§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What was the outcome of the Consultative Group meeting on Cambodia in Tokyo on 11th-12th July; whether any measures were agreed to combat illegal trade in Cambodia's timber and the diversion of revenues to the Khmer Rouge; what undertakings were received from the Cambodian government, if any, on the preservation of freedom of expression and of assembly; whether future aid is to be conditional on Cambodia's adherence to the principles of good governance and the rule of law, and what additional procedures they and other donors consider necessary for monitoring compliance with these objectives.
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyA successful Consultative Group Meeting secured commitments from the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) in the fields of human rights and economic policy (including steps104WA to combat illegal logging), while donors pledged their continuing support for Cambodia's development.
The RGC committed itself to implementing the recommendations on forestry policy made by the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organisation and requested international experts and advisers to assist it in this process. In addition, the RGC stated its willingness to appoint a reputable international company to verify the export of logs and ensure transparency and accountability of revenues.
The RGC also committed itself to the democratic process, a free mass media, the rule of law and combating corruption. Most donors, in pledging further aid, made it clear that they expected to see further progress in these areas. Given the widespread presence of donors and NGOs in Cambodia and of a UN Centre for Human Rights in Phnom Penh (to which Britain has provided financial support), we will help to ensure the monitoring of progress.