Secretary-General offers condolences following death of former Cambodian king
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Ban Ki-moon offers condolences to Cambodia on the death of King Norodom Sihanouk shown here in 1992 innaugarating UNTAC headquarters
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed his deep condolences to the Royal family of Cambodia, and to the country's government and people, following the death of King Norodom Sihanouk.
The former monarch died in Beijing, China, on Monday.
Charles Appel reports.
In a statement, the Secretary-General acknowledges King Sihanouk's long dedication to his country and his legacy as a unifying leader who is revered by Cambodians and respected internationally.
Mr. Ban hopes that the legacy of the former King will allow Cambodia to advance the national healing process, including through continued commitment to justice, the statement adds.
King Sihanouk, who came to the throne in 1941, saw his country go from French rule to independence in 1953.
He was placed under house arrest during the bloody Khmer Rouge regime from 1975-1979, in which nearly two million people died.
The former king also faced more than a decade of exile during Cambodia's civil war.
He later returned to the country and abdicated the throne in 2004 in favour of his son.
Charles Appel, United Nations
Duration: 54″
