[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 115 (Thursday, September 4, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1651]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   CONCERNING THE CRISIS IN CAMBODIA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. ROBERT A. WEYGAND

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 28, 1997

  Mr. WEYGAND. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House 
Resolution 195. I too am concerned about the overthrow of the elected 
government in Cambodia.
  After years of oppression and violence inflicted by the Khmer Rouge, 
Cambodia was finally on the path to democracy.
  In 1991 the peace process began with the Paris peace plan that lead 
to democratic elections in 1993, in which 93 percent of eligible voters 
turned out. Cambodia's progress continued over the last few years as 
evidenced by the invitation to join the Association of Southeast Asian 
Nations [ASEAN].
  To assist Cambodia in its transition toward democracy and assist its 
developing economy the United States provided financial aid, granted 
Cambodia most-favored-nation status and extended the generalized system 
preferences.
  However, beginning on July 5, Cambodia's progress came to a 
screeching halt, when armed conflict broke out and Co-Prime Minister 
Ranariddh fled. Co-Prime Minister Hun Sen emerged victorious and it is 
reported that senior Ranariddh officials were detained and killed. It 
is in our national interest to ensure that democracy flourishes in 
Southeast Asia and antidemocratic forces are removed from power.
  If the events of the last few weeks are any indication of the 
direction that Hun Sen will take Cambodia then I fear that the people 
of Cambodia will be no better off than they were under the Khmer Rouge.
  It is my sincere hope that a peaceful resolution will soon be reached 
and Cambodia will once again travel down the path to democracy.

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