Cambodia says sanctions on Iran not a good solution

via Khmer NZ

August 16, 2010

Cambodia's top diplomatic chief said Monday that sanctions imposed on Iran is not a good solution, but negotiations and engagement are better ways out.

Speaking to reporters on Monday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hor Namhong, deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs said "to impose sanctions against Iran is not a solution" and that he suggested " negotiations and engagement" should be better ways out.

The minister was attributing his remarks to the experience Cambodia learned after the Khmer Rouge regime was toppled in 1979, during which Cambodia was imposed with serious and critical sanctions, but he said Cambodia was still survived and developed until today.

Hor Namhong made a visit to Iran last week and he had signed a petroleum deal there.

Iran is known as the second largest oil exporter to the world markets.

Since June, Iran has been imposed with new sanctions by the United States, European Union and the United Nations in a way to stop its sensitive uranium-enrichment program which they fear of nuclear weapons production.

But Iran government had denied the charge saying the program was only for a peaceful purpose.

Source: Xinhua