PHNOM PENH (Cambodia Herald) - Jean-Francois Cautain, the first resident European Union ambassador to Cambodia, speaks with Nguon Serath, editor-in-chief of The Cambodia Herald, about what should be done to improve the fledgling democracy in Cambodia as the country approaches senate and commune elections this year and parliamentary elections in 2013. Cambodia Herald: First of all, I would like to thank you for granting me this interview. You have presented your credentials to the king to start your official mission here in Cambodia. Could you please let me know about your priorities as EU ambassador?
Ambassador Cautain: Let me first say that I am very pleased to be the first ambassador of the European Union to the Kingdom of Cambodia resident in Phnom Penh. My predecessors were based in Thailand. This new situation with a permanent resident ambassador is a strong signal sent by the European Union, which considers that the time has come to deepen and strengthen its relations with Cambodia. The European Union has for the last 20 years accompanied Cambodia first in reconstruction and now in its development efforts.
My first priority is to make sure that the European Union will continue to support the still young democratic process in Cambodia. Cambodia has ratified the key international conventions on civil, political and human rights and therefore I am confident that Cambodia will continue to strive for an open and free society based on mutual respect, the rule of law, freedom of expression and human rights. This is the basis for any sustainable economic development that the European Union has supported and will continue to support through cooperation programmes, supporting the government's National Strategic Development Plan, and through very generous trade access granted to Cambodia known as "Every Thing but Arms" whereby Cambodian products enter duty-free and quota-free the European Union's market.
The European Union will continue to support Cambodia on its road to development working with the people of Cambodia and the government in making sure that the strong economic growth that Cambodia enjoys is both inclusive and green, meaning not jeopardising the future of the young and next generations. Another important priority for me is to offer to Cambodia the experience of the European Union is regional integration especially in 2012 with Cambodia's chairmanship of ASEAN.
Cambodia Herald: Cambodia will hold senate elections and commune elections this year. Can you please tell me about the EU involvement?
Ambassador Cautain: First of all, the European Union does not send observers for Senate or local elections such as commune elections. In 2008 we did send a large election observation mission to Cambodian for the parliamentary elections. The mission, while acknowledging some progress, has also produced a number of recommendations on how the future elections should be improved. I understand that efforts have been made to take into action those recommendations but that still a lot remains to be done. We are confident that the Royal Government and the other concerned bodies will use the forthcoming Senate and commune elections to address the remaining shortcomings, such as voter registration. This is important as it will determine how much the EU would be involved in observing the forthcoming parliamentary election in 2013.
Cambodia Herald: What do you think about democracy in Cambodia? What should be improved to promote democracy in Cambodia?
Ambassador Cautain: Keeping healthy a democracy is an every day fight which needs the deep commitment of every citizen. Any government has a great responsibility in making sure that the political, social and economic environment remains conducive to the development of democratic values. Here, we should not forget about the past tragedy haunting Cambodia in the 70s and the challenges it has had afterward. Cambodia has made tremendous progress – and it should be commended for this – but it needs to do more in order to overcome some remaining challenges. For example, as in any democracy, the judiciary has to be independent. Some key laws still need to be passed to fully accomplish this. The government has already made important steps towards the right direction and I am sure that key other steps will soon be taken.
Cambodia Herald: Does the EU have any projects that contribute to democracy in Cambodia?
Ambassador Cautain: Democracy and human rights are universal values which are at the core of the European Union's project. Since 2003, the EU has provided more than 15 million euros to both international and Cambodian NGO which have implemented around 60 projects promoting human rights and democracy in Cambodia. This support is the key and will continue.
Cambodia Herald: What are the roles of the opposition in democracy?
Ambassador Cautain: Opposition parties are key in any healthy democracy. They contribute to the political dialogue and the shaping of policies. By challenging a government on its choices, they force the latter to be accountable and responsible and act as a deterrent to any abuse of power or authority. It is vital for any country to ensure that there is always a viable space for them.
Cambodia Herald: What do you think about the opposition here?
Ambassador Cautain: The opposition parties here seem quite active, which is welcome and in line with what you see in any democracy. I have been in Cambodia for only a few weeks and I do not want to give any quality judgment. The only remark I would make is that political debate should always take place in respect of political opponents. It is the only way to positively contribute in solving issues and in defending the common interests of the country.
Cambodia Herald: Do you have any last message to the Cambodian people and the government?
Ambassador Cautain: I congratulate the Cambodian people and the Royal Government of Cambodia for their hard work for the last 20 years which has resulted in the country having steadily political and economic progress. The people of Cambodia and the government can be sure that the European Union will spare no efforts to support them in their efforts in building a stable, prosperous and democratic country.
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