Phnom Penh (FN), Feb. 24 – Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen said Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn may soon call on the Malaysian ambassador to Cambodia to clarify case of the 83-year-old American woman tested positive with Covid-19.

"No other Westerdam passengers were tested positive with Covid-19, including her husband," said Prime Minister Hun Sen.

The premier said the announcement of Malaysian deputy prime minister has created subsequent discriminations against tourists departing from Cambodia, speaking on Monday at the press conference held at the Peace Palace.

"I take this opportunity to express my regret on the behaviour of spouse of His Excellency Anwar Ibrahim for saying the 83-year-old American woman was infected with the new coronavirus. The statement has harmed our national prestige and dignity,” he stated.

According to the premier, a Turkish plane carrying Westerdam passengers from Cambodia was not allowed to land in Turkey’s airport but diverted to Pakistan. Vietnam also did not welcome Westerdam passengers.

The premier said “the announcement of Malaysia did not only affect the honour and dignity of Cambodia, but also against the 41 nationalities, particularly the American,” adding that “those who do not carry the Covid-19 virus have been restricted for several days before their repatriation.”

The Malaysian Government announced on 14 February that an American woman who flew to Malaysia on Friday after disembarking from the Westerdam ship in Cambodia tested positive with Covid-19.

However, the US-CDC told USA TODAY on late Friday that the 83-year-old American woman who was said to have tested positive for coronavirus in Malaysia has been re-tested and never had coronavirus.
=FRESH NEWS