The Cambodian ambassador to the UK talked about “provocation” after a NGO appealed to donor countries by raising issues about the management of oil revenue.


The Global Witness communiqué warning donor countries about the use of natural gas and oil resource is a “villain campaign to discredit the image of Cambodia,” the Cambodian embassy in London said in its communiqué issued on Tuesday 25 November.

“It is naive from Global Witness to think Cambodia's international donors do not well aware of their ill-intentioned purpose of damaging Cambodia’ past and recent economic developments.” the Cambodian embassy communiqué added.

According to Global Witness, Cambodia almost did not keep up with any of its promises regarding the fight against corruption, the management of natural resources and human rights. According to Global Witness, “Cambodia is on the verge of a petroleum and minerals windfall, but both sectors are already exhibiting early warning signs of the corruption, nepotism and state capture…”

The Cambodian embassy in London retorted by quoting a recent speech given by vice-PM Sok An who said “We do not want to be mere spectators in our petroleum industry,” and that he was involved in the setting up of efficient legal mechanism for the management of the oil sector.

The Cambodian embassy also warned donor countries against Global Witness, in particular it addressed its message to the Netherland, Canadian and Irish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as the Swedish International Development Co-operation Agency (Sida) “to ask for an urgent review of Global Witness’ program of activities and policies and, a strict control to poor management and leadership of Global Witness.”