Government Says US Praised Protest ‘Patience’
A Ministry of Foreign Affairs official said Wednesday that a senior U.S. diplomat had congratulated the government for its patience in dealing with recent protests, which were brought to a bloody end early last month when military police opened fire, killing five and wounding more than 40. Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Koy Kuong said that Scot Marciel, principal deputy assistant secretary at the State Department’s bureau of East Asian and Pacific affairs, commended the government during a meeting with Foreign Minister Hor Namhong. “The U.S. commended the government, which has been greatly patient until there were tents being set up and such,” Mr. Kuong said of Mr. Marciel’s conversation with Mr. Namhong. “The Cambodian government has been very patient to the maximum, so the U.S. has condemned any demonstrations causing violence,” he added. U.S. Embassy spokesman Sean McIntosh declined to comment on the details of Mr. Marciel’s conversation with Mr. Namhong. … Mr. McIntosh added that Mr. Marciel, in his meeting with Mr. Namhong, reiterated U.S. calls for the government to repeal a ban on demonstrations that was put in place following the violent suppression of opposition and labor protests from January 2 to 4. … Mr. Marciel also met with opposition leader Kem Sokha on Wednesday morning. Mr. Sokha said that he spoke with Mr. Marciel about the ongoing political deadlock and human rights abuses in Cambodia.
Phorn Bopha
http://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/government-says-us%E2%80%88praised-protest-patience-51547/
