Sunday, October 15, 2006

Cambodian Prime Minister returns from Australia

Saturday October 14, 2006
DPA

Phnom Penh - Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen returned home after a six-day visit to Australia Saturday ahead of an imminent visit by the new Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont. General Chulanont is scheduled to pay a one-day visit at Hun Sen's invitation Sunday as part of his first state visits in the position since he was appointed October 1 by the military leaders who staged the country's September 19 bloodless coup.

Hun Sen and his entourage declined to comment on the Australian visit on their return to Phnom Penh International Airport.

The visit, at Australian Prime Minister John Howard's invitation, had focused on the issues of building trade, fighting cross border crime including trafficking and child sex tourism and regional security.

National Police Chief Hok Lundy also declined to discuss the extradition process surrounding fugitive former top police officer Heng Pov, saying any disclosure may harm progress as Cambodia continues to negotiate for him to be returned from Malaysia to face charges including murder, conspiracy to murder and kidnap.

Heng Pov had previously applied for asylum in Australia saying he feared for his life if he was returned to Cambodia. Australia turned him down.

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