Phnom Penh (FN), May 16 – Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen said that we must strive to strengthen our independence, both economically and politically, in all sectors, speaking on Thursday (May 16) in a special message.
"I urged everyone to work hard for independence, both politically and economically, in all sectors. While it is very difficult in a poor country, we must do everything we can to achieve national independence,” Samdech Techo underscored.
"If you ask me whether Cambodia is truly independent now, the answer is yes, but this independence is complicated and somewhat dependent on external factors. Cambodia gained independence in 1953, held elections in 1955, and faced turmoil by 1970. In those 16 years, what could our generation achieve? The legacy left to our descendants is significant, but while they benefit from peace, stability remains elusive." Samdech Techo added.
Samdech Techo continued, "I say there was a lack of peace and stability during the time of the Sangkum Reastr Niyum led by the late king father because various factions, including the red, blue, and white groups, opposed him. The red Khmer Rouge operated throughout the jungle, the blue Khmers were on the Thai border, and the white Khmers were on the Vietnamese border. Additionally, the United States and South Vietnamese bombings along the border disrupted the region. This situation was called peace, but it lacked true stability."
On the occasion, Samdech Techo Hun Sen highlighted that Cambodia fell into war from 1970-1975 after the coup, followed by the genocidal regime of Pol Pot. He questioned how long it would take to recover from such atrocities, emphasizing the need to focus on survival rather than infrastructure. He noted that back then, the national roads were only 7 meters wide, and maintaining even that was a challenge. In contrast, Phnom Penh now has flyovers and improved roads despite traffic jams. He urged people to understand their history, comparing the situation to a butterfly that forgets it was once a caterpillar.
=FRESH NEWS
