Daily Update from Local Newspapers September 24 & 25, 2013

 

1.                               Politics/Human Rights

 

The First Parliamentary Session of the 5^th Legislature Held Smoothly Despite No Elected-Lawmakers from Opposition Party

 

The first parliamentary session of the 5^th legislature on 23 September 2013 was held smoothly and successfully under the Royal Presidency of the King Norodom Sihamoni despite the absence from the newly-elected lawmakers of Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP). The Ambassador of the powerful countries including the US, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, China, France and other countries also attended the session. In the session, the King has appealed to all relevant persons to protect national unity for the interest of the country and the nations. (Rasmei Kampuchea, 24 September 2013)

 

 A Spokesman Says All Foreign Embassies Cannot Interfere the Internal Affairs of Cambodia

 

The Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed all foreign diplomatic missions not to interfere in the internal affairs of Cambodia. This was made after the US Embassy issued a statement on 23 September 2013 concerning the National Assembly session “Although the US Ambassador attended the first parliamentary session, it doesn’t mean that he has recognized the election results in Cambodia”. According to Mr. Koy Kuong, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, “the National Assembly session of the 5^th legislature under the Royal Presidency of the King was held in accordance with constitutional law and the law of Cambodia. We don’t need the law from other countries to implement. In addition, we don’t need any agreements from any foreign diplomats regarding the election results as well as the process of the National Assembly session. More importantly, the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) doesn’t need agreements from any diplomatic missions as CPP has already received support from Cambodian People”. (Rasmei Kampuchea, 25 September 2013)

 

Government of the 5^th Mandate: 9 Deputy Prime Ministers, 15 Senior Ministers, 13 Minister Delegates Attached to the Prime Minister

The composition of the Royal Government of Cambodia for the 5^th mandate of the National Assembly has been approved by the Member of Parliament on 24 September 2013. The Royal Government of the 5^th mandate lead by Prime Minister Hun Sen, and 9 Deputy Prime Ministers, 15 Senior Ministers, 13 Minister Delegates attached to the Prime Minister, and 179 Secretary of State in 27 ministries. (Rasmei Kampuchea, 25 September 2013)