Phnom Penh (FN), Jan. 15 – Former Leaders of Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) who supported Sam Rainsy’s side and Kem Sokha’s side are facing each other after Sam Rainsy initiated a National Rescue Movement which government considered as a rebel movement.
Former CNRP leaders created “National Movement”, which aims to restore democracy in Cambodia, demanding the release of former president Kem Sokha and free and fair elections in Cambodia. The movement is led by Sam Rainsy, Eng Chhay Eang, and Mu Sochua, according to a statement of Cambodia National Rescue Movement released on Friday.
The statement on the establishment of the movement stressed that the movement aims to demand the release of Kem Sokha and a free and fair election in Cambodia.
50 former CNRP members from Kem Sokha’s side did not support the illegal movement and announced not involve. They remain working under the framework of CNRP under the leadership of Kem Sokha.
Yem Ponhearith, former lawmaker of CNRP, condemned the decision of the movement. He told Phnom Penh Post that he and a daughter of Kem Sokha worried that Kem Sokha and other CNRP members who is living in Cambodia will face punishment through the activities of the movement. He continued that “if they propose activities which cause the problems, Kem Sokha will shoulder the responsibility”.
Eng Chhai Eang, on Rainsy’s side, wrote on Facebook that “now, there are reactions from two sides against the movement – the Cambodian People Party (CPP) of Hun Sen and some leaders of CNRP”.
Sok Eysan, Spokesman of Cambodian People Party (CPP), on January 13, 2018, said that the movement which initiated by former leaders of CNRP abroad is the rebel movement and those who join the movement are considered as perpetrator.
"There is no harm on Cambodian government, just effect people a bit through the propaganda," he said.
The ruling party spokesman also warned to arrest participants of the movement if they appeared in Cambodia.
He added that for any country supporting the rebel movement, there would also be diplomatic issues with Cambodia.
=FRESH NEWS
