Eu Resolution Backs Exiled Cambodian Opposition Leader

EU parliamentarians have passed a resolution urging Cambodian authorities to drop fresh charges and withdraw an arrest warrant against the country's opposition leader, and to open a "serious and meaningful dialogue."



Sam Rainsy, the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) president, is wanted for a two-year prison sentence related to a 2011 conviction for defaming Foreign Minister Hor Namhong, but was abroad when the warrant was issued.



On Nov. 16, Rainsy vowed that his return would only be delayed by "a few days," but this does not look set to change any time soon.



On Friday, The Cambodia Daily "ed Rainsy as saying that he doesn't believe there is a reason "to go back just for the sake of it."



He argued instead that he could fight for democratic change from anywhere, and said he would only return if democratic change could be guaranteed.



Rainsy, who is in Strasbourg, attended Thursday a session of the European Parliament where the "the non-binding resolution was passed by 567 votes to 27, with 36 abstentions," according to an EU statement.



"Parliament is concerned at the deteriorating climate for opposition politicians and activists, and human rights, social and environmental activists in Cambodia," it added.



The statement also called on Cambodian authorities to revoke arrest warrants and drop all charges against Rainsy, opposition members of the National Assembly and Senate including Senator Hong Sok Hour, and CNRP activists.



It stressed the need "to allow them to work freely without fear of arrest or persecution, and to end political use of the courts to prosecute people on politically-motivated and trumped-up charge."



Most recently, Rainsy has been implicated in the case against Sok Hour, who stands accused of committing acts of forgery and incitement for posting a video on Rainsy's Facebook page that allegedly contained a clip of a false border treaty with Vietnam.



The resolution said the Cambodian government has orchestrated a series of arrests and beatings, which are setbacks to democratization.



Last month, two CNRP MPs were beaten by a pro-government mob as they left a session at Parliament.



Council of Ministers spokesman Phay Siphan could not be reached on Friday. - Phnum Penh