Cambodia partly accepts U.S. criticism

Cambodia partly accepts U.S. criticism

CAMBODIA: Cambodia partly accepted on Thursday criticism from the United States over its "culture of impunity" but said it was working toward fully implementing the rule of law.

"We do not deny their charges, because we are the people who have rebuilt this country with our own hands," Prime Minister Hun Sen's senior adviser, Om Yintieng, said. "And we are on a path toward the rule of law."

However, he said some of the criticism "went beyond reality", without elaborating, and alleged the criticism was part of a political campaign against the government in the lead-up to national polls in July.

Earlier this week the United States criticized Cambodia for its "culture of impunity" and raised doubts over both prospects for a credible trial of former Khmer Rouge leaders and free elections in July. --AFP