Sam Rainsy appeals to the King Father

Cambodge Soir

04-09-2008

The President of the SRP has just written a mail to Norodom Sihanouk. In the light of the internal and external problems of the country, the intervention of the “Father of the Nation” should make it possible to get out of this debacle.

“We’re requesting the intervention of the King Father in order to solve the current problems of the country”, declared Sam Rainsy to Cambodge Soir Hebdo. External difficulties through the border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand. But also internal problems, “with the looming political crisis which might lead to a period of uncertainties and instability”, did the SRP President specify.

According to him, Norodom Sihanouk is the last resort in order to defend “the superior interests of the nation, as father of the nation, of the independence, of national unity and reconciliation and of the integrity of Cambodia”.

The opposition leader explains that in his mail he brings up the question: ‘Thanks to the Paris Agreements of 1991, guaranteeing the territorial integrity of the country, and which Thailand has signed, we have a unique tool to ensure the respect of our borders. Why isn’t the government using it?” Sam Rainsy offers an explanation; according to him these agreements represent “a double edged sword” for the government, because in return of these historical agreements, Cambodia committed to organising free elections and improving the human rights situation.

Moreover, Sam Rainsy summarises the internal situation of Cambodia in one sentence: “One doesn’t steal the land of the farmers and one doesn’t gag the opposition”. His party has used all the recourses regarding the July elections, validated since by the National Election Committee.

Concerning the nature of Norodom Sihanouk’s action, the politician simply retorts: ‘I’m asking him to intervene in one way or another in order to save the endangered motherland. The King Father has experience, prestige, and receives respect from the people, which is necessary to solve those problems”.