Mark R. Kennedy

Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained yesterday, September 15, 2006, however, my vote on the following rollcalls would have been as follows: roll No. 451, H. Con. Res. 210-- ``yea,'' roll No. 452, H. Res. 622--``yea,'' roll No. 453, H. Con. Res. 415--``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained yesterday, September 14, 2006; however, my vote on the following rollcall would have been as follows: rollcall No. 447, H.R. 2864, ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, as we stand here today, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and other representatives of the United States are attending the annual meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Kuala Lampur.

As a Representative from a State with a large and vibrant Cambodian community, I have been very closely following issues on the ground in Cambodia.

For some time, I have been deeply concerned about Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's policy of undermining democratic principles and justice.

Having met with leaders like Sam Rainsy, Mu Sochua and Kem Sokha, I have heard their chilling reports of routine violations of the Cambodian constitution's guarantees of freedom of expression and association. I have been outraged by Hun Sen's arbitrary arrests and violations of fundamental human dignity and respect.

I urge the Secretary of State to use the ASEAN forum to rally the world community to remind the Hun Sen regime of its obligations to its people.

The government must immediately end its systematic campaign to undermine democracy, the rule of law, and human rights in Cambodia. The Secretary should remind the regime that the American people, the world community, and the donor community that has provided $2 billion in aid to Cambodia is watching.