Wednesday, 27 August 2008

CPP weighs shake-up of foreign diplomat posts

HENG CHIVOAN; Foreign Minister Hor Namhong is considering a reshuffle of diplomats.

The Phnom Penh Post

Written by Cheang Sokha
Tuesday, 26 August 2008

Funcinpec faces further losses in a new government as foreign diplomatic appointments are re-evaluated

The Cambodian People's Party is considering changes to its foreign missions in a reshuffle that could further marginalise Funcinpec members in the Kingdom's new government, which is to be announced in September.

"We are in the process of discussing the issue," Minister of Information Khieu Kanharith told the Post on Monday.

"Funcinpec has asked the CPP to keep their party's members in current overseas posts, and we are considering the request."

He added that some Funcinpec ambassadors have a good work record and could see substantial promotions in a new government if they are replaced.

Sin Bunthoeun, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said several Funcinpec diplomats have completed their three-year terms while others were set to expire soon.

"I think Funcinpec has about five or six ambassadors currently posted overseas," Sin Bunthoeun told the Post.

The government has already announced one change to its overseas missions: You Ay, currently secretary of state at the Ministry of Women's Affairs, will replace Ung Sean as head of the Thailand mission.

Ung Sean will be named secretary of state at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. He has served in diplomatic posts for the last nine years.

The potential reshuffle follows an announcement earlier this month that all Funcinpec ministerial posts had been given to the highest-ranking CPP secretary of state at the relevant ministry.

Funcinpec Secretary General Nhek Bun Chhay, who helped garner support among party members to collaborate with the CCP after last month's polls, could not be reached for comment on Monday.

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