Embassy of the United States

Speech

Remarks by Ambassador Joseph A. Mussomeli, July 4th Television Special

Today is the Fourth of July.  On this day 230 years ago, we declared our independence from Great Britain and signed the Declaration of Independence.  I have always liked the ending of that document, with its sweeping assertion that all people, not just Americans, not just men, not just people of a certain religion or certain complexion, but that all people have inalienable rights to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”  Those words from the Declaration remind me of something I said when I first arrived in Cambodia last September.  At the airport a young Cambodian newspaper reporter asked me how I would judge whether I succeeded or failed as an ambassador during my three years here.  I told him that if after three years the Cambodian people were a little more free, a little more prosperous, and little more secure and happy, I would judge my time here a great success.  Life.  Liberty.  The Pursuit of Happiness.  Those words resonate for all of us.  And all of us, especially Americans and Cambodians working together hand-in-hand, can help make Cambodia a more free, a more prosperous, a more secure, and a more happy nation. 

So as we celebrate on July 4th our own freedom and democracy, it seems appropriate for us to also reflect on the advancement of these ideals in Cambodia.  Recent steps toward decriminalizing defamation, the release of political prisoners, and the rapprochement between the ruling and opposition political parties are all positive steps in developing democracy in this country.  We applaud both the government and the Opposition for their efforts to put aside their differences and work together for the good of the Cambodian people.  Of course, there is much more that needs to be done -- those with wealth and power are not fully accountable, the courts are not yet independent, the people cannot yet always say what they want on all issues without fear of punishment, and certainly corruption remains a serious concern that the government needs to more forcefully address.  But foreigners too often forget that Cambodia’s democracy is still in its adolescence.  It is barely 15 years old.  And considering its age, it has achieved a good deal that all Cambodians ought to take pride in.

And we all know, too, that ultimately it will be up to the Cambodian people and its leaders to ensure the freedom and happiness of the people, but the United States -- as a good friend of Cambodia and the Cambodian people – is honored to help in small ways.  For this reason, the United States focuses its assistance on health, education, and good governance.  Our assistance to Cambodia has steadily risen over the past five years, and in 2006, assistance will be over $62 million.    

More than half of all our assistance is devoted to health.  In fact, U.S. assistance accounts for roughly half of all international assistance to Cambodia to fight HIV/AIDS.  We are also working to improve basic education, to fight corruption, to protect human rights, to promote judicial reform, and the list goes on.

But assistance alone is not enough.  Trade is far more important to Cambodia’s future.  In recent years, the U.S. has become Cambodia’s number one trading partner.  Exports to the U.S. totaled $1.8 billion in 2005, accounting for 65% of Cambodia’s total exports and some 33% of Cambodia’s entire GDP.  $1.8 billion.  That is nearly four times all the assistance that Cambodia gets from the entire international community combined.  These trade figures demonstrate more than anything else the commitment of the United States to Cambodia’s future prosperity. 

Relations between the United States of America and the Royal Kingdom of Cambodia are strong.  In fact, relations are stronger now than ever before in our 55-year relationship.  Of course, we do not always agree with each other, but our relationship is strong enough that we can sometimes disagree and still be friends.  And we all understand that in always speaking honestly to each other, we can further strengthen our relationship. 

Let me end by reiterating that the U.S. is committed to the security, prosperity, and freedom of the Cambodian people.  These three pillars support and safeguard Khmer culture and society, and are also the foundation of the American-Cambodian relationship.  So on July 4th let me wish His Majesty the King, the Royal Government of Cambodia and all Cambodians the warmest of wishes from the American people that you prosper in wealth, in dignity, and in freedom.

Happy Fourth of July!