The Mirror, Vol. 12, No. 543
“Phnom Penh: Representatives of the Cambodian People’s Party [CPP], of the Sam Rainsy Party [SRP], and of the Norodom Ranariddh Party [NRP] stated their policies in an analysis forum on strengthening the culture of multi-party democracy on 18 January in a move toward the fourth term parliamentary elections. Each party affirmed to respect the Constitution and liberal multi-party democracy, and said that they will accept the results of the 2008 election.
“Mr. Cheam Yeap, the representative of the CPP, said in the discussion of the forum that in the extraordinary congress of the CPP, which was held recently, seriously discussed the work to prepare the fourth term parliamentary elections, so that the competition is conducted on equal terms without violence, in order to hold the elections with dignity, maintaining good reputation, having the elections free, fair, and reliable, and to punish those who commit offenses.
“Concerning the application of the Constitution, Mr. Cheam Yeap said, ‘We always apply it very strictly. However, sometimes we meet difficulties and shortcomings that cannot be avoided.’ He went on to say, ‘We respect the Constitution, apply democracy, and respect human rights.
“Mr. Sam Rainsy, the president of the SRP, said, ‘Previously, concerning the selection of leadership, we used appointments.’ But the SRP has conducted reforms by using elections from the low level up to the higher level, from villages up to the steering committee of the party. He added that he wants to strengthen democracy, to respect each other, and it is necessary to adhere to a culture of non-violence; he wants that all parties consider each other as competitors and not as enemies intending to kill each other.’
“Mr. Sam Rainsy said that the government will change when other parties get a majority of votes, but if the CPP wins, it will continue to hold power. Nevertheless, whether the SRP or other parties win, whoever wins, they will hold power; this is democracy, there is no democratic country in which one party holds power forever.
“Mr. Muth Chantha, the representative of the NRP, said that the NRP respects the equality of partners, it does not use violence or force to put pressure on other parties, and it does not use state resources to buy Khmer citizens’ feelings. He added, ‘To have many parties to participate in elections is not enough to call it democracy.’ He complained, ‘Some parties are just established to split votes away from another party; this is not in accordance with a culture of liberal and multi-party politics.
“Mr. Chhim Phal Vorun, the director of an institute of civic studies, said that this forum has the goal to strengthen multi-party and liberal democracy for the coming elections. He continued that his institute invited representatives of four political parties which participated in 2007 in elections, or those with seats in the National Assembly, but the NRP did not yet participate in the elections at that time. Mr. Monh Saphan, the representative of Funcinpec who participated in the forum, did not agree to make any comment.” Koh Santepheap, Vol.41, #6249, 19-20.1.2008
Newspapers Appearing on the Newsstand:
Saturday, 19 January 2008
Kampuchea Thmey, Vol.7, #1549, 19.1.2008
- China Communication Standards Association Interested in the Progress of Telecom Cambodia [Telecom Cambodia director Nhek Kosal Vithyea gave a warm welcome to a delegation led by Zhu Gaofeng, the president of the China Communication Standards Association, on the morning of 18 January – Phnom Penh]
- A Chinese Company Takes 106 Hectares of Citizens’ Land in Kompong Tralach District [Kompong Chhnang]
- [Osama] Bin Laden’s [26-year-old fourth] Son [Omar Bin Laden] Wants to Become a Peace Activist
- 3,500 Animals and 120 People Die in Cold Weather in Afghanistan
Koh Santepheap, Vol.41, #6249, 19-20.1.2008
- A Move Toward the Coming Elections: Three Political Parties Express Their Positions for the Competition
Moneaksekar Khmer, Vol.15, #3368, 19-20.1.2008
- Hun Sen Government Fears Yuon [Vietnam] and China Will Be Embarrassed, It Prevents Darfur Event
- Hun Sen Promises to Transfer Power for Government Leadership to Sam Rainsy Party, if They Win 2008 Elections
- Cheam Yeap [Cambodian People’s Party senior official and parliamentarian from Prey Veng] Stated that Another Group of 21 Funcinpec Officials and Parliamentarians Join Cambodian People’s Party
- Many Wait to Observe Hearing of Nuon Chea on 4 February 2008
Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol.16, #4493, 19.1.2008
- Czech Republic Announces [Cambodian] Debt Cancellation
- In 2007, Cambodia Got $1.4 Billion from Tourism [according to Minister of Tourism Thong Thon]
- A Chinese Company Takes Citizens’ Land in Four Villages in Kompong Tralach District [Kompong Chhnang]
- Siem Reap Forestry Officials Tell Svay Leu District Military Police Chief [Yim Sopheap] to Stop His Wood Workshop [Siem Reap]
- Woman Colludes with Karaoke Parlor Owner to Sell Her Virgin Daughter to a Foreigner [she and the karaoke parlor owner are arrested – Siem Reap]
- Thailand Will Start to Prohibit Smoking in Nightclubs and in Public Paces from February This Year
- Prince William Flew a Military Plane Alone [on Wednesday]
