Cambodian Ruling Party Reaffirms Support For Hun Sen As PM Candidate

PHNOM PENH, Jan 7 (Bernama) -- The ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) reaffirmed on Monday its support for incumbent Prime Minister Hun Sen to retain his post for another term as Cambodia will hold general elections on July 28, Xinhua news agency reported.

"I'd like to solemnly affirm once again support for Hun Sen for the post of PM for the 5th legislative term and terms thereafter," CPP's Honorary President and National Assembly's President Heng Samrin said in a speech to commemorate the 34th anniversary of Jan 7 victory day over the Democratic Kampuchea (DK) or Khmer Rouge regime here.

Prime Minister Hun Sen has been in power for 28 years.

Heng Samrin hailed the Hun Sen-led government for bringing the country to full peace and security, sound economic and social development.

"Cambodia has maintained political and social stability, macroeconomics and financial stability, and firmly defended the sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and social safety," he said.

The country has achieved economic growth of about 7 percent in 2012 thanks to notable increases in agriculture, garment, tourism and real estate, he added.

Monday's commemoration was also presided over by CPP's President and Senate President Chea Sim and CPP's Vice-President, Prime Minister Hun Sen with some 12,000 supporters attending.

Cambodia celebrates Jan 7 as victory day over the Democratic Kampuchea regime.

On Jan 7, 1979, troops of the Kampuchea United Front for National Salvation with support from the Vietnamese troops toppled the DK regime after controlling the country for more than three years.

During this period, millions of Cambodian compatriots died from execution, disease, starvation and overwork.