Election: Paris replies to Sam Rainsy

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24 Oct 2008
By A.L.G.
Cambodge Soir Hebdo
Translated from French by Sess Sâr
Click here to read the article in French

Jean-David Levitte, the diplomatic advisor of (French President) Nicolas Sarkozy, considers that the latest ballot “progresses better than the previous ones,” however he noted that it did not meet “international standards.” The SRP said that it was satisfied with France’s response.

In a letter written by Jean –David Levitte and sent to Sam Rainsy, France considered that the latest election in Cambodia “progressed better than the previous ones, however, it still does not meet international standards on this matter.”

Last 28 August, Sam Rainsy wrote to Nicolas Sarkozy and Susilo Bambang Yodhyono, the Indonesian President, who are both heads of state of countries that are co-presidents of the 1991 Paris Peace Accords.

“All that remains of the democracy set up at great cost in Cambodia by the International community is a cracked façade,” Sam Rainsy wrote with Kem Sokha who also signed the letter.

“This response is very positive,” SRP MP Mu Sochua reacted when she was asked by “Cambodge Soir Hebdo” on Friday 24 october. “This shows that the French government assumes its role in Cambodia. What Jean-David Levitte said about the international standards not being respected, that was what Comfrel said also.”

“In his letter, Jean-David Levitte promised that the (French) government will follow closely the Cambodian election process in the future. This is a very positive response,” Mu Sochua added.

She also said that the SRP maintains “good relations” with the French embassy in Phnom Penh.