U.S.-Cambodia Relationship Improves in Recent Years: U.S Ambassador Joseph Mussomeli

By Soy Sophea

Resplendent in a dark red T-shirt and standing behind an impressive-looking bank of microphones, U.S. Ambassador Joseph Mussomeli told reporters August 25 that the relationship between Cambodia and U.S. has improved last recent years. Behind his desk the two flags, one the national flag of Cambodia, the other the “Stars ’n’ Bars” of the United States, appeared to flutter in full agreement.

"The relationship between the two countries has improved markedly over the last two years," Ambassador Mussomeli told reporters at the U.S. Embassy on the final day of his three-year-diplomatic mission in Cambodia. "I'm hesitant to say that, because I think it still has a long way to go. As many of you have heard me say before, a few years of good relations can't really compensate for decades of misunderstandings and distrust."

Mussomeli, 56, arrived in Cambodia in 2005. During his duty in Cambodia, the Ambassador visited 24 cities and provinces throughout the kingdom.

Sin Bunthoeun, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, told the Cambodia Weekly on August 27 that Ambassador Mussomeli is an active person. He has exerted himself and made every effort to extend and cement bilateral relations between the two nations.

“He visited our cities and provinces during his tour of duty and encouraged the visits of many U.S delegates to Cambodia. In addition, the U.S. Navy has been no stranger but a welcome guest to our ports under Ambassador Mussomeli’s watch,” Bunthoeun said. “He has been a great Ambassador and has served both Cambodia and the United States well.”

“During his term and with his help, the U.S government’s humanitarian nature has been clear for all to see. The U.S. has always been a generous friend to the humanitarian cause and Mr. Mussomeli’s offices in facilitating this flow of support are recognized and deeply appreciated,” he added.

Cambodian civil associations also added their voice in praise of the departing Ambassador.

Rong Chhon, president of the Cambodian Independent Teachers Association, noted that the Ambassador has a track record second to none in helping Cambodia restore democracy, freedom of expression, economic development and social harmony.

“I believe that what the ambassador has achieved constitutes a precedent to be followed by his successor, the next U.S. Ambassadors to Cambodia,” Chhon said. “Apart from everything else, he has helped cement the excellent relations that now exist between the governments of Cambodia and America.”

Kek Galabru, president of LICADHO (Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights), said that she appreciated Ambassador Mussomeli’s selfless efforts in support of local NGOs.

“He always paid the fullest attention to our issues, even though our proposals to him were sometimes overly brief or roughly hewn,” she said. “He made an excellent coordinator and his open sincerity helped foster such good and productive relationships between the Cambodian government, local NGOs and civil societies.”

Ambassador Mussomeli left Cambodia late Monday. He will be replaced later this year by Carol Rodley, a former deputy head of mission with experience in Cambodia dating from the period 1997 to 2000.

Mr. Mussomeli was born in New York City on May 26, 1952. He graduated from Camden Catholic High School in 1970. He then went to Rutgers University for two years before dropping out and becoming an upholsterer, and then spending several months hitch-hiking through Europe. Upon returning to the United States, he attended Trenton State College and graduated summa cum laude in 1975, earning a BA in Political Science. In 1978 he earned his Juris Doctor’s degree from Rutgers Law School.

Following law school Mr. Mussomeli served as a law clerk to the Appellate Court of New Jersey from 1978-1979, and then worked for a year as a Deputy Attorney General in the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.

Mr. Mussomeli entered the Foreign Service in September 1980 and began his career by serving in Cairo, Egypt, as a general service officer. Following his stay in Cairo, Mr. Mussomeli served as staff assistant to the Undersecretary for Security Assistance. His extensive resume also includes service performed as the North Korea Desk Officer, Senior Watch Officer, Economic Counselor in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Inspector for the Office of Inspector General, Political Counselor in Rabat, Morocco. Mr. Mussomeli has also served as Deputy Chief of the Mission in Manama, Bahrain, and as a member of the Senior Seminar. He concluded a tour as Deputy Chief of Mission in the Philippines (2002-2005) before being assigned the Ambassadorship to Cambodia.
Mr. Mussomeli has received several awards including two Superior Honor Awards, one Group Superior Honor Award, and two Meritorious Honor Awards. His spouse, Sharon Flack Mussomeli, is also a Foreign Service officer. They have three children, Isaac, age 24, Alexis, age 22, and Thomas, age 4.