European Liberal Democrat leader criticises imprudent remarks made by EP delegation member on Cambodia

2.49.46pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 28th Apr 2006

Graham Watson group leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe in the European Parliament distanced himself from the remarks made by a Belgian socialist Vice President of the EP delegation for relations with south-east Asia following a recent visit in which he criticised the UN representative in Cambodia, Yash Gai of lacking an objective view of Cambodia.

"The reports of Mr. Tarabella's remarks in 'The Cambodian Daily' following a press conference were alarming and do not represent the views of the European Parliament which has been very critical on the lack of democracy, obstruction of legitimate opposition parties and authoritarian rule in Cambodia that we have seen recently in the treatment of Sam Rainsy and his colleagues."

"I am glad that Mr Tarabella has now written to the newspaper in question to correct any misundertsanding, reiterate full support for the UN special representative and confirm the position of the European Parliament - namely its critical assessment of the lack of independence and integrity of the Cambodian judiciary, widespread corruption and concerns for human rights."

Ignasi Guardans MEP (Spanish Catalan, CiU), currently in Cambodian on behalf of the ALDE group for a conference of the Asian Liberal Democrats (CALD) reiterated his surprise and disappointment that a Member of the European Parliament's delegation should undermine the intention and expertise of the UN representative. "Such statements are at best imprudent and at worst irresponsible", he said.