Dear Editor,
The 1993 elections were won because of party unity and the strength of years of working
together for a common goal. We need to return to this unity for the sake of the Cambodian
people who have supported and sacrificed for us and for the sake of bringing true
peace and democracy to Cambodia. A unified Funcinpec will have the strength and capability
to accomplish this. But unity cannot come with mere words and hollow gestures; it
must come with commitment, honor, and dignity. Only in this manner can true reconciliation
happen. For reconciliation and unity to succeed there must be no misunderstandings,
no lingering doubts, and no issues left unresolved or buried. We must speak frankly
and honestly with each other.
If Funcinpec is to survive as a viable political party, and it must survive to insure
peace, prosperity, and democracy for the Cambodian people, there are certain terms
and conditions to which we as senior party members must adhere. The first is commitment
to the charter and ideals of Funcinpec . The next is the courage to stand firm for
these values. We must also be honest and open with each other, there can be no hidden
agendas. Debate must be candid and straightforward. We must have a sense of loyalty
to not only the party but to each other. We hold the future of freedom and democracy
in Cambodia. We cannot let down the people who have struggled beside us for freedom
and democracy.
The road ahead is not going to be easy, we must focus on our work, and not let the
events of the past interfere with our objective - the survival of peace and democracy
and the Funcinpec party. We need to unify the party and consolidate the party's position.
We need to strengthen the administrative and organizational apparatus. We need to
strengthen our grassroots support from the commune to the district level. And, we
need to prepare for the district and commune election, not only to run but also to
win.
We do not need to spend time analyzing the political situation that led to this split
within Funcinpec but to focus on what I consider the real issues - how do we serve
the national interest, maintain and strengthen democracy, and restore hope in the
hearts of the Cambodian people - and perhaps most important end the suffering that
Cambodians have endured for far too long.
In my opinion the leadership that emerges from this confrontation must center on
the national interest. The leadership of the party and the nation must work on uniting
us all in the common cause of rebuilding this nation and maintaining peace. Certainly,
we can have our differences, but we must join together to achieve our common goal.
If this country is to survive the leadership must serve all the people in pursuit
of peace, prosperity, and social justice. Whatever sacrifices on all our parts are
needed must be made.
Pou Sothirak
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