Phnom Penh (FN), Jan. 7 – Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP), has proposed creating a law to classify individuals or groups conspiring to incite extremist movements, destabilise society, foster international conflicts, or overthrow the legitimate government as terrorists who must be brought to justice to safeguard peace.
This statement came after the recent announcement of the establishment of a government-in-exile by the extremist opposition group. The group has launched a campaign urging citizens to rally support for overthrowing the legitimate government. Their strategy includes leveraging nationalist sentiments tied to territorial disputes, borders, natural resources, sovereignty issues, and other matters including the Funan Techo Canal, CLV-DTA, Koh Tral, Koh Kood, land and water borders, land concessions, and Vietnamese immigrants.
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.
On the occasion, Samdech Techo Hun Sen underlined that peace and reconciliation remain global challenges, especially as wars continue to rage in certain regions, threatening human civilisation. People living in conflict zones cry out for peace, uncertain of when it will return.
In Cambodia, despite enjoying 26 years of peace, threats still persist from a minority of extremists who perpetuate divisive politics, incitement, and calls for rebellion against the legitimate government. This poses a real danger to the country's hard-won peace. Having endured decades of war, Cambodians deeply understand the priceless value of peace. Without peace, there can be no discussion of human rights, democracy, or development.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen called on all Cambodians to cherish and protect this precious peace, ensuring it endures for generations. He warned against allowing any individual or force to jeopardise the stability and progress the nation has achieved.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen stated, “In this spirit, I believe it is time to create a law that defines any person or group that plans or commits acts of terrorism aimed at creating extremist counter-movements, causing chaos and insecurity in society, inciting conflicts with other states, and attempting to overthrow the legitimate government as terrorists who must be brought to justice to safeguard peace. At the same time, we must recognise that peace cannot endure without national reconciliation, justice, and sustainable, inclusive development.”
On this occasion, Samdech Techo Hun Sen added that 46 years after the fall of the genocidal regime, the spirit of the January 7 victory continues to inspire solidarity, determination, and hope for Cambodia's stability and progress.
At the same time, Samdech Techo also urge the relevant institutions to strengthen the enforcement of the Law Against Non-Recognition of the Crimes Committed During the Democratic Kampuchea Period with the utmost seriousness.
Samdech Techo also reminded the international community of two historical mistakes made by some countries in their dealings with Cambodia, urging them to avoid committing a third. “National sovereignty, the right to self-determination, and the true aspirations of the Cambodian people must be respected,” he continued.
=FRESH NEWS
