In an effort to “clarify” earlier remarks he felt had been
misunderstood, Prime Minister Hun Sen said yesterday that he welcomed the help
NGOs and political parties gave to those affected by land disputes.
“It does not mean that I will
avoid responding, but I won’t resolve [a dispute] if it is involved with
political issues... I stress this point which maybe I presented unclearly at
Preah Vihear, it is my fault because I did not explain everything,” Hun Sen
said while speaking at the ground breaking ceremony for a new flyover at Stung
Meanchey bridge in Phnom Penh.
On Friday, during a land titling
ceremony in Preah Vihear, the premier said he would not resolve land disputes
in which NGOs and politicians had become involved.
Explaining that he hoped to pass
along the correct message, Hun Sen said yesterday that political parties and civil society
groups were welcome to assist in land disputes if they had a clear goal in mind
regarding how to resolve them.
But, he warned, if they intended
to politicise the disputes, they would simply grow larger.
“It could be not resolved and
[will] become bigger if it is involved with political issues.”
The prime minister emphasised
that some NGOs really did intend to resolve citizens’ problems.
“We welcome whatever is not
involved with politics, but I say please do not break the door when the door is
open,” said Hun Sen, adding that he understood the invaluable role NGOs played
in assisting when the authorities are
unable to.
He also warned officials from his
own party to avoid connecting any disputes to political issues.
Rights workers said yesterday
they were pleased to hear the clarification.
“What the prime minister said
today is that he accepts his fault that he misspoke in Preah Vihear province. A
democracy absolutely needs civil society groups,” said Adhoc senior
investigator Chan Soveth.
Others pointed out that NGOs step in only because of the failings of
relevant authorities.
“If related institutions found a
solution for citizens, they wouldn’t look to NGOs, or civil society groups or
politicians. But the solution should be transparent, this step can prevent land
disputes,” said Am Sam Ath, senior investigator for rights group Licadho.
May Titthara
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