[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 10 (Thursday, February 3, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S966]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         BLACK DAY IN CAMBODIA

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, today was yet another black day in 
Cambodia's history and for freedom. However, given the nature of the 
current regime nobody should be surprised by this latest assault on 
liberty.
  Behind closed doors, the country's rubber-stamp National Assembly 
executed the devious plan of FUNCINPEC Party head Norodom Ranariddh and 
CPP hardline Prime Minister Hun Sen to undermine the democratic 
opposition led by Sam Rainsy.
  In a series of secret votes, Rainsy and SRP parliamentarians Chea 
Poch and Cheam Channy were stripped of their parliamentary immunity. 
The three now face trumped up charges that place their fates in the 
hands of a corrupt government that is infamous for its human rights 
abuses and injustices against the Cambodian people.
  This is outrageous and unacceptable.
  It should now be clear to everyone that Norodom Ranariddh has cast 
his lot with CPP hardliners. This is a slight against all FUNCINPEC 
members who continue to support democracy and justice in Cambodia, and 
a grave dishonor to those who have given their lives in the struggle 
for freedom.
  The State Department has been following the situation closely, and I 
commend the efforts of Ambassador Charles Ray and his staff for 
promoting reason and the rule of law during this latest charade. I 
encourage the State Department to respond in a forceful and appropriate 
manner, including compiling a list of those individuals who voted to 
strip the immunity of SRP members. They and their family members should 
be prohibited from entering the United States. Such action is 
consistent with the President's Proclamation of January 12, 2004.
  I encourage other donors to publicly condemn the actions of the 
National Assembly, and to consider sanctions against the Cambodian 
government. Any activities with the National Assembly should be 
immediately and indefinitely suspended.
  Donors should know by now that there is no progress or development in 
Cambodia without democracy--and what little democracy existed prior to 
the votes has been stripped away. An opportunity exists for the tough 
talk of donors during the last consultative group meeting to be 
followed by concrete actions. They must not miss it.
  I strongly advise all international financial institutions--
particularly the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank--to add 
their voice to their chorus of concern and to consider a suspension of 
operations in Cambodia until the corrupt leaders get the message that 
tyranny will not be tolerated.
  Those who have pledged resources for the Khmer Rouge tribunal may now 
want to reconsider--the actions of the National Assembly underscore 
that there is no justice in Cambodia today. It is ludicrous to believe 
that the country's legal system, even with outside participation, will 
function in a professional and independent manner. Let me be clear that 
justice is unquestionably needed for the millions of victims of the 
Khmer Rouge genocide in the 1970s, but justice is also needed for more 
recent crimes in Cambodia, including the 1997 grenade attack against 
Sam Rainsy and his supporters and the murders of Om Radsady and Chea 
Vichea.
  Finally, I encourage King Norodom Sihamoni to find his voice during 
this political crisis. The world awaits an indication of the character 
and priorities of the new monarch.
  Hun Sen and Ranariddh underestimate the resolve of the United States, 
as articulated by President Bush in his inaugural address and again 
last night, to stand by those championing freedom and liberty. Today, 
we stand with Sam Rainsy, Chea Poch and Cheam Channy and add our voices 
to their demands for democracy and justice. I hold Hun Sen and 
Ranariddh responsible for the security and the safety of these 
individuals--now and in the future.
  As Chairman of the Foreign Operations Subcommittee, I would remind 
Cambodian officials that my staff and I will be putting together the 
fiscal year 2006 foreign aid bill over the coming weeks and months. Hun 
Sen and Ranariddh should know that Washington--and the world--are 
watching.

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