Daily Update from Local Newspapers July 23, 2013

1.                               Politics/Human Rights

Mr. Sam Rainsy Cannot Stand as a Candidate for the National Assembly Election

The National Election Committee (NEC) yesterday has decided officially not to allow Mr. Sam Rainsy, President of the Cambodia National Rescue Party, to register in the voters list and to stand as a parliamentary candidate for a National Assembly seat in Kandal province, said H.E. Im Suosdey, Chairman of the NEC. After receiving the request from Mr. Sam Rainsy, the NEC carefully examined and considered whether it can follow his request or not.  Consequently, the NEC cannot add his name to the voters list as the period of the voters registration and validity of voters list is conducted annually from 01 October to 31 December. Besides, the voters list and the candidates list have already been officially recognized so that they cannot be changed, he added. (Rasmei Kampuchea, 23 July 2013)

2.                 Diplomatic Issue

3.                 Economy/Development

4.                 Korea’s interest in Cambodia