Dear Editor,
I note with concern a recent article in the Phnom Penh Post (V10/N17 "Sihanoukville
highway toll deal draws fire") implying U.S. Government approval of the recent
decision to grant AZ Distribution a concession for the operation and maintenance
of National Route 4. The only discussions between Embassy and Cambodian officials
on this issue concerned the principle of privatization. In those talks, we advised
that it was the sole right and responsibility of the Royal Government of Cambodia
to take necessary measures to maintain the road subsequent to its reconstruction
by the United States. However, the United States expressed an expectation that any
arrangement involving privat-ization would be openly competed and awarded through
a transparent selection process. We did not approve - and were not informed of -
contract terms or the choice of a particular company.
The government of the United States takes great interest in the stewardship afforded
by the Royal Government of Cambodia to a gift from America's taxpayers to Cambodia's
citizens. The Government of the United States expects that all revenues collected
under the concession will be subject to strict and visible accountability and will
indeed be devoted to making significant physical improvements to the route and to
performing quality maintenance on a consistent and continuing basis.
- Kent M. Wiedemann, US Ambassador, Phnom Penh
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