Cambodian PM expresses condolences over Lao military plane crash

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PHNOM PENH, May 17 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Saturday expressed his deepest sympathy to the victims and members of the bereaved families in the crash of a Lao military aircraft.

Hun Sen said in a condolence message to his Lao counterpart Thongsing Thammavong that he was deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the crash of the military aircraft of Laos, including many members of the Lao government.

"On this very sad moment, on behalf of the Royal Government and people of Cambodia, allow me to convey to you and through you to the government and people of Laos as well as the bereaved families, my deepest sympathy and profound condolences for such a huge loss in this most unfortunate and tragic accident," the prime minister said.

A Lao military aircraft AN74TK-300D carrying representatives of the Lao government crashed Saturday morning in Lao's northeastern province of Xieng Khouang.

High-ranking officials of Laos, including deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Douangchay Phichit, were among the victims in the crashed plane.