(16 May 1997) Natural Sound
The former Khmer Rouge deputy prime minister has warned that Cambodia is at a pivotal point in its history.
Ieng Sary, who still commands a powerful following says it will be the end of the nation if the current political crisis can't be ended peacefully.
His comments come as the potential influence of his breakaway group becomes increasingly apparent.
While political tensions reached breaking point in Phnom Penh in recent weeks, Ieng Sary's watched from his isolated border base.
Now he's spoken out, delivering one of the strongest warnings yet on the state of the nation.
SOUNDBITE:
"I think this is the last moment for the history of Cambodia. if we can have solidarity between us or not. If we have solidarity our country can survive. If we cannot, this is the end of Cambodia."
SUPER CAPTION: Ieng Sary, Leader, Khmer Rouge Breakaway Movement
The crisis began around a month ago, when members of the FUNCINPEC party split from the leadership, handing a parliamentary majority to their bitter rivals, the Cambodian People's Party or CPP.
Hun Sen, the co-prime minister and CPP leader, was accused of engineering the split. Troops loyal to both parties - and heavily armed - appeared to be on a collision course.
Ieng Sary, who's widely believed to be implicated in the genocide of the seventies, has even offered to mediate between the bitterly-divided coalition partners.
SOUNDBITE:
"If it is needed I will go to Bangkok, take the plane to Phnom Penh, to discuss with the two sides to try to find the path to peace."
SUPER CAPTION: Ieng Sary, Leader, Khmer Rouge Breakaway Movement
His offer shows how confident his movement has grown since it split from hardline Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot, last August - triggering the collapse of the Khmer Rouge.
Since then almost all the guerrillas have literally changed uniform and joined the government.
As the government's divisions have widened each side has viewed Ieng Sary's men as potential allies in any future showdown.
Raoul Jennar is a respected analyst and writer on Cambodia.
SOUNDBITE: ENGLISH:
"The division in the government and the collapse of the coalition create
opportunities fro the Khmer Rouge."
SUPER CAPTION: Raoul Jennar, Analyst
Both parties have been courting the former rebels. Hun Sen and Ieng Sary were the bitterest of enemies but that was barely apparent at a ceremony at the rebel headquarters of Pailin, last year.
But it's Prince Ranariddh who seems to have won their support.
One close aide claims Ieng Sary even offered FUNCINPEC a thousand
troops during recent clashes in the north west.
The claim is unconfirmed. There's no formal treaty, but the co-prime minister hints Ieng Sary's with him.
SOUNDBITE: ENGLISH:
"For the time being he does not say he's on our side, but its clear he's rather with the patriotic force than with the other."
SUPER CAPTION: Prince Norodom Ranarriddh, First Prime Minister of Cambodia
At a military hospital in north west Cambodia the wounded tell the tale - the war against Pol Pot goes on.
These troops were maimed by land mines during the advance on Anlong Veng, the last redoubt of the hardline Khmer Rouge.
With the rains approaching the offensive's been shelved but it's little more than a stay of execution.
The Khmer Rouge have nowhere to go and the government can wait.
The Maoist guerrillas have lost the war - but their former comrade may well have won the peace.
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20 июл 2015
