 |
| Cartoon by Sacrava (on the web at http://sacrava.blogspot.com) |
Showing posts with label Sisowath Thomico. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sisowath Thomico. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 04, 2012
Sacrava's Political Cartoon: Thor-Mer-Mor
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Pedophile Pardoned On [Hun Xen's] Government Request
 |
| Alexander Trofimov smokes a cigarette after his verdict at the Phnom Penh municipal court, March 14, 2008. (AFP) |
Anti-human trafficking groups criticize Cambodia for amnesty decision.
2011-12-23
Radio Free Asia
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's government asked the country's King Norodom Sihamoni to pardon a Russian businessman convicted of sexually abusing more than a dozen girls in Cambodia, according to a prince.
Prince Sisowath Thomico told RFA in an interview Friday that the king granted an amnesty to Alexander Trofimov, who was freed on Tuesday, based on a government request.
Trofimov, who became the focus of Cambodia's largest-ever pedophilia case, had been convicted of buying sex from 17 girls between the ages of six and 13.
Anti-human trafficking groups have expressed dismay over his release, saying it would be a bad example for criminals.
Sunday, November 06, 2011
Thomico denies palace's invitation sent to Sam Rainsy - ទ្រុងធុំអាកោរ បដិសេធ រឿងអញ្ជើញ លោកសមរង្ស៊ី
 |
| Thomico (Photo: The Phnom Penh Post) |
Please click the control below to listen to the VOA audio program:
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
There Is No So-Called Disputed Area
By Sisowath Thomico
Letter to The Cambodia Daily
Letter to The Cambodia Daily
A few weeks ago, I wrote a paper about the so-called «disputed area» around the Preah Vihear Temple which was published in the Cambodia Daily. In that article I tried to explain that, from the legal point of view of the Ruling of the International Court of Justice of June 15, 1962, there is no such «disputed area».
It looks as though I have been unsuccessful as, in his «Premier Warns Thais Away From Border Pagoda» report of March 15, 2011 edition of the Cambodia Daily, Phorn Bopha still mentioned the so-called «disputed area».
Once and for all, I would like to explain to all the Cambodian journalists and reporters and to my beloved fellow compatriots that we, Khmers, cannot write or say «disputed area» around the Preah Vihear Temple without conceding that the judgement of the ICJ is unclear - which is completely untrue -, and without renouncing our sovereign rights over the area surrounding Preah Vihear - which is totally unacceptable.
In order to describe the dispute between Thailand and Cambodia over that plot of land, the right expression would be «the area claimed by Thailand». So, I beg all the Cambodian journalists and reporters: Please, do not to use the expression «disputed area» anymore, in order to respect the legacy of the King-Father who brought the case before the Court in 1959, and who was given justice in 1962.
Sisowath Thomico
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Dangerous hide-and-seek game by Cambodia's royal palace
Left to rigth: Thomico, Former monarch Sihanouk and Yim SovannSRP refuses to pursue exchanges with the royal palace
07 June 2010
By Meas Mony
Free Press Magazine Online
Translated from Khmer by Heng Soy
Click here to read the article in Khmer
KI-Media notes:The request made by a group of SRP MPs asking former monarch Norodom Sihanouk to help intervene with the Yuon government on border issue when the latter will perform his 4-day official visit on Yuon land at the end of June, under invitation from Yuon president Nguyen Minh Triet, has turned into a heated verbal exchange. However, recently, the SRP refused to pursue this verbal exchange with the royal palace.
- Thomico: “…the former monarch [Norodom Sihanouk] does not have the right to get involved in state affairs”
- Yet, Thomico forgets that: “the former monarch is OFFICIALLY invited to visit Srok Yuon as a stateman of Cambodia.”
- Well, Thomico, which of the two issues above is correct? Is former king Sihanouk involved in state affairs or not? If he is not, then he shouldn’t visit Srok Yuon, lest he wants to violate Cambodia’s Constitution.
On Monday, Yim Sovann, SRP MP and spokesman, told FPM: “I don’t want to pursue exchanges with the royal palace as it can viewed as if I am opposed to the king. However, all Cambodian citizens have the right and the duty to defend our territorial integrity.”
Yim Sovann made this statement after Sisowath Thomico, the personal secretary of king Norodom Sihanouk, claimed that the request letter by SRP MPs for the king’s intervention: “seems to be like a trap for the throne.”
According to Thomico, the SRP’s letters looks like a challenge for the former monarch who does not have the right to get involved in state affairs. Thomico accused: “Why the SRP does not declare itself as republican directly?”
It should be noted that, currently, the problems of encroachment on Khmer territories – both along the western border with Siam and along the eastern border with Yuon – are reaching a boiling point. In particular, along the eastern border, up to now, two villagers who dare talked about Yuon planting encroaching border posts have already been sent to jail by the Phnom Penh regime. In Takeo province, villagers who appealed for intervention to the loss of their rice fields from border post encroachment are now living in fear for their own safety.
The planting of border posts along the eastern border is conducted in great mystery and without transparency, no Members of Parliament or Cambodian citizens, the rightful owners of the country, can overlook this operation. These irregularities create doubts among civil society, as well as the opposition party, as it can be perceived as if the government is undertaking bad deeds to deliver Khmer lands to the Yuons.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Sihanouk to end a number of activities
August 16, 2009By Pen Bona
Radio France International
Translated from Khmer by Heng Soy
King-Father Norodom Sihanouk issued a declaration at the end of the week, indicating the weakening of his health and mental capacity. The 87-year-old former monarch who is currently staying in Siem Reap province, declared that he will stop a number of his daily work activities, and he is turning all his works to Prince Thomico to take care for him.
Starting from Sunday 16 August, King-Father Norodom Sihnaouk will take a rest from writing documents for posting on his website and for publication in his monthly BMD magazine. The announcement was made in a declaration issued by the former monarch at the end of this week.
In a press communiqué distributed on Saturday in Siem Reap city, where he is currently staying, King-Father declared that his body is aging considerably, both physically and mentally. This situation no longer allows him to fulfill his daily work as he used to do in the past.
This reason forced him to take a rest from writing documents for publishing on his website and his BMD magazine. King-Father transferred the task to Prince Sisowath Thomico. The latter indicated today that King-Father is very tired because he did not have much rest.
