The Paris Peace Agreements on Cambodia were signed on October 23, 1991, just weeks before the collapse of the Soviet Union which could no longer support Vietnam’s military effort in the occupation of Cambodia.
Two essential parts of this international treaty still need to be effectively implemented: the creation of a pluralist democratic system through free and fair elections, and the adoption by Cambodia of a foreign policy based on independence and neutrality, guaranteed by the international community. These two aspects have become intimately connected in the current regional context, and have been blithely violated with potentially far-reaching consequences.
Relapse to pre-1991 dictatorship
Moves by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen to prevent the opposition Candelight Party from taking part in national elections in July show that the 1991 agreements are more crucial than ever for the country’s future.
