Following a one-year absence, today, 19 September 2019, the newly appointed US Ambassador to Cambodia Patrick Murphy begins his work. On behalf of Cambodian people, I would like to warmly welcome H.E Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia – the unfortunate territory of wars and interferences of the foes.
The arrival of the Your Excellency comes at the time Cambodia-US are having misunderstanding and confronting perspectives. I sincerely hope and strongly believe that your noble mission will contribute to the reconciliation between the Royal Government of Cambodia and the United States Government.
Your Excellency, I am well aware that before coming to Cambodia, you have accomplished many missions in Asia, including in the ASEAN Member States. In this sense, I believe that Your Excellency truly has a deep understanding on the heart and mind of the people of Asia, and Southeast Asia including Cambodia, which is a vital contribution to your mission. In particular, to mend the broken bonds of Cambodia-US.
I am sure that Your Excellency still clearly remembers the past of Cambodia-US in the late 60s and early 70s. Therefore, I sincerely hope that your noble mission will not make the history of Cambodia and the United States bitter as it once was.
To ensure your mission in Cambodia is successful, I would like to recommend some ideas that Cambodian people, though non-civilized as the people in your country, our people has a strong culture and civilization dated back earlier than those of your country.
Even though today’s Cambodia is not as famous as it was during the Khmer Empire, Cambodian people still favour independence and do not like being pressured or coerced by anyone to do anything. Cambodian nationality would struggle in any forms rather than following the order of anyone.
Cambodians prefer sweet and soft words like an old Khmer saying goes “hot is shallow, cold is deep”. I believe that showing the depth of Cambodia's heart and mind will contribute to the success of your mission.
I hope your mission would end the misunderstanding of Cambodia-US. Regarding the issue of former opposition leader in Cambodia, the US State Department's spokesperson again and again urged the Royal Government of Cambodia to release Kem Sokha and reinstate the dissolved CNRP.
The Royal Government of Cambodia, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has clarified that Kem Sokha's plan to topple the government, supported by foreigners, breaches Cambodian laws. I believe that Your Excellency understands the danger for a country through conspiring with foreigners to commit treason to gain power undemocratically. Even Your Excellency’s country has stated in the laws as well as launched several investigations by President Donald Trump over alleged involvement of Russian Government during election campaign.
The misunderstanding of the US State Department’s spokeswoman may derive from the fact that the US does not have ambassador to Cambodia. Therefore, your great presence will make the United States understand the implementation of Cambodian law.
I sincerely hope that your mission will contribute to elevate Cambodian-US relations and cooperation by working with the legitimate government; not working with the criminal rebel Sam Rainsy, who has openly declared to fundraise to feed the armed forces to seize power.
May your noble mission be a great success.
Van Saray, a Cambodian who do not want to see the bitter history of Cambodia-US like in the past.
Phnom Penh, 19 September 2019
=FRESH NEWS
