KNLF to form ‘gov’t in exile’

[geovalin]

Alice Cuddy

A dissident group, labelled a “terrorist” organisation by the government, plans to begin penning a new Constitution on Friday – allegedly with the help of members of the Cambodia National Rescue Party – in the hope of forming a government in exile.

Sam Serey, leader of the Denmark-based Khmer National Liberation Front (KNLF), announced yesterday that a group of political and civil society “delegates representing Cambodian citizens at home and abroad” will on Friday “form the Cambodian National Constitutional Congress to discuss, agree and adopt a new Constitution as the basis for establishing a Cambodian Government in Exile as soon as practicable”.

According to Serey, supporters and members of the Kingdom’s main political opposition will be joining the meeting on Friday, which will take place in Bangkok and via Skype.

“Some of them are [CNRP] delegates outside the country and some [party] delegates inside the country are involved,” Serey said, declining to name the members for fear that it would “create problems”.

Opposition leader Sam Rainsy dismissed claims that his party would be involved as “absurd”.

According to the KNLF, the government in exile will “seek the full and final implementation of the Paris Peace Accords”.

But government spokesman Phay Siphan said that if the group did anything to violate the existing constitution, “they will be subject to the law”.

Ten alleged members of the KNLF are currently facing charges of treason.

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/knlf-form-%E2%80%98gov%E2%80%99t-exile%E2%80%99