Kandal (FN), Aug. 5 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that conflicts and internal divisions have turned the once-famous Khmer territory into a land of war and destruction, known only for divisions and tears.

The premier spoke on Monday (Aug. 5) during a groundbreaking ceremony of Funan Techo Canal.

Samdech Thipadei said, "We have endured many nightmares that we must never allow to happen again in this land of potential and energy. Conflicts and internal divisions transformed the Khmer territory, once a famous kingdom from the time of the Phnom Kingdom to the Great Kingdom, into a land of war and destruction known only for divisions and tears. Not only was our national prestige lost, but even the name of our country almost disappeared from the world map."

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet added that this beautiful land was brought to zero under the genocidal regime of the Khmer Rouge until many patriotic dignitaries and heroes sacrificed their lives to achieve peace. The suffering of the Khmer people was immense until they freed themselves from the brink of death on 7 January 1979, signed the Paris Peace Agreement on 23 October 1991, and achieved complete peace on 29 December 1998, through win-win policy.

Samdech Thipadei stated that the blood and tears of the people were shed on this miserable land because of war. He urged everyone to remember this historical lesson when the Khmer people lose unity and national spirit, and fail to uphold national interests, they suffer and face disasters. Conversely, when the Khmer people unite and embrace a nationalist spirit, working for the nation's sake, they become strong, prosperous, and glorious.

On that occasion, Samdech Thipadei also mentioned that the Funan Techo Canal project is not just an infrastructure project; it is the most significant national project in this era. Since the liberation in 1979, this canal has been supported by people from all walks of life, with celebrations everywhere.
=FRESH NEWS