An article published in your newspaper ("Accused pedophile may be preparing
to leave," PPP Aug 31-Sep 13), which mentions the Embassy of France, draws our
attention to the following points:
The consular services of the embassy were in fact solicited by the relevant Cambodian
authorities which authorised Mr. Guynot de Boismenu to enter a hospital, under Cambodian
escort, in order to receive the necessary care for his medical condition. In effect
Mr. Guynot de Boismenu had a heart transplant five years ago that obviously necessitates
appropriate medical follow-up.
These requests were submitted to the Cambodian authorities in the normal framework
of the consular protection that all French overseas representation must offer to
its nationals.
In no instance has the French Embassy tried to shield Mr. Guynot de Boismenu from
the procedure within which he is being subjected by the Cambodian judicial system.
Patrice Bonnal, press attache, Embassy of France.