CAMBODIA has accused foreign governments of interfering
in its internal politics after the United States voiced strong concern at the
expulsion of opposition lawmakers from parliament before elections next month.
All 28 members of parliament from the only two opposition
parties were last week stripped of their salaries and status as lawmakers by a
committee made up of ruling party members.
The opposition lawmakers were accused of violating
parliament's internal rules by leaving their parties to create a new political
force to challenge Prime Minister Hun Sen's nearly three decades in power in
July 28 elections.
The United States, in a statement also released by the US
embassy in Phnom Penh, said on Saturday that it was "deeply
concerned" by the move, which "starkly contradicts the spirit of a
healthy democratic process".
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| Hor Namhong |
Foreign Minister Hor Namhong expressed his
"disappointment" during a meeting with Australia's ambassador Monday
at recent comments by some foreign diplomats about the polls, according to
ministry spokesman Koy Kuong.
He said Hor Namhong considered the remarks "acts of
interference in Cambodia's internal affairs by foreign embassies".
Hun Sen has led the country since 1985 and his government
is regularly accused of suppressing political freedoms and mistreating activists.
His main opponent Sam Rainsy is barred from running in
next month's election due to convictions which he contends are politically
motivated.
The opposition accused the ruling party on Sunday of
orchestrating a mass protest against one of its leaders who allegedly described
a notorious Khmer Rouge prison as a Vietnamese invention. The opposition said
his remarks were doctored.
-news.com.au
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