Phnom Penh (FN), Jun. 1 – US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Ruth Sherman said she will pass the request of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen to Joe Biden Administration regarding turning the debt that Cambodia owes the US since the 1970s war into a development aid.

Sherman paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Hun Sen on 1 June 2021 during her one-day visit to Cambodia.

According to the premier’s personal secretary Eang Sophalleth, Samdech proposed three mechanisms for resolving Lon Nol debt, including allowing Cambodia to repay the debt gradually; repayment with an interest rate at one percent, and turning more than 70 percent of the debt into development aid for Cambodia, covering education, culture and demining.

Premier Hun Sen considered Lon Nol Regime debt during 1970s “a dirty debt” which Cambodia was forced to buy US bombs to shower on her people, causing countless deaths and injuries to the Khmer people.

The debt has now reached over USD 700 million, including the interest.

Sherman expressed deep satisfaction on the Cambodia-US cooperation in areas such as the finding of US military remains in Cambodia, counter-terrorism and humanitarian activities like allowing Westerdam cruise to dock.

She also mentioned opportunities to expand cooperation in the oil and gas sector, investment in water, infrastructure, green energy and other issues.
=FRESH NEWS