US embassy official applauds government for humanitarian action over Westerdam
US embassy official applauds government for humanitarian action over Westerdam
A United States embassy official thanked the government for allowing the cruise ship Westerdam to disembark American citizens to return home and meet their families.
Speaking to reporters today, Michael A Newbill, deputy chief of mission United States said he and 20 other officials will assist American citizens off the ship and back to their countries.
“As you heard, ambassador [Patrick Murphy] saying, security and safety of American citizens are number one priority overseas,” he said.
“We are grateful for and appreciate the hospitality of the Cambodian government and significantly to make sure that the ship was docked with safety precautions taken and these passengers and all nationality can soon return to their families,” Mr. Newbill said.
“We appreciate the Cambodian government on its effort which are significant for humannity,” he added.
Mr Newbill also thanked Holland American Line that offered good cooperation.
When asked if the relationship between Cambodia and US will improve, Mr Nebill said, “It did not have anything to do with political issues.”
“We cooperated this time with Cambodia issues related to our citizens and this is a huge issue we’ve normal dealt with,” he said.
According to US embassy Emily Zeeberg, spokeswoman, over 600 U.S. citizens are among passengers on board Holland America’s MS Westerdam cruise vessel that left Hong Kong on February 1 and has been denied entry into several ports in the region.
Source: Khmer Times
