Visitors Counter:

In the interview, Senior Minister Ieng Mouly answers a series of questions about the current AIDS situation in Cambodia, in particular about the efforts exerted by the National AIDS Authority, especially by the Royal Government of Cambodia, in fighting the not yet curable disease in the country. He said the national authority’s priority is to “prevent the second wave of AIDS epidemic” by “promoting the use of condoms,” reminding young people to remain constantly vigilant for the “danger of AIDS,” and inspiring them to always “practice safe sex with condoms.”

 

The senior minister also spoke of the “funds shortage” due to the Global Fund limited budget for Cambodia ongoing efforts in fighting against AIDS, which may “trigger the second wave of AIDS epidemic.” However, he added, the Royal Government of Cambodia, for its part, also made contributions the National AIDS Authority with a view to combating the spread of AIDS and providing “support and care to needy AIDS patients.”

 

As regards questions asked by another journalist about the current political situation in Cambodia, Senior Minister Ieng Mouly said that the green light given by the Ministry of Interior for the establishment of a host of new political parties was evidence that “multiparty liberal democracy in Cambodia is making progress,” adding, “the more parties, the better.” He also said that the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party’s position was now “weakening” and that it tried to bring up various problems, especially the current border problem with Vietnam, to “criticize the Royal Government” for political gains and to muster its currently faltering backing from supporters.