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Unofficial translation from Khmer by Socheata (KI Media)
Statement
The Voice of Vietnam (VOV) and an Internet website in Can Tho (Vietnam) reported, on 02 August 2007, that Monk Tim Sakhorn, the abbot of the Phnom Den North pagoda, located in Kirivong district, Takeo province, is sent to jail by the Vietnamese authority because he is accused of illegally crossing into Vietnam, as well as undermining the policy of solidarity between Cambodia and Vietnam.
Based on the accusation made by the Vietnamese authority claiming that Monk Tim Sakhorn illegally crossed the border into Vietnam, this clearly shows that Monk Tim Sakhorn is a true Cambodian citizen. Therefore, the Cambodian government has the duty to protect Cambodian citizens as stipulated in the constitution, as well as the nationality law currently in place. Who or what entity is responsible for the deportation of Monk Tim Sakhorn and handing him over to the Vietnamese authority? According to the recent claim made by General Khieu Sopheak, spokesman for the Ministry of Interior (MoI), to news agencies, the general indicated that the MoI authority sent Monk Tim Sakhorn to Vietnam per the written request made by the monk.
The Khmer Kampuchea Krom Community (KKC) calls on the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC), local and International organizations, all foreign embassies in Cambodia, to help follow the case of Monk Tim Sakhorn, as well as to help protect the safety of Monk Tim Sakhorn who is currently jailed in Vietnam. KKC is also taking this opportunity to call on the Royal Government of Cambodia to intervene through all diplomatic channels in order to bring back Monk Tim Sakhorn, and to conduct detailed investigation on (1) the deportation of Monk Tim Sakhorn and handing him over the Vietnamese authority, and (2) on the alleged written letter by Monk Tim Sakhorn asking to be deported back to Vietnam, in order to find those who violated the Constitution of Cambodia and bring them to court.
Phnom Penh 02 August 2007
The Executive Director of the Khmer Kampuchea Krom Community
(Signed) Thach Setha
Former Senator |
