PHNOM PENH, August 16, 2024 — Chheang Vun, Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Economy, Finance, Banking, and Auditing, recalled the participation of the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) members in the 2015 Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam (CLV) meeting held in Champasak Province, Laos. His reminiscence comes amidst current opposition protests against the CLV development zone project.

On August 15, through a social media post, Chheang Vun questioned the timing of the current protests, noting that previous involvement by opposition party members, including Keo Phirum, Nhoy Chamroeun, and Vandaran, did not incite such reactions.

This statement arises in response to opposition groups abroad lobbying for protests against the CLV development project. Khieu Kanharith, a former Minister of Information and current Member of the National Assembly, critiqued the opposition's strategy on August 11, suggesting it aims to destabilize the government by exploiting the CLV issue.

Chin Malin, Permanent Secretary of State and spokesman for the Ministry of Justice, on August 15, condemned the protest plans against the CLV Development Cooperation Triangle (CLV-DTA) project as attempts for a color revolution to overthrow the Royal Government using incitement and deceit.

He highlighted that such actions, deemed subversive and threatening national security, could attract severe legal consequences, including life imprisonment for public servants involved in such crimes.

The Ministry of Defense has also voiced strong opposition to any attempts to overthrow the government, emphasizing the role of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces in maintaining stability and rejecting any calls for violence that could plunge Cambodia back into civil unrest.

The ongoing disputes underscore the tense political climate surrounding the development initiatives in the CLV region, reflecting deep divisions in perspectives on national development and democratic processes.