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CALD resolution expressing
its concern over the conviction of Cambodian opposition leader Sam Rainsy;
calling upon the government of Cambodia to abide by democratic rights and
principles embodied in its constitution and in various international
conventions; reiterating its plea for the restoration of the parliamentary
immunity of Cambodian oppositionists; and, echoing the calls for political
tolerance and dialogue.
Aware
that Mr. Sam Rainsy, MP, Leader of the Opposition of the
Kingdom of Cambodia, was convicted in absentia in Phnom Penh last December
22, 2005 on defamation charges filed by the Prime Minister and the President
of the National Assembly;
Believing
that, as expressed by the Presidency of the European Union in relation to
this incident, “accusations and the prosecution of defamation as criminal
cases (must not be regarded) as appropriate means of political dialogue;”
Citing
that the European Union has expressed its concern regarding “the
increasingly litigious nature of political dispute” and has appealed the
coalition government and opposition “for restraint and a return to a
responsible political dialogue within a parliamentary framework”;
Citing
further that the Department of State of the United States of America has
expressed its concern regarding “the continuing deterioration of democratic
principles such as free speech and expression in Cambodia. (Sam Rainsy’s)
conviction…is further evidence of this unfortunate trend” and called upon
the country’s leadership “to allow all citizens to express their views
politically without fear of retribution or intimidation”;
Convinced
that this unfortunate development will further exacerbate the political
crisis in Cambodia especially with the continued suspension of the
parliamentary immunity of Mr. Sam and two of his colleagues;
Saddened
that political developments in Cambodia have continued to erode whatever
democratic gains made by this Southeast Asian nation especially after the
genocidal reign of the Khmer Rouge;
Disturbed
that Mr. Sam’s conviction is a violation of the democratic principle of the
freedom of expression, which is one of the rights protected by the Cambodian
constitution and by international conventions of which Cambodia is a
signatory;
Noting
that when he was Chairman of CALD from 2000 to 2002, liberals and democrats
from Asia and the rest of globe became witness to Mr. Sam’s dedication to
the ideals of freedom, human rights, social justice and democracy;
The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats hereby express its concern
over the conviction of Cambodian opposition leader Sam Rainsy; call upon the
government of Cambodia to abide by democratic rights and principles embodied
in its constitution and in various international conventions; reiterate its
plea for the restoration of the parliamentary immunity of Cambodian
oppositionists; and, echo the calls for political tolerance and dialogue.
For the Council of Asian Liberals & Democrats:
(sgd)
Senator
Franklin M. Drilon
President of the Philippine Senate
Chairman of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats
January 5, 2006
Manila, Philippines |
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