Phnom Penh (FN), Jan. 7 – Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP), called on competent institutions to prioritise strengthening the implementation of the "Law Against Non-Recognition of the Crimes Committed During the Democratic Kampuchea Period" in the strictest manner.
Samdech Techo spoke on Tuesday (Jan. 7) at the 46th Anniversary of January 7 Victory Day at Diamond Island Convention and Exhibition Centre, Phnom Penh.
Samdech Techo stated that the genocide committed by the Pol Pot regime of Democratic Kampuchea is a historical fact. The victory of 7 January 1979, the day that liberated the nation and the Cambodian people from the genocidal regime, is another historical fact. The Cambodian people had to wait 43 years to receive justice for the crimes committed by the Democratic Kampuchea regime, marked by the closure of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, which were established in 2001 to try crimes committed during the Democratic Kampuchea period.
“I also request the competent institutions to pay attention to strengthening the implementation of the ‘Law Against Non-Recognition of the Crimes Committed During the Democratic Kampuchea Period’ in the strictest manner,” Samdech Techo underscored.
The CPP president highlighted that peace and reconciliation are global challenges, especially as wars are raging in some regions, involving many influential actors that threaten human civilisation. People living in war zones are crying out for peace, having lost it, without knowing when it will return. For Cambodia, even though the nation has enjoyed complete peace for 26 years, peace remains a pressing issue in the daily lives of the people, as there are still a few extremists who constantly attempt to sow radical and divisive politics in society. These actors aim to incite the population, the armed forces, and civil servants to act against the legitimate government, which poses a real threat to peace.
Cambodia has endured decades of chronic war and therefore deeply understands the invaluable importance of peace. Without peace, human rights, democracy, and development cannot be discussed. “Therefore, let us all strengthen our spirit of love for peace and protect this hard-won peace so that it lasts forever on our impoverished homeland. We absolutely must not allow anyone or any force to destroy this peace,” Samdech Techo continued.
In this spirit, Samdech Techo suggested that it is time to establish a law to define any person or group planning or committing acts of terrorism—including creating extremist movements, causing chaos and insecurity in society, provoking conflicts with other states, or attempting to overthrow the legitimate government—as terrorists who must be brought to justice to protect peace. He noted that sustainable peace requires national reconciliation, justice, and sustainable and inclusive development.
=FRESH NEWS
