Cambodian Exiles Set to Return Home on Independence Day

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Cambodian exile and opposition figure Mu Sochua says an entire group composed of exiles spread across the globe has agreed to return home simultaneously on November 9, 2019. This significant decision was made in a meeting a couple of days ago.

The announced date coincides with Cambodia’s independence anniversary from France 66 years ago, says Sochua to Tempo on August 19. Sochua acts as the commission leader of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) exiles’ homecoming.

Cambodia’s opposition female politician also said the exiles - who are currently in countries that signed the 1991 Paris Peace Accord – are attempting numerous dialogues and rallying support to avert from seeing a “bloody” process of returning home.

CNRP founder Sam Rainsy is currently in Australia in an attempt to explain the massive plan.

Moreover, Sochua said that the Cambodian exiles are trying to have the countries adhering to the Paris peace accord to open a dialogue with Prime Minister Hun Sen regarding their return and urging Hun Sen to free political prisoners, including CNRP leader Kem Sokha.

She says members of the opposition are open for a dialogue to reach a national reconciliation with Hun Sen to put an end to the lengthy conflict that has marred Cambodia. The oppositions reportedly are prepared to face the worst-case scenario if the plan does not go as planned.

“We will return home and tell Hun Sen: there will be no more bloodshed,” she said.

MARIA RITA HASUGIAN