CALD Resolution No. 1 S. 2006

CALD Resolution No. 1 S. 2006

CALD resolution expressing its concern over the conviction of Cambodian opposition leader Sam Rainsy; calling upon the government of Cambodia to abide by democratic rights and principles embodied in its constitution and in various international conventions; reiterating its plea for the restoration of the parliamentary immunity of Cambodian oppositionists; and, echoing the calls for political tolerance and dialogue.

Aware that Mr. Sam Rainsy, MP, Leader of the Opposition of the Kingdom of Cambodia, was convicted in absentia in Phnom Penh last December 22, 2005 on defamation charges filed by the Prime Minister and the President of the National Assembly;

Believing that, as expressed by the Presidency of the European Union in relation to this incident, “accusations and the prosecution of defamation as criminal cases (must not be regarded) as appropriate means of political dialogue;”

Citing that the European Union has expressed its concern regarding “the increasingly litigious nature of political dispute” and has appealed the coalition government and opposition “for restraint and a return to a responsible political dialogue within a parliamentary framework”;

Citing further that the Department of State of the United States of America has expressed its concern regarding “the continuing deterioration of democratic principles such as free speech and expression in Cambodia. (Sam Rainsy’s) conviction…is further evidence of this unfortunate trend” and called upon the country’s leadership “to allow all citizens to express their views politically without fear of retribution or intimidation”;

Convinced that this unfortunate development will further exacerbate the political crisis in Cambodia especially with the continued suspension of the parliamentary immunity of Mr. Sam and two of his colleagues;

Saddened that political developments in Cambodia have continued to erode whatever democratic gains made by this Southeast Asian nation especially after the genocidal reign of the Khmer Rouge;

Disturbed that Mr. Sam’s conviction is a violation of the democratic principle of the freedom of expression, which is one of the rights protected by the Cambodian constitution and by international conventions of which Cambodia is a signatory;

Noting that when he was Chairman of CALD from 2000 to 2002, liberals and democrats from Asia and the rest of globe became witness to Mr. Sam’s dedication to the ideals of freedom, human rights, social justice and democracy;

The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats hereby express its concern over the conviction of Cambodian opposition leader Sam Rainsy; call upon the government of Cambodia to abide by democratic rights and principles embodied in its constitution and in various international conventions; reiterate its plea for the restoration of the parliamentary immunity of Cambodian oppositionists; and, echo the calls for political tolerance and dialogue.

For the CALD Executive Committee:

Senator Franklin M. Drilon

President of the Philippine Senate
Chairman of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats

January 5, 2006 Manila, Philippines