The 87-year-old former monarch returned from China on 08 July, following a long medical care stay in Beijing. Since his return, he has stayed at his palace in Siem Reap province. A few weeks earlier, the former monarch declared that he would stop receiving high-ranking officials and foreign guests who want to have an audience with him.
King-Father plans to return back to China at the beginning of September for medical checkup. According to Prince Thomico, even though King-Father is very tired, his health is still strong and there is nothing much to worry about.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Prince Sisowath Thomico weighed in to support Ambassador Julio A. Jeldres over Preah Vihear issue
Prince Sisowath Thomico greeted by his supporters.
Dear Readers,
The debates over the issue of Preah Vihear have gotten interesting by the day. Since Khmerization published a translated article from everday.com about new Thai incursions into the Preah Vihear precinct, Khmerization has received emails from at least three high-profile and eminent personalities. Mr. Norbert Klein, a high profile NGO executive in Cambodia, has weighed in by raising the issue of the 2008 Joint Communique which, according to Mr. Klein's understanding, seems to concede that the territories around the Preah Vihear temple belong to Thailand. Mr. Klein's rationales have attracted Khmerization's detailed response.
Khmerization's exchanges with Mr. Klein seem to attract the attention of Ambassador Julio A. Jeldres, an official biographer of ex-king Sihanouk, who then weighed in the debates with his very thoughtful analysis.
The latest email has been particularly of great interests to me because it came from a Khmer royalty who is very proficient in the history of Khmer borders, particularly the history of Koh Tral Island. Prince Sisowath Thomico, a son of Prince Sisowath Methavi, has been a controversial figure in the not-so-kind and cut-throat politics of Cambodia but, when it comes to Khmer borders and history, he should be commended for his uncompromising patriotism and his unquestionale knowledge. Below is his email to Khmerization:
Dear Sir,
I would like to weigh in the debate regarding the official name of Preah Vihear. As my friend Ambassador Julio rightly pointed out, up to now, all official notes issued by the Royal Government of Thailand referred to Preah Vihear as Preah Vihear not "Khao Phra Viharn" as now surprisingly demanded by Thailand.
As a matter of fact, international relations are ruled by international laws, international/bilateral treaties and international/bilateral conventions. As far as Preah Vihear is concerned, the last official treaty/agreement/judgement refer to the Temple as Preah Vihear, including the infamous June 18, 2008 Joint Communiqué.
There is no mention of "Khao Phra Viharn" in any international document ever since the June 1962 ruling of the International Court of Justice of the Hague. So, it is clear that Preah Vihear is the only name that ought to be used while referring to the Temple in any international negotiation/treaty/convention/agreement.
Last but not least: Preah Vihear belongs to Cambodia. It has to be referred to under its Cambodian name. It would be laughable and irrelevant if Cambodia ever wanted to refer to Ho Chi Minh City as "Prey Nokor" in official bilateral/international document. The same goes for Preah Vihear.
The debates over the issue of Preah Vihear have gotten interesting by the day. Since Khmerization published a translated article from everday.com about new Thai incursions into the Preah Vihear precinct, Khmerization has received emails from at least three high-profile and eminent personalities. Mr. Norbert Klein, a high profile NGO executive in Cambodia, has weighed in by raising the issue of the 2008 Joint Communique which, according to Mr. Klein's understanding, seems to concede that the territories around the Preah Vihear temple belong to Thailand. Mr. Klein's rationales have attracted Khmerization's detailed response.
Khmerization's exchanges with Mr. Klein seem to attract the attention of Ambassador Julio A. Jeldres, an official biographer of ex-king Sihanouk, who then weighed in the debates with his very thoughtful analysis.
The latest email has been particularly of great interests to me because it came from a Khmer royalty who is very proficient in the history of Khmer borders, particularly the history of Koh Tral Island. Prince Sisowath Thomico, a son of Prince Sisowath Methavi, has been a controversial figure in the not-so-kind and cut-throat politics of Cambodia but, when it comes to Khmer borders and history, he should be commended for his uncompromising patriotism and his unquestionale knowledge. Below is his email to Khmerization:
Dear Sir,
I would like to weigh in the debate regarding the official name of Preah Vihear. As my friend Ambassador Julio rightly pointed out, up to now, all official notes issued by the Royal Government of Thailand referred to Preah Vihear as Preah Vihear not "Khao Phra Viharn" as now surprisingly demanded by Thailand.
As a matter of fact, international relations are ruled by international laws, international/bilateral treaties and international/bilateral conventions. As far as Preah Vihear is concerned, the last official treaty/agreement/judgement refer to the Temple as Preah Vihear, including the infamous June 18, 2008 Joint Communiqué.
There is no mention of "Khao Phra Viharn" in any international document ever since the June 1962 ruling of the International Court of Justice of the Hague. So, it is clear that Preah Vihear is the only name that ought to be used while referring to the Temple in any international negotiation/treaty/convention/agreement.
Last but not least: Preah Vihear belongs to Cambodia. It has to be referred to under its Cambodian name. It would be laughable and irrelevant if Cambodia ever wanted to refer to Ho Chi Minh City as "Prey Nokor" in official bilateral/international document. The same goes for Preah Vihear.
Regards
Sisowath Thomico
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Royal row over ballet sees calls for control to return to palace
A Royal Ballet performer on stage in this photograph. (Photo by: Tracey Shelton)Wednesday, 14 January 2009
Written by Meas Sokchea The Phnom Penh Post
Two princes say that the Ministry of Culture should hand control of the National Ballet to the palace to improve quality and attendance.
TWO princes who recently left politics have expressed their desire for the Royal Ballet of Cambodia to be removed from under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and returned to the Royal Palace, describing the potential move as a return to tradition.
Prince Sisowath Thomico and Prince Sisowath Chakrey Noukpol told the Post in recent interviews that the Royal Ballet should be returned because it originated in the Royal Palace before being moved to the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts in 1970.
Both princes left politics in late 2008, and Prince Thomico was recently appointed to the King's advisory council.
Thomico said other members of the royal family agree with this position but are not willing to come out in public support of it.
Republican era
The Royal Ballet was placed under the control of the Culture Ministry in 1970 by then-prime minister Lon Nol, who changed its name from the Royal Ballet to the National Ballet, Thomico said. The name has since been changed back to the Royal Ballet, but it remains under the control of the ministry.
"Now the royal family wants to reorganise it in accordance with tradition, so it should be taken into the Royal Palace," Thomico said.
