ASEAN Troika optimistic on Cambodian polls
ASEAN Troika optimistic on Cambodian polls
BANGKOK (AP): Southeast Asian nations involved in the effort
to restore political stability to Cambodia are optimistic that
fair elections can be held there in July, a top regional diplomat
said yesterday.
Domingo Siazon, secretary of foreign affairs of the
Philippines, made the assessment after meetings here of the so-
called ASEAN Troika and the more broadly-based "Friends of
Cambodia" group.
The Troika, comprising representatives of the Philippines,
Thailand and Indonesia, plays a mediating role among Cambodian
factions on behalf of the regional Association of Southeast Asian
Nations. The Friends is a less active group, comprising mainly
aid donors, such as Japan, the United States and France, also
concerned about Cambodia's stability.
"This meeting was a valuable assessment so far of developments
relating to preparations for the July 26 elections," said Siazon
at a news conference. "The assessment was generally positive and
we are optimistic... there will be fair, free and credible
elections in Cambodia."
Siazon said the group also noticed "some existing
difficulties" which it hoped to resolve with the help of all
Cambodian parties along with the United Nations and the Friends
of Cambodia.
The official statement issued by the Troika made no direct
mention of the difficulties, although some were detailed by Thai
Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan.
He mentioned the reintegration into Cambodia's national army
of forces loyal to ousted Co-Prime Minister Prince Norodom
Ranariddh, who was deposed by his co-premier Hun Sen in a coup
d'etat last July.
Impasse
Ranariddh's ouster, and the consequent standoff of the
government against his resistance troops, are at the heart of the
country's political impasse,
"We also would like to have the assurance of a neutral
political environment, that would mean freedom from intimidation,
freedom of movement of politicians and very importantly, equal
access to national media," said Surin, in an implicit reference
to the Cambodian government's intolerance of dissent.
The communique issued by the Friends of Cambodia mentioned
these matters, as well the protection of human rights of all
Cambodians.
Some 100 persons, mostly known supporters of Ranariddh, have
been murdered or have disappeared since last year's coup.
Both the Troika and the Friends welcomed the role that the
United Nations has agreed to play in coordinating the monitoring
of the elections.
Both groups' statements praised Cambodian King Norodom
Sihanouk for playing an active role in national reconciliation
efforts.
Representatives of the ASEAN Troika were to meet Sihanouk in
Siem Reap late yesterday.
Hopes -- Page 12