Dear Editor,

I have read with concern your story entitled "Opposition campaign forced underground"

on the front page of your February 13 - 26, 1998 issue. The story so early reached

the conclusion that the incident in which Mr. On Phuong was killed in Prey Veng to

be a political one.

While the investigation conducted by the local police has been proceeding I think,

to be more professional, you should better contact the police who is responsible

for the case to confirm your story more than hearsay.

It is very clear that the incident happened on the night of January 27th, not January

30th as reading in your story.

According to the primary report of the police, the revenge might be the motivation

of the crime. In fact, last year, Mr. On Phuong reported to police to arrest his

neighbor in charge of keeping illegal weapons. Once he finishes his sentence, this

man came for revenge on the late Mr. On Phuong. Now the police is searching for this

man whose disappearance seems more than suspect.

I am convinced that while the investigation is well conducted on, the suspect would

be arrested and sent before the court soon.

Thank you for the publication of this letter.

- Khieu Kanharith, Secretary of State for Information, Phnom

Penh.