CALD and FNF Directors visit Sam Rainsy

(February 27, 2006/Phnom Penh) Mr. Sam Rainsy, leader of the opposition of the Kingdom of Cambodia, today received Mr. John Joseph S. Coronel, Executive Director CALD and Mr. Hubertus von Welck, Regional Director for East and Southeast Asia of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) at the Sam Rainsy Party Headquarters in the Cambodian capital.

Mr. Sam recently returned to Cambodia from his self-imposed exile in Paris after being stripped of his parliamentary immunity on February 3, 2005. On December 22, 2005, Mr. Sam was convicted of defamation in his absence.

Last November 13-16, 2005, CALD hosted the Sam Rainsy Party in Manila. This was the first meeting of Cambodia’s leading opposition party since their leader’s exile. After being granted a royal pardon on February 6, 2006, Mr. Sam was able to fly back to his native Cambodia.

Mr. Sam discussed with Messrs. Coronel and von Welck the problems and challenges of Cambodian democracy in light of recent developments. Also on the agenda was the forthcoming CALD international conference on “Public Accountability in Overseas Development Assistance” on April 26 to 29 in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

During the meeting, Mr. Sam underscored the importance of international pressure in advocating change and reform in Cambodia. He acknowledged in particular the help of Philippine Senate President and CALD Chairman Franklin Drilon.

Mr. Sam and his wife, fellow parliamentarian Saumura Tioloung, later hosted lunch in honor of Messrs. Coronel and von Welck at the Cambodiana Hotel in Phnom Penh.

Earlier, the CALD Executive Director was received by Mr. Dinno Oblena, Charge d’Affaires of the Philippine Embassy. During the meeting, Mr. Coronel informed Mr. Oblena that the Senate President and other officials of the Liberal Party had confirmed their attendance to the Siem Reap Conference.

Meanwhile, the FNF Regional Director was granted an audience by the German Ambassador.

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This post was written by CALD