UN Envoy Cautious Over Cambodian Political Settlement Prospects
A U.N. rights envoy to Cambodia on Wednesday expressed “cautious optimism” that the parties of Prime Minister Hun Sen and opposition leader Sam Rainsy would move toward ending their seven-month political deadlock following an agreement achieved this week between the two sides on a set of electoral reforms. But Sam Rainsy indicated that there was no immediate political resolution in sight, saying his Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) would not end its boycott of parliament over disputed July polls until there was an agreement on holding fresh elections. Surya Subedi, the U.N. Special rapporteur for human rights in Cambodia, welcomed a five-point agreement on reforming the election system reached between the CNRP and the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) on Monday, including pledges to work together to revamp the voter registration process and review campaign financing procedures. … Subedi welcomed Hun Sen’s announcement on the lifting of the protest ban last month, but said that authorities needed to do more to ensure it was not still being enforced and to respect freedom of assembly. “I am concerned that some demonstrations continue to be blocked and persons are still routinely detained for distributing leaflets encouraging workers to strike.” …
Radio Free Asia News Staff
http://www.rfa.org/english/news/cambodia/surya-subedi-03062014183612.html
