October 5, 1998

The Honorable Madeleine Albright
Department of State
2201 C Street
Washington, D.C. 20520

Dear Madam Secretary:

I am writing to express my concern that Cambodian dictator Hun Sen is attempting to intimidate American and other Western journalists in Cambodia by issuing threats of expulsion and warning that he cannot control his followers. While alluding to my House Resolution that calls for Hun Sen to be brought to justice for his rampant violations of international law, I believe that his true aim is to silence any person or agency that would document the true nature of his ongoing tyrannical policies. The attack on the wife of journalist Nate Thayer outside of the Phnom Penh Post building occurred two days before my legislation was voted on by the International Relations Committee. While called a "robbery attempt," it is the same modus operandi that has been used on Cambodian editors and journalists who have attempted to expose the violence and corruption of Hun Sen's regime.

I am concerned that Hun Sen is attempting to intimidate the Members of Parliament of the democratic parties to enter an unfair and unworkable coalition before allegations of ballot count improprieties and the seat allocation process are credibly investigated by unbiased international experts. Decrees and international agreements issued or signed by Hun Sen, before a credible coalition government is formed, are unconstitutional and should not be recognized. It has also been brought to my attention that King Sihanouk requires medical treatment in China and may be intimidated by Hun Sen to stay in Phnom Penh in order to put pressure the opposition.

The United States and the international community should not be intimidated by or bend to Hun Sen's threats. He must be told in very clear terms that he is responsible for the safety of American citizens in Cambodia in terms of political violence, and that further acts of tyranny only strengthen the effort to bring him to justice. He must also understand that he cannot bully the U.S. Congress regarding my resolution or any other piece of legislation relation to human rights and democracy in Cambodia.

I appreciate your efforts to support the struggle for freedom in Cambodia, Burma, Indonesia and throughout the region. If you wish to discuss these matters, please contact me at 225-2415.

cc: Honorable Benjamin Gilman