Ambassador of France H.E. Jacques Pellet, U.S. Ambassador H.E. W. Patrick Murphy, Ambassador of Japan H.E. Ueno Atsushi, journalists, and other guests gathered at the War Correspondents Memorial in Phnom Penh on May 3 to commemorate World Press Freedom Day.
According to joint press release AKP received this morning, the ceremony, organised by the French and U.S. Embassies in Phnom Penh, honored 37 journalists and correspondents from 11 countries—including Japan, France, the United States, and Cambodia, among others—who were killed or went missing during the Kingdom’s conflict period.
Ambassadors Pellet, Murphy, and Ueno acknowledged the vital role of a free press in promoting democracy, accountability, and transparency.
“As we honour courageous journalists here and around the world, we express support for press freedom and stand with Cambodian media professionals who seek to exercise their fundamental rights,” said Ambassador Murphy.
“Press freedom is a fundamental pillar of any democratic society. It allows holding governments accountable for their actions and ensures that citizens are informed in a fair and impartial manner,” said Ambassador Pellet
“Freedom of the press is the foundation of any free and democratic society,” said Ambassador Ueno.
France, the United States, and Japan joined journalists on this international day to demonstrate commitment to a free press and to show support to the Cambodian people and their aspirations for a prosperous, democratic, and independent country.
Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse