Cambodia
postpones military programs with Australia
ABC-Australia Network News 15-08-2013: Cambodia
has postponed two military cooperation programs with Australia, following the
country's disputed election and growing political tension.
The
ABC has confirmed the two programs are in counter-terrorism and maritime
security.
An
Australian Defence Force spokesperson says no reason was given for the
postponement and that other programs continue as normal.
It
follows revelations from the US State Department earlier in the week that
Cambodia had suspended some of its military cooperation programs.
Spokeswoman
Marie Harf said that the decision was made unilaterally by Cambodia.
However
Cambodia's defence ministry denied that it had suspended or cancelled the
programs, stating they have merely been postponed until a new government is
formed.
But
some analysts believe it's a pre-emptive move by Cambodia, should the US and
other foreign governments decide to cut aid assistance if the July 28 election
is found to be flawed.
Some
US lawmakers have called for aid to Cambodia to be cut, after the elections were
allegedly marred by widespread cheating.
No comments:
Post a Comment