First reshuffle at the government

Cambodge Soir
31-07-2008

The Minister of Information and government spokesman, Khieu Kanharith, declared in a press conference held on Wednesday July 30 in Phnom Penh, that “CPP will maintain the coalition government with Funcinpec...but with Nhiek Bun Chhay’s Funcinpec”.

“The government will soon dismiss Kéo Puth Reaskmey, the Royalist party president, and prince Sisowat Sirirath, advisor to the government” added the Minister.

Prince Sisowat announced on Monday that he was joining the coalition - composed of the SRP, the Human Rights Party and the NRP - challenging the election results.

Prince Sisowat declared to Cambodge Soir Hebdo that he would comment on the government decision once “[I] get confirmation from Prime Minister Hun Sen”.

On the morning of Wednesday July 30, according to a widespread rumour, Kéo Puth Reaskmey wrote to the Phnom Penh Municipal Court requesting the withdrawal of Funcinpenc’s active complaint against Prince Norodom Rannariddh who is in self-imposed exile in Malaysia. The withdrawal could enable the Prince to return to Cambodia. The paper was unable to get confirmation or not from Khéo Puth Reaskmey who could not be reached.

Nhiek Bun Chhay, general secretary of Funcinpec may have been elected in Beanteay Meanchey, according to the temporary election results coming from the CPP.