FUND RAISING FOR CHAIRMAN BENJAMIN GILMAN

Cambodian-Americans from the East Coast, members of the Citizens for Gilman and other supporters host a luncheon at Lanny and Sophie Kongıs residence to raise funds to help re-elect the Honorable Benjamin A. Gilman to the US Congress. Friends from NY, NJ, MD and PA personally attended the event, while friends from the Northwest were conferencing in via phone. We raised a total of $2,500 for his re-election.

Chairman Gilman and his Cambodian-American friends and supporters exchanged views on the current political and social situation in Cambodia, the lack of good governance, and persistence of the climate of impunity. Special attention was devoted to the question of the International Tribunal of the former Khmer Rouge leaders that the current ruling government under Prime Minister Hun Sen and his CPP, with the support of King Sihanouk and his son, Prince Ranariddh constantly raised obstacles to a fair trial. Mr. Gilman informed the audience of the US-Congress's concerns (see his Address attached), and promised to support the fight to consolidate democracy and justice in Cambodia. He asked Cambodian-Americans to stay engaged, and to continue to keep him informed of any development and needs of the people so that he could effectively address them.

The audience raised 2 potential problems in the near future that need very close follow-ups, and adequate responses from the Congress to stay the course, and Mr. Gilman promised his personal support to ensure that they deserved special attention:

1/- International Tribunal: The United Nations has played a major role in trying to set up an International Tribunal to bring responsible Khmer Rouge leaders to justice with the support of the United States. However, the ruling party in Cambodia has continuously raised obstacles to derail it from getting a fair trial under acceptable international standard of legal practice and procedure. They constantly voiced respect for the country sovereignty, needs for unity rather than true justice, and fear of discontent from former Khmer Rouge cadre (from which they were affiliated).  The latest indication of this abusive behavior was its falsely raised concern over the legality of the procedure that Hun Sen accepted with the UN Representative, and its insistence that it be approved by the National Assembly first before it became law. However, it was known that Members of the Parliament never enjoyed the independence of the true Representatives of the people they were elected to perform, but rather an instrument of the ruling party who must vote as the party wishes. The UN Representative strongly rejected such move towards a political show trial, and warned that the United Nations could not accept anything less than a fair trial. Mr. Gilman also said that political show trial would not be acceptable by the US Congress and the American people. He would look into it to ensure that the US Administration would also demand that due process be respected to bring a fair trial, thus breaking the climate of impunity that persisted for too long in Cambodia. However, if it would come to a farce after all those efforts, he would then convene a hearing in the Congress right after the November election to review it in its detail.

2/- Potential Flood: Mr. Gilman was also informed of the potential flood that might hit the country again when the heavy raining season would be at its high in October. Because of the irresponsible deforestation policy and practice of the ruling groups, flood would be inevitably out of control, thus destroying the rice crop that was the main source of food supply to people. He asked his friends to keep him informed, so that if needs were to be addressed to save lives, he would be able to act in a timely manner.

His friends thanked him for his constant support for their fight for a true democracy and justice in Cambodia, and also promised to keep him informed of any development in the future relating to the tribunal and flood issues.

August 22, 2000 - New York

PekThov Tan

Finance Committee Member
Citizens for Gilman

Attachment:

Chairman Gilmanıs Remarks on Cambodia:

" Sur Sdey/ Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen- I want to thank you for inviting me to share a few thoughts with you. It is good to see a few familiar faces; it is wonderful to be here.

I know you are probably very interested in hearing what I have to say about what is happening in Washington, and I am very anxious to hear what you have to share with me about the current conditions in Cambodia. Your input is important to our deliberations on Capitol Hill.

We are all very concerned about the situation in Cambodia and especially the Khmer Rouge tribunal. It is hoped that the National Assembly will soon pass the enabling legislation, which will allow that tribunal to go forward. I understand that legislation may be passed as soon as next week.

It is encouraging that the United Nations will have enough control over the process to prevent it from becoming a political event and hopefully justice will be served. And hopefully, the trials will begin by late this year.

The most difficult step will be determining who will actually be tried and what to do about past amnesties. It is apparent that most Cambodians are in favor of the tribunal but, with good reason, are worried about any return to violence. The Congress will be watching this very closely.

I have some other concerns about the situation in Cambodia as well. I am concerned that the climate of impunity continues. Many have not been held accountable for their acts of violence that have occurred in the past few years. And crime is on the increase ­ especially kidnappings, muggings, and drug smuggling.

I am also troubled by corruption, the ineffectiveness of the judicial system and the police.

While Cambodia has made a good start on economic reforms, the problems of crime and corruption still have to be effectively addressed to attract badly needed foreign investment.

Moreover the military budget must be adjusted and more money put into health and education programs.

It is encouraging that Cambodia has provided assistance to the United States in our war against drugs and the POW/MIA issue. We welcome the beginning of Cambodian participation in the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in Bangkok-of which I have been a strong supporter.

I am hoping that we can sustain the political peace which has prevailed recently in Cambodia, and that we can all work together for good governance, the rule of law, human rights and an end to the climate of impunity.

The people of Cambodia deserve the unflagging support of the American people, the Congress, the US government and the International community.

We must also call upon others--- such as Asean and the European Union--- to do the right thing and support Cambodiaıs transition.

But we must encourage the true ³democrats² in Cambodia--- and in this room this afternoon--- to continue to fight to consolidate democracy in Cambodia. We must all stay engaged; not give up hope; and to continue to work to bring freedom and democracy--- permanently--- to the Khmer people.

We can find hope in the current state of affairs but there is still much to be done. We must continue to persevere.

All of you have an important role in this endeavor and I commend you. I believe that we all agree that the only legitimate government is a government chosen by its people.

The struggle may be difficult and the road may be long but it will be worth it. So let us keep the fight; --- and bear in mind you are not alone in this endeavor.

Thank you and God bless you".