Phnom Penh (FN), September 14 - Interior Ministry spokesman, Khieu Sopheak confirmed on Wednesday that the US issued visa suspension due to the Cambodia's request on deportation agreement.

"This story begins when we talk about Cambodia-United States agreement regarding the deportation of convicted Cambodians,” stated Khieu Sopheak.

The remarks was made after U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh has discontinued issuing B1, B2, and B1/B2 visas for Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs employees with the rank of Director General and above, and their families, with limited exceptions.

"We have not decided to accept the returns of our nationals yet. We want to amend MoU between Cambodia and the U.S for human rights reason,” he added.

He added that U.S forced Cambodians to return to Cambodia and that some had broken up with their families.

Cambodia-U.S agreement in 2002 was signed to send and accept Cambodian deportees back to Cambodia.

PM Hun Sen announced on April 27 at the graduation ceremony that the agreement regarding the sending of Khmer nationals back home will not be canceled, but the Cambodian side will request amendments for humanitarian and human rights reasons.
=FRESH NEWS