Following the ongoing crackdown in Cambodia on the opposition and civil society, the European Union Parliament has passed a resolution calling for imposition of visa restrictions on Cambodian officials and freezing their assets, and reviewing the Everything But Arms (EBA) agreement’s human rights clauses for a potential temporary suspension.
After highlighting their concerns over the prevailing political situation in the country, EU parliamentarians urged the European Commission to review Cambodia’s obligations under conventions in Article 19 of the EBA regulation and withdraw tariff concessions if the country is acting in violation of its obligation, according to Cambodian media reports.
The EBA covers Cambodian garments as well. This is the fifth resolution on Cambodia adopted by the European Parliament in its legislative term since 2014.
European Commission representative Karmenu Vella said the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the commission are monitoring the situation and checking whether conditions were fulfilled for a potential temporary withdrawal.
The United States has already imposed visa restrictions on officials involved in undermining democracy, and both the EU and US have withdrawn funding for the National Election Committee in Cambodia. (DS)
Source Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India