Cambodia Says Us Sanctions Against Tycoon Unjust Politically Motivated

## Cambodia Condemns US Sanctions Against Tycoon as Unjust and Politically Motivated ### Breaking News: Cambodian Government Defends Sanctioned Tycoon **Phnom Penh, Cambodia** - The Cambodian government has denounced the United States' sanctions against prominent tycoon Kith Meng, calling them "unjust" and "politically motivated." In a statement released on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its "deep concern" over the sanctions, which have frozen Meng's assets and restricted his travel. The ministry argued that the sanctions are based on "unsubstantiated allegations" and that they "violate Cambodia's sovereignty and independence." It further accused the US of "interfering in Cambodia's internal affairs" and of using the sanctions as a tool to pressure the government. The US Treasury Department imposed the sanctions on Meng on Thursday, accusing him of corruption and human rights abuses. The department alleged that Meng had engaged in "serious human rights violations" in connection with his business activities, including the forced eviction of villagers from their land. The Cambodian government has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them "baseless" and "fabricated." It has also accused the US of using the sanctions to target Meng because of his close ties to Prime Minister Hun Sen. Human rights groups have welcomed the US sanctions, saying that they send a strong message that those responsible for human rights abuses will be held accountable. However, the Cambodian government has criticized the groups, accusing them of being biased against Cambodia and of colluding with the US to destabilize the country. The sanctions are the latest in a series of tensions between Cambodia and the US. In recent years, the US has criticized Cambodia's human rights record and its democratic backsliding. Cambodia has accused the US of interfering in its internal affairs and of trying to undermine its sovereignty. The sanctions are likely to further strain relations between the two countries. Cambodia has already threatened to expel the US ambassador and to close the US embassy in Phnom Penh. The US has said that it will continue to press Cambodia on human rights and democracy. ### Key Points: - Cambodian government condemns US sanctions against tycoon Kith Meng. - Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls sanctions "unjust" and "politically motivated." - US Treasury Department accuses Meng of corruption and human rights abuses. - Cambodian government denies allegations, accuses US of interference. - Sanctions are latest in a series of tensions between Cambodia and the US.