Secretary-General pleased at release of human rights activists in cambodia

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General was pleased to learn of the release earlier today of the four human rights activists who were being held in jail in Cambodia for defamation, including Mr. Kem Sokha, President of the Cambodia Centre for Human Rights, and his deputy, Mr. Pa Nguon Tean.

The Secretary-General further expresses the hope that Prime Minister Hun Sen will ensure freedom of expression and respect by Cambodia for its human rights obligations and the rule of law.

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