PHNOM PENH (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump has written to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen urging him to put the Southeast Asian nation back on a democratic path and seeking to improve ties with one of China’s closest regional allies.

 

 

Hun Sen, who has ruled Cambodia for more than 34 years, has been under increasing western pressure to improve his human rights record, with the European Union threatening the withdrawal of important trade benefits.

 

The relationship with the United States has been particularly dire after Cambodian accusations of U.S. plotting against Hun Sen.

“It is important for the future of our bilateral relationship that you put Cambodia back on the path of democratic governance,” Trump wrote in the letter dated Nov. 1 and seen by Reuters on Friday.

 

Critics have called Cambodia a one-party state since the Supreme Court dissolved opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) in 2017, paving the way for Hun Sen’s ruling party to win all the seats in parliament in an election last year.

 

Hun Sen has accused the United States of supporting the CNRP and plotting a “colour revolution”, like those that toppled eastern European strongmen, to overthrow his government.

 

Trump’s letter said the strains in the relationship were bad for both countries.

“I wish to take this opportunity to underscore to you that the United States respects the sovereign will of the Cambodian people and we do not seek regime change,” it said.

 

Still, it urged Hun Sen to “re-evaluate certain decisions taken by your government” that it said risks Cambodia’s future stability.

The letter made no specific reference to China, but the United States has also voiced concern at growing military ties with Beijing.

 

On Nov. 9, Cambodia ordered the release from house arrest of opposition leader Kem Sokha, who was charged with treason two years ago. The charges remain and Kem Sokha is still banned from politics and from leaving the country.

 

In a Facebook post, Hun Sen said that he had received two letters from U.S. Ambassador Patrick Murphy on Thursday, which included an invitation letter for him to attend a special U.S. - ASEAN Summit in the U.S.

 

Government spokesman Phay Siphan said on Friday that the government agreed with the Trump’s position in the letter.

“The Royal Government is making all efforts to give a high value to human rights and democracy,” Phay Siphan told Reuters.

 

Reporting by Prak Chan Thul, Editing by Kay Johnson, Matthew Tostevin and Jane Wardell

 

-- REUTERS

Trump is trolling again

Trump only care because of the Chinese military port being build near Sihanoukville. 

36 minutes ago, Tayaout said:

Chinese military port being build near Sihanoukville. 

Nothing to see here. ???? Return to the Democratic path? They were never on that path. 

Get your own house in order Donald, you're an embarrassment! 

ChiComs have already bought Cambo.  Let's hope they don't succeed in buying Thailand.

Somewhat similar to urging foxes not to kill chickens ????

1 hour ago, mickey rat said:

Nothing to see here. ???? Return to the Democratic path? They were never on that path. 

Sorry - are we talking Cambodia, the USA, or both?

 

What will be most interesting is whether Hun Sen decides to troll Trump back or instead turn the other cheek and sing his praises. I predict the second, HS knows how to play fools.

1 hour ago, Isaan sailor said:

Let's hope they don't succeed in buying Thailand.

I think it's already too late .

That's a great idea Donald. (See guys, I support Donald, sometimes, not often though)

Is there another Asian country that you might send a letter to encouraging it to return to democracy?

I hope so.

China preys on 3rd world countries.  And it looks as if Thailand doesn’t fit that mold.  

Instead, it seems like they’d prefer to crash the Thai economy, by dumping their USD reserves into Bank of Thailand.  It benefits China, because Instead of competing with them in global markets; Thailand becomes dependent upon China. A specific example: the Belt & Road initiative.

3 hours ago, mickey rat said:

Nothing to see here. ???? Return to the Democratic path? They were never on that path. 

Trying to think of any Asian country that isn't (secretly) ruled by the military?

Can't think of one.

21 minutes ago, Isaan sailor said:

China preys on 3rd world countries.  And it looks as if Thailand doesn’t fit that mold.  

Instead, it seems like they’d prefer to crash the Thai economy, by dumping their USD reserves into Bank of Thailand.  It benefits China, because Instead of competing with them in global markets; Thailand becomes dependent upon China. A specific example: the Belt & Road initiative.

If China crashed the Thai economy, they'd be able to buy those delicious durians at a new, lower price!

On 11/23/2019 at 8:34 AM, geovalin said:

U.S. President Donald Trump has written to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen urging him to put the Southeast Asian nation back on a democratic path

How does that square with Trump inviting NCPO junta Chief Prayut to the White House?

There's no consistency to his foreign policies.

Meanwhile I suggest PM Hun Sen send Trump a very BIG Christmas card and maybe a Cambodian coloring book.

5 hours ago, PatOngo said:

Get your own house in order Donald, you're an embarrassment! 

Your the embarrassment 

1 hour ago, Srikcir said:

How does that square with Trump inviting NCPO junta Chief Prayut to the White House?

There's no consistency to his foreign policies.

Meanwhile I suggest PM Hun Sen send Trump a very BIG Christmas card and maybe a Cambodian coloring book.

Tissue 

1 hour ago, MAGA 2020 said:

Your the embarrassment 

Very intelligent response! You're good!

On 11/23/2019 at 8:34 AM, geovalin said:

Critics have called Cambodia a one-party state since the Supreme Court dissolved opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) in 2017, paving the way for Hun Sen’s ruling party to win all the seats in parliament in an election last year

2 years too late!