Monday, November 12, 2012

400 civil society groups prepare to petition summit leaders

 News Desk
Rasmei Kampuchea Daily

Publication Date : 12-11-2012


Civil society groups plan to meet on Tuesday and Wednesday to prepare petitions to present to leaders attending the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and related summit meetings starting Thursday.

Thida Khus, executive director of Silaka, said about 400 organisations would discuss the petitions.

"The petitions to regional and world leaders on Friday will focus on land disputes, evictions, economic development, the rights of migrant workers and other rights," she said.

She added that the petitions would also seek National Election Committee reforms and the involvement of opposition party leader Sam Rainsy in next year's elections.

Tith Sothea, a spokesman at the Office of the Council of Ministers, said the groups should contribute to Cambodia's development rather than tarnishing the nation.

"Civil society groups in Cambodia should promote the reputation of Cambodia under its chairmanship," he said, noting that none of the demands were new.

The United States, China, Russia, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand are taking part in this year's summit in addition to the 10 Asean members, making it the largest international event every held in Cambodia.

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