Hun Sen’s government faces mounting international pressure after charging opposition leader Kem Sokha with “treason” and initiating dissolution proceedings against his Cambodia National Rescue Party. Russia, say analysts, is offering support for his increasingly desperate bid to combat the opposition’s growing popularity ahead of next year’s election. “[The] US’s threats to impose sanctions on Cambodia will only increase Russia’s willingness to enhance cooperation with Cambodia,” he said. “Given the aforementioned dynamics of Russia relations, it is very possible that Cambodia’s debt to Russia will at least be restructured, if not written off,” Korolev said. If Moscow is seeking a toe hold in Cambodia, such as a port or special facilities for Russian tourists, it will offset Cambodia’s debt for these facilities and services.”

Source: The Nation Bangkok November 14, 2017 18:00 UTC