made all the more difficult by a government more committed to consolidating its own power than to the welfare of its people. While offering a facade of progress and stability to donors and the international community, the government has used fear and violence to support a lucrative patronage system, exploit our natural resources and suppress opposition voices. It was just today that the latest victim, a garment worker protesting low wages and poor factory conditions, was shot and killed by government riot police as they cracked down on a peaceful demonstration.
Unlike in Burma, the Cambodian people will have the opportunity to go to the polls in July to change their leadership. They must be allowed to do so in an environment free from fear and intimidation. But already we have seen that the current government is willing to sue the tools of fear and violence to suppress the Cambodian people's desire for freedom and democracy. This year's electoral process is already flawed by biased elections commission, restrictions on voter registration, restrictive media access and ongoing intimidation of opposition activists. The potential for democracy in Cambodia is being thwarted by this government and it must realize that, ``its actions will not be allowed to stand.''
As you prepare to participate in the ASEAN Regional Forum in Phnom Penh next week, I trust that you will continue to provide a strong and leading voice for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi. At the same time, I ask that you use the same strong voice to advocate for credible elections in Cambodia--elections that reflect the true will of the Cambodian people.
Sincerely,
Sam Rainsy,
Leader of Parliamentary Opposition,Kingdom of Cambodia.
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