Cambodian Government Denies Australian Backpacker's Likely Murder as Diplomats Suspect Political Games

Cambodian government officials have downplayed evidence of the likely murder of Australian backpacker David Wilson and his two European traveling companions, sparking concerns among diplomats that the government is using the denial to stall on laying charges against Khmer Rouge kidnappers. The diplomats believe that if the government acknowledges the killings, it would lead to a politically damaging trial and potentially harm foreign investment and development aid. Despite a video and letters sent to Cambodian authorities on 31 August, the government claims that the three hostages were moved on 3 October from Mount Voar, a guerrilla stronghold 150 kilometres south of Phnom Penh.

Key Takeaways:

• The Cambodian Government has denied evidence of the murder of Australian backpacker David Wilson and his two European traveling companions, despite strong suspicions among diplomats that the government is stalling on laying charges against Khmer Rouge kidnappers.
• Diplomats believe that the government's denial is motivated by a desire to avoid a politically damaging trial and potential harm to foreign investment and development aid.
• The last confirmed sighting of the hostages was on 31 August, with a video and letters sent to Cambodian authorities.
• The Cambodian Government is offering amnesty to all Khmer Rouge fighters if they give up their guerrilla campaign.
• Australia is demanding the abductors and killers of the hostages be brought to justice.
• The Cambodian Government is desperate for Western countries to send military aid to help its army fight the Khmer Rouge.

Statistics:

• 94 days: The length of time the hostage crisis has been ongoing.
• 150 kilometres: The distance from Phnom Penh to Mount Voar, the guerrilla stronghold where the hostages were allegedly moved.
• 31 August: The date of the last confirmed sighting of the hostages, with a video and letters sent to Cambodian authorities.

Sources:

• "Phnom Penh, Friday." __ (newspaper title not specified)
• "In Tokyo today, the Australian Foreign Minister, Senator Evans, was more cautious in his comments about the hostages than in a late night news conference in Mongolia on Wednesday."
• "A spokeswoman for the Department of Foreign Affairs was sceptical. "If they turn out to be alive we think that's wonderful," she said."
• "David Wilson's brother, Tim, yesterday called on the Department of Foreign Affairs to keep a close watch on the Cambodian Government, who he said may be using the hostages to win political and military support from Australia, France and England."