Dear Editor,

We the Cabinet of the Municipality of Phnom Penh, feel compelled to break our normal

silence by responding to the erroneous Phnom Penh Post article titled; "Hun

Sen Loyalists Take Key Post as Rumors Fly." The Phnom Penh Post's front-page

unsigned article of Friday November 12, 1999, goes well beyond what can be considered

objective reporting.

That article is totally inaccurate and contains several completely false statements.

Instead of praising the maturity of our government for its cooperation between all

levels it is suggesting possibilities of rumors which even they admit are without

any basis.

The appointment of H.E. Chea Sophara as Governor was based on the fact that he is

perhaps the most competent chief administrator this city has been led by in a long

time. We need to make sure you know that it is the competence and character of the

appointee that made it possible. As career employees in the city we are in a very

good position to be aware of the skills of Governor Chea Sophara and we join with

His Majesty the King who appointed him.

The Cabinet , Municipality of Phnom Penh