He said he believes the Royal Ballet has suffered both in quality and popularity during nearly four decades of control by the ministry, adding that moving it to the Palace could reverse its decline.
Chuch Poeurn, a secretary of state at the Culture Ministry, declined to comment beyond confirming that the Royal Ballet was originally controlled by the palace.
ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY MOM KUNTHEAR
TWO princes who recently left politics have expressed their desire for the Royal Ballet of Cambodia to be removed from under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and returned to the Royal Palace, describing the potential move as a return to tradition.
Prince Sisowath Thomico and Prince Sisowath Chakrey Noukpol told the Post in recent interviews that the Royal Ballet should be returned because it originated in the Royal Palace before being moved to the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts in 1970.
Both princes left politics in late 2008, and Prince Thomico was recently appointed to the King's advisory council.
"I want to appeal ... for the Royal Ballet to be kept in the Royal Palace.""I want to appeal to all members of the royal family to ask for the Royal Ballet to be kept in the Royal Palace, and I also want to appeal to the government about this," Chakrey said. "I don't think the move will cause damage to the ballet because both the royal family and the government work for the nation."
Thomico said other members of the royal family agree with this position but are not willing to come out in public support of it.
Republican era
The Royal Ballet was placed under the control of the Culture Ministry in 1970 by then-prime minister Lon Nol, who changed its name from the Royal Ballet to the National Ballet, Thomico said. The name has since been changed back to the Royal Ballet, but it remains under the control of the ministry.
"Now the royal family wants to reorganise it in accordance with tradition, so it should be taken into the Royal Palace," Thomico said.
He said he believes the Royal Ballet has suffered both in quality and popularity during nearly four decades of control by the ministry, adding that moving it to the Palace could reverse its decline.
Chuch Poeurn, a secretary of state at the Culture Ministry, declined to comment beyond confirming that the Royal Ballet was originally controlled by the palace.
ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY MOM KUNTHEAR
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Cambodia: The Monarchy Or A Republic?
3rd January, 2009
Opinion by Khmerization
The debates about the roles of the monarchy and the royals in politics have heated up again following the appeals by Prince Sisowath Thomico for all members of the royal family to stay out of politics.
It is no surprise for a member of the royal family like Prince Thomico to appeal to his peers to stay out of politics. For the monarchy, and the royals in particular, the last few years have been a turbulent time and the annus horribilis for them. The monarchy was on constant attacks from Prime Minister Hun Sen for meddling in politics and the royalist parties have faced their electoral defeats ignominiously. A call for a voluntary dignified exit from politics is the only option.
Cambodia has had a monarchical system of government for more than 2000 years. Since then, Cambodia has seen the ups and downs, the bad and the good of this feudal system. Some kings ruled well and had turned Cambodia into a superpower at their times, while others were clumsy kings who have relentlessly engaged in family feuds which have made Cambodia shrunk and reduced to its present size.
The Cambodian royals have engaged in politics, in one way or another, since the birth of Cambodia as a nation. But royal politics as we know it today has only begun to take shape in the 1950s when the then king Sihanouk abdicated in 1955 to enter politics and installed his father, Prince Suramarit, as king. Sihanouk’s actions have put the monarchy in the political firing lines ever since.
Sihanouk ruled Cambodia with an iron fist. Political activities or expressions contravening to his views were not tolerated. Political opponents were hunted down, jailed and, to some extent, executed.
Sihanouk’s repressive actions and his anti-American stance as well as his communist-leaning politics have led to discontents and angers within his inner circles that culminated into a coup against him in 19970 which has seen the abolition of the monarchy and the declaration of a republic. Since then, Cambodia has plunged into a civil strife that has caused irreparable political and national divisions until today.
On the other hand, with fairness, the monarchy, to a large degree, must be credited with the restoration of peace to Cambodia, the source of political stability and a focal point for all the political spectra to be united all around the monarchy, especially the person of a king.
Sihanouk, who angered many intellectuals with his repressive pre-1970 rule and who was accused to have been credited with helping the Khmer Rouge to come to power in 1975 and have been associated, to some degree, with the Khmer Rouge rule, has somewhat redeemed himself, when he spearheaded the Paris Peace Negotiations with the Vietnamese-backed government of Prime Minister Hun Sen that led to a comprehensive Paris Peace Accords in 1991. He was credited, rightly or wrongly, with a smooth transition of powers after the Untac-organised election in 1993, mediated the reconciliations between Prince Ranariddh and Prime Minister Hun Sen, post-1997 coup. He was also credited, again, rightly or wrongly, for averting political and military crisis after the elections of 1998 and 2003.
But, politics aside, is the Cambodian monarchy still relevant to the Cambodian society in the present political context? The answer is yes and no, depending on ones own monarchical or republican views.
To the republicans, the Cambodian monarchy is a tax-burdened irrelevant institution. To the monarchists, the Cambodian monarchy is a constant source of political stability that can unite the divided Cambodian nation and holds the warring political parties together.
Some views perceive the Cambodian monarchy as irrelevant in the present Cambodian political context that has outlived it’s purpose. To the proponents of the monarchy, the Cambodian monarchy is as relevant to the Cambodian society as 10, 20 or 30 years ago.
The following exchanges between the two heavyweight proponent and opponent of the monarchy are interesting. Some people, like Dr. Lao Mong Hay, believe that the monarchy is very relevant to the Cambodian society. He made an analogy between the past regimes with the following rationales: “As to the political regime, according to its recent history, constitutional monarchy (with the monarch as head of state) is best for Cambodia. Was the Lon Nol (1970-75), the Maoist (1975-78) or the Marxist-Leninist (1979-91) republics better than the constitutional monarchy which ruled Cambodia between 1953 and 1960?”
Dr. Lao Mong Hay’s comments have infuriated KJE (Klaus J. Engelhardt), which the latter retorted with these comments: “Dr. Lao is a monarchist, and many of those have lived in the past and don't realize that the world and paradigms have changed. The monarchy helped bring and maintain peace in 1993, no doubt, but in general, monarchies have outlived their purpose and will eventually fade away. What will happen when a single and childless Sihamoni leaves the throne? Although it will be a while, my guess is this is when the Cambodian monarchy will end.”
Who is right and who is wrong? Only the readers can judge.
