Cablegate: Democracy Day Highlights Importance of Freedom Of

VZCZCXRO7847
RR RUEHCHI RUEHDT RUEHHM RUEHNH
DE RUEHPF #0705 2601005
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 171005Z SEP 09
FM AMEMBASSY PHNOM PENH
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1192
INFO RUCNASE/ASEAN MEMBER COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS PHNOM PENH 000705

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

STATE FOR EAP/MLS, DRL

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL CB
SUBJECT: DEMOCRACY DAY HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF FREEDOM OF
EXPRESSION IN CAMBODIA

SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED

1. (SBU) SUMMARY: During a seminar on democracy and tolerance in
Cambodia organized by the Cambodian National Assembly, opposition
politicians and government officials debated the progress achieved
to date in consolidating Cambodia's democratic gains. The seminar
successfully highlighted the importance of freedom of expression,
which has come under attack in recent months via the use of
defamation and disinformation suits against outspoken critics of the
government. END SUMMARY.

Democracy and Political Tolerance
---------------------------------

2. (U) The Cambodian National Assembly commemorated International
Democracy Day September 15 with a day-long parliamentary seminar on
"Democracy and Political Tolerance." The seminar included
representatives from five political parties, human rights activists,
diplomats, development partners, and media. Topics discussed
included political tolerance and freedom of speech, inclusiveness in
decision making, and a session moderated by Ambassador Rodley on the
role of Parliaments in strengthening democracy.

3. (SBU) President of the National Assembly Heng Samrin highlighted
Cambodia's democratic progress, noting that eight separate national
and subnational elections had included participation of 50 political
parties since democracy returned to Cambodia 1993. He also stressed
the interconnectedness of democracy and respect for human rights.
Om Yentieng, President of the Cambodian Human Rights Commission,
asserted that Cambodian culture supports human rights, including
women's political participation, and promotes a culture of
tolerance.

An Exercise in Freedom of Expression
------------------------------------

4. (SBU) However, opposition politician Sam Rainsy was quick to
criticize the government's track record. He sarcastically applauded
the government for successfully creating the appearance of democracy
in Cambodia, and accused the National Assembly of serving merely as
a "rubber stamp" for government policies. He criticized the state
of democracy, citing the recent spate of lawsuits against opposition
politicians and critics of the government.

5. (SBU) In response, CPP Chairman of the National Assembly
commission on foreign affairs Chheang Vun stressed that democracy is
not only about rights, but also entails obligations. While
acknowledging the still imperfect nature of Cambodia's democracy, he
asserted that Cambodia has made significant progress and continues
to make democratic gains, as evidenced by the peaceful national
elections in 2008.

6. (SBU) Several Chiefs of Mission, including the UK, Australian,
and German Ambassadors, joined Ambassador Rodley in moderating the
discussions in an effort to promote equal participation from members
of the CPP, opposition parties, civil society, and media. The
diplomats and development partners each stressed the important role
constructive criticism plays in a healthy, vibrant democracy.

COMMENT
-------

7. (SBU) Opposition parties and civil society representatives have
been critical of the National Assembly's rules and regulations, in
light of the CPP's outright majority following the 2008 national
elections, which they assert restrict the ability of minority
parties to effectively participate in Parliamentary discussions and
debate issues. The seminar organizers, the National Assembly and
UNDP, specifically sought Ambassadorial moderators to ensure that
all sides would be afforded the opportunity to participate and air
their opinions openly and freely. This unique arrangement provided
a valuable lesson and opportunity to highlight the importance of
tolerance and freedom of expression in strengthening Cambodia's
democracy.

RODLEY

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