Siem Reap ­ Angkor
Kingdom of Cambodia

September 11, 1998

Your Majesty:

Thank you for issuing the message to the people of Cambodia asking for an end to violence. The continuing marches for peace in Phnom Penh, despite the continuing brutality being ordered by the non-democratic dictator Hun Sen and his criminal followers, is an example for the whole world that people of Cambodia value freedom and an end to a cycle of destructive leaders. This is a defining moment in the history of Cambodia, possibly the survival of Cambodia.

Today I introduced a Congressional Resolution seeking the indictment of Hun Sen for "crimes against humanity." The Resolution is similar to one that the International Relations Committee issued this week regarding the Serbian dictator Milosevic. Hun Sen is a similar manipulative and unreasonable tyrant. Please do not tarnish your esteemed moral authority by appearing to be supporting his nefarious ploys.

In my opinion, the royalist and democratic parties who participated in the election are justified in seeking a credible investigation of the allegations of fraud in the ballot count and the illegal change in the allocation of Parliamentary seats. Until that is completed, the election can not be considered credible and it will not be recognized as such by the U.S. Congress. It would be impossible for the opposition parties to attend a National Assembly session until these charges are honestly and credibly settled to determine how many seats they actually have won. Please do not abandon the democrats' noble pursuit of justice and fair election results.

I am afraid that the Cambodian Army has misinterpreted your plea. The Army issued an ominous warning today against further non-violent demonstrations by monks and democracy advocates. In addition, the ploy by Hun Sen to have his thug soldiers and police dress in civilian clothing in order to attack innocent people is disgusting and should be condemned.

I request that Your Majesty clarify to the Army that they should not become part of Hun Sen's legions of terror. Instead, they should protect unarmed demonstrators from Hun Sen's thugs.

I understand that Your Majesty is under considerable pressure from many people who have different opinions and interests. Above all, please stand by the courageous people of Cambodia who want fairness, honesty, peace and an end to dictatorships.

Sincerely,

Dana Rohrabacher
Member of Congress