SAM RAINSY VISIT TO AUSTRALIA

 

Labor welcomes exiled Cambodian opposition leader, Sam Rainsy to Canberra today.

 

Labor has repeatedly called for Cambodia to restore a viable opposition and a free press in the lead up to national elections, and for the immediate release of Kem Sokha, imprisoned opposition leader of the now-disbanded Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP).

 

While the election of Cambodia’s leaders is a matter for the Cambodian people, Australia has an interest in supporting the principles of free and fair elections, a robust political system with a viable opposition, and the right of the Cambodian people to elect a government of their choosing, in which they have a legitimate voice. 

 

Labor notes Prime Minister Hun Sen's upcoming visit to Australia, for the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit next month, and calls on the Government to use the opportunity presented to express Australia’s strong support for Cambodian democracy, consistent with Australia's history of stewardship in the Paris Accords.