Phnom Penh (FN), July 16 – Cambodian government spokesman Phay Siphan, on Tuesday, reacted to the passing of Cambodia Democracy Act of 2018 by American lawmakers.

According to Phay Siphan, the Cambodian Democracy Act is considered politically-motivated and is in conflict with the will of Cambodian people who have voted for their leaders through a peaceful and democratic election process.

“The Royal Government and Cambodian people cannot accept such Cambodian Democracy Act, as it is based on the allegations without proper grounds. Passing the Act is against peace, stability, and prosperity of the kingdom," said Phay Siphan.

He also called on the legislature and government of the United States to reconsider their position on Cambodia, which would cherish the good relations of the two countries and provide mutual interests for the people of both countries.

Cambodian Democracy Act directs the President to apply property-blocking and visa restriction sanctions against each senior official of the Cambodian government, military, or security forces who has directly and substantially undermined democracy in Cambodia and committed or directed serious human rights violations, according to the Congress of the United States.

Sanctions may be suspended for up to one year if the President certifies to Congress that Cambodia is making progress toward ending government efforts to undermine democracy, ending human rights violations, and conducting elections that allow for the participation of credible opposition candidates.
=FRESH NEWS