Mr Borrell showed a slightly different side in his statement on Cambodia, noting: "The EU will not stand and watch as democracy is eroded, human rights curtailed, and free debate silenced. Finally, Cambodia said thanks but no thanks to the EU's offer of trade privileges in exchange for better rights protections. They are not on the same page as the Scandinavian faction, which has more liberal views on human rights and democratic values. The former wants the EU to maintain EBA trade privileges while the latter wants to cut them regardless of the political consequences. They prefer to manage ties with whatever form of government exists in Southeast Asia and quietly work on improving overall rights.

Source: Bangkok Post February 17, 2020 23:15 UTC