Phnom Penh (FN), Oct. 17 – Former CNRP leader Sam Rainsy has been removed from being a speaker at the 141st Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), at the request of the Cambodian parliamentary delegate.

“The Cambodian parliamentary delegates to the 141st IPU Assembly has just learned that Mr. Sam Rainsy, who has been convicted by the Cambodian court, is authorized to speak at the 141st IPU Assembly under the disguise of the Liberal International. He is a criminal. The arrest warrant against him been issued and sent to some countries including ASEAN member countries”, Head of Cambodian Delegates Khuon Sodary wrote to President of the IPU Gabiela Cuevas Barron on 14 October 2019.

“He acts against the Constitution of Cambodia. The presence of Sam Rainsy, a fugitive, at this Assembly will damage the credibility, legitimacy and trust of IPU,” she added.

The 141st IPU Assembly has been held in Belgrade, Serbia and has officially kicked off on 14 October 2019, giving the stage to representatives of all countries to give a speech. The conference will end on 17 October 2019.

The assembly was attended by more than 1,700 IPU delegates from 140 countries, including 70 parliamentarians, 40 vice presidents, 700 lawmakers, and key institutional representatives such as United Nation, international organizations and civil society partners from around the world.