The Editor,

Dr Lao Mong Hay attempted to make an analysis of the political situation in the

Kingdom of Cambodia through his article titled CPP: Winning battles but not yet the

war, published in the May 3-15 edition of the Phnom Penh Post.

As FUNCINPEC respects Dr Lao's opinions and knowledge of the Cambodian Constitution

and laws, FUNCINPEC, as winner of the UN-sponsored elections of 1993, is concerned

that a long part of Dr Lao's analysis is on the weakness of FUNCINPEC. FUNCINPEC

does not reject the total credibility of the analysis but wants to clarify the very

important point which Dr Lao failed to mention: FUNCINPEC accepted the very admirable

formula proposed by Preah Karuna Preah Bat Norodom Sihanouk, King of Cambodia, which

was to allow the Royal Government to be led by a system of consensus, as His Majesty

was most concerned with national reconciliation. FUNCINPEC will continue to obey

the noble wisdom of our Revered and Beloved Father of the Nation until the end of

the five-year term of this current government.

FUNCINPEC is a political party built firmly on the principles of democracy, respect

for human rights and the commitments to bring peace for the people of Cambodia and

for the nation. The leadership of FUNCINPEC will never allow the party to deviate

from these principles and commitments. To rebuild a society, patience and compassion

are necessary. Unfortunately, these Buddhist concepts are often viewed as a weakness

by some.

Through his analysis, Dr Lao rightly showed a difference in governance between political

parties. FUNCINPEC is proud and takes full credit for the new steps Cambodia is taking

towards democracy, human rights, freedom of expression and many other rights and

opportunities which the people of Cambodia have enjoyed since the elections. While

some parties may want to win battles and create war, even if these gains must be

made through violence, unethical, illegal, inhumane and immoral means, FUNCINPEC's

leadership does not believe in ruling the nation through control, power and more

bloodshed.

FUNCINPEC firmly believes that the Cambodian people want peace and deserve peace.

FUNCINPEC firmly believes also that the people of Cambodia can make their own judgments

and will once again cast their votes for peace at the upcoming elections.

- Ly Thuch, President, FUNCINPEC Youth Movement.