To the monarchists, the Cambodian monarchy is the source of stability. They believe that, with the way Hun Sen ruled the country, the Cambodian political mess is not over yet. They believe that Mr. Hun Sen’s iron-fisted rule will one day cause political instability and some sorts of internal political wrangling will resurface, like the 1997 coup. They rationalised that some sorts of a political dogfight or even a factional street fighting will also resurface when Hun Sen is faced with a strong challenger or rival. This is when the king needs to step in to mediate.
So, the question is: is the Cambodian monarchy still relevant in the present Cambodian political context? Does Cambodia need the monarchy or the republic?
Only time will tell…..
------------------------
* Related article: Mr. Bora Touch: I Am A Monarchist.
Opinion by Khmerization
“To the republicans, the Cambodian monarchy is a tax-burdened irrelevant institution. To the monarchists, the Cambodian monarchy is a constant source of political stability that can unite the divided Cambodian nation and holds the warring political parties together.”
The debates about the roles of the monarchy and the royals in politics have heated up again following the appeals by Prince Sisowath Thomico for all members of the royal family to stay out of politics.
It is no surprise for a member of the royal family like Prince Thomico to appeal to his peers to stay out of politics. For the monarchy, and the royals in particular, the last few years have been a turbulent time and the annus horribilis for them. The monarchy was on constant attacks from Prime Minister Hun Sen for meddling in politics and the royalist parties have faced their electoral defeats ignominiously. A call for a voluntary dignified exit from politics is the only option.
Cambodia has had a monarchical system of government for more than 2000 years. Since then, Cambodia has seen the ups and downs, the bad and the good of this feudal system. Some kings ruled well and had turned Cambodia into a superpower at their times, while others were clumsy kings who have relentlessly engaged in family feuds which have made Cambodia shrunk and reduced to its present size.
The Cambodian royals have engaged in politics, in one way or another, since the birth of Cambodia as a nation. But royal politics as we know it today has only begun to take shape in the 1950s when the then king Sihanouk abdicated in 1955 to enter politics and installed his father, Prince Suramarit, as king. Sihanouk’s actions have put the monarchy in the political firing lines ever since.
Sihanouk ruled Cambodia with an iron fist. Political activities or expressions contravening to his views were not tolerated. Political opponents were hunted down, jailed and, to some extent, executed.
Sihanouk’s repressive actions and his anti-American stance as well as his communist-leaning politics have led to discontents and angers within his inner circles that culminated into a coup against him in 19970 which has seen the abolition of the monarchy and the declaration of a republic. Since then, Cambodia has plunged into a civil strife that has caused irreparable political and national divisions until today.
On the other hand, with fairness, the monarchy, to a large degree, must be credited with the restoration of peace to Cambodia, the source of political stability and a focal point for all the political spectra to be united all around the monarchy, especially the person of a king.
Sihanouk, who angered many intellectuals with his repressive pre-1970 rule and who was accused to have been credited with helping the Khmer Rouge to come to power in 1975 and have been associated, to some degree, with the Khmer Rouge rule, has somewhat redeemed himself, when he spearheaded the Paris Peace Negotiations with the Vietnamese-backed government of Prime Minister Hun Sen that led to a comprehensive Paris Peace Accords in 1991. He was credited, rightly or wrongly, with a smooth transition of powers after the Untac-organised election in 1993, mediated the reconciliations between Prince Ranariddh and Prime Minister Hun Sen, post-1997 coup. He was also credited, again, rightly or wrongly, for averting political and military crisis after the elections of 1998 and 2003.
But, politics aside, is the Cambodian monarchy still relevant to the Cambodian society in the present political context? The answer is yes and no, depending on ones own monarchical or republican views.
To the republicans, the Cambodian monarchy is a tax-burdened irrelevant institution. To the monarchists, the Cambodian monarchy is a constant source of political stability that can unite the divided Cambodian nation and holds the warring political parties together.
Some views perceive the Cambodian monarchy as irrelevant in the present Cambodian political context that has outlived it’s purpose. To the proponents of the monarchy, the Cambodian monarchy is as relevant to the Cambodian society as 10, 20 or 30 years ago.
The following exchanges between the two heavyweight proponent and opponent of the monarchy are interesting. Some people, like Dr. Lao Mong Hay, believe that the monarchy is very relevant to the Cambodian society. He made an analogy between the past regimes with the following rationales: “As to the political regime, according to its recent history, constitutional monarchy (with the monarch as head of state) is best for Cambodia. Was the Lon Nol (1970-75), the Maoist (1975-78) or the Marxist-Leninist (1979-91) republics better than the constitutional monarchy which ruled Cambodia between 1953 and 1960?”
Dr. Lao Mong Hay’s comments have infuriated KJE (Klaus J. Engelhardt), which the latter retorted with these comments: “Dr. Lao is a monarchist, and many of those have lived in the past and don't realize that the world and paradigms have changed. The monarchy helped bring and maintain peace in 1993, no doubt, but in general, monarchies have outlived their purpose and will eventually fade away. What will happen when a single and childless Sihamoni leaves the throne? Although it will be a while, my guess is this is when the Cambodian monarchy will end.”
Who is right and who is wrong? Only the readers can judge.
To the monarchists, the Cambodian monarchy is the source of stability. They believe that, with the way Hun Sen ruled the country, the Cambodian political mess is not over yet. They believe that Mr. Hun Sen’s iron-fisted rule will one day cause political instability and some sorts of internal political wrangling will resurface, like the 1997 coup. They rationalised that some sorts of a political dogfight or even a factional street fighting will also resurface when Hun Sen is faced with a strong challenger or rival. This is when the king needs to step in to mediate.
So, the question is: is the Cambodian monarchy still relevant in the present Cambodian political context? Does Cambodia need the monarchy or the republic?
Only time will tell…..
------------------------
* Related article: Mr. Bora Touch: I Am A Monarchist.
Friday, January 02, 2009
An official from the royal palace appeal to members of the royal family to quit politics
Radio Free Asia
1st January, 2009
By Phan Sophath
Translated from Khmer by Khmerization
An official of the royal palace, who is also a member of the royal family, has appealed to all members of the royal family to quit politics for the interests of the Throne and to help in the royal duties of the king.
Prince Sisowath Thomico (pictured with garland), advisor to the royal cabinet, has told Radio Free Asia that, currently, despite there is no laws to ban the royals from politics, the voluntary exit from politics of the members of the royal family would be the best option.
