News from the House International Relations Committee
Contact : Jerry Lipson, Communications Director (202) 225 5021

September 2,1998

WASMNGTON - Chairman Benjamin A. Gilman (20th-NY) was interviewed today by the Voice of America on the situation in Cambodia. Following are his remarks during the interview:

Good Afternoon this is Congressman Ben Gilman, Chairman of the Committee on International Relations in the U.S. House of Representatives. It is a pleasure to be with the Voice of America today and I welcome this opportunity to share a few thoughts with you on the situation in Cambodia.

I am concerned about recent events in Cambodia and call on all parties in Cambodia to exercise restraint in resolving issues regarding the election and relating to the forming of the new government- All groups should commit themselves to a policy of non-violence and to refraining from provocative actions which could result in injury or loss of life.

I previously urged that the elections should have been delayed because of the climate of fear and intimidation that existed before July 26th and I do believe that the international observers' assessment of the election was premature. Now, in the best interests of the Cambodian people, we must find an equitable solution to the difficult position that confronts Cambodia.

First, all the allegations of election fraud and impropriety should be fully investigated by an independent group before any official declaration of the election's credibility. In addition, all political parties must agree that the election was, in fact, free and fair.

Second, a government must be formed which accurately represents the will of the Cambodian people - more specifically the vote of the Cambodian people -where opposition forces received 60% of the popular vote. Hun Sen and his illegitimate government must not take steps to amend the Cambodian Constitution to allow the CPP to take control of the government.

A power-sharing agreement must be found which breaks the deadlock in forming of the government and represents the will of the Cambodian voters who turned out in such great numbers.

Third, the armed forces must be de-politicized and returned to the barracks and civilian control. The military should not be the private force of any particular political party.

Finally, the new government, when it is formed, must investigate all human rights abuses and extra judicial killings which have taken place since March of 1997 when the grenades were thrown at peaceful demonstrators in front of the National Assembly.

I want the Cambodian people to know that the US Congress and the American people are watching events there very closely and with keen interest.

Unless the process of forming a government goes forward equitably, democratically, and peacefully, I would find it difficult to support resuming aid to Cambodia, accepting them into ASEAN and filling the seat at the United Nations.

It is my belief that the seeds of democracy have been sown in Cambodia and the cause of democracy and human rights will triumph over tyranny-- you mark my words.

In closing, I want to wish my Cambodian friends success, and I want them to know that I and my colleagues in the Congress will be following events there with great interest and concern.

Thank you and God bless.