Thousands of students and government officials gathered at Phnom Penh’s Independence monument yesterday to mark the 64th anniversary of Cambodia’s independence from France, with the opposition CNRP visibly absent. King Norodom Sihamoni was greeted by throngs of flag-waving supporters as he made his way to Independence Monument at 8am.

 

At the monument, the King welcomed officials and lit a ceremonial fire and then shook hands with students, civil servants and armed forces while flanked by Defence Minister Tea Banh and RCAF commander-in-chief Pol Saroeun before heading back to the Royal Palace two hours later. At the monument, Prime Minister Hun Sen, Interior Minister Sar Kheng, National Assembly President Heng Samrin, and Senate President Say Chhum also greeted the King, whose father, the late king Norodom Sihanouk, secured Cambodia’s independence from France on November 9, 1953.

 

“November 9 is the day that brought independence, land sovereignty, peace and development to Cambodia,” said Mr Hun Sen. Pol Ham, vice-president of the CNRP, said he did not receive an invitation letter when asked why he and other opposition lawmakers did not attend the event.

 

read more http://www.khmertimeskh.com/5089892/capital-celebrates-64-years-national-independence/

 

 

-- © Copyright Khmer Times 10/11

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