Although, the US State Department professed ignorance of that coup, my personal contact with the US Ambassador gives me a different impression that he knew perhaps more than he publicly said. But, this is totally logical with the ambassador policy of supporting the CPP and Hun Sen at all cost. The fact that the State Department continues to say that there is no coup is perfectly consistent with that policy. In order words, the State Department continues to support the theme that despite Hun Sen's "mistakes", he remains the only political factor that can maintain "stability" in Cambodia. In this light, all those Cambodians whether in Cambodia or abroad who dare to oppose Hun Sen are considered troublemakers.

Also, another tangible proof of that policy, is the fact that during a recent meeting of a policy study group on Cambodia, a US State Department representative was defending the pro Hun Sen policy by saying that the removal of Ranariddh was a legal one. She also said that there is no role of Viet Nam in that coup despite the fact that Hun Sen went to Vang Tau for "vacation" just two days before the coup (attachment II). However, a former high official of the National Security Council  of the Bush Administration told me that Hun Sen did meet with Vietnamese military officials during that visit. the State Department also continues to put an enormous pressure on the Union of Cambodian Democrats (UCD) members to return home, despite the fact that there is only a vague guaranty by the United Nations for the safety of those returnees. 

There is, however, no sign of any compromise from Hun Sen on any issues. In other words, the UCD are asked the surrender unconditionally to Hun Sen. Why is the US State Department behaving in this manner, despite the fact that Assistant Secretary of State made the statement when he was appointed to that job last summer that the US will no longer deal with Hun Sen "business as usual"?

The answer is that fundamentally, there is no change in the State Department's policy toward Cambodia and toward Hun Sen, especially. The fact Ambassador Quinn was not even recalled is the proof to that no change of policy. Therefore, Quinn was able to continue to pursue the policy of coddling with Hun Sen as usual, despite all the crimes overtly committed against the FUNCINPEC and other opposition parties. There is no accountability in the US State Department. This policy by the Statement Department is not only immoral but could also be illegal as stated by Congressmen Rohrabacher (Appendix III).

In all fairness, the Japanese government has maintained its promise to push for a free and fair election. It also insists that Ranariddh must be allowed to return home to freely participate in the forthcoming election which is now rescheduled to take place in July 26, 1998.

Three major governments which remain staunch supporters of the Hun Sen regime are those of China Canada, and France. While Australia and the ASEAN countries lie somewhere in the middle of the road policy.

From the Cambodian side, it is perfectly understandable that UCD have no choice but to return home at a great risk for their personal security. But one must distinguish those UCD members such as Son Chhay and Sam Rainsy who decided to break rank with the rest of UCD to cooperate with Hun Sen and those who unwillingly  were forced to return because they had no choice and because they were under great pressure from the US State Department and the United Nations. Sam Rainsy and Son Chhay are playing with a Russian roulette by cooperating with Hun Sen. WCC wish them good luck and success.

However, WCC maintains that this is the wrong approach. Because, this act of surrendering to Hun Sen despite all the well documented killings that he has committed against those were murdered while under Hun Sen's command constitute crimes against humanity. To cooperate with Hun Sen at this point is to admit that Hun Sen did nothing wrong. In other words, this act constitutes a simple act of senseless and unconditional surrender.

Based on Hun Sen's past behavior of brutality and of no respect for human life or the rule of law, there is real reasons to fear for the life of all those who courageously chose to be working for the rule of law, the respect of human rights and human dignity in Cambodia. WCC firmly believes that there will be no free and fair election in Cambodia, therefore no real stability until the premises upon which the US Policy toward Cambodia are changed.  Namely, that is the US policy of continuing of treating Hun Sen as the only option for the political stability of Cambodia is reversed; and that the US must not allow Hun Sen to escape international justice for the crimes against humanity he has committed and continue to commit against those who disagree with his brutal, undemocratic and immoral policies.