[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 38 (Thursday, March 30, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2594-S2595]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                CAMBODIA

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, today is a tragic anniversary for 
Cambodia.
  Nine years ago, on March 30, 1997, a peaceful and legal rally held by 
the opposition Khmer Nation Party was disrupted by a grenade attack. To 
date, there has been no justice for the victims or their families, 
including American Ron Abney who was injured in the attack.
  While I am aware of the many lawsuits relating to this incident that 
have been filed, dropped, or dismissed, I encourage the State 
Department to work with the Government of Cambodia to secure the return 
of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, so that the FBI can 
conclude its investigation into this crime. Bringing the perpetrators 
to justice is the only way to honor those killed and injured on that 
tragic day.
  I am hopeful that the ongoing dialogue between Prime Minister Hun Sen 
and opposition leader Sam Rainsy will continue and that Hun Sen's 
pledges for reform are matched by concrete and measurable actions. My 
only advice to the Prime Minister is that he thinks before he speaks. 
It is counterproductive, at best, to call for the sacking of Yash Ghai, 
the U.N.'s special representative for human rights in Cambodia, because 
of critical comments he made on the Government's crackdown on dissent.
  The desire for democracy and justice in Cambodia remains strong 
today, and I encourage the Cambodian people to remain vigilant. It is 
my hope that they, one day, know freedom from fear, can rely on good 
governance, and know

[[Page S2595]]

that justice is neither bought nor sold. The Government of Cambodia 
bears the burden of proving that it is part of the solution--and not 
part of the problem. International donors should not forget for a 
single moment that those killed 9 years ago were peacefully calling for 
judicial reforms.
  As I have in the past, I ask unanimous consent that the names of 
those murdered on March 30, 1997, be printed in the Record following my 
remarks. I know they remain in the thoughts and prayers of their 
families and friends in Cambodia, as do they in ours.
  There being no objection, the names were ordered to be printed in the 
Record, as follows: Mr. Cheth Duong Daravuth, Mr. Han Mony, Mr. Sam 
Sarin, Ms. Yong Sok Neuv, Ms. Young Srey, Ms. Yos Siem, Ms. Chanty 
Pheakdey, Mr. Ros Sear, Ms. Sok Kheng, Mr. Yoeun Yorn, Mr. Chea Nang, 
Mr. Nam Thy.

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