Second Prime Minister Hun Sen has guaranteed the safety of opposition figure Sam Rainsy and all other members of parliament.
“As a prime minister, I would like to state again the responsibility of the government in guaranteeing security for all politicians and their freedom of political activities in accordance with the law,” Hun Sen wrote in a letter to King Norodom Sihanouk dated Monday and released Tuesday.
The assurance was in response to a letter from the King on Sunday that forwarded for Hun Sen’s consideration Sam Rainsy’s concerns for his party’s members, many of whom are out of the country. Hun Sen said he clearly outlined safety and freedom for “all politicians” in a Nov 7 letter to Prince Norodom Ranariddh.
Said government spokesman Khieu Kanharith: “You know well that the letter sent to Prince Ranariddh guaranteed the security of all MPs and it can also be extended to Sam Rainsy because the Constitution covers all MPs.”
Sam Rainsy Party member Ou Bunlong said Sam Rainsy could return as early as Friday if the leader feels assured by the contents of Hun Sen’s letter.
