Concerned about the political situation in Cambodia and the "continuing deterioration of democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law", the EU Foreign Affairs Council announced on Monday 26 February that it "may consider specific targeted measures" if the situation does not improve.
In the conclusions it adopted, the Council also threatens to reconsider to preferential access to the EU market as part of the Everything But Arms initiative. "The Council invites the Commission to enhance the monitoring of the situation and to step up the engagement with Cambodia in light of the provisions of Regulation (EU) No 978/2012. 9 (Everything But Arms)". The ministers also invite the Commission and the High Representative to monitor the situation closely and "to continue a thorough and comprehensive assessment" of development cooperation programmes in close cooperation with member states "with a view to ensuring the strengthening of democratic principles, respect for human rights and the rule of law". The Council asks for the support brought by the EU to civil society and human rights defenders to be increased.
The Council also urges Cambodia to restore democracy, and the government to engage in a constructive dialogue with the elected opposition and to take all necessary measures to ensure a political environment in which opposition parties, civil society and media can operate freely.
The Cambodian government should cease using the judiciary as a political tool to harass and intimidate political opponents, civil society, labour rights activists and human rights defenders, the Council adds.
Once again, the ministers call for the immediate release of opposition leader Kem Sokha, and for measures to ensure that the dissolution of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) be swiftly reversed. Although general elections are due to take place in July 2018, "the enforced dissolution of CNRP denies the will of the voters and undermines the credibility of the current election process", the Council adds, stating that "an electoral process from which the main opposition party has been arbitrarily excluded is not legitimate". (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)