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.