ASEAN Troika optimistic on Cambodian polls<\/p>\n
BANGKOK (AP): Southeast Asian nations involved in the effort
\nto restore political stability to Cambodia are optimistic that
\nfair elections can be held there in July, a top regional diplomat
\nsaid yesterday.<\/p>\n
Domingo Siazon, secretary of foreign affairs of the
\nPhilippines, made the assessment after meetings here of the so-
\ncalled ASEAN Troika and the more broadly-based "Friends of
\nCambodia" group.<\/p>\n
The Troika, comprising representatives of the Philippines,
\nThailand and Indonesia, plays a mediating role among Cambodian
\nfactions on behalf of the regional Association of Southeast Asian
\nNations. The Friends is a less active group, comprising mainly
\naid donors, such as Japan, the United States and France, also
\nconcerned about Cambodia's stability.<\/p>\n
"This meeting was a valuable assessment so far of developments
\nrelating to preparations for the July 26 elections," said Siazon
\nat a news conference. "The assessment was generally positive and
\nwe are optimistic... there will be fair, free and credible
\nelections in Cambodia."<\/p>\n
Siazon said the group also noticed "some existing
\ndifficulties" which it hoped to resolve with the help of all
\nCambodian parties along with the United Nations and the Friends
\nof Cambodia.<\/p>\n
The official statement issued by the Troika made no direct
\nmention of the difficulties, although some were detailed by Thai
\nForeign Minister Surin Pitsuwan.<\/p>\n
He mentioned the reintegration into Cambodia's national army
\nof forces loyal to ousted Co-Prime Minister Prince Norodom
\nRanariddh, who was deposed by his co-premier Hun Sen in a coup
\nd'etat last July.<\/p>\n
Impasse<\/p>\n
Ranariddh's ouster, and the consequent standoff of the
\ngovernment against his resistance troops, are at the heart of the
\ncountry's political impasse,<\/p>\n
"We also would like to have the assurance of a neutral
\npolitical environment, that would mean freedom from intimidation,
\nfreedom of movement of politicians and very importantly, equal
\naccess to national media," said Surin, in an implicit reference
\nto the Cambodian government's intolerance of dissent.<\/p>\n
The communique issued by the Friends of Cambodia mentioned
\nthese matters, as well the protection of human rights of all
\nCambodians.<\/p>\n
Some 100 persons, mostly known supporters of Ranariddh, have
\nbeen murdered or have disappeared since last year's coup.<\/p>\n
Both the Troika and the Friends welcomed the role that the
\nUnited Nations has agreed to play in coordinating the monitoring
\nof the elections.<\/p>\n
Both groups' statements praised Cambodian King Norodom
\nSihanouk for playing an active role in national reconciliation
\nefforts.<\/p>\n
Representatives of the ASEAN Troika were to meet Sihanouk in
\nSiem Reap late yesterday.<\/p>\n
Hopes -- Page 12<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/asean-troika-optimistic-on-cambodian-polls-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }