*EPF205 10/15/2002
Text: Boucher Calls for Free and Fair Election Process in Cambodia
(U.S. urges Phnom Penh to combat politically motivated violence) (210)

State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said in an October 15 statement that the Phnom Penh government must work to ensure that political activists and candidates for Cambodia's July 2003 elections are free to exercise their constitutional rights free from violence or threats.

Following is the text of State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher's October 15 statement on political violence in Cambodia:

(begin text)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
October 15, 2002

STATEMENT BY RICHARD BOUCHER, SPOKESMAN

Political Violence in Cambodia

Politically motivated violence, killings, intimidation and harassment appear to have increased in Cambodia over the last several weeks as political parties prepare for national elections next year. Allegations about politically motivated incidents have included threats, shootings, and assaults with weapons or motor vehicles.

The United States is concerned that this climate of violence in Cambodia is growing without, to our knowledge, serious governmental investigations or prosecutions.

As the preparations go forward for national elections in Cambodia next July, we call on the Cambodian government to ensure the safety and security of candidates and political activists who are exercising their constitutional rights. We look for vigorous and credible investigations of political violence. We will continue to monitor the situation and to consult with other members of the international community interested in seeing a free and fair election process in Cambodia which rises to an international standard.

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

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