REMARKS BY USAID MISSION DIRECTOR AT CCHR PUBLIC FORUM
SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA – JANUARY 4, 2006

I appreciate the opportunity to provide a US perspective on Cambodia , including on the arrest and detention of Yeng Virak and Kem Sokha, important human rights leaders in Cambodia . Indeed, it is Kem Sokha as head of CCHR who played a key role in organizing numerous public forums across the country. He should be here with us today.

The US government is disappointed and disturbed by this action. Freedom of expression is essential to a democracy, even on sensitive and potentially controversial topics. We remain hopeful that the detainees will be released soon.

Starting the New Year on this disappointing note is bad news for Cambodia . As the American Ambassador has noted, democracy is damaged each time another voice is silenced. As the German Ambassador was reported as stating in the Cambodia Daily yesterday, steps backward like this can have adverse economic as well as political consequences.

US development programs in Cambodia are based on three main pillars ─ good health, good education and good governance, with an emphasis on human rights and democracy. Health has to do with the body, education with the mind.  But it is democracy and human rights that speak fundamentally to the heart and soul of a country, to its deepest values on which all else are built. When these core values are threatened, the country itself is diminished.

What do we mean when we talk about core values as they relate to democracy and human rights as true development issues?  Let me mention a couple of them, all revolving around issues of freedom and justice.

One is freedom of expression, the ability to speak one's mind and have one's voice valued by others.

Another is freedom of peaceful assembly, the ability to meet together to discuss common issues and common objectives.

These aren't simply American or Western values; they are universal values, voiced by individuals across many cultures, countries and continents.

Again, let me commend CCHR for its positive role in promoting these values in Cambodia . We at the US Embassy are proud to be associated with that effort.  Indeed, from our standpoint, a vibrant civil society, one in which multiple voices are heard, is vital in shaping the political and economic development of any society and country. These forums provide a peaceful setting to voice concerns, discuss disagreements and participate in the building of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Cambodia.

In closing, let me wish everyone here today and indeed everyone who calls Cambodia home and loves their country even when they may disagree about particular issues the five traditional Buddhist blessings ─ to experience good health, prosperity, strength, long life and the ultimate attainment of paradise.

Thanks

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