Prince thomico said: “as long as the members of the royal family stay in politics, serve political interests of political parties, the attacks on those members of the royal family is like the attacks on the person of the king or the Throne and that would make the position of the king and the Throne weakened. When people attacks the those members of the royal family it is like they are attacking the king and the Throne.”
Recently, there are some members of the royal family, including Prince Norodom Ranariddh who used to be president of the Funcinpec Party and ex-Prime Minister, had announced their retirements from politics.
After their announcements to stay out of politics, Prince Ranariddh and a certain numbers of princesses have been appointed by the king to be his personal advisors and advisors to the royal cabinet, the positions that are equivalent in ranks to the prime minister, ministers, secretaries of state and under-secretaries of state.
Mr. Khieu Kanharith, government spokesman, said that it would be good for the Throne if the royals leave politics voluntarily. He said: “In short, if we want to consider the king as a symbol of national unity, if the royals engage in social works, I believe that we can preserve a better monarchy and the people will respect them more. If they involve in the dirty politics of state, we can see that their actions will affect the monarchy because our nation has just ended civil wars which have severely wounded the monarchy.”
Cambodia has restored the monarchy in 1993, after it was dissolved by a coup in 1970 that declared Cambodia a republic and after that the monarchy was continuously persecuted by subsequent communist regimes.
Under the present constitution, Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy whereby the king reigns but does not rule. At the same time, both the Throne and the state laws did not prohibit the royals from involving in politics.
-------------------------------
One day after Prince Thomico made this appeal, Prince Sisowath Sirirath told the Phnom Post that he remained committed to politics.
1st January, 2009
By Phan Sophath
Translated from Khmer by Khmerization
An official of the royal palace, who is also a member of the royal family, has appealed to all members of the royal family to quit politics for the interests of the Throne and to help in the royal duties of the king.
Prince Sisowath Thomico (pictured with garland), advisor to the royal cabinet, has told Radio Free Asia that, currently, despite there is no laws to ban the royals from politics, the voluntary exit from politics of the members of the royal family would be the best option.
Prince thomico said: “as long as the members of the royal family stay in politics, serve political interests of political parties, the attacks on those members of the royal family is like the attacks on the person of the king or the Throne and that would make the position of the king and the Throne weakened. When people attacks the those members of the royal family it is like they are attacking the king and the Throne.”
Recently, there are some members of the royal family, including Prince Norodom Ranariddh who used to be president of the Funcinpec Party and ex-Prime Minister, had announced their retirements from politics.
After their announcements to stay out of politics, Prince Ranariddh and a certain numbers of princesses have been appointed by the king to be his personal advisors and advisors to the royal cabinet, the positions that are equivalent in ranks to the prime minister, ministers, secretaries of state and under-secretaries of state.
Mr. Khieu Kanharith, government spokesman, said that it would be good for the Throne if the royals leave politics voluntarily. He said: “In short, if we want to consider the king as a symbol of national unity, if the royals engage in social works, I believe that we can preserve a better monarchy and the people will respect them more. If they involve in the dirty politics of state, we can see that their actions will affect the monarchy because our nation has just ended civil wars which have severely wounded the monarchy.”
Cambodia has restored the monarchy in 1993, after it was dissolved by a coup in 1970 that declared Cambodia a republic and after that the monarchy was continuously persecuted by subsequent communist regimes.
Under the present constitution, Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy whereby the king reigns but does not rule. At the same time, both the Throne and the state laws did not prohibit the royals from involving in politics.
-------------------------------
One day after Prince Thomico made this appeal, Prince Sisowath Sirirath told the Phnom Post that he remained committed to politics.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Sacrava's Political Cartoon: The Royal-Pig can fly
Cartoon by Sacrava (on the web at http://sacrava.blogspot.com)Prince To Seek 'Unity' in Third Royal Party
Prince Sisowath Thomico says he is seeking to keep royal family members politically relevant. (Photo: DR, Cambodge Soir Hebdo)By Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
09 September 2008
Click here to listen to the Khmer audio program
[Editor's note: With two fractured royalist parties coming out of the national election, Prince Sisowath Thomico, a cousin of King Norodom Sihamoni, says he has a plan to revive the royal name. With Norodom Ranariddh running his self-named party from exile, and Funcinpec winning only two seats in July's election, Prince Thomico has announced he wants to established a unifying party. He sat for an interview with VOA Khmer at his cabinet office at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh.]
Q. You have a plan to set up a new political party, following the formation of a new government later this month. What is the main purpose of this party?
A. I have a plan to find a way not to disqualify the voice of the royalists. And I must set up a new party, but it is not clear how I can set up the new party.
Q. How will you set up the new party?
A. I want to remind people of the royalist stance. Currently, the principle of the royalists is not interpreted clearly. That's why the voice of royalists has been disqualified and there is disunity among the royalists. Because there is no clear ideology, no clear theory, no clear principle, and no clear stance. Right now the royalist side has only individual principles, individual theories, and individual stances.
Q. You set up the Sangkum Jatiniyum Front Party in 2006, but later you gave up on the party and joined the Norodom Ranariddh Party, and then Funcinpec. Why do you want a new party?
A. Because now Funcinpec and the Norodom Ranariddh Party have weakened, endangering the Cambodian royal family in politics. I recognize my political process failed in unifying the royalists. I also recognize I lost to [NRP Secretary-General] You Hockry and [Funcinpec Secretary-General] Nhiek Bunchhay, who are the leaders disunifying the royalists. I cannot let the royalists lose. I must find a way to put value to the royal family and royalists once again.
Q. How will your planned party help promote the honor and prestige of the royal family and the royalists in the Cambodian political arena?
A. When the Khmer royal family becomes the national symbol, especially in the political sense, and when the royal family serves the king to protect the national culture and works hard to show the big national problem. I hope to do so. I hope and believe all walks of Khmer citizens can unify together to protect the border, sovereignty and culture. My stance is that the royal family and the royalists can join in unity under the king and the government to show the national problem.
Q. You have a plan to set up a new political party, following the formation of a new government later this month. What is the main purpose of this party?
A. I have a plan to find a way not to disqualify the voice of the royalists. And I must set up a new party, but it is not clear how I can set up the new party.
Q. How will you set up the new party?
A. I want to remind people of the royalist stance. Currently, the principle of the royalists is not interpreted clearly. That's why the voice of royalists has been disqualified and there is disunity among the royalists. Because there is no clear ideology, no clear theory, no clear principle, and no clear stance. Right now the royalist side has only individual principles, individual theories, and individual stances.
