The Editor,

We are writing in response to the comments made by European

Union (EU) Ambassador Gwyn Morgan in a recent interview with the Post about

NGOs' view and work in Cambodia.

We are glad that he recognizes the

importance of NGOs' contribution to development in Cambodia.

As NGOs, we

are constantly monitoring and evaluating our own work in Cambodia, with

partners, including the Royal Government and beneficiaries.

In a

challenging context such as Cambodia, we know that development is a long process

and one which requires constant assessment and adjustment.

We trust that

the EU, with its significant presence in Cambodia takes a similar view, and will

be willing to join a mutually beneficial dialogue on aspects of the PERC project

and we hope that EU/NGO cooperation will be strengthened as a result.

We

do not wish to use the pages of the Post to respond to Ambassadors Morgan's

characterization of our efforts or our views, and look forward to meeting with

him to discuss some of the points he raised in your article when he is in

Cambodia next week.

The CCC and NGO Forum are combining forces to begin

an assessment of bilateral and multilateral assistance to Cambodia and the role

of NGOs in relation to players such as the EU.

We hope to have a fruitful

dialogue with the best interests of Cambodia at heart. We would stress that our

primary concern is for the sustainable and well-planned development of this

country, and we welcome the opportunity to develop constructive partnerships

with donors and other agencies which share this goal.

(signed)

CCC and NGO Forum on Cambodia.