US ambassador rejects allegations of plotting in Cambodia

Financial Times | 12 September 2017

The US ambassador to Cambodia has hit back against claims the US is involved in plots against the Cambodian government and joined the chorus of international voices calling for the release of the country’s opposition leader. 

A Cambodian court earlier this month charged Cambodia National Rescue party leader Kem Sokha with treason – an offence that carries up to 30 years in jail – and accused him of working with the United States to remove Prime Minister Hun Sen from power. 

The US ambassador William Heidt, speaking in Phnom Penh on Tuesday, said while he “wasn’t totally surprised” when he learned of the arrest, he “was surprised by the allegations against the United States in connection with Mr Sohka’s arrest, made without a shred of serious or credible evidence”. 

Mr Heidt described the allegations as “extraordinary” but noted that the US has been subject “to intentionally inaccurate, misleading and baseless accusations” on dozens of occasions over the past year. 

“American and western companies also feel less welcome today, and many fewer will invest in Cambodia,” he said. 

The US has joined the European Union in calling for Mr Sokha’s immediate release. 

Mr Heidt added that if Cambodia’s next election – which is scheduled for July 2018 – were to be held today, “no credible international observer would certify them as free, fair, and reflecting the will of the Cambodian people”.