Phnom Penh (FN), Nov. 20 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen reassured outgoing US Ambassador to Cambodia William A. Heidt that Cambodia does not allow foreign military bases in the Kingdom, speaking in a farewell call on Tuesday at Phnom Penh Peace Palace.

Article 53 of the Cambodian Constitution stipulates that the Kingdom of Cambodia shall not permit any foreign military base on its territory and shall not have its own military base abroad, except within the framework of a United Nations' request.

Following the reports of the lack of professionalism and impartiality of Asia Times, accusing the Cambodian government of allow Chinese naval bases in Cambodian coastal area, Ministry of National Defense, Ministry Foreign Affairs, and Cambodian Prime Minister reacted consecutively.

Speaking in the Council of Ministers’ plenary session on Monday, Prime Minister stated that, "I would like to reaffirm that since 1989 until now, there is no foreign troops in Cambodia. As a matter of fact, foreign troops entering Cambodia from 1991 to 1993 was under the UN peacekeeping operations in Cambodia […] In Cambodia, I recognize that there are foreign troops but they are military attaché at respective embassies; there is no foreign troops for combat."

Cambodia does not allow foreign military base on her soil, regardless of army, navy, or air forces, he continued, adding that: “We reject information that distorts the truth and I will write a letter to US Vice President Mike Pence for him to be clear about this issue."
=FRESH NEWS