*EPF201 12/31/2002
Text: U.S. Regrets Phnom Penh's Decision on American Broadcasts
(Cambodian government discontinues VOA, RFA radio programs) (190)

Following is the text of a December 30 press statement by State Department Deputy Spokesman Philip Reeker concerning the Cambodian government's decision to drop Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Asia (RFA) broadcasts:

(begin text)

Press Statement
Philip T. Reeker, Deputy Spokesman
Washington, DC
December 30, 2002

Broadcasting of Radio Free Asia and Voice of America in Cambodia

The United States regrets a decision of the Cambodian government to pull Voice of America and Radio Free Asia programming from a popular Phnom Penh radio station known as Beehive radio (FM 105).

We had been very pleased when the station began to broadcast Radio Free Asia and Voice of America programming on September 23. This programming brought to Cambodian listeners balanced and fact-based reporting on issues regarding Cambodia, the region and the world, as well as information about the people and culture of the United States.

Voice of America and Radio Free Asia provide objective and factual reporting and programming that serves the interest of the Cambodian people.

We urge the Cambodian government to reverse this decision.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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