[wanabidii] Press Releases: Removal of Sam Rainsy from the Cambodian National Assembly

You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Press Releases: Removal of Sam Rainsy from the Cambodian National Assembly 11/16/2015 03:24 PM EST Removal of Sam Rainsy from the Cambodian National Assembly Press Statement Mark C. Toner Deputy Department Spokesperson Washington, DC November 16, 2015 We are deeply concerned by today’s removal of Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) leader Sam Rainsy from the National Assembly in a unilateral move by the ruling Cambodian People’s Party. His removal is another step backwards for Cambodia’s progress towards a free and democratic society. We call on the National Assembly to reinstate Mr. Rainsy immediately and to restore his parliamentary immunity. We also call on the government to revoke the arrest warrant issued against him on seven-year-old defamation charges and to allow him and other opposition Parliamentarians to return to Cambodia without fear of arrest or persecution. Today’s actions are the latest incidents of harassment and intimidation targeting Cambodia’s opposition, including the recent violent attacks on Members of Parliament and the removal of opposition party deputy leader Kem Sokha from his position as First Vice President of the National Assembly. The Cambodian people will vote in provincial elections in 2017 and in a national election in 2018. Recent elections in the region show that people want freer, more democratic societies, and we expect that the Cambodian people will reward leaders who create a more open, inclusive political climate. We urge the government to take immediate steps to guarantee a political space free from threats or intimidation in Cambodia, and for the government and opposition to engage in serious and meaningful dialogue on actions to strengthen Cambodia’s democratic future. The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein. Stay connected with the State Department:       External links found in this content or on Department of State websites that go to other non-Department websites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.  Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of State. This email was sent to wanabidii@googlegroups.com using GovDelivery, on behalf of: U.S. Department of State · 2201 C Street NW · Washington, DC 20520

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