(22 Apr 1998) English/Nat
Prince Norodom Ranariddh of Cambodia has met his father, King Norodom Sihanouk, for the first time on Cambodian soil since the prince was deposed as co-prime minister in a bloody coup last July.
Ranariddh, who earlier this month made a five-day visit to the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, is expected to discuss his political future with his father.
Before travelling to the king's residence, Ranariddh denied reports that he had links with the Khmer Rouge.
Prince Norodom Ranariddh flew from Bangkok to Siem Reap in Cambodia on Wednesday.
He was greeted by crowds of well-wishers before travelling to King Norodom Sihanouk's residence near the Angkor temple complex in Siem Reap.
It is the first meeting between father and son since Ranariddh was deposed as co-prime minister in a coup led by the other co-prime minister, Hun Sen, last July.
After much diplomatic pressure, Hun Sen is now allowing Ranariddh to take part in elections on July 26.
But the prince and other opposition leaders are accusing Hun Sen of twisting the electoral process in his favour.
Hun Sen's coup ended a tense co-premiership with Ranariddh that began with a U-N-sponsored election in 1993.
Hun Sen has called new elections in a bid to win back international legitimacy and foreign aid.
Before making his way to his father's palace, Ranariddh said he was looking forward to the meeting.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I'm still very moved to be able to see my father and her majesty the queen, and thirdly, what I'm going to tell you, what I hope is that this must the King... it's already stated by our constitution the King must allow people to be able to express their will freely in free, fair and credible elections, and to achieve the real national reconciliation."
SUPER CAPTION: Prince Norodom Ranariddh of Cambodia
Ranariddh also denied any involvement with the Khmer Rouge guerrilla group and condemned its former leader, Pol Pot, who died last week.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
About Pol Pot... Pol Pot is dead. He belonged to a very bad page in Cambodian history. I'm rather worried about the rest, and that we will not achieve a true national reconciliation."
SUPER CAPTION: Prince Norodom Ranariddh of Cambodia
Ranariddh's comments came as reports said his top general had announced a merger of their armed forces, with Khmer Rouge leader Ta Mok as top adviser.
But Ranariddh has denied the claims.
He will stay at the recently renovated Grand Hotel before departing for Bangkok on Friday.
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20 июл 2015
