Statement of the Spokesperson
Of the Ministry of Interior

The spokesperson of the Ministry of Interior would like to express his profound thanks to the media for publishing articles and information relating to the implementation of the Law on Administration and Management of Communes/ Sangkats and relating to the decentralization policy of the Royal Government that is being implemented throughout the Kingdom of Cambodia. However, recently, some of the media published and commented on the guideline of the Ministry of Interior on support to Commune/Sangkat Councils (No. 010 dated 24 June 2005).

In order to clarify public opinion relating to this guideline, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Interior wishes to make the following statements.

1. The guidelines are designed to strengthen and enhance the implementation of decentralization policy in Cambodia, and are in conformity with the Law on Administration and Management of Commune/ Sangkat and legal instruments for the implementation of this Law.

2. Articles 42 and 43 of Sub-decree no. 22 ANK.BK dated 25 March 2002 on decentralization of powers, roles and duties to Commune/Sangkat Councils stipulate that all official links between Commune/Sangkat Council and the Royal Government, ministries, institutions, authorities and agencies of the Royal Government and national and international organizations must be conducted through the Ministry of Interior. The Ministry of Interior delegated authority to provincial/municipal governors to help with these linkages, and the provincial/municipal governors are therefore the formal link between Commune/Sangkat Councils and various ministries, institutions and organizations. In this regard, the provincial/municipal governor is not the controller of commune/Sangkat. Rather, the provincial/municipal governor plays the role of a facilitator and coordinator to support communes/Sangkats.

3. Accordingly, various ministries, institutions and organizations that intend to run programs to support decentralization to communes/Sangkats, including training, capacity building and so on must formally consult in
advance with provincial/municipal governors. This communication is usually done in writing.

Invitations to Commune/Sangkat Councilors to participate in meetings, workshops or study tours should be done within the framework of a program or project that has already been the subject of consultation with a provincial/municipal governor.

A Commune/Sangkat Councilor who is invited to participate in a meeting, workshop or study tour must have authorization from his/her Commune/ Sangkat Council and must notify the relevant provincial/municipal governor in advance.

A Commune/Sangkat Councilor who is invited to participate in a meeting, workshop or study tour abroad must also have approval from his/her council and approval of the relevant provincial/municipal governor and the Ministry of Interior.

4. The Law on Administration and Management of Commune/Sangkat and legal instruments for the implementation of this Law give autonomy to communes/Sangkats in their work, but not sovereignty.

The spokesperson of the Ministry of Interior considers that the guideline does not create ambiguity regarding the progress of decentralization and de-concentration reforms in Cambodia, but it is to ensure continuity of work and local stability in order to support the implementation of decentralization policy. The spokesperson of the Ministry of Interior would like to appeal to various ministries, institutions and organizations, especially national and international organizations to continue to provide broad facilitation and encouragement to participate in the successful process of the implementation of decentralization policy.

Phnom Penh, 08 September 2005