Stronger response on Cambodia wanted

Australia's reaction to Hun Sen's actions has been weak. Canberra did condemn Hun Sen's violent overthrow of the democratically elected prime minister. But the reaction of some other nations is instructive the U.S. immediately suspended all aid to Cambodia for a month while it reviews the situation; Germany, another substantial donor, suspended its aid. The seven- nation Association of South-East Asian Nations delayed indefinitely Cambodia's entry into ASEAN, a huge blow to Hun Sen's ambitions for regional acceptance. ASEAN also raised Hun Sen's actions with the UN Security Council and most South-East Asian nations evacuated their nationals from Phnom Penh in a clear sign of disapproval.

Australia has suspended for the moment most of our Defense Co- operation Program but this is heavily compromised by the decision to keep all the Australian defense personnel in place. The implication from this can only be that we expect to resume the program sooner rather than later. It is an outrageous proposition that Australian defense personnel should be assisting Hun Sen's soldiers. They should be brought home. Leaving them there has gravely undermined the force of our criticism of Hun Sen. Similarly, Canberra has decided to maintain Australia's overall aid program which has provided 92 million to Cambodia during the past four years.

The arguments for maintaining aid are always the same that cancellation would harm innocent people. But parts of Australia's aid effort have clearly failed, such as the program to promote good government. Furthermore there are other elements, such as infrastructure support and education and training which, while good in themselves, would not, if canceled, result in immediate human suffering. Hun Sen's ruthless, bloody and unconscionable actions have resulted in real human suffering.

Yesterday Alexander Downer correctly canceled a scheduled visit to Cambodia next month. Australia must take stronger, concrete action to give expression to our revulsion at Hun Sen's ruthless actions.

-- The Australian