Cambodian Prince Thomico expelled from co-ruling partyPHNOM PENH, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prince Sisowath Thomico was officially expelled from the co-ruling Funcinpec Party, said party spokesman Nov Sowathearo here on Friday.
Thomico, also adviser for party president Keo Puth Rasmey, was ousted according to the decision of the permanent steering committee of the party, after he criticized its leadership and opposed its principles, said Sowathearo.
Meanwhile, Cambodian-language newspaper the Rasmey Kampuchea on Friday quoted the prince as saying that he regretted so much, because the party leaders couldn't find solution for the national issues that he raised.
"And my departure from the party is just personal affairs," he added.
According to the reports, Thomico had requested the party to drop its decision to appoint Arun Rasmey, wife of Keo Puth Rasmey and the youngest daughter of former king Norodom Sihanouk, as premier candidate for the general election in 2008.
Because her half-brother Prince Norodom Ranariddh also stood as premier candidate for the Norodom Ranariddh Party (NRP), he argued.
Thomico used to head the Sangkum Jitniyum Party, later joined NRP and finally entered Funcinpec.
Ranariddh was ousted as Funcinpec president in October 2006 and later established NRP. He is now on self-exile outside Cambodia.
Thomico, also adviser for party president Keo Puth Rasmey, was ousted according to the decision of the permanent steering committee of the party, after he criticized its leadership and opposed its principles, said Sowathearo.
Meanwhile, Cambodian-language newspaper the Rasmey Kampuchea on Friday quoted the prince as saying that he regretted so much, because the party leaders couldn't find solution for the national issues that he raised.
"And my departure from the party is just personal affairs," he added.
According to the reports, Thomico had requested the party to drop its decision to appoint Arun Rasmey, wife of Keo Puth Rasmey and the youngest daughter of former king Norodom Sihanouk, as premier candidate for the general election in 2008.
Because her half-brother Prince Norodom Ranariddh also stood as premier candidate for the Norodom Ranariddh Party (NRP), he argued.
Thomico used to head the Sangkum Jitniyum Party, later joined NRP and finally entered Funcinpec.
Ranariddh was ousted as Funcinpec president in October 2006 and later established NRP. He is now on self-exile outside Cambodia.
