PM Reacts against Accusations on Siem Reap’s Royal Residence Fire

Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen totally rejected any accusations over the fire incident on one of the buildings of the Royal Residence in Siem Reap, a northwestern province of Cambodia.

At the graduation ceremony of 4,566 students of Build Bright University, held at Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Centre in Phnom Penh this morning, Samdech Techo Hun Sen denied the accusations that the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) is behind of the blaze.

“I pray Preah Ang Chek, Preah Ang Chorm (a famous shrine in Siem Reap province) to punish those who have accused the CPP of setting fire to the Siem Reap’s Royal Residence,” he said.

Samdech Techo Prime Minister said he had already approved the budget to urgently repair the damaged building and he will visit it on Mar. 20, during his trip to Siem Reap to accompany His Majesty the King for the SEA Games’ royal fire ceremony to be held on Mar. 21.

According to a statement of the Ministry of Royal Palace, the fire, which broke out in a small building of the Royal Residence in the night of Mar. 12, was caused by an electrical short circuit.

The over-70-year-old Siem Reap Royal Residence has left great historical memories with the Royal Crusade for Independence (from France), launched by Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk, the late King-Father of Cambodia, after his campaign in France, Canada, the U.S., Japan and Thailand, said Her Majesty the Queen-Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk in a royal message dated Mar. 14.

The Royal Residence is located in Sangkat Svay Dangkum in Siem Reap provincial city, across the Preah Ang Chek, Preah Ang Chorm Shrine.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Presse