Cambodia: Opposition leader Sam Rainsy granted amnesty
Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni on July 12 granted a royal pardon to Sam
Rainsy, self-exiled leader of the opposition Cambodian National Rescue
Party, at the request of Prime Minister Hun Sen.
Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni on July 12 granted a royal pardon to Sam
Rainsy, self-exiled leader of the opposition Cambodian National Rescue
Party, at the request of Prime Minister Hun Sen.
The royal pardon was not a result of international pressure, but Prime Minister Hun Sen's commitment towards a national unification and reconciliation, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Hor Namhong told reporters on July 13.
It is the stance of the ruling Cambodian People's Party that there should be unity ahead of free, fair and democratic elections on July 28, he said.
A day after receiving the amnesty, Sam Rainsy announced that he would return to Cambodia on July 19.
Rainsy, 62, fled Cambodia in late 2009 before the court sentenced him to 12 years in prison in absentia for two charges - removing border poles and publishing a false map of the border with Vietnam.
Eight political parties will compete in the upcoming election. The country has about 9.67 million eligible voters.
Two main parties are the ruling Cambodian People's Party, led by incumbent Prime Minister Hun Sen and the Cambodia National Rescue Party led by Sam Rainsy.
Hun Sen's party is widely expected to win the majority in the forthcoming elections.
The country holds a general election every five years. During the last election in July 2008, Hun Sen's party won 90 seats out of the 123 seats in the National Assembly, while the opposition group gained 29 seats.-VNA
The royal pardon was not a result of international pressure, but Prime Minister Hun Sen's commitment towards a national unification and reconciliation, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Hor Namhong told reporters on July 13.
It is the stance of the ruling Cambodian People's Party that there should be unity ahead of free, fair and democratic elections on July 28, he said.
A day after receiving the amnesty, Sam Rainsy announced that he would return to Cambodia on July 19.
Rainsy, 62, fled Cambodia in late 2009 before the court sentenced him to 12 years in prison in absentia for two charges - removing border poles and publishing a false map of the border with Vietnam.
Eight political parties will compete in the upcoming election. The country has about 9.67 million eligible voters.
Two main parties are the ruling Cambodian People's Party, led by incumbent Prime Minister Hun Sen and the Cambodia National Rescue Party led by Sam Rainsy.
Hun Sen's party is widely expected to win the majority in the forthcoming elections.
The country holds a general election every five years. During the last election in July 2008, Hun Sen's party won 90 seats out of the 123 seats in the National Assembly, while the opposition group gained 29 seats.-VNA
You should also see
Prime Minister pays tribute to legendary founders of Vietnam
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and other officials offered incense in commemoration of the Hung Kings, the legendary founders of Vietnam, at Kinh Thien Palace on Nghia Linh Mountain in Viet Tri city, the northern province of Phu Tho, on April 18 (the 10th day of the third lunar month).
See more
World
Indonesia enhances vigilance against money laundering
Indonesian President Joko Widodo on April 17 called on the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) and related ministries to remain alert to new methods of money laundering, including those involving the cryptocurrency market.
World
Cambodia sees record number of tourists during traditional New Year holiday
Cambodia recorded almost 22 million domestic and international visitors travelling to different tourist destinations nationwide during the four-day traditional New Year holiday, from April 13 to 16.
World
Indonesia raises alert level to highest, warns of tsunami as volcano erupts
An airport in Madano city, the capital of Indonesia’s North Sulawesi province, has been ordered closed while hundreds of people evacuated and the alert level raised to the highest on April 18 due to large-scale volcanic eruptions of Mount Ruang.
World
ASEAN culture promoted in Mexico
Typical and diversified culture of ASEAN countries is being promoted at the ongoing ASEAN Week at the headquarters of Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies in Mexico city from April 15-19.
World
Thailand, New Zealand agree to elevate ties to strategic partnership
Thailand and New Zealand on April 17 agreed to upgrade bilateral ties to a strategic partnership by 2026, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.
