Phnom Penh (FN), July 5 - Sar Kheng, Minister of Interior (MoI) ordered COMFREL and NICFEC to stop the illegal activities of the Situation Room for Elections (SRE) and must perform their activities in accordance to Law on Associations and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).

"The establishment of the SRE violated the Law on Associations and NGOs," Sar Kheng stated in the letters addressed to the heads of these two organizations, dated Tuesday.

"SRE's statement was not legal and did not reflect neutrality as stated in Article 24 of the Law on Associations and NGOs," the letter added.

MoI's decision was made following SRE's statement alleging that the recent elections were restricted and unfair.

“SRE found irregularities and political pressure regarding financing electoral campaign; the use of state resources reflects the lack of equity and transparency; threats against political activists, and restrictions of freedom of expression.”

Meanwhile, MoI also warned all NGOs nationwide to abide to NGO law, particularly Article 10 and Article 25, according to MoI's announcement released yesterday.
=FRESH NEWS