Inspiring words from the KKF President, Mr. Thach Ngoc Thach The communist Vietnam government continues to operate in Kampuchea-Krom through the use of its propaganda. If the conditions inside Kampuchea-Krom are as the Vietnam authorities claim it to be one of equal rights with its people having freedom and improving their living, why do they not have the courage to allow visitors into Khmer-Krom’s communities without any restrictions? And why do they continue to prohibit Khmer-Krom monk and people from demonstrating their freedom? Instead of attempting to hide things as “state secrets” why do they not have to courage to show the truth to the outside world? Why are so many security forces including local police, arrests and accusation against Khmer-Krom? They claim to be the second biggest exporter of rice in the world, why Khmer-Krom are so poor that they have nothing to eat? Why are so many Khmer-Krom fleeing to Cambodia? KKF has always informed the world that if the majority of Khmer-Krom in Kampuchea-Krom were truly satisfied with the state affairs in Kampuchea Krom, KKF would have no reason, no justification and no desire to raise our voice against the situation in Kampuchea-Krom. Sadly, however, when Khmer-Krom people tries to speak up, instead of listening to them many are arrested, imprisoned and labeled as a separatism or trouble maker of society. They have no opportunity and no freedom to speak out the truth. If the Khmer-Krom people are truly happy with what is now, then the Vietnamese authorities should have no difficulty in holding Khmer-Krom all over Kampuchea Krom. There would be no protests against their rule. Khmer-Krom abroad, in Cambodia and Kampuchea-Krom are advocating for a referendum in Kampuchea Krom. We all know that the best way to resolve this issue once and for all is to allow the indigenous Khmer-Krom inside Kampuchea-Krom to choose their destinies through a freely held referendum. We believe that the Khmer-Krom people must have an opportunity speak out and decide for themselves. Vietnamese authorities must stop using Khmer-Krom against Khmer-Krom. It’s a political fear and manipulation. KKF is obligated to help the Khmer-Krom inland by taking up the Khmer-Krom issues with the Vietnamese leadership and act as a representative on behalf of the Khmer-Krom people until the a solution is reached. The great trust placed on KKF by the Khmer-Krom people increases our noble sense of responsibility. The historical relationship between Khmer-Krom and Vietnam is much more complex and complicated than the Vietnam official vision in Hanoi claims. Khmer-Krom had existed as distinct peoples and occupied entity this land since pre-history. The changing status of Cochin-China by President Auriol of France in June 9th 1949 by giving it to Vietnam was illegal. The government of Vietnam promised and even signed Human Rights treaties to respect the “unique nature” of Khmer-Krom. Sadly however for the most of its rule, Vietnam has done nothing but further suppress the Khmer-Krom by implementing destructive and discriminatory policies. The reality is that the Khmer-Krom people continue to be amongst the poorest and severely oppressed peoples, living in a world filled with insecurities. Everyday, we can see many Khmer-Krom monk, men, women, children fleeing to Cambodia seeking refuge or employment to sustain their lives. Nonetheless, the leadership of Vietnam will not stop our quest for freedom and peace through the use of non-violence means. And our struggle with patience, courage and determination are our utmost essentials for Khmer-Krom. We strongly believe that there will be an opportunity in the future to discuss our Khmer-Krom issues and face the reality because there is no other choice either for Khmer-Krom or for Vietnam. The situation inside Kampuchea-Krom seems hopeless in the face of increasing repression, environmental destruction, and unjust accusation. However, the Khmer-Krom issue is becoming a reality and the Vietnam government, no matter how bad behaved it may be is still a part of the world community. The global trend today is moving toward more openness, freedom, democracy and respect for human rights. In the long run there is no way that Vietnam can escape from the truth, justice and freedom? We would like to ask Khmer-Krom who are serving or working for the government to represent your own Khmer-Krom because you are representative of our people and not the Vietnamese government. To all Venerables holding high positions to respect your own people, the Khmer-Krom, who feed you, take care of you, and offer all kind of benefits from start to finish. We would like to see all the high ranked Venerables to uphold the rule of Buddhism doctrine and respect the Buddha; not other way around. If you think that the communist regime is great, it is better to leave monkshood. We would like to pay homage to the brave Khmer-Krom Buddhist monks, men, women and children of Khmer-Krom who have and continue to sacrifice their lives for the cause of our freedom and for the early end to the sufferings of our people. We would like to take this opportunity as well to appeal to all Khmer-Krom, Khmer around the globe please united and work in solidarity for our common goal of “Self-determination”. T.Thach
