Statement by the Press Secretary on Setbacks to Democracy in Cambodia

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

November 16, 2017

URL: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/11/16/statement-press-secretary-setbacks-democracy-cambodia 

Statement by the Press Secretary on Setbacks to Democracy in Cambodia

The United States expresses grave concern about the Cambodian government’s dissolution of the country’s main opposition party, the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), based on meritless and politicized allegations that it participated in a conspiracy to overthrow the government. It is becoming increasingly evident to the world that the Cambodian government’s restrictions on civil society, suppression of the press, and banning of more than 100 opposition leaders from political activities have significantly set back Cambodia’s democratic development and placed its economic growth and international standing at risk.

The United States will take concrete steps to respond to the Cambodian government’s deeply regrettable actions. As a first step, we will terminate support for the Cambodian National Election Committee and its administration of the upcoming 2018 national election. On current course next year’s election will not be legitimate, free, or fair.

The Cambodian government still has time to reverse course. We call on the Royal Government of Cambodia to undo its recent actions against the CNRP, release imprisoned CNRP leader Kem Sokha, and allow opposition parties, civil society, and the media to maintain their legitimate activities.

The Australian Embassy in Cambodia: Statement on Political Situation in Cambodia

17 November 2017 - Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop’s Statement on the Political Situation in Cambodia (English | Khmer)
19 October 2017 - Australia and Cambodia to establish Senior Officials' Talks (English | Khmer)

Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs Wallström regarding political developments in Cambodia

Government Offices of Sweden
Published 17 November 2017
URL: http://www.government.se/statements/2017/11/statement-by-minister-for-foreign-affairs-wallstrom-regarding-political-developments-in-cambodia/

The Swedish Government takes a very serious view of today's decision by the Supreme Court of Cambodia to dissolve the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), the country's main opposition party. The CNRP received 43.8 per cent of the vote in local elections in 2017. The recent repressive measures against the opposition, the media and civil society organisations represent a serious setback for democratic development and human rights in Cambodia.

Sweden and the EU made our position against these political developments clear at an early stage. In our view these developments seriously restrict the democratic space in advance of Cambodia's general election in July 2018. Free and fair elections are a cornerstone of democracy. Elections in which the main opposition party is not allowed to participate cannot be regarded as legitimate.
The Swedish Government urges Cambodia to allow the political opposition, the media and civil society organisations to operate freely.
In light of these adverse political developments, the Swedish Government will review the forms of our engagement in Cambodia.

Statement by the Spokesperson on the dissolution of Cambodian National Rescue Party

Bruxelles, 16/11/2017 - 18:45 - UNIQUE ID: 171116_32

Statements by the Spokesperson

Statement by the Spokesperson on the dissolution of Cambodian National Rescue Party
URL: https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/cambodia/35751/statement-spokesperson-dissolution-cambodian-national-rescue-party_en

 

The European Union was glad to support the electoral process that led to Cambodia's local/sangkat elections on 4 June 2017, which was widely recognised as having been professionally run by the National Election Committee and as having reached high standards of transparency and credibility.

Since then, however, a series of actions has been taken by the authorities against the main opposition party, which won 44.5% of the vote in the 2013 legislative election and 43.8% in the 2017 local election. The decision on 16 November to dissolve the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) is a significant step away from the path of pluralism and democracy enshrined in Cambodia's constitution and supported over more than two decades by Cambodia's international partners including the European Union.

An electoral process from which the main opposition party has been arbitrarily excluded is not legitimate. The enforced dissolution of the CNRP effectively disenfranchises all those who gave the party their support in the elections in 2013 and 2017. A situation in which all parties, including the CNRP, their leaders and their supporters are able to carry out freely their legitimate functions, must be swiftly restored.

The European Union has repeatedly passed these messages to the Cambodian authorities, including today. Respect of fundamental human rights is a prerequisite for Cambodia to continue to benefit from the EU's preferential Everything But Arms scheme.

Maja KOCIJANCIC

Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations

+32 (0)2 29 86570

+32 (0)498 984 425

Adam KAZNOWSKI

Press Officer for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

+32 (0) 2 29 89359

+32 (0)460 768 088