PHNOM PENH, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Sunday celebrated the 20th anniversary of ailing former retired King Norodom Sihanouk's return from exile and his 89-year-old birthday turning to 90 on Oct. 31.
The auspicious ceremony was held in front of the Royal Palace with the high presence from King Norodom Sihamoni, Sihanouk's son, Senate acting-President Prince Sisowath Chivan Monirak, President of the National Assembly Heng Samrin, Prime Minister Hun Sen, and foreign diplomatic corps.
In his first public appearance since his abdication in October 2004 in favour of his son Norodom Sihamoni, the former King was warmly greeted by throng of about 40,000 people from all walks of life.
Traditional dance has been performed to bless the former King with good health and longevity.
In his remarks, Sihanouk said he was very happy to have an honor to address to his beloved compatriots and highly appreciated Prime Minister Hun Sen for his tireless efforts and achievements to develop the country.
"Also, I admire the government of Cambodia and the parliament for their joint efforts to develop the nation," he said in a speech and live televised by the state-owned National Television of Cambodia.
The former King and Queen returned to Cambodia on November 14, 1991 from their exile in China's Beijing at the invitation of the ruling Cambodian People's Party, said Prime Minister Hun Sen in a speech during the celebration.
He said the celebration was to reflect the sincere hearts of Cambodian people towards the former King Norodom Sihanouk and Queen Norodom Monineath for their tireless efforts and achievements in national construction.
"We, all Cambodian people, wish the king father for good health and longevity in order to stay as a cold shadow for peace, political stability and prosperity of Cambodia and Cambodian people," he said.
Hun Sen said in the history of Cambodian Kings, there have never had any ex-kings who had as long life as the former King Norodom Sihanouk.
"In the past and in the future, the government of Cambodia vows to protect monarchic regime, constitutional law, full peace, political stability and national unification," he said.
During the celebrations, there is an exhibition displaying former King Norodom Sihanouk's royal crusades and achievements in his efforts to develop the nation.
Also, at the night of Oct. 30, there will be fireworks and concerts.
9 comments:
ធុញនិង អា ស៊ីហនុ ឪធម៏របស់ អា ហ៊ុន សែន ដល់ហើយ ក្រុមអាក្បត់ជាតិ
Go to hell ah Sihanouk,monarchy and
ah Hun Sen Vietnam's slaves.
Khmer people should know how to differentiate between National hero and Traitor.
By calling on Khmer people to go to Prey Marquis and requested Vietcong to invade Cambodia in order to get his power back from Lon Nol, that has led to over 2 million Cambodians dead, and the expulsion of UNTAC after the 1993 election, paved the way for Vietnam to resume its control over Cambodia, clearly constituted acts of treason, therefore this old junk man is not my hero.
There are so many poor young girls in Cambodia; maybe that is why he comes back. Remember he was self proclaimed Playboy ( or Ah Playboy Kanteur Kdor Kley)
Agree with poster 10:48 PM.
Every living Khmer should know this. Sihanouk did more harms to his people then good. That is the truth!
The only time when Khmer people should celebrate is when he pass away.
I am holding my breath for KI-Media to post:
"Cambodia celebrate the death of the Ex-King"
Any time now.
I mind mind Sihanouk. But i prefer to see Ah Hun Sen die first. Once the strongman of Asia die, Khmer will be at peace. Ah Sihanouk is just a harmless rat but ah Hun Sen is a dictator.
6:28 AM
They both can go at the same time for all I care.
Hopefully soon.
6:28 AM and 7:06 AM
Don't worry!!
Ah Sihanouk and Ah Kwack cannot live without each other.
So, they will go simultaneously and will live in the hell.
it is good that he decided to stay but we'll see as seihanuk is known to flip flop a lot. It is time for him also to see how much ah hun sen's regime affects the poor and those who try to advocate and defend the poor khmers. If he still thinks that what ah hun sen does is good for the country and do nothing about it, then he must be a collaborator who tries to push Cambodia even deeper into the control ah viet cong.
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