Phnom Penh Post - New US ambassador
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mbassador Charles A. Ray arrived in Phnom Penh on December 26 to take up his new
post. Ray has worked in the US Department of State for the past 20 years and has
held posts in China, Thailand and Sierra Leone. His most recent posting was as US
consul-general in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. He replaces Kent Wiedemann who left
in May 2002.
Hun Sen to ‘step down’ if he loses Sam Rainsy bet over Kem Sokha Hun Sen has promised to step down as prime minister while opposition figure Sam Rainsy pledges to turn himself in as forfeits if the long-term political rivals lose a “bet” over the future of former opposition leader Kem Sokha, who is on bail awaiting trial
UAE prince seeks to invest in CambodiaThe UAE has expressed interest in Cambodian oil and gas exploration. Minister of Mines and Energy Suy Sem said this was the result of his discussions with Sheikh Ahmed bin Dalmook bin Juma al-Maktoum, a member of the royal family who visited him on Wednesday.
Smith calls for ‘release’ of Sokha as visit endsAt a press conference to conclude her 11-day visit to Cambodia, UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Cambodia Rhona Smith on Thursday called for treason charges against former opposition leader Kem Sokha to be dropped and for him to be released from “restricted detention”.
PM denies ‘nepotism’ claimsPrime minister Hun Sen denied on Thursday that nepotism was involved in the recent promotions of the children of senior government officials. He said they had been “trained” and were entirely capable of carrying out their duties while being open to “punishment” like anyone else.
