Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 30 Apr 1997

Vol. 478 No. 5

Written Answers. - Cambodian Political System.

Ivor Callely

Question:

39 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has satisfied himself that the people of Cambodia enjoy a free and democratic society; if he will give details of the current role of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11515/97]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

The Government of Cambodia is a coalition Government formed in November 1993 following national elections held in May of that year under the supervision of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC). The two main parties in the Government are FUNCINPEC (National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Co-operative Cambodia) and the Cambodian People's Party. The Khmer Rouge did not take part in the elections.

The power and influence of the Khmer Rouge have declined considerably in recent years. In October, 1996, the Government entered into discussions with a breakaway faction of the organisation following an amnesty granted to its leader, Ieng Sary. These discussions led to an agreement that Ieng Sary's forces would be integrated into the Royal Cambodia Armed Forces (RCAF). There was a further development in January with the announcement that posts in the armed forces would be given to a number of members of the breakaway group, including 19 posts at the rank of general.

Joint military activity conducted by the Khmer Rouge breakaway units and the RCAF against the hard-line Khmer Rouge units in the north-west of the country, together with further defections to the Government side, have clearly weakened the position of the Khmer Rouge in the country. It is now reported that the remaining factions have regrouped in the northern stronghold of Anlong Veng and in bases in the south-west.

In so far as the general political situation in Cambodia is concerned, there are very serious grounds for concern. A report in January by the UN Secretary General's Special representative for Cambodia concluded that the human rights situation there appeared to be fragile. Recently, there have been reports of increased political tensions.

A violent attack on peaceful demonstrations protesting against alleged political interference in the judicial system in Phnom Penh on 30 March reflected the volatile nature of the political situation in Cambodia. In a Declaration of 9 April the EU expressed its grave concern about this attack. In calling on the Government of Cambodia to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice, the European Union expressed its hope that such tragic events would lead all parties to recognise that peace and stability were essential in the period leading up to the local elections, which are scheduled to take place in December 1997 with general elections to follow in 1998.

These elections will be the key to the future of Cambodia and it is essential that the Cambodian Government should adopt legislation to ensure that they will be genuinely free and fair. For their part, EU member states are currently engaged in an exchange of views as to how best the Union can help in the election process. This exchange will include consideration of financial assistance and the co-ordination of EU aid with that from other donors.