Phnom Penh (FN), Sep. 14 – Cambodian Senate expressed deepest disappointment over the unjust decision of the US Department of the Treasury on 12 September 2024, targeting Cambodian businessman Ly Yong Phat, a member of the Standing Committee of the Central Committee of the CPP and LY.P. Group Co., Ltd and four other related businesses.

"Allegations without specific evidence of forced labour linked to fraudulent online investments are politically motivated and contradict efforts to improve bilateral relations and cooperation," according to the letter seen by Fresh News on Saturday (Sep. 14).

"As a businessman, Ly Yong Phat has made significant contributions to Cambodia's socioeconomic development over the past decades, particularly through the L.Y.P. Group, which includes infrastructure development, job creation, poverty reduction, and improvements to the lives of tens of thousands of Cambodians."

The letter expresses regret over the US government's reliance on the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report as a basis for decisions, stating that the report does not accurately reflect Cambodia's commitment to human rights, law enforcement, or efforts to combat human trafficking and forced labour. Cambodia has been working closely with international partners, including the United States, to address these issues.

"Cambodia's active measures in the fight against modern transnational crime demonstrate its strong commitment to upholding human dignity and the rule of law. Moreover, such decisions undermine efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and build mutual trust."

This position, the letter argues, runs counter to the sentiments expressed by US Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin III during his meeting with Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen in Phnom Penh last June.

The Cambodian Senate underscored that "unilateral sanctions severely undermine the principles of equality, sovereignty, respect for international law, and standards governing interstate relations, especially non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states."

The Senate reiterated Cambodia's openness to cooperation with international partners, including the United States, in addressing global challenges but stressed that these efforts must be rooted in dialogue, mutual respect, shared interests, and respect for sovereignty, along with a sincere spirit of partnership.
=FRESH NEWS