US Embassy calls for Mr. Kem Sokha’s immediate release

Tin Sokhavuth

Photo: US Embassy in Phnom Penh

In a press conference on Tuesday at the US Embassy in Phnom Penh, Ambassador William A. Heidt declared that the US Government joined the European Union (EU) to call for Mr. Kem Sokha's immediate release, for a normal functioning of media and civil society and for a dialogue between the government, opposition, and civil society.

"We join the European Union in calling for Mr. Kem Sokha’s immediate release. The normal functioning of Cambodia’s media market should be restored. Pressure on civil society should cease. And, perhaps most importantly, the government, opposition, and civil society should begin a dialogue about the future of Cambodia’s democracy in an open, respectful, and pressure-free environment," said Ambassador Heidt in his opening statement.

Relating to the allegations against the US Government for the involvement in an alleged conspiracy to overthrow the Cambodian government led by Prime Minister Hun Sen, Ambassador Heidt said that the allegations are baseless.

"I was surprised by the allegations against the United States in connection with Mr. Sohka’s arrest, made without a shred of serious or credible evidence," added the ambassador.

Mr. Sokha was arrested on September 3 early morning around midnight at his house in Phnom Penh following an alleged video clip posted on the Internet for which Prime Minister Hun Sen has accused Mr. Sokha for high treason.

In response to Prime Minister Hun Sen's attack on the subject of unexploded ordnance left by the Vietnam War, Ambassador Heidt said that the US Government acknowledges what they had done and is committed to solve this problem.

"Do you know that we have provided over $160 million to clear the country of unexploded ordnance? Half of that money has gone to clearing ordnance dropped by U.S. planes in the eastern part of the country. But the other half has gone to clearing Chinese, Soviet, and Vietnamese mines in the west – minefields that are ten times more deadly," added the ambassador.

Mr. Heidt also showed to reporters a list of what the US Government, through the US Embassy in Phnom Penh, is doing to help the Cambodian government to develop their country:

• We have been a powerful supporter of Cambodia’s economic development. We helped Cambodia create a labor framework that attracted the biggest names in the global garment business, including dozens of American brands. This past year, we created an entirely new, $100 million travel goods industry that today employs nearly 100,000 workers.
• Just this year we launched a new agriculture program that will help address the cripplingly low prices that are hurting Cambodian farmers. We have helped Cambodia tackle low agricultural productivity and food insecurity for more than 20 years.
• We have made major strides in improving public health in Cambodia. With American assistance, Cambodia is very close to being the first country on earth to approach 0% transmission of HIV/AIDS. We are leading research to cure drug-resistant malaria.
• We have educated thousands of Cambodians through exchange programs and other assistance. We have built remarkably close people-to-people ties that have benefitted both countries and fostered reconciliation in Cambodia. We have empowered thousands of women and helped teach disadvantaged children English.
• We have been a powerful force for justice. We have arrested criminals that have made both our countries safer, and we have worked shoulder-to-shoulder with the government and civil society to reduce trafficking in persons.
• We have celebrated and preserved Cambodian culture. The American people have funded the preservation of some of Cambodia’s most cherished national treasures, including Phnom Bakheng and Prasat Han Chey.
• And yes, we have helped strengthen Cambodia’s democracy. Some government officials have criticized this part of our program recently, but we are proud of our work to improve governance and help leaders respond to their constituents. We have assisted the National Election Committee and trained Cambodia’s political parties – including the CPP – on how to better communicate their programs to the voters.

As for Mr. Heidt, the incidences happening last month affect Cambodia rather than the US. These events are isolating Cambodia from the international community while Cambodia needs international support to develop the country.

However, the US Ambassador believes that it is not too late to "salvage" Cambodia's 2018 elections, to "continue Cambodia's democratic development, and restore our bilateral relationship. But it will take firm and urgent actions."