(8 Nov 1996) Khmer/Fr
The Cambodian government has completed the massive task of reintegrating thousands of former Khmer Rouge guerilla soldiers into its army.
The breakaway faction, formerly loyal to ousted dictator Pol Pot, defected in August to join forces with government troops.
The move signals a major step towards peace in a country still living in the shadow of Pol Pot's reign of terror, leaving a small core of hard-liners more isolated than ever.
The mass induction began on Wednesday and was completed in three separate ceremonies.
A dilapidated Buddhist temple in Pailin near the Thai border set the scene for the massive military changeover.
Here, in this remote northwestern corner of the country, one-thousand, 200 Khmer Rouge guerillas turned out in their old uniforms for the last time.
Until two months ago the Royal Cambodian Army was their deadly enemy.
Having switched allegiances, the soldiers are hoping for a brighter future in brand new gear.
At this induction ceremony held on Wednesday, the guerilla fighters were called forward unit by unit to receive their new battle dress.
The mood was relaxed and humorous as the new recruits struggled with the familiar worry of finding the right fit.
These were the troops who began the Khmer Rouge split in August, when their leaders announced a break with the notorious guerilla commander Pol Pot.
Since then they'd held out against integrating with the government's forces, while pressing for a power-sharing arrangement and possible territorial autonomy.
While any lingering ill-will was forgotten on Wednesday, guards kept watch in the unlikely event of a surprise Khmer Rouge attack.
Many soldiers said they were happy and relieved to be leaving the old ways behind.
SOUNDBITE: (Khmer)
"I'm very happy. I want an end to the fighting. I want the war to be over."
SUPER CAPTION: Chin Kud, former Khmer Rouge soldier.
SOUNDBITE:(Khmer)
"When I was with Pol Pot I thought I was fighting for the national cause, but then I saw what a dictator he was. I've wasted my years."
SUPER CAPTION: Tam Binn, former Deputy Commander of Khmer Rouge
The ultra-left Khmer Rouge ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979.
The extreme policies of their leader, Pol Pot, included the mass murder of two million people through starvation, overwork and execution.
Now safely in government hands, this economically important area can look forward to a brighter future.
The government believes the remaining hard-liners are a spent force.
SOUNDBITE:(Khmer)
"The hard-liners are now very weak. They're not strong at all. There's only about a thousand of them left."
SUPER CAPTION: General Tea Banh, Co-Defense Minister, Cambodian Government.
The man who led the troops in rebellion was former Khmer Rouge foreign minister, Ieng Sary.
The 70- year- old - once part of Pol Pot's inner circle - had been trying to gain power and influence in exchange for the switch in his men's allegiance.
He seems to have secured very little so far.
Ieng Sary made no speech at the ceremony.
His main commanders, E Cheann, and Sok Peap apparently became frustrated with the slow pace of talks.
Ieng Sary told reporters he'd been forced into the integration, which left his message with a hollow ring.
SOUNDBITE:(French)
"I am happy to play a part in national reunification, to stop the war and to make peace."
SUPER CAPTION: Ieng Sary, Khmer Rouge dissident leader.
Pailin is surrounded by mountains and thick jungle.
This has allowed the region to withstand numerous government assaults.
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27 авг 2024
