(6 Aug 1997) English/Nat
Cambodia's First Prime Minister Norodom Ranariddh was formally replaced as co-premier and stripped of legal immunity by the National Assembly on Wednesday.
The legislature installed Foreign Minister Ung Huot to succeed Prince Ranariddh - who fled the country before last month's coup led by rival Second Prime Minister Hun Sen.
The formal election process has been seen as an attempt by Hun Sen to legitimise his violent takeover on July 5-6 and to satisfy regional allies and foreign aid donors who have denounced the coup.
Cambodian legislators gathered at the National Assembly on Wednesday to formally appoint Foreign Minister Ung Huot as Hun Sen's co-premier.
Hun Sen - whose official title is second prime minister - led a military takeover on July 5-6, deposing his rival, First Prime Minister Prince Norodom Ranariddh.
On Wednesday, 86 lawmakers voted for Ung Huot - a member of Ranariddh's Funcinpec Party who was handpicked by Hun Sen for the post.
Four members of the National Assembly opposed him while six abstained and three ballots were ruled 'spoiled.'
A total of 80 votes was needed for the two-thirds majority to replace Ranariddh.
The National Assembly normally consists of 120 lawmakers, but many loyal to Ranariddh have fled Cambodia in fear of their lives.
It is believed that at least 40 of the prince's supporters were killed during a purge by Hun Sen's men.
Many who remained behind have been cowed into submission.
The assembly also voted to strip Ranariddh of his legal immunity - a privilege enjoyed by lawmakers - clearing the way for a criminal prosecution.
Hun Sen has vowed to put him on trial for allegedly reviving the Khmer Rouge and illegally moving arms and guerrillas into the capital.
No credible evidence has emerged that Ranariddh brought Khmer Rouge guerrillas to Phnom Penh.
Both co-premiers had been courting Khmer Rouge fighters to build up their own military strengths.
Hun Sen now exercises neat total control over parliament and the country
However, on Wednesday, Ung Huot described the election as a moment of true democracy.
SOUNDBITE (English):
"So like you see this morning, it was an excitement also. So it's a real democracy at work in this country, in this parliament. I was so excited also, you know. It's not all coercion or intimidation like people are talking about. But these people have their integrity. As a member of parliament, they represent the feeling of the people. When they decide, I have to respect it, and everyone else, including our friends in the world, must respect it also."
SUPER CAPTION: Ung Huot, Cambodian First Prime Minister elect
Hun Sen said the vote was evidence he had not staged a coup..
SOUNDBITE (English):
"We must stop (reports of) Hun Sen's coup d'etat or Hun Sen take power, because, no, we select democratic elections to choose the new first prime minister. This is not Hun Sen taking power."
SUPER CAPTION: Hun Sen, Cambodian Second Prime Minister
Ranariddh - in exile in Paris - has repeatedly said his party is no longer represented as a coalition partner.
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20 июл 2015
