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.

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