Cambodian Prime Minister challenges US to freeze assets.

Prime Minister Hun Sen challenged the United States and the European Union (EU) today, December 15, to freeze the assets of Cambodian leaders abroad following the controversy surrounding the dissolution of the opposition party.

Prime Minister Hun Sen. Photo: AFP

"I challenge the United States and the European Union to freeze the assets of Cambodian leaders abroad."ReutersThis quotes Prime Minister Hun Sen speaking to a group of athletes in Phnom Penh on December 15.

Prime Minister Hun Sen stated that he has no money abroad, therefore any move by the US and EU to freeze assets would not affect him.

The US Embassy in Cambodia has yet to comment on Prime Minister Hun Sen's statement, while EU Ambassador George Edgar said the European Union has not made any decisions on measures to be taken against Cambodia.

Previously, both the US and the EU announced they would halt aid to Cambodia's 2018 election process. In addition, Washington warned it would restrict US visas for Cambodian leaders. Although the US and EU have not yet made an official announcement about freezing assets of Cambodian leaders, some lawmakers have left open the possibility of such a measure.

The tough stances taken by the US and EU came after the Cambodian Supreme Court decided to dissolve the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) at the government's request. Prime Minister Hun Sen accused Kem Sokha, the CNRP leader, of plotting to seize power with US backing. However, both the US and the CNRP denied these allegations.

Prime Minister Hun Sen, who has led Cambodia for over 30 years, has taken a strong anti-American stance as Cambodia's general election approaches. He has made a series of moves to warn critics, human rights groups, and foreign media, including organizations funded by the U.S. government.

According to Dan Tri