Daily Update from Local Newspapers August 6, 2013

1.                               Politics/Human Rights

NEC to Form a Sub-Committee as It Cannot Form a Joint Investigation Committee

A sub-committee to settle the irregularities of the national elections process has been formed by the National Election Committee (NEC), after the establishment of joint investigation committee failed, H.E. Im Suosdey, Chairman of the NEC told the reporters on 4 August 2013. NEC regrets that Mr. Sam Rainsy has not sent its own representative to discuss about the mandate and the role of committee which was held on 4 August 2013. On 3 August 2013, NEC, CPP and CNRP agreed to form a joint investigation committee comprising of NEC, CPP and CNRP, while the national and international observers could be observe for the investigation process. Yet, the decision was failed owing to the CNRP’s rejection of taking part in the committee since it required the participation from CNRP, CPP, civil society organizations, national and international observers in the committee. Besides, it is beyond the NEC’s authority to invite a UN representative to join the committee following the request from CNRP. Therefore, NEC could not wait for CNRP, and it will proceed with its own investigation since it has to follow the election timetable. (Kampuchea Tmey, 6 August 2013)

Minister of Interior Says Demonstration Must Depends on

Peace Principle-Law Stability

The announcement on demonstration led by Mr. Sam Rainsy so as to against the election results had been clarified by Minister of Interior that any protests must depend on peace principle, stability and principle of law; otherwise, it will affect the citizens’ benefit, H.E Sor Kheng, Minister of Interior, said during a conference yesterday. Lately, he met nearly 10 foreign diplomatic missions and other countries with the aim of clarifying the present situation in Cambodia, the accusation on irregularities of the elections, the solutions as well as the security issues after the elections, he added. (Rasmei Kampuchea, 6 August 2013)   

2.                 Diplomatic Issue

3.                 Economy/Development

4.                 Korea’s interest in Cambodia