[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22182]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  REGARDING THE SITUATION IN CAMBODIA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. LEACH

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 16, 2003

  Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, this summer Cambodia held an important 
national election and the world is watching to see how its results are 
implemented under the Cambodian constitution.
  Uniquely, the Cambodian constitution requires a two-thirds super 
majority in the National Assembly in order to form a government. In the 
national elections that were held July 27, the ruling Cambodian 
People's Party (CPP) received 73 seats, while FUNCINPEC won 26 and the 
Sam Rainsy Party 24 seats, respectively. King Sihanouk will convene a 
new session of the National Assembly in late September, at which time 
parliament will elect its new leadership as well as discuss the 
formation of a new government.
  While these are issues for Cambodians to decide, it is important that 
the parties negotiate peacefully and in conformity with the 
constitution to form a new government that will advance the interests 
of the Cambodian people. Likewise, it is critical that the rights of 
the Cambodian people to assemble peacefully and express their views and 
grievances are respected. Nothing could be more counterproductive than 
resort to violence or coercion. The goal of all parties must be to 
realize the aspirations of Cambodian people for a time of peace and 
prosperity under accountable and democratic governance.

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