Cambodia suspends US military programs

Cambodia suspended military programs with the US shortly after the elections, a US State Department official said yesterday.

Speaking at a press briefing held in Washington DC, spokeswoman Marie Harf said the suspension was a "unilateral" decision by Cambodia.

"Following the elections, the Cambodian Ministry of Defense postponed or canceled a number of international military programs, including with the United States. We would not categorise the cancellation of programs as a suspension of military ties," she said.

"We haven’t indicated that’s something we want."

Before the elections, a number of US lawmakers urged cuts to aid should the vote be deemed less than "free and fair." Rights groups testifying at a congressional hearing on the topic encouraged the cuts be made to military aid, but no public decision on the matter had been issued.

Cambodia has typically enjoyed a warm military relationship with the US, which has provided millions in military assistance each year and held large training exercises. Three-star general Hun Manet, the son of Prime Minister Hun Sen, was the first Cambodian to attend the elite West Point military academy in the US.

Contact author: Abby Seiff