Source: FN
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has strongly declared to protect Cambodia’s sovereignty and independence. In this sense, the Strongman of Cambodia is not afraid of the elimination of Everything But Arm (EBA)’s scheme as recently threatened by the European Commission.
His remark was made during a meeting with Cambodian students, interns, and Cambodian people living in Japan on Sunday.
Prime Minister explained that if Cambodians bow to foreigners in exchange for assistance, it destroys Cambodia’s sovereignty and independence.
As a man who has high responsibility for the nation’s fate, the premier claimed that he would not bow to foreigners in exchange for anything.
“I repeat not to take national sovereignty or peace to exchange for assistance. Cambodia shall respect sovereignty and independence. If Cambodia could not fully implement her own laws, what is the point of being a nation?” he said.
The Commission’s decision was made by arguing that Cambodian government is currently violating human rights. In response, Prime Minister Hun Sen mentioned that the topic of human rights and democracy is common for large and rich nations to intervene poor countries.
The premier questioned where is human rights and democracy issues in Libya, Iraq, in Yemen, as well as the past’s massacre in Cambodia?
He underlined that Cambodia’s measures on former opposition party is a legal step to prevent illegal acts; and to maintain the peace of Cambodia.
He claims that if Europe requires Cambodia to pay taxes, then Cambodia will pay without any fears of their threats and Cambodia will try to survive on her own.
Cambodia earns over $600 million annually through exports of garments and footwear to EU under EBA.