Q. You set up the Sangkum Jatiniyum Front Party in 2006, but later you gave up on the party and joined the Norodom Ranariddh Party, and then Funcinpec. Why do you want a new party?
A. Because now Funcinpec and the Norodom Ranariddh Party have weakened, endangering the Cambodian royal family in politics. I recognize my political process failed in unifying the royalists. I also recognize I lost to [NRP Secretary-General] You Hockry and [Funcinpec Secretary-General] Nhiek Bunchhay, who are the leaders disunifying the royalists. I cannot let the royalists lose. I must find a way to put value to the royal family and royalists once again.
Q. How will your planned party help promote the honor and prestige of the royal family and the royalists in the Cambodian political arena?
A. When the Khmer royal family becomes the national symbol, especially in the political sense, and when the royal family serves the king to protect the national culture and works hard to show the big national problem. I hope to do so. I hope and believe all walks of Khmer citizens can unify together to protect the border, sovereignty and culture. My stance is that the royal family and the royalists can join in unity under the king and the government to show the national problem.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Prince Thomico's earth-shaking discovery: "If it is not [pro-monarchy], then it can be pro-republican.”
Thomico: Someone is conducting an opinion poll on the removal of the monarchyFriday, May 16, 2008
Rasmei Kampuchea
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
On 14 May, Prince Sisowath Thomico criticized a person, whom the prince believe to be a SRP supporter, conducting an opinion poll on which regime should be preserved: the monarchy or the republic.
After returning from France on 12 May, Prince Thomico said: “I was surprised when I arrived in France, I saw a SRP supporter conducting an opinion poll from overseas asking which regime to preserve: the monarchy or the republic.” Prince Thomico added that this opinion poll was (also) conducted by email and the email was forwarded to a large number of people.
When asked about who was the email sender, Prince Thomico could not tell which role this person plays within the SRP. He only said that he knew that the person used to support the SRP. However, the prince is not sure if this person still supports the SRP or not anymore, because a number of people have left the party.
Nevertheless, Thomico considers that the SRP is a party that does not have a royalist tendency, and that it leaning towards a republican regime. The prince said: “I am not sure if the SRP is royalist or not. If it is not, then it can be pro-republican.”
Prince Thomico is known to be close to Hero-King Norodom Sihanouk.
However, Eng Chhay Eang, SRP Secretary-general, rejected this accusation, saying that his party is not involved in any email opinion poll. He said that the party bylaw and internal rules stipulate that the party abides by the constitutional monarchy. Eng Chhay Eang also criticized that he does not know where the prince got his email from, and that the prince is always changing his minds, making it difficult to understand him sometimes. Eng Chhay Eang said that he does not pay attention to the prince’s words because whatever the prince said, it was not clear.
The email shown by Prince Thomico requested the recipient to vote at the following website:
which is owned by Sourn Serey Ratha, President of the CACJE mission.
After returning from France on 12 May, Prince Thomico said: “I was surprised when I arrived in France, I saw a SRP supporter conducting an opinion poll from overseas asking which regime to preserve: the monarchy or the republic.” Prince Thomico added that this opinion poll was (also) conducted by email and the email was forwarded to a large number of people.
When asked about who was the email sender, Prince Thomico could not tell which role this person plays within the SRP. He only said that he knew that the person used to support the SRP. However, the prince is not sure if this person still supports the SRP or not anymore, because a number of people have left the party.
Nevertheless, Thomico considers that the SRP is a party that does not have a royalist tendency, and that it leaning towards a republican regime. The prince said: “I am not sure if the SRP is royalist or not. If it is not, then it can be pro-republican.”
Prince Thomico is known to be close to Hero-King Norodom Sihanouk.
However, Eng Chhay Eang, SRP Secretary-general, rejected this accusation, saying that his party is not involved in any email opinion poll. He said that the party bylaw and internal rules stipulate that the party abides by the constitutional monarchy. Eng Chhay Eang also criticized that he does not know where the prince got his email from, and that the prince is always changing his minds, making it difficult to understand him sometimes. Eng Chhay Eang said that he does not pay attention to the prince’s words because whatever the prince said, it was not clear.
The email shown by Prince Thomico requested the recipient to vote at the following website:
which is owned by Sourn Serey Ratha, President of the CACJE mission.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Thomico butter up Hun Sen, comparing Hun Sen to Napoleon ... is Thomico trying to join the CPP?
From Left to Right: Hun Sen, Thomico, Napoleon BonaparteHun Sen and Thomico exchange letters on national issues
Friday, March 14, 2008
Kampuchea Thmei newspaper
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
The content of Prince Thomico’s and Hun Sen’s letter during their exchange seems to be so deep in optimism on the national issues.
The letter sent by Prince Thomico to Hun Sen, dated 10 March 2008, stated: “At the end of the 18th century, General Napoleon Bonaparte ended the revolution which took place in France in 1789. In 1815, Napoleon organized a strong legal foundation that French leaders can use to build a French society and economy in a state with the rule of law for two centuries to come.
Similarly, under the current situation in Cambodia, Samdach Dek Cho (Hun Sen) had the historical opportunity to end the events which took place in the Cambodian society starting from 18 March 1970, and these events led to the ending of solidarity in the Cambodian society and they led Cambodian people to consider their compatriots as their own enemies, spilled Cambodian blood on our land, and led to the scorning by foreigners on the Khmer race up until now.
On several occasions recently, Samdach Prime minister (Hun Sen) expressed your support to the Sangkum Reastr Niyum (SRN) regime led by Samdech Norodom Sihanouk, the father of national independence. Following the SRN example, Samdach Dek Cho (Hun Sen) has the ability to build the national unification and the reconciliation of our nation, so that Cambodians from all political tendencies gather their force and ideas in a new policy to rebuild the future Khmer society, in honor, dignity, and national pride. Under this idea, I am providing, from the bottom of my heart, my faithful support to dedicate my strength in this new unification movement.”
In response to the prince’s letter, Hun Sen wrote him back a letter dated 10 March, stating:
“I am extremely surprised when I read your letter dated 10 march 2008, but this was a pleasant and happy surprise because I received your support – that of an important nationalist source. The fact that nationalist people understand each others, and reach a unification stage is a very moving force that will push the construction movement of the country to progress forward very rapidly.
