Sar Kheng Warns NGOs Not to Aid CNRP’s Demonstrations

Interior Minister Sar Kheng on Wednesday released a statement warning civil society groups that they would be in breach of their operating contracts should they offer support, directly or indirectly, to the opposition CNRP at its planned three-day demonstration beginning Sunday. The warning comes a day after some 70 representatives of local NGOs held a meeting to discuss the formation of teams to provide first aid and monitor the opposition’s demonstration against the results of July’s national election, which the CNRP alleges was riddled with irregularities. In his statement, Mr. Kheng said that NGOs had already breached their contracts, which are submitted to the Interior Ministry in order to gain permission to operate in Cambodia, by aiding the opposition at Saturday’s prayer-protest at Freedom Park. … Soeung Saroeun, executive director of the Cooperation Committee for Cambodia, which organized Tuesday’s meeting, said he had received Mr. Kheng’s statement but argued that civil society groups had not broken any contract. “We have never done anything outside our conditions,” he said. …

Hul Reaksmey
http://www.cambodiadaily.com/elections/sar-kheng-warns-ngos-not-to-aid-cnrps-demonstrations-42204/