Reality of the new Cambodia<\/p>\n
After a week of crisis over the Phnom Penh violence, Cambodia,
\nits neighbors and the world now come to the hard part. The
\nAssociation of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) proved last week
\nit remains able to react quickly in the face of regional
\nemergency. Its decision to delay full membership for the new
\nCambodian regime headed by Second Prime Minister Hun Sen was
\ndecisive and correct. Now the diplomacy begins.<\/p>\n
Hun Sen might not be a democrat, but he has clearly left the
\ndoor open for possible negotiations -- both with his own
\npolitical opposition and with a highly concerned world. The good
\nnews is that Hun Sen recognizes that a Cambodian dictatorship is
\nunacceptable. He has called for elections, promised political
\nrights, and assured freedom of the press. These promises must be
\ntested, and must also be encouraged.<\/p>\n
As always, the world can only offer its good offices to try to
\nset Cambodia on a peaceful, democratic and prosperous track. But
\nCambodians themselves must provide the leadership and the work.
\nFor close to 30 years, Cambodia has been poorly led. Successive
\ncliques and dictators have failed the country.<\/p>\n
The best chance for Cambodia still lies in the democratic
\nprocess. Yesterday, Hun Sen agreed to hold new elections,
\nalthough he set no date. Previously, he had agreed to hold a vote
\nnext May. He must now be held to his promise, and the earlier the
\nbetter. Friends of Cambodia should offer their help. Free and
\nfair elections, which democratic foreigners can both help to
\narrange and watch, will give a new credibility to a Cambodian
\ngovernment. Hun Sen must promise to abide by the decision of such
\nelections. It may be the last chance for Cambodians.<\/p>\n
-- The Bangkok Post<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/reality-of-the-new-cambodia-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }