Polonsky promises new major investment to king of Cambodia by way of apology - newspaper

January 14, 2013
Interfax

In his message to the king of Cambodia, Russian businessman Sergei Polonsky, who is charged with intentional bodily damage and illegal detention by the Cambodian authorities, has promised to invest millions in the country's economy, the daily Kommersant reported on Monday.

"We, citizens of a foreign country and owners of real estate in Cambodia living here since 2002 are outraged by the system developed by the administration of the prison in which we are kept because it casts a shadow on Your Majesty," the daily quotes Polonsky's letter to the king as saying.

The daily says that in the letter the businessman reminded the king that he had invested millions in the country's economy and shared plans "of building a seven-star hotel and a green zone in the archipelago not far from Sihanoukville."

"The events that led to the arrest and detention of two of my work-mates and friends were caused by a complete misunderstanding and a language barrier," Polonsky explained the reason for the conflict in the letter.

He promised the king new investments counted in millions "to help Cambodians build a better life."

"When I am cleared of charges for an offense which I did not commit, I will ask Your Majesty to consider my request for granting me citizenship of Cambodia. I would like to share the fate, glory, freedom and responsibility of the people of Cambodia," Polonsky concluded.

On Jan. 4, the local media reported that Polonsky and two more Russians were arrested in Sihanoukville on Dec. 31, in line with a court ruling.

The reports said six local sailors picked up three Russians near the island of Ko Rong, from where they had intended to return to the mainland, on December 29. According to the victims, Polonsky threatened the captain of the vessel with a knife and locked him up in a cabin and made several crew members jump in the water.