What you said was correct, that is I am dedicated to build the country by following the goals pointed out by the SRN of Hero King Norodom Sihanouk, the father of the nation. I am supporting and will be supporting forever the king(s) of the Khmer nation, who is leading the people to prosperity and happiness in all eras where they remained as the cool shade for their children.
Your support to my policy is a warm encouragement to pursue my work forward under the political path of the CPP which welcomes nationalists from all corners, irrespective of their past, their nationality and religion, in order to build the country with prosperity and national unity."
The letter sent by Prince Thomico to Hun Sen, dated 10 March 2008, stated: “At the end of the 18th century, General Napoleon Bonaparte ended the revolution which took place in France in 1789. In 1815, Napoleon organized a strong legal foundation that French leaders can use to build a French society and economy in a state with the rule of law for two centuries to come.
Similarly, under the current situation in Cambodia, Samdach Dek Cho (Hun Sen) had the historical opportunity to end the events which took place in the Cambodian society starting from 18 March 1970, and these events led to the ending of solidarity in the Cambodian society and they led Cambodian people to consider their compatriots as their own enemies, spilled Cambodian blood on our land, and led to the scorning by foreigners on the Khmer race up until now.
On several occasions recently, Samdach Prime minister (Hun Sen) expressed your support to the Sangkum Reastr Niyum (SRN) regime led by Samdech Norodom Sihanouk, the father of national independence. Following the SRN example, Samdach Dek Cho (Hun Sen) has the ability to build the national unification and the reconciliation of our nation, so that Cambodians from all political tendencies gather their force and ideas in a new policy to rebuild the future Khmer society, in honor, dignity, and national pride. Under this idea, I am providing, from the bottom of my heart, my faithful support to dedicate my strength in this new unification movement.”
In response to the prince’s letter, Hun Sen wrote him back a letter dated 10 March, stating:
“I am extremely surprised when I read your letter dated 10 march 2008, but this was a pleasant and happy surprise because I received your support – that of an important nationalist source. The fact that nationalist people understand each others, and reach a unification stage is a very moving force that will push the construction movement of the country to progress forward very rapidly.
What you said was correct, that is I am dedicated to build the country by following the goals pointed out by the SRN of Hero King Norodom Sihanouk, the father of the nation. I am supporting and will be supporting forever the king(s) of the Khmer nation, who is leading the people to prosperity and happiness in all eras where they remained as the cool shade for their children.
Your support to my policy is a warm encouragement to pursue my work forward under the political path of the CPP which welcomes nationalists from all corners, irrespective of their past, their nationality and religion, in order to build the country with prosperity and national unity."
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Thomico: Royals should remain in politics
Wednesday, February 6, 2008Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
During a recent interview given to the Kampuchea Thmei newspaper about whether the royals should pursue politics or not, Prince Sisowath Thomico said that, in his opinion, the royals should pursue their political life based on whatever mean and method these royals see fit. The prince added: “We know that a royal has the duty to serve the people, if the royals want to continue pursing politics, they should be allowed to participate openly.” However, for himself inside the Funcinpec party, the prince said that he will not present his parliamentary candidacy in any of the provinces. Even though he does not present his candidacy to the parliament, or to any position, the prince said that he still pities and loves his nation, and he will still continue to provide good ideas to our national political leaders in order to develop and bring progress to our nation in the future.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Thomico: Defecting MPs are betraying the voters
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
In response to a question asked by the Kampuchea Thmei newspaper: “With the defection of Funcinpec MPs to the CPP, can Funcinpec still be a partner with the CPP in the future or not?” Prince Thomico replied that, based on his view, what these MPs are doing is tantamount to their betrayal on the votes given to them by the people who placed their confidence in these MPs. The prince said that the betrayal of the voters’ confidence will make the voters no longer wanting to meet these defectors anymore. Providing a vote to a (Funcinpec) MP means that people like MPs from the Funcinpec party, a royalist party. Therefore, if these MPs defect from Funcinpec, this does not necessarily show that they would join the CPP only, they could also defect to join the SRP, or Kem Sokha’s party, or the NRP. The action taken by these MPs by defecting to one party or another is a betrayal of the people’s vote. However, he said that joining a political party is an individual rights, but these defectors lose all their worth.
Thomico: The royals cursing each others is a loss
Tuesday, February 05, 2008Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Heng Soy
Prince Sisowath Thomico talked to the Kampuchea Thmei newspaper about the criticisms leveled by Prince Norodom Ranariddh against Princess Norodom Arunrasmy, his younger sister, saying that: “Talking about cursing one another, there is no gain in there, there is only more loss. In the past, I used to say that I do not support the strategy whereby the royals are fighting one another, in particular when a younger royal sibling is fighting against her older sibling. But now, it is as I predicted. At the end, both of them are competing against one another, just like enemies.” The prince added: “I regret for the royal renown, I regret for the royalist parties also, and, in particular, I regret for our nation because people can see that (here,) the royals are fighting each others. Princess Arunrasmy is the daughter of King-Father, and Prince Ranariddh is also King-Father’s son. But at the end, the two siblings are fighting each others, this makes others believe that the Cambodian royals are (only good at) fighting each others. For myself, I am very ashamed for our nation.”
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Thomico: All parties are competing to become the CPP's partner in 2008
No competition for the PM position
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
Prince Sisowath Thomico said that the 2008 general election resembles a comedy because the political parties are not competing to wrestle the premiership position, but they rather compete to become the CPP partner instead. In an interview given to the Kampuchea Thmei newspaper, Prince Thomico said that during the 2008 general election, there will be no party that can win over the CPP, and that Hun Sen will remain the prime minister as before. The prince added that, because some parties see that they cannot win over the CPP, all they are thinking about is to compete to obtain seats at the National Assembly so that they can become a partner of the CPP only. He said that for the Funcinpec party, there is no hope yet that it will continue to be the CPP partner. He said that, based on his view, there are 4 parties which are competing to become the CPP partner: SRP, Funcinpec, NRP, and Kem Sokha’s HRP.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Thomico: Two choices for Prince Ranariddh to return back home
Wednesday, December 05, 2007Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
On 04 December 2007, Prince Thomico indicated that there are several national leaders who want to see Prince Norodom Ranariddh stop being involved in politics so that he can return back to Cambodia.
Prince Thomico’s declaration was published in today’s edition of the Rasmei Kampuchea newspaper. The prince said that Prince Ranariddh has two choices to return back to Cambodia: (1) he returns through the Funcinpec door, or (2) he quits politics and returns back home as a high-ranking royal family member.
Prince Thomico said that he heard information from a number of national leaders who want to see Prince Ranariddh returning back home as a royal family member, and he would become a supreme advisor to the king. Prince Thomico said that Prince Ranariddh already knew about this issue, but that he did not provide a response yet because he wants to think about it first.
Muth Chantha, NRP spokesman, reacted to the choices presented by Prince Thomico, saying that Prince Ranariddh would not occupy such an empty position (as supreme advisor to the king). Muth Chantha said that this position is like a statue position or a symbolic position only. He said that Prince Ranariddh still maintains his political stance.
Regarding the proposal to have Prince Ranariddh returning through the Funcinpec door, Muth Chantha told Rasmei Kampuchea that, regarding the Funcinpec problem, he stopped talking about it long ago. Muth Chantha said that the prince no longer think about the Funcinpec anymore, and whoever wants to force him to return through Funcinpec’s door has bad intention because the Funcinpec already lost its own sovereignty.
However, Prince Thomico believes that Funcinpec remains the only door for Prince Ranariddh to return back home to politics as usual. Prince Thomico said that he will try to meet Prince Ranariddh in Malaysia, but that up to now, Prince Ranariddh did not agree to this meeting. Prince Ranariddh told Prince Thomico: “Not yet, the timing is not there yet.”
Prince Thomico’s declaration was published in today’s edition of the Rasmei Kampuchea newspaper. The prince said that Prince Ranariddh has two choices to return back to Cambodia: (1) he returns through the Funcinpec door, or (2) he quits politics and returns back home as a high-ranking royal family member.
Prince Thomico said that he heard information from a number of national leaders who want to see Prince Ranariddh returning back home as a royal family member, and he would become a supreme advisor to the king. Prince Thomico said that Prince Ranariddh already knew about this issue, but that he did not provide a response yet because he wants to think about it first.
Muth Chantha, NRP spokesman, reacted to the choices presented by Prince Thomico, saying that Prince Ranariddh would not occupy such an empty position (as supreme advisor to the king). Muth Chantha said that this position is like a statue position or a symbolic position only. He said that Prince Ranariddh still maintains his political stance.
Regarding the proposal to have Prince Ranariddh returning through the Funcinpec door, Muth Chantha told Rasmei Kampuchea that, regarding the Funcinpec problem, he stopped talking about it long ago. Muth Chantha said that the prince no longer think about the Funcinpec anymore, and whoever wants to force him to return through Funcinpec’s door has bad intention because the Funcinpec already lost its own sovereignty.
However, Prince Thomico believes that Funcinpec remains the only door for Prince Ranariddh to return back home to politics as usual. Prince Thomico said that he will try to meet Prince Ranariddh in Malaysia, but that up to now, Prince Ranariddh did not agree to this meeting. Prince Ranariddh told Prince Thomico: “Not yet, the timing is not there yet.”
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Now he’s expelled, now he’s not: The tale of the flip-flop party and the flip-flop prince
Thursday, November 15, 2007Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
On 08 November 2007, the Funcinpec party announced, through its spokesman, the expulsion of Prince Sisowath Thomico from the party after he was accused of insulting the party leadership. However, now it is learnt that the party no longer expels the prince from its rank anymore.
The Rasmei Kampuchea newspaper reported in today’s edition that Funcinpec has decided to stop expelling Prince Thomico and it even agreed to let the prince negotiate to seek a resolution for the unification between Funcinpec and the NRP.
Rasmei Kampuchea reported that Funcinpec change of position took place during a two-hour meeting between Keo Puth Reasmey, Funcinpec president, and Prince Thomico on 14 November 2007. Prince Thonmico confirmed to the newspaper by phone that he did meet with Keo Puth Reasmey, and that during the meeting, he and Keo Puth Reasmey agreed that Funcinpec must continue its stance of looking for a resolution in order to unite the NRP with Funcinpec.
Prince Thomico indicated that Keo Puth Reasmey gave him the green light to work on the unity between Prince Ranariddh and Funcinpec. The prince said that he plans to travel to meet Prince Ranariddh overseas also, should Prince Ranariddh allow him to meet.
During the meeting between Keo Puth Reasmey and Thomico, Keo Puth Reasmey told the prince that he did not sign the letter to expel the prince from Funcinpec yet, therefore, Thomico is still a Funcinpec party member.
On his end, Muth Chantha, NRP spokesman, told the Rasmei Kampuchea newspaper that the issue with Funcinpec was ended long ago. The current position adopted by Prince Ranariddh is to have all his party members put their efforts to work (for the party). Prince Ranariddh considers that negotiations with Funcinpec lead to an unclear situation for the party members. Prince Ranariddh wants party members to know that the NRP has a clear position.
The Rasmei Kampuchea newspaper reported in today’s edition that Funcinpec has decided to stop expelling Prince Thomico and it even agreed to let the prince negotiate to seek a resolution for the unification between Funcinpec and the NRP.
Rasmei Kampuchea reported that Funcinpec change of position took place during a two-hour meeting between Keo Puth Reasmey, Funcinpec president, and Prince Thomico on 14 November 2007. Prince Thonmico confirmed to the newspaper by phone that he did meet with Keo Puth Reasmey, and that during the meeting, he and Keo Puth Reasmey agreed that Funcinpec must continue its stance of looking for a resolution in order to unite the NRP with Funcinpec.
Prince Thomico indicated that Keo Puth Reasmey gave him the green light to work on the unity between Prince Ranariddh and Funcinpec. The prince said that he plans to travel to meet Prince Ranariddh overseas also, should Prince Ranariddh allow him to meet.
During the meeting between Keo Puth Reasmey and Thomico, Keo Puth Reasmey told the prince that he did not sign the letter to expel the prince from Funcinpec yet, therefore, Thomico is still a Funcinpec party member.
On his end, Muth Chantha, NRP spokesman, told the Rasmei Kampuchea newspaper that the issue with Funcinpec was ended long ago. The current position adopted by Prince Ranariddh is to have all his party members put their efforts to work (for the party). Prince Ranariddh considers that negotiations with Funcinpec lead to an unclear situation for the party members. Prince Ranariddh wants party members to know that the NRP has a